Ingles says key win vindicates Boomers’ selections

Smith makes England pay

Targeting Steve Smith’s head at Old Trafford was England’s first mistake and 211 runs later the Australian batting superstar was smiling with well-deserved satisfaction.

Back in action after being knocked out of the third Test by a blow to his neck, Smith piled on his third Ashes doublehundred in an innings which included a period where he said he got “too excited”.

But that 20 minutes, where he was almost out to a skied hoick andwas out caught at slip before a no-ball reprieve, was the only trouble he faced in an epic 319-ball Ashes effort.

Having come to terms with wearing protective stem guards on his helmet, despite feeling “claustrophobic”, Smith had readied himself for the short balls he knew would come his way.

But the man dubbed cricket’s best “problem solver” said itwas a home-team tactic that played into Australia’s hands, and left him to work his way through a match-defining innings.

“I said before the game that if they bowl a lot atmy head then they’re not bowling at my stumps and trying to get me out LBW and caught behind the wicket,” Smith said after his imperious knock.

“And I think that perhaps played into our favour a little bit in this innings.

“For them to go as short as they did and as early as they did with the new ball, softened that ball up and played into our hands.

“That ball got soft pretty

Boomers veteran Joe Ingles has hit back at critics who questioned the make-up of Australia’s World Cup squad, saying NBL players like Nick Kay and Chris Goulding were chosen for a reason.

Australia surged into the second round following a thrilling 87-82 victory over European foes Lithuania.

While NBA stars Patty Mills, Aron Baynes and Matthew Dellavedova have excelled in the World Cup thus far, the Australians have also received valuable contributions down the depth chart.

The likes of Kay, Goulding and Mitch Creek and Jock Landale have all impressed.

Kay was outstanding coming off the bench against a physical Lithuanian side on Thursday night (AEST), finishing with 11 points.

Goulding has also stood out, playing a crucial role with his potency from the perimeter.

Ingles believes the strong performances of the Boomers’ role players justifies their positions in the team.

“I think it shows that we picked the right players after all the articles that came out about picking the wrong team,” the Utah Jazz star said.

“Being around the guys in training camp and seeing the things that you guys didn’t see, it was an easy decision to select them.

“There is no one guy in this team that is bigger than anyone else.

“We are all here to win games and win a gold medal and everyone has bought into that.”

Thursday’s win over Lithuania ensures the Boomers finished first in Group H, placing them in a strong position to qualify for their first quarter-final appearance since 1982.

Australia play the Dominican Republic in their first second-round game tonight before a clash against France onmonday.