Ashes excuses already flowing
The next Ashes series is still 6 months away, yet Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting and even ex-Aussie captain Steve Waugh have already started making the excuses about why they might lose. Steve Waugh thinks the Aussies have become too familiar with the England side, and they might have lost their edge. Gilchrist thinks their busy runup to the series might cause player burnout. Ricky Ponting was just moaning as usual. Valid points though – look at the effect of the heavy schedule on recent English performances or even the overworked rumour mill wondering if Afridi’s premature retirement was a direct protest at the busy schedules. Who knows, but the simple fact is, if England win… ohh boy, that’ll be a fun time, fair dinkum!
I don’t know what Steve Waugh is talking about (probably leading up to launching a new book and wants to keep his face in the media) but Adam Gilchrist is just reiterating a policy England have already expressed interest in – resting key players for the Champions Trophy to keep them fresh for the Ashes. Fair enough for both sides, I say. The Trophy is barely a blip on the radar in comparison to the Urn as far as cricket importance goes. As for Ricky, well, gotta credit the guy for trying to live up to Allan Border’s legacy of Captain Grumpy.
Perhaps it’s all an act? :)