Even with Australia going into the next ODI against England as favourites in the absence of Swann and Anderson, the only certainty about the outcome for Chris Cairns seems to be the poor weather.

Some talk has been emanating from the Australian camp about how much Mike Hussey has been missed. He is an excellent finisher but really, with Watson, Warner and Clarke still in the side, their contributions in the first two ODIs were below par.




More talk was made of the contributions of Forrest, Bailey and Dave Hussey, but realistically I feel the more senior players have not been put under the spotlight enough.




A move for Michael Clarke to number three is an option but I like him at four and I do feel he is a good manipulator of the ball, and with Swann now out for the last two ODIs with an elbow injury, the middle overs should free up.




Swann is such a good bowler these days and with his subtle variation of pace he makes it tough to work the ball around.




So, with two matches remaining and weather prospects not good, this series is petering towards being the most unmemorable England v Australia series in history- being perfectly honest, it is an odd series! Plonked in the middle of the English summer, this series represents everything that's wrong with cricket in between the global tournaments. These are mindless encounters that have no bearing on anything other than serving to fulfil a dysfunctional ICC Future Tours Program.




If the players do get on at Chester-le-street, expect seamer-friendly conditions which may see Doherty left out of the Aussie line-up because Clarke and Hussey can provide the spin option.




This means Pattinson and Hilfenhaus come in and there's no room for Johnson. I do think there will be an abbreviated match in Durham and whoever wins the toss will have significant advantage because of the upfront bowling conditions and then the ability to manage the run-chase subject to overs available.




Whoever bats first, any top order player as top scorer is a risk, so look to number five or six as top run getter, and any new ball bowler is a solid pick as top wicket taker. There will be low scores and the team chasing, number three will be a good choice as top scorer in the run chase.




Good luck and here's hoping there's a least a bit of English summer in Durham!




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