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[joeljonno]

Joel, to be fair about English pitches, it really depends on how they are prepared. Historically the Oval was flat and fast, and Old Trafford is considered in a similar vein. I think I'd be observing how he performs at the MCG or SCG before making sweeping comments about what might happen in England.

As was earlier posited, in his last tour of the UK in 2009, he had some pretty good bowling figures and was the most economical fast bowler in three out of the nine innings. He was also worst in two. What this suggests is that normal English pitches don't present him with a particular problem, even if he isn't quite as devastating. I'm pretty sure that at 95mph, even on a "slower" greentop in England, there are very few people who would want to face his short ball. And if the seam did bite, you'd be in all sorts of trouble.

It's a complete load of rubbish to think that out and out quicks can't prosper in English conditions. Anyone watching Devon Malcolm versus South Africa or the WIndies greats in the Eighties and Nineties knows that a statement such as that is complete codswallop.

I never said that he couldn't prosper, as pace is pace and is the "x-factor" in cricket. I said that the pitches in Engalnd are more suited to the slightly slower bowlers who can do more off the seam than just bowling quick.

If you offer the option to a quickie of bowling on a proper quick track like Perth, or a reasonably quick track like Old Trafford, I am fairly sure that most, if not all would prefer Perth as it is quicker and bouncier.

With regards to the preperation of English pitches, you can say this about every pitch in the World.  Give me 12 months, some decent grass seed, a bit of top soil,  a long hose pipe and enough water to fill the ocean, I am confident to have Perth looking greener by next year....

[Chad]

The ignorance on this site is astounding.  i understand that you're all low grade cricketers, but really.....

Very Fast bowlers are MORE important on flat wickets.

Some people here actually play quite a decent level of cricket, or at least used to. We even have a sponsor who used to play County cricket, and an ex-international player. (Probably more!) That's a rather 'low grade' of intelligence you applied to that comment.

Have a look at McGrath's record in Tests, his highest average is in Asia, at 23.02, which is still ridiculously low. He has a career average of 21.64. In terms of countries, I think Pakistan and Sri Lanka were his worst, at 31 and 29.2 respectively, but he only played 5 and 4 tests in those places. Around the rest of the world, his average is below 24. He was hardly express pace, just a very patient, consistent and clever bowler. Bowlers like him are the most important on any wicket in my eyes.

[Number4]

28 wickets at an average of just under 15 this series so far is a stellar effort. I can see him getting 40 wickets for the series