Tremlett stakes claim for Test place with four Australia A wickets
Published:Whilst England’s bowling attack head to Brisbane to acclimatise, the final Ashes warm-up with Australia A offers us the chance to assess the potential replacements.
Having ordered his four best bowlers to Brisbane early, England coach Andy Flower may have alienated the four bowlers vying for a place in the Test team.
But if Chris Tremlett, Ajmal Shazad, Tim Bresnan and Monty Panesar were affected by their lack of opportunities, they certainly didn’t show it when bowling out Australia A for 230 last night.
Tremlett was the star of the show taking 4-54, including the wicket of potential Australian wicket-keeper Tim Paine.
Of the four, Tremlett is the most likely to be given a chance in the Ashes if Steven Finn fails to adjust to the Australian conditions and fulfil his potential, and Tremlett offers some value at 16/1 to be England’s top Ashes wicket-taker should Finn struggle.
“It maybe not set in stone what is the Test squad, but you just try your hardest and never know what might happen,” said Tremlett.
“I have taken my opportunity and put my name in the hat.”
It ceases to amaze just what Monty Panesar is doing in Australia after bowling 20 overs without taking a wicket, despite Paul Collingwood managing to take the wicket of Mark Cameron in his three overs.
The spinner can’t bat, field, and on this showing, turn the ball on Australian wickets leaving Graeme Swann more crucial than ever in England’s attempts to win the Ashes – England are 7/4 to win the series in the Ashes online betting.
Australian Steven Smith threw his name into contention for a Ashes starting spot after a innings saving knock of 59, and if the spinner can take some of the England wickets, Nathan Hauritz’s Test place will be under threat.
Smith is 12/1 to be Australia’s leading series wicket-taker. See the latest Ashes betting odds here.
