The Pressure of the Ashes Comes to the Fore in Birmingham

After the loss of Kevin Pietersen through injury for the rest of the series both sides know that this 3rd test at Edgbaston could go a long way to deciding the destiny of the Ashes trophy.

An Australia win would turn the momentum in their favour, while England will be fretting about how to replace a player who has been he difference between winning and losing so many occasions.

An England win however, while guaranteeing they couldn’t lose the series outright would be a huge physiological blow with the Australian’s left scratching their heads as too how to beat this England side, without their best player at the helm.

His presence on the injury list is enough to provoke a reaction whatever the result is after these five days in Birmingham, with either side set to claim a massive physiological advantage, and possibly a decisive one if they turn out to be the winners.

A draw will keep us all guessing, but we’re sure to have more of an idea of the impact of Pietersen’s absence after these five days than ever before, with the pressure firmly on the shoulders of both sides to produce when the star batsman isn’t around.

The Australian bowlers, who have used the time between this and that last test match to find some form will be keen to strike back in a series they have been on the peripheral of for so long.

Mitchell Johnson is expected to keep his place in the side, and could well be joined in the attack by both Shane Watson and Andrew McDonald who impressed in the warm-up game at Northants over the weekend.

With the Edgbaston pitch set to play very much in the batsman’s favour, a strong, deep bowling attack might be a wise move by Ricky Ponting.

England have always had the strength in depth in their bowling attack to call upon, but the fitness of Andrew Flintoff is becoming a constant issue, with only a handful of balls bowled by the fast-bowler in practise since the 2nd test.

It seems obvious that despite the selectors being defiant that they won’t pick a less-than 100% fit player, that both Pietersen, and now Flintoff have played through the pain barrier to attempt to play a part in this Ashes series; as yet it’s hasn’t been a detriment to Flintoff’s form like it was for Pietersen’s, but time will tell.

Ian Bell, who himself has an injury concern, is set to fill Pietersen’s shoes at number 4, but with issues surrounding his previous form against the Australians shadowing the Warwickshire man’s belated comeback the pressure is truly on for him to perform.

And that is the word of the day tomorrow; pressure.

Whichever team deals with it for the entire test is sure to hold the key to the remainder of this Ashes series.