Australia has only days to regroup and sort out the worrying form of a number of players if they want any chance to square the series one-all in the third test at Edgbaston. After a poor all-round performance by Ricky Ponting's side at the home of cricket, the Aussies will look to improve and possibly make unwanted changes to the side.
Australia would be reeling from only scoring 215 on a batman's paradise at Lords. Following a grand performance from England's opening bowlers, Andy Flintoff and James Anderson, who were able to roll through the top order with relative ease.
At one stage, Australian cricket fans had a glimmer of hope for a record breaking win on the fifth day, but the beauty sleep didn't help Brad Haddin and Michael Clarke, who failed to progress from their brilliant batting revival the day before. In the end, the Australians were outplayed by England and at times, the umpires, with three questionable decisions going against Phil Hughes who was given out to a contentious catch by Andrew Strauss, Simon Katich who was caught off a no ball and Michael Hussey who was caught at first slip despite not hitting the ball all in the second innings.
However, what is more concerning for the Australian camp is the bowling attack. The three prong pace attack of Johnson, Siddle and Hilfenhaus need to provide a much more attacking and consistent display then what was shown at in the second test. Ben Hilfenhaus has been the pick of the bowlers, making the English batsmen play, bowling a consistent line and swinging the ball both ways, a feat that is troubling strike bowler Johnson.
Johnson's lack luster performance at Lord's is concerning to Ponting. It seems the captain has as much faith in Johnson taking wickets, as an atheist going to Church. Johnson's action was too loose, he didn't consistently produce swing and there were too many wayward deliveries - not what a captain wants to see from his strike bowler.
Ponting has come to England with something to prove - by winning an Ashes series away from home. More importantly, without star players: Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer. His captaincy is being tested and it is vital for him to prove the critics wrong. Many have said Ponting's captaincy has been a 'free ride' and from the sight at Lords, his pace attack is haunting him. It would be a surprise to many fans if he actually has any nails left.
Ponting has been without a turn-to-man when wickets are needed. Rather, an inexperienced pace attack and many Ashes debutants are causing major problems. It poses the question of whether the selectors will drop those who aren't performing or stick with younger players like Johnson who may be succumbing to Ashes pressure (or a troubling Mother in the media). Ponting's most experienced fast bowler, Brett Lee is still struggling with an abdomen strain he sustained before the first test and has since ruled himself out of the third test.
Can the selectors continue to leave a quality bowler in Stuart Clark as twelfth man in the third test, even with his staggering record? Clark has taken 90 wickets in 22 tests at an average of 22.96, on par with Johnson. Similar to Glenn McGrath, Clark can tire an opposition with a consistent line and length with pace that Australia is lacking. In two tests, Johnson has taken eight wickets, at an average of 41.00, significantly poor compared to his brilliant bowling display in South Africa. Siddle also looks to be trying too hard, not bowling with as much control and flair as seen over last summer. Nathan Hauritz, who is filling the biggest spin bowling shoes in world cricket, is topping the most wickets in the series at nine. Whilst Australia is not asking for huge expectations, Hauritz has shown that bravery to flight deliveries and vary pace will trouble the English batsman.
Whilst the bowling department is causing headaches for the Australian selectors, Australia's batting hasn't done much better. Opener Phil Hughes would be feeling immense pressure leading into the Test, considering his scores of 36, 4 and 17 in the series. England has worked out a game plan for Hughes, causing him concern with short balls and Flintoff's swing across the left-hander. Hussey is desperate for runs, particularly with his poor tour of South Africa at the back of his mind. Credit must go to Ponting, Katich, Clarke and Haddin who seem to have found confidence in facing the English attack.
But all news isn't as bad for the Australians with England sent damaging news that Kevin Pieterson has been ruled out for the remainder of the series, after Achilles surgery will see him become spectator. Furthermore, the English camp has admitted Andrew Flintoff pulled up sore from the knee injury that threatens his chances of performing at peak throughout the entire series.
It would detrimental for England to underestimate the Aussies. Australia shouldn't start to panic just yet. It is crucial for Ponting and the selectors to remain faithful to the starting eleven and not make too many drastic decisions.