Eng ready for Oz aggression: Root

MELBOURNE, NOVEMBER 14

England were caught out by Australia’s aggression during the ill-fated 2013-14 Ashes campaign but captain Joe Root says they are fully prepared for short-pitched bowling and on-field chatter when the series kicks off in Brisbane next week. 

Root was a member of Alastair Cook’s side that was demolished by a Mitchell Johnson-led pace assault and sledged relentlessly throughout the 5-0 series defeat four years ago. Root, then 22, won praise for a defiant half-century in the Adelaide Test but, like the rest of the England batters, struggled to score runs on most of Australia’s pitches.

“I think last time it maybe caught us out,” Root said in Townsville where England are preparing for their final warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI. “I think we’re a little bit wiser to it this time around. It’s still about making sure we’re absolutely prepared for any scenario out there. We’re expecting it to be hostile, we’re expecting it to be very loud and rowdy atmosphere at the Gabba,” he said.

England no Ashes easy-beats: Harris

Former Australia quick Ryan Harris believes it’s not all doom and gloom for the tourists. “If there were injuries to Broad and Anderson, you’d definitely go along with that line that they probably would struggle,” Harris said.  “But the bottom line is their two main bowlers that lead their attack are fit and firing.” — Reuters