Pair of kings
CHRIS: JIMMY & BROAD TOPS
ENGLAND need to go back to the past if they’re to have any kind of future in this winter’s Ashes series.
That’s the view of Chris Tremlett, the man who took the winning wicket as England enjoyed their first triumph in Australia in a generation in January 2011.
Tremlett believes the chaotic build-up to the series means that England have no choice but to put their faith in bowlers who have seen and done it.
And that as a result both Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad must start the series in Brisbane.
Because if England do get hammered at the Gabba – a ground they’ve not won at since November 1987 – then Tremlett (above) fears the only way is down.
“I think they both have to play in Brisbane,” he said.
“England haven’t had the normal build-up, they haven’t had three or four games for all the bowlers to get miles into their legs.
“If there are any two bowlers that know their bodies and can turn up and know exactly what they’re doing, then it’s Stuart and Jimmy.
“You know they’re going to come in and hit their areas.
“Some of the other guys will be a little bit nervous and will be new to Australian conditions.
“I can’t see Broad and Anderson playing every Test match, if they manage to do that then hats off to them at their age.
“That said, nothing surprises me with Jimmy, he just seems to keep going.
“I think they have to play even if they do find it harder in those conditions. We know they’re more suited to conditions where the Dukes ball swings but they still know how to bowl in Australia, they’re still got the experience and they’re the talismans of the team.
“Even if Stuart or Jimmy don’t bowl a heap of overs, they’re still there helping the younger guys.
“They’re going to be crucial because if you lose in Brisbane then you’re on the back foot.”
India became the first team to beat Australia at the Gabba since
1988 when they sealed a famous series victory in January.
With the exception of 201011, when England hit 517-1 in their second innings to draw, the opener at a ground coined the Gabbatoir by Aussie fans has brought nothing but misery.