Rain Affects Ashes Preparations
England have been severely compromised in their preparations for the opening Ashes Test against Australia at the Gabba due to rain. Only 29 overs were possible during their intra-squad warm-up match last week and it is forecasted for all three days of play.
Early in the 20th century, “the ashes” came to refer to many sports rivalries other than cricket; rugby league, bowls and even some state Australian rules football competitions were frequently described as being associated with it.
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Rain
Weather forecasters have cast some uncertainty over the start of Australia and England’s first Test at The Gabba on December 8. A washout would be unfortunate as Joe Root’s side could lose out on valuable match practice that they need in preparation for Joe Root’s captaincy of England in 2018.
Heavy rain is forecast for the first two days of this series and could delay an intra-squad game set to commence Wednesday. Furthermore, this disruption could hamper England players who hope to redeem themselves following defeat at Lord’s and Edgbaston.
Australia are looking to retain the Ashes for a second successive series, having won their three-match series against England 2-1 last time out. New captain Pat Cummins hopes his side can make an immediate impression at The Gabba where they have not tasted victory since 1986. England should receive an added boost with Ben Stokes back training following 14 days of quarantine.
Cloudy
Rain in Brisbane has caused chaos to England’s final preparations for an Ashes series, where they were due to play against Lions at Ian Healy Oval today but due to heavy downpour, this may now have to be postponed as well as Australia’s intra-squad match – this may prove troublesome given that England haven’t won at Gabba since 1986 and have only once won an Ashes series Down Under since 1977!
On Wednesday, it is expected to dry up somewhat but there remains the chance of showers and storms; however, by Thursday the skies should become clearer with temperatures set to hit 25 degrees, humidity being low, and light breeze making conditions comfortable for spectators – but remembering Brisbane’s unpredictable summer weather can quickly alter these plans!
Sunny
England were forced to adjust to inclement weather as preparations for their inaugural Ashes Test at the Gabba were marred by rain over two days of intra-squad warm-up match play, despite forecasts calling for dry conditions on Test day one. Nonetheless, due to England’s quick work rate they appear likely to emerge victorious on this first Ashes encounter at Brisbane Stadium.
Australia’s bowlers made full use of Wednesday’s overcast conditions to strike England out for just 147 runs in six innings. But Thursday promises sunnier conditions with temperatures expected to top 32 degrees – hopefully more favourable conditions await them than what has transpired thus far.
Australia will look to continue their impressive start to the Test series against England when they meet at The Gabba on Thursday. While BOM predicts there is a seventy percent chance of rain, most of the day should see sun in abundance on the cricket pitch.
Cool
The name Ashes has become associated with England and Australia in their series of cricket matches; however, it also refers to other sports and games between these nations, such as rugby league and television game shows Gladiators and Sale of the Century.
Recently, England has experienced difficulty against Australian teams on home soil, losing six of eight visits to The Gabba since 2007 and only winning one series down under since 1984.
Inclement weather has hindered England’s preparations for the inaugural Ashes Test in Brisbane, with rain washing away many intra-squad matches scheduled by their team. But the match should still go ahead on Thursday. Conditions should improve over Friday and Saturday with temperatures expected to range between 25 degrees and 32 degrees – perfect conditions for batting! Sunday and Monday may see further showers.
