Trescothick’s concerned for England’s overworked attack
FORMER England opener Marcus Trescothick believes Andrew Strauss’s side are on course to retain the Ashes, but fears persisting with a four-pronged bowling attack could affect the longevity of the likes of Jimmy Anderson and Steven Finn.
England wrestled the initiative and momentum from Australia as a result of their record breaking exploits with the bat in Brisbane.
But Trescothick, who played in 15 Ashes Tests, believes the triple century first innings stand between Brad Haddin and Michael Hussey highlighted the struggles England’s attack could face as the series goes on.
He told City PM: “Back-to-back Tests are never easy for the bowlers, particularly in these testing conditions. Ideally it would be beneficial to play with five specialist bowlers.
“But I don’t think we can afford to do that. We just don’t have the right personnel and the demands on the pace guys like Jimmy Anderson and Steven Finn will continue to be pretty extreme.”
During Trescothick’s international career, his captains’, Nasser Hussain and Michael Vaughan, had the benefit of being able to call on a world class all-rounder in Andrew Flintoff.
The charismatic Lancastrian was forced to call time on his career earlier this year due to injury and Trescothick feels only now are England realising what they’ve lost.
He said: “I still think we are in a position to win the series, but obviously lacking that world class all-rounder like Freddie will affect the balance of the side.
“Trying to develop someone to replace him is dangerous and close to impossible. Stuart Broad has been mentioned but his batting isn’t’ strong enough to bat at No7.”
Marcus Trescothick was speaking at his new signing with Mongoose Cricket www.mongoosecricket.com
THE ALL-ROUNDER | CONDITIONS, STATS AND BANTER
STAT OF THE DAY
Paul Collingwood was the only member of England’s frontline batsmen not to get at least a start at the Gabba. He should have happy memories of the next venue, Adelaide, however. He made 206 four years ago.
FIGHTING TALK
“He didn’t have his best game. But 11 wickets in the Test match for both groups says it’s hard work to me.” Australia coach Tim Nielsen manages to simultaneously state the obvious and clutch at straws.
“Flight has been delayed due to a mechanical problem with the plane. I would rather them change aircraft than say it will take 20 mins to fix.” England’s best bowler in Brisbane, Jimmy Anderson, might be worried about the state of the team’s aeroplane, but not enough to prevent him tweeting.