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| July 19, 2005 | Tuesday | Jumadi-us-Sani 11, 1426 |
England are not afraid of Aussies, says Giles
LONDON, July 18: Ashley Giles insisted on Monday that England are ready to tame Australia during their first Test at Lord’s this week. The 32-year-old spinner is likely to have a key role in Thursday’s Test after slowly recovering from a hip problem. And the Warwickshire star warned Michael Vaughan’s side can win if they reproduce the form of 2004 rather than poor performances in South Africa during the winter.
“We certainly aren’t afraid of Australia. We will go toe-to-toe with them and, while we know they are a good side and capable of beating us, we will take them on,” said Giles.
“I think all the players have said there is a lot less baggage than in England teams in the past. There is a lot less history.
“There aren’t many guys who have been used to losing to Australia. I have played only two Tests against them. A lot of the guys are like that.
“Last year’s England team was the most successful I have played in and the team has grown up and played a lot of cricket for England together.
“Myself, Andrew Flintoff, Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard have all got over 100 Test wickets now whereas I don’t think anyone had achieved that 12 months ago. We are all maturing and all understand our own games better.”
Giles’ two nine-wicket match hauls against the West Indies were a major factor in England’s triumphs against once-feared opposition 12 months ago.
But he knows that England have to play at the top of their game if they are to lift the Ashes for the first time in 18 years.
“If we play like we did against South Africa, then Australia will thrash us. But if we play as we did last summer, we have more of a chance,” he said.
“We have to beat the best to be the best. It’s a long time since we held the Ashes and for this team to get them back would be a fantastic achievement. But we do have to play our best cricket.”
Giles is aware that the Australians may attempt to hit him out of the firing line and wrestle the initiative but he feels that could work in his favour.
“I have to bowl the way I did last summer and be very positive when the ball is in my hand.
“It can work in your favour if there are guys looking to attack against the spin as you might pick up some wickets at important times.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of this summer even though I am aware it is going to be very tough.”
Giles is a big admirer of Kevin Pietersen who has won the vote ahead of veteran Graham Thorpe for the Lord’s showdown.—AFP
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