England must silence Aus crowds to win Ashes: Swann

LONDON: England must silence the baying home crowds if they are to stand any chance of getting on top of Australia during the upcoming Ashes series, said former spinner Graeme Swann.

Swann, who retired mid-way through England’s ill-fated tour in 2013/14, described the noise levels at the Gabba in Brisbane, hosting the first Test from November 23, as “unbelievable” and even louder than Real Madrid’s home supporters.

England are the current Ashes holders but go into the lion’s den on the back of two 5-0 whitewashes in their past three tours Down Under, although Swann was a key part of the side that won 3-1 in 2010/11.

“The thing you’ve got to do is stop the noise and the easy way to do that in Australia is to get on top of them,” said Swann, adding that England’s senior players such as Alastair Cook and captain Joe Root would have to lead from the front.

“If you get on top of the team, they’ll quickly turn on their own but obviously the hard bit is getting on top of them,” he said, speaking at the launch of BT Sport’s Ashes coverage in London. It’s the most unique wicket in the world, more than Perth, it’s quicker than Perth,” he added.

PONTING PREDICTS STROLL FOR AUSTRALIA

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting says England’s only hope of winning a Test in the upcoming Ashes series is the day/night match in Adelaide and has predicted a 4-0 victory for the hosts.

“I’ve been a bit more outward than normal about this one because I honestly think that Australia will win really easily,” Ponting, told cricket.com.au.

“If you look through the current England team, they’re searching for an opener, they’re searching for a number three, Stokes might not be there, a couple of their quicks have gone down. I just think right now England have got more gaps and more cause for concern in not only their 11 but in their entire squad, than what Australia have.”

BAIRSTOW SCARE

TOWNSVILLE: England paceman Chris Woakes claimed six wickets and wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow had an injury scare as a Cricket Australia XI reached 249 for nine at the close on the opening day of their tour match in Townsville on Wednesday.

Bairstow was forced off the field for an hour after getting hit on a finger.

Brief scores: CA XI 249/9 in 90 overs (M Short 51, C Woakes 6/54) vs England XI.