More questions than answers as the Ashes reaches half-way

There is so much uncertainty ahead of the Edgbaston test that one almost needs reminding that we are approaching the series midpoint and not its opener. Particular question marks hang over the respective weaknesses of the two sides, Australia's pace attack and England's middle order.

With the pitch saturated and the Birmingham rain expected to persist through the weekend, taking 20 Australian wickets may be beyond England, in which case the result could be decided by the staying power of the home side's batsmen. The loss of Pietersen is more of a psychological blow - he's looked troubled and distracted in the series; Bell is a competent replacement with two Ashes series behind him, form in the county game and a point to prove. But KP provides the middle order with solidity - without him they may not score less runs in most innings but they are more open to a collapse of the kind that cost the series in the West Indies. The opening partnership between Cook and Strauss becomes crucial.

The tour match at Northants told us that Stuart Clark is ready to enter the fray, providing economy and maintaining consistency of pressure on the England batsmen. This improves the Australian side. He is likely to come in for Siddle, but the pressure on Johnson mounts and with Australia needing victory to level the series, they are unable to carry him much longer. Brett Lee is unlikely to be fit for Headingley but this may still be Johnson's last chance to impress in the series.

The Worm finds it hard to foresee an England win this week, suspecting the rain will take too much time out of the match. A draw would be a good result, leaving them one win from regaining the urn, and this will depend on how England bat and how Australia bowl.

Comments

[Grassisbrowner]

The Shane Watson decision - whatever happens - is strange. These guys are supposed to believe in talent, ability and in themselves. I can't help feeling that - as the tension rises (and I agree with The Worm that this Test should be a draw) - the decisions will become that much stranger, and that much more kneejerk. For both captains and for both coaches, this series is critical. So a recall for Harmison is certainly on the cards. As, in my view, is one for Rob Key. And Adam Gilchrist is in the country...

Speaking of which, I'll share again my views on England's batsmen. Ian Bell deserves his chance - he's done what all should do when dropped, go away, score runs and (hopefully) come back a better player. Father Time will tell.

But where are all the really bright young batsmen? Owais Shah and Key are hardly babes in arms. Denly, Carberry, Trott and others have never pressed on. Most of the rest are journeymen. Too much county cricket? English sportsplayers too comfortable in their mediocrity? Too few genuine role models? Too little really quality coaching (and a tendency for the best to head for the media centre rather than the Clive Radley-like training academy)?

In today's land of pretty average international cricket, we are hidden in the pack. What happens when the next generation of South africans, Indians and Sri Lankans come through. I worry.