Look for an upset, says Hick

AUSTRALIA batting coach Graeme Hick insists his young side won’t be bullied by England ahead of today’s fourday Ashes tour match at Riverway Stadium.

T h e C r i c k e t Australia XI is looking for redemption after taking the fight to England in last week’s daynight fourday match in Adelaide only to be bowled out for 75 in the second innings.

It was a disappointing finish for the side featuring some of Australia’s top young cricketers, but Hick felt it was enough to prove they have the talent to cause an upset in Townsville.

“You only have to look at the last game. I know the result didn’t go our way in the end, but you’ve got young guys performing against international players,” Hick said.

“I think they competed very well. It was a pink ball, very difficult conditions, and they were in the contest until the second innings.

“They’ll go out to perform well and if that leads to a win on their part then they’ll certainly enjoy that and it’s something for them to remember.

“They’re not here just to be pushed over, they’re here to play good cricket and give a good account of themselves.”

The CA XI has lost some experience after wicketkeeper Tim Paine was recalled to Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield side, with South Australian Harry Nielsen, 22, his replacement.

England’s side includes Joe Root, Alastair Cook and Stuart Broad and Hick believed it was a good opportunity for his young players to learn what it takes to compete at that level.

“This is a shop window for them. An opportunity to play against some of the world’s best and if you perform well it certainly opens a lot of people’s eyes and shows what you can do,” he said.