England’s batting coach Graham Gooch has sent out a warning to the Australian Ashes team, stating that the tourists are on Aussie soil not “for the hospitality”, not “for the weather”, but solely to “win the Ashes”.
Gooch’s comments come as question marks continue to be raised over England’s recent decision to send James Anderson, Steven Finn, Stuart Broad, and Graeme Swann out to Brisbane to start preparations for the opening Test early, whilst sacrificing the opportunity for those individuals to get in some valuable game time against Australia A in England’s final warm-up game before the Ashes gets underway.
Some have suggested that the decision shows a dangerous lack of ambition from the English, with a few pundits stating that it would be preferable for the bowlers to play as much cricket as possible against tough opposition such as Australia A, and with the Aussies keen to exploit any element they can in order to boost morale and have a go at the tourists, the timing of Gooch’s comments is significant and is further evidence of just how seriously England, the current underdogs in the Ashes odds, are taking the tests and challenges that lie in wait for them.
Gooch has revealed that England are also “practising with a purpose” and are able to boast a mean streak in them that could prove decisive when the action gets underway later this month in Brisbane. If Gooch is proved right and England do show the sort of competitive nature needed to secure the fast start they so badly desire in Brisbane, the Aussies could end up regretting ever questioning the decisions of the victorious England coaches and players.
Related PostsCan the Aussies arrest the slide?Pietersen admits England are the underdogs