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Filed under Ashes 2006

Winning the 1st session of a new test is very important. So is the 2nd session and the third one..

In short - you have win session after sessions to beat Australia in Australia. Or is it??

I bet if England can win 6 out of 15 sessions in this second Ashes test match in 2006 - they will do what no one is speaking of : an English win at Adelaide.

You might recall England won only one session in Brisbane test (afternoon session Day 4) and had they backed it by winning the first two sessions on Day 5, they could have won the 1st test as well.

Test match cricket is lot complex than you and me can understand. Even when you are down and out for first two days, one good day (or even two sessions) can put you right in the winning position.

The trick is to keep believe your session will come. That's when you attack... rest of the time - try to absorb as much damage as you can.

I have termendos faith in Duncan Fletcher's ability as a "test match coach", Flintoff's ability as the executer and I hope to see England slowing down the game when Aussie batsmen attack. And some reverse Swing in Australia for the first time ever. And some luck going through Strauss and Bell so that they can make a platform for Pietersen, Flintoff and Geraint to blast World's best bowling attack.

What one more effort I seek from English cricketers is to show some notice to that small bunch of English Fans, sitting at every test ground and calling themselves - the Barmy Army. Those are the people who really care about that 11 souls battling against World's best combination of cricketers. And that too on their soil.

Going will get tough. Those few hundered mad supporters will be provide you inspiration. Make sure you please them whenever you can..!!

I really liked what England captain had to say after the Gabba loss - "We are here to play cricket. After losing the first test, the best thing we can ask for is another brand new test".

I think England are up to the task and our surprise will come soon.

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Ashes 2006 & Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series

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