GOLDEN BALLS
2011 England hero Tremlett: Veteran bowlers Anderson and Broad must start first Test at The Gabba to give us a chance
ENGLAND need to go back if they’re to have any 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 on Australian soil in a generation back in January 2011.
Tremlett (above) believes the chaotic build-up to the series means 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 get hammered at The Gabba – a ground they have not won at since November 1986 – then Tremlett fears the only way is down.
“I think they both have to play in Brisbane,” he said. “They have to – 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 Broad and Jimmy Anderson.
“You know they’re going to come in and hit their areas and make it fairly hard for David
Warner and Co at the top of the order. 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, especially at their age. “That said, nothing surprises me when it comes to Jimmy – he just seems to keep going.
“I think Broad and Anderson have to play, even if they do find it harder on those conditions.
“We know they’re more suited to conditions where the ball swings with the Dukes ball.
“But they still know how to bowl in
Australia, they’ve got the experience and they’re the team’s talismen.
“Even if Stuart or Jimmy don’t bowl a heap of overs, they’re still there in the background helping the younger guys.
“They’re going to be crucial because if you lose in Brisbane, you’re on the back-foot.”
India became the first team to beat Australia at The Gabba since 1988 when they won there to seal a famous series victory back in January.
With the exception of 2010/11 – when England scored a mammoth 517 for 1 in their second innings to draw the game – the opening game at a ground coined “The Gabbatoir” by Aussie supporters has brought nothing but misery.
England still managed to lose by 10 wickets on their most recent visit, despite being within 26 runs of the Aussies after their first innings.
“It’s an incredibly tough play to play,” said Tremlett.
“It’s 35 degrees, it’s humid and you’ve got the Aussie fans on your back from ball one. If you go 1-0 down, then it’s tough to come back.
“I would say if you go 2-0 down, then coming back is impossible.”
Anderson and Broad have defied Father Time.
Now they need to help England defy the odds.