[ashes] a top order of left-handers

Interesting piece by Tim de Lisle: Since the final Ashes Test of 2001, Australia’s first-choice opening pair has been two left-handers: Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer. They have never been in danger of being mistaken for two peas in a pod. Hayden is huge and takes a big stride forward, Langer is little and mainly moves sideways, so bowlers have to change their length every time the two of them take a single, just as they would have to change their line for a right-and-left combination. England’s own top order now consists of three left-handed openers. Alastair Cook has come in at number three to replace Michael Vaughan, and, in all but place, he is the classic left-handed opener – watchful, well-organised, sometimes crabby, powerful square of the wicket, strong against pace, not so hot against spin. The question is whether a bevy of left-handers can take the Ashes. I always thought a right-left combination worked better at throwing the bowlers off their line.