Talk of turn,turnaround: Outcome of Adelaide Test is likely to depend on how spinners bowl

The pitch has drawn criticism for producing two run-heavy draws in the domestic Sheffield Shield,and groundsman Damian Hough has been at pains to spice it up while leaving something for the spinners late in the match. We think its pretty close to what we have had in previous years, he told reporters on Tuesday. It might be a little bit slower this year,being brand new.

Australia carry all the momentum into an Adelaide Oval in the midst of a A535 million 487 million re-development after their fired-up attack dismissed England cheaply in both innings to seal victory within four days at the Gabba.

England,however,have fond memories of their last match at the picturesque ground,having pounded Australia by an innings and 71 runs in 2010,a rousing victory that helped set up their first Ashes win Down Under in a quarter of a century. Fired by a sparkling first-innings 227 from the inimitable Kevin Pietersen and 148 from Cook,England put 620 on the board before Graeme Swann sealed the win with a five-wicket haul in Australias second innings.

While the drop-in pitch will be docile in comparison to the bouncy Gabba wicket,it is expected to provide something for Swann and his opposite number Nathan Lyon,who both come into the match with a point to prove.

Swann was roughed up by Australia opener David Warner and captain Clarke in Brisbane and emerged with figures of 2 for 215. Lyon,a former groundsman at Adelaide Oval,enjoyed a far better Test than Swann,taking key wickets in both innings,but question marks remain over the 26-year-olds ability to close out victories.

Lyon missed a chance to silence the doubters against South Africa in Adelaide last year,but managed only one wicket on the fifth and final day as the Proteas salvaged a fighting draw with only two wickets left at the close of play.

Fingers crossed theres a little bit more spin down there and well see how we go, Lyon said on Friday.

In contrast to the assured unit that arrived in Adelaide three years ago after dominating the latter half of the series-opening draw in Brisbane,England have had their confidence rocked by the departure of No.3 batsman Jonathan Trott due to a stress-related illness.

Clarkes sore ankle

AUSTRALIA have had an injury setback two days before the second Test,with skipper Michael Clarke missing a practice session because of an injured ankle. Clarke,who scored a century in the second innings of Australia8217;s 381-run victory in the series opener against England in Brisbane last week,turned awkwardly on his right ankle during fielding drills on Monday and skipped the team practice on Tuesday.

Cricket Australia said Clarke8217;s ankle is a bit stiff and sore but he8217;ll be OK to play his 99th test match. The team management said Clarke would train on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old Clarke has had a rough time since ending Australia8217;s winless drought in the first Test,with the injury coming on top of a fine and a sanction from the International Cricket Council because an obscene word he used while taunting England tailender Jimmy Anderson was heard on the TV broadcast during the tense final minutes of the match. Australian allrounder Shane Watson said Clarke8217;s absence from training was precautionary.

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