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| October 16, 2006 | Monday | Ramazan 22, 1427 |
McGrath spells out three reasons for Aussie success
SYDNEY, Oct 15: Consummate positive thinker Glenn McGrath says there are three strong reasons why Australia will reclaim cricket's Ashes against England over the next couple of months.
The veteran fast bowler, who has snared 136 of his 542 Test wickets against England, is working his way back into bowling rhythm after taking eight months off this year to support wife Jane through her third battle with cancer.
McGrath says come next January he is supremely confident Australia will have the Ashes back after losing them in England in last year's epic series.
The 36-year-old paceman believes three reasons point to Australia's chances of Ashes success.
“England went into the last Ashes after a very successful 18 months. They had the same team together and Michael Vaughan was doing a great job as captain,” McGrath told Sydney's Sun-Herald.
“They'd been playing with a lot of confidence and winning, and once you win games you start to know how to win games, especially when those key moments come up.
“In regard to their confidence and everything else, there's a massive difference between England then and England now.
“They've lost Vaughan, had a lot of injuries, and haven't had the same team together. Okay, they won their last couple of Tests, but their one-day form has been pretty poor.
“Secondly, the Australian team has learnt a lot from last time.
“When you lose is when you learn the most. We identified a few areas where we could improve.
“England on that tour with their support staff and the way they prepared, they were the world leaders in those areas.
“They had us covered there. We've identified that. We've got (fast bowling coach) Troy Cooley and a couple of other guys in place now, so we're leaving no stone unturned.”
McGrath's third reason is Australian batsman Mike Hussey, who is averaging almost 76 from his 11 Test appearances since his debut against the West Indies almost a year ago.
“Mike Hussey didn't play the (Ashes) Test series last time, and since then he's taken the world by storm,” McGrath said.
“What Huss brings to the team, and the way Brett Lee has bowled in the last 12 months, they're huge bonuses for Australian cricket. That's why we'll finish with the Ashes.”—AFP
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