Australia legend Jason Gillespie says preparing ‘fast and flat pitches’ on the request of Ben Stokes could backfire on England as they look to reclaim the Ashes.
England will attempt to win back the Ashes this summer during a five-match Test series against the old enemy which starts on June 16.
Stokes says he has been ‘clear’ with the ground staff at the Ashes venues that he wants ‘fast and flat wickets’, even if that suits Australia.
‘We’ve been clear with the ground staff what type of wickets we want and they have been responsive,’ he said last month. ‘We want flat, fast wickets. We want to score quickly. If that brings [Australia’s] guys in, they will be happy. I’m smiling, because I’m looking forward to it.’
But Gillespie believes this could ‘play into Australia’s hands’ and suit the touring bowlers more than the hosts.
‘As a Test-cricket lover, it’s been immense fun to watch the way England have gone about things over the past 12 months and it will be fascinating to see the clash with an Australian attack who will be ready for their onslaught,’ he said in a column for the Daily Mail.
‘What we’re hearing is that England want grass shaved off pitches to promote aggressive batting, but I just wonder if this particular tactic plays into Australia’s hands a bit more.
‘Australian bowlers are probably better suited to bowling on those types of surfaces than the English bowlers, whose strength lies in their own conditions, playing with the Dukes ball.
‘If you negate the off-the-surface movement with benign pitches, Australia have the air speed and height in Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green to take full advantage and are clearly better stocked than England, who have only two tall bowlers in Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson.
‘If Jofra Archer was fit, he would have potentially altered things, and it’s really disappointing to see a lad who’s desperate to perform not able to play.’
Australia thumped England 4-0 in the last Ashes series and are bidding to win a Test series on these shores for the first time since 2001.
Gillespie admits the absence of England fast bowler Archer will likely boost Australia’s chances but says it is ‘disappointing for the game’ that the 28-year-old has been ruled out of the entire summer.
‘Having been a fast bowler myself and missed key series through injury, I know it’s a heart-breaking feeling,’ added Gillespie, who took 259 wickets in 71 Tests. ‘You just want to be part of things, so he’ll obviously be devastated.
‘It’s disappointing for the game of cricket too because in huge series you want players with genuine pace creating great theatre, as Jofra did in the 2019 Ashes – although, I don’t think the Australians are complaining too much that he’s not there.’
England have won 10 of their last 12 Test matches under Stokes and Brendon McCullum, receiving plaudits for their success and vibrant brand of cricket.
Australia enjoyed a productive home summer – beating West Indies and South Africa – but lost 2-1 to India in their last series.
Pat Cummins’ side face the same opposition in the World Test Championship final at The Oval nine days before the Ashes starts at Edgbaston.
MORE : England will try to make Ashes statement against Ireland, says Michael Vaughan
MORE : Hardik Pandya pays tribute to MS Dhoni after Chennai Super Kings win IPL
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Cricket News Click Here
