The Ashes 2013: Players Who Must Improve in Series

Just days after England’s dramatic 14-run victory over Australia, the two sides must dust themselves down and prepare for another seismic clash in the second Test at Lords.

Standout performers James Anderson and Ashton Agar have had their moment in the spotlight, and we must now turn to the players who endured a difficult opening match.

No one wants to have two bad Tests in a row and, if selected, the following players need to remind the selectors—and their nation—of their ability.

 

Steven Finn

Poor old Finn. After being bowled for a duck the Middlesex bowler couldn’t have dreamed for a better response when he took two early wickets to leave the Australians in disarray.

But what unfolded over the following overs and days was painful to watch as he was hit for boundary after boundary.

When England were chasing the final wicket Finn dropped a difficult, but makeable, catch to ensure a tense finale to the opening Test. Fortunately for him, James Anderson was on hand to secure the victory with a handful of runs to spare.

His place is by no means guaranteed, as reported by the Mail, but if Alastair Cook and co. give him the nod, he must prove his talent on the greatest stage. Finn is still only 24-years-old and clearly has a bright future in the game, but he must find confidence from somewhere otherwise it’ll be a long five days for the seamer.

Michael Clarke

How Clarke must be wishing he didn’t waste those referrals. As Stuart Broad refused to budge from the crease despite a blatant nick to the slips, the Australian captain looked on helplessly without the option of DRS available.

Cook outsmarted Clarke in the first Test, but the Australian can take heart from the way his side almost battled back to secure a remarkable victory. He must drill into his side the need for patience—it’s unlikely they’ll have Agar to bail them out again—as they can’t afford to give away cheap wickets.

If he’s sensible with his referrals, only using them when he’s practically certain of a dismissal, the second Test should avoid the controversy that embroiled it and Australia have a great chance.

Ed Cowan

The Australian No.3 endured a difficult time with the bat, being dismissed first ball by Finn before adding just 14 runs in the second innings. His place is under scrutiny and, according to Sky Sports, he might be replaced by Usman Khawaja.

If his side do decide to keep faith with him, he must take a leaf out of debut sensation Agar’s book and go after the England attack.

With Anderson rampant, and Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad also threatening, he must settle at the crease quickly and stay composed as the Lords atmosphere inevitably affects his concentration.