England looks more settled, says Warne
SHANE Warne has declared Australia is in a state of “confusion” heading into the Ashes and England is in the box seat for a Gabba boilover.
Even without Ben Stokes, Warne said Australia’s unsettled XI should give confidence to England.
Mitchell Johnson turned the Gabba into England’s graveyard four years ago, but Warne said Australia was a shambles this time around.
Tim Paine’s bizarre selection as wicketkeeper pointed to a lack of direction from those “calling the shots”, the spin king said.
“At the moment, where the biggest shift has come over the last few years is they don’t fear Australia any more,” Warne said. “England no longer fear Australia and haven’t for a long time and hence that’s why they can beat Australia.
“I don’t think they [feared them in 2013-14] until Mitchell Johnson bowled to them at the Gabba. England, I think at the moment, are just going along nicely. They’re just doing their business.
“Australia look confused. They’re picking wicketkeepers that aren’t even keeping for their state.”
Channel 9 commentary colleague Bill Lawry agreed that Australia was missing a true intimidator, despite Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins being capable of bowling at 150km/h.
“I think the big key to this Ashes series is Mitchell Johnson and he’s not playing,” Lawry said. “If I was an opening batsman I wouldn’t be losing too much sleep facing the Australian pace attack as far as pace is concerned. They’re all good bowlers but they’re not going to frighten you.”
Former Test captain Michael Clarke said David Warner held the key to Australia’s fortunes and must be positioned close to the bat by Steve Smith when Australia bowls.
“His attitude is the key to Australia’s intent,” Clarke said.
“When he gets into the game and gets involved . . . he always has success. That’s why I feel the frustration when I see someone as good an athlete as David Warner fielding at midoff and mid-on.”