|
|
|
| March 15, 2006 | Wednesday | Safar 14, 1427 |
We have put record ODI defeat behind us: Gilchrist
CAPE TOWN, March 14: Vice-captain Adam Gilchrist has dismissed any possibility Australia would suffer a hangover from their extraordinary one-day series loss to South Africa when the first Test starts on Thursday.
Australia still have to decide on their bowling line-up although Brett Lee is almost certain to lead it, he said.
“I don’t think Sunday’s result changes the way you prepare for a Test match. We’ve certainly put that behind us,” Gilchrist told reporters on Tuesday.
“Win, lose or draw that game you start again today with the white gear on and we’ve got about five or six changes to our personnel so it’s just getting familiar with the red ball again.”
The hosts chased down a world record target of 435 to win the final One-day International at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday and the series 3-2.
“It was an extraordinary game but it’s not like we were embarrassed to any extent,” Gilchrist said.
“Both teams knew they had featured in something quite unique and there are plenty of good things we can take out of it that will help us flow on nicely to the Tests.
“Regardless of how that result went, we were expecting South Africa to turn up on Thursday fully prepared to play Test cricket,” Gilchrist said.
The Australian wicket-keeper said the introduction of record-breaking leg-spinner Shane Warne and the experienced left-handed opening batsmen Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer, who did not play in the one-day series, would make a tremendous difference.
“They are pretty experienced cricketers who have been a part of some special things over the years, so they know how to come in and adjust to new conditions.
“We’ve got them on our side and we’re feeling confident that we can continue our Test match form that we had through the summer,” Gilchrist said.
Australia completed a 2-0 win over South Africa in the home Test series in January, and also beat West Indies 3-0 late last year also at home.
Ricky Ponting’s deputy said Australia were still no closer to settling on the composition of their attack.
“There’s a variety of options we’ve got there, but I’m not any closer to knowing exactly what we’ll go with.
“I think Brett Lee’s the spearhead, he’s the strike weapon and he has been through the summer and certainly has been through our one-day campaign.
“I wouldn’t tag him that to take anything away from the other bowlers, but he’s certainly our go-to man for pace,” Gilchrist said.
South Africa are concerned about Shaun Pollock’s back strain that kept him out of Sunday’s ODI decider while the tourists are without paceman Glenn McGrath, who decided to remain in Australia to be with his sick wife.
“We’re slowly getting used to playing cricket without the legends that we’ve got now. We were without Warney some time ago and we were able to cover that.
“We’ve had times without Ricky and we’ve been able to cover that. Glenn’s another huge loss but it’s an opportunity for someone else and we feel confident we can cover that,” Gilchrist said.—Reuters
|
|
|
|
