England ready for Ashes challenge

BRISBANE—England will try to upset the odds and a resurgent Australia when the first Test begins in Brisbane on Thursday. The Aussies have not lost a home Ashes opener for 20 years and have won 11 of their 12 Tests since relinquishing the famous urn after last year’s 2-1 loss.
During the same period England have won only one out of their four Test series. But skipper Andrew Flintoff said: “Not many lads in our dressing room have played a Test in Brisbane before. There are no scars from previous games here.”
The all-rounder added: “They’re a fine side and to beat them in 2005 we had to play exceptionally well. “For some of us who played in that Ashes series we have a point of reference, something we can look back to and take some confidence out of.”
It would be dangerous to try to draw a game of cricket and go in thinking we have to get this one out of the way Andrew Flintoff
The tourists are hopeful batsman Ian Bell will be fit, despite being hit on the wrist in practice on Tuesday. If that is the case England will have one main quandary regarding their line-up.
They are concerned about the depth of their batting, meaning the more experienced Ashley Giles could get the nod ahead of fellow left-arm spinner Monty Panesar. That plan has led to accusations of negativity towards the visitors, particulary from Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne.
But the skipper insists they are not simply looking for a draw, even though a drawn series would see them retain the trophy. “You can’t go into a Test match thinking we’ll come out of this 0-0. You have to go in there trying to win the game and that’s something this side have done well,” Flintoff explained.
“It would be dangerous to try to draw a game of cricket and go in thinking we have to get this one out of the way.” Whoever is selected, the tourists will be happy to finally get going in arguably the most eagerly anticipated series in history.
To walk out with my blazer and cap on, to do the toss and lead the lads out is going to be a special moment Andrew Flintoff Flintoff is relishing the prospect of pitting his wits against the world champions but does not want his side to get carried away in an attempt to recreate the drama of last year’s Ashes contests.
“The hype surrounding this series has been going on for what seems ages. We’re one day away from what could be the biggest Test series ever,” he added. “Now it’s time to get out on the pitch and play some cricket. We just can’t wait to get underway.
“To walk out with my blazer and cap on, to do the toss and at some point lead the lads out is going to be a special moment, not just in my career but in my life. “We can’t try to play an unbelievable game of cricket or the perfect game. Hopefully it will be a spectacle but the most important thing is we perform.” Australia captain Ricky Ponting is also keen to move on from the hyped build-up and get out on to the field. His team came in for fierce criticism on their return from England last year but he insists that will not weigh on their minds.
“We’re over that now and it’s a matter of performing well in the five Test matches starting tomorrow,” he said. “I don’t think there’s any more pressure on me or on the players to win the Ashes back. It’s just about a hard, intense few weeks of Test match cricket.
“For 12 or 14 months we have all been looking forward to this day coming around. “I’ve heard Shane Warne saying he’s sick of talking about it, he just wants to get out and play - and I’m in the same boat.” He’s probably worked harder on his game than I’ve probably seen anyone work that’s been out of the side for a long time
Ricky Ponting on Michael Clarke All-rounder Shane Watson’s withdrawal through injury means Michael Clarke will slot in as Australia’s sixth batsman. The young right-hander struggled in last year’s Ashes and managed only 51 runs in three Test innings in Bangladesh in April but Ponting has faith in him to come good.
“He’s probably worked harder on his game than I’ve probably seen anyone work that’s been out of the side for a long time. “He’s given himself every chance and he’s ready to get out there and perform at Test level.”—Agencies