Dennis Lillee said,
“Australia have some great players but even the greatest players get tapped on the shoulder by Father Time at some stage.”
Australia won the Champions Trophy, ranked one in the ICC rankings in both form of the game, truly a talented bunch of players youth mixed with experience, but is the experience to much and agility lacking could that take a toll on the Australians when they face the English in the up-coming Ashes? Australia was muscled out completely by a much fairer England squad last year, are the Australians up there to turn things around this time.
The side that begins the Ashes campaign at the Gabba is likely to include Damien Martyn, 35, Justin Langer, 36, Matthew Hayden, who will have turned 35, Ricky Ponting, 31, Adam Gilchrist, 35, Glenn McGrath, 36, and Shane Warne, 37. With these players Dennis Lillee feels there’s danger for the Australians who are prepared to take on a younger England team, he is of the opinion that ageing top-order will be the Achilles heel in Australia’s bid to regain the Ashes.
Damien Martyn the inform batsman has condemned the criticisms from the former speedster, saying Lillee is on the verge of losing the respect of current players if he continued to criticize the team. I personally think Punter and his ageing army are fitter than most on field today, Australia since the humiliating Ashes defeat by far has been playing best Test Cricket I have seen them play, with the young members like Hussy and Clarke performing equally well like the other experienced campaigners.
The key to the Ashes will be handling pressure, Michael Vaughan was undoubtedly a great leader he proved the affirmative, leading the team to the Ashes title. We all are aware of Ponting’s caliber when it comes to leading the team, England will be without their regular captain but will be led by Flintoff the best all-rounder in the game today, he has proven his credentials as a great leader too-but will he be able to lead a team that has been struggling to integrate and perform.
Who will win the Ashes 2006 is difficult to predict, but one things for sure Australian Old Horse are agile as ever and it’ll be incorrect to count them out...I would suggest Mr. Lillee that he should refrain from making such comments on his home-side as that could be a deterrent to the Aussie campaign.
Via: cricinfo
