England's Tour of Australia: 3 Men in Form, 3 Men Struggling
The start of the Ashes is fast approaching as England's warm-up matches come to a conclusion before their Test series against Australia.
The first Test starts in Brisbane on November 21, and while some players have already enjoyed success on tour, some have had some struggles Down Under.
Let's take a look at three players on track for the Ashes and three who are currently having some difficulties.
All stats courtesy of ESPNCricinfo.
Struggling: Matt Prior
1 of 6
Matt Prior's struggles on this Ashes tour continue, as his calf injury may keep him out of the first Test.
England's wicket-keeper and vice-captain has been restricted to just one full game on tour after tearing his calf against Australia A, forcing him to be removed from the match.
Jonny Bairstow will be his replacement behind the stumps if Prior fails to regain his fitness in time for the game in Brisbane.
In Form: Stuart Broad
2 of 6
Stuart Broad seems to be peaking at just the right time, further cementing his position as one of England's primary seam bowlers.
Broad took 4-37 in 24 overs against the Australian Invitational XI, showcasing superb line and length while his teammates toiled at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The 27-year-old arrived in Australia under pressure, after some criticism from Baggy Green coach Darren Lehmann, but he is responding well in what is the second Ashes tour of his career.
Struggling: Steven Finn
3 of 6
A slightly controversial one, as while Steven Finn took 5-103 against the Australian Invitational XI, his economy rate of 3.59 per over will be something of a worry.
Finn was the most expensive of England’s front-line bowlers, and while he has been the team’s leading wicket-taker on tour, his overall economy rate of 4.52 is concerning.
He may well find himself in England’s XI for the first Test, but Finn needs to tighten up his line and length if the tourists are to restrict Australia’s batsmen in Brisbane.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
In Form: Kevin Pietersen
4 of 6
Kevin Pietersen was another struggling with a slight injury, but his knee problem has cleared up in time for him to find some form in the final warm-up game.
The 33-year-old had found runs hard to come by on tour, but scored 57 from 71 balls against the Australian Invitational XI in England’s first innings.
He seems to be peaking at just the right time, something that is very good news for the tourists.
Struggling: Boyd Rankin
5 of 6
Boyd Rankin was in contention for the third seamer spot in Brisbane, but after taking just one wicket against the Australian Invitational XI, his first Test cap now looks unlikely.
The former Ireland international has lacked penetration at times, and while he has taken the joint second-most wickets on tour, he has flattered to deceive.
Steven Finn’s five wickets may well have tipped the balance away from the Warwickshire man.
In Form: Alastair Cook
6 of 6
England captain Alastair Cook has found form at just the right time, with 81 against the Australian Invitational XI continuing a good run Down Under.
Cook’s 154 against Australia A and their useful bowling attack shows he is in prime position to repeat his achievements from his last tour of Australia.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
