Criticism ahead of Ashes opener gives Aussies an edge over England: Hayden
November 21st, 2010 - 1:03 pm ICT by ANISydney, Nov 21(ANI): Former Australian batsman Matthew Hayden believes that stinging criticism ahead of the Ashes series has given the home team an edge over an England team lulled by their smooth preparation.
Key Australian players like Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Clarke and Marcus North have been under immense pressure to perform, but Hayden reckons that it will work in Australia’s favour.
“I think it has been really good to see this week someone like Mike Hussey being under immense pressure and to bat for his career. And you know what, he came through with the goods,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Hayden, as saying.
“He got a good hundred under pressure. And that is going to stand him in terrific stead come the first day of the Gabba Test match. That’s the edge we have over England who have had a bit of a sleepier start to their tour,” he added.
The 39-year-old is further confident that the Ricky Ponting-led team would be eager regain the Ashes and the world No.1 ranking.
“We burn when we don’t win. In our era it was almost ‘oh they’ve won again’ sort of attitude,” Hayden said.
“Nowit’s like we haven’t got the Ashes and we want to go and get them - that comes through immense pride and national spirit,” he added. (ANI)
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- Akhtar says 'fading' Oz World Cup team has lost 'its aura of invincibility' - Mar 19, 2011
- Clarke fit to play, Bollinger out of Ashes opener against England - Nov 24, 2010
- Oz selectors announce provisional 17-man Ashes squad for Gabba Test - Nov 15, 2010
- Gabba is Australia's biggest Ashes advantage: Hayden - Nov 22, 2010
- Melbourne Ashes Test best chance for England to retain Ashes urn: Vaughan - Dec 24, 2010
- Border backs besieged Hussey, North to lift their game - Nov 17, 2010
- Hussey backs North to fire on final day of Adelaide Test - Dec 06, 2010
- Greg Chappell reposes faith in Clarke - Jan 25, 2011
- Ferguson, Khawaja selection is good news for Hussey - Nov 09, 2010
- Reputations would count for nothing when choosing Ashes squad: Chappell - Nov 09, 2010
- Not interested in being used for fixing Oz middle order malaise: Watson - Nov 02, 2010
- Hauritz unlikely to get nod for first Ashes Test on bouncy Gabba pitch - Oct 18, 2010
- Oz conditions during Ashes will test 'England star' Morgan, says Bollinger - Aug 21, 2010
Tags: attitude, australia, batsman, england team, favour, immense pressure, immense pride, matthew hayden, michael clarke, michael hussey, mike hussey, mitchell johnson, morning herald, national spirit, ricky, stead, sydney morning herald, sydney nov, test match