Ashes - The Opener

The Ashes: 1st Test – 21 - 25 November, 2013 - Brisbane

Australia
Team Australia have battled their issues, made the changes and look like a richer team. They come into this game with an aggressive mindset, the flexibility to adapt and smarter ideas. On a negative note, maintaining self-belief will be a major challenge.

1st Innings
Batting will be steady with partnerships that will provide strong foundations, but focus will need to remain throughout the innings. It will be hard work. Initial bowling will take time to settle, but they will gain control and steady themselves better. Overall fielding will be confident.

2nd Innings
Batting is more aggressive, balanced and commanding. Bowling too will look comfortable, but they will have to watch out for mid-innings complacency. Fielding will need to be sharper in order to capitalise on some opportunities.

The Captain - Michael Clarke
Clarke has weighed up his options and feels confident with the plans he has in place. At first he will look nervous, and wayward but as he eases into the game he will manipulate the situation well.

England
England are prepared for a fight – they carry strong intent but aggression alone will not see them through. Their strategies need to be planned out better otherwise they may have to take unnecessary risks to push ahead.

1st Innings
Batting will be confident, but they will have to be careful of going over board. Being vigilant against smart bowling will be key. Their own bowling will have to step up as trying to do too much may go against them. Fielding will need to be more aggressive.

2nd Innings
Initial batting is looking stifled after which there will be better application, but a fight will be required. Bowling will have to be more confident and better strategised. Fielding will be sharper.

The Captain - Alastair Cook
Outwardly Cook is sure, but on a general note he is not addressing potential problems fast enough. He will have to be more pro-active – which he will manage to do as the match progresses.

Tarot Advantage:

Australia

(Chances of a Draw do exist – hopefully the weather will hold up)

Disclaimer: Tarot for the Ashes is there to provide a different perspective to the matches and is meant for entertainment purposes only.