Five ex-England captains back Strauss to lift Ashes
By ANIWednesday, July 8, 2009
CARDIFF - Andrew Strauss has been backed for Ashes glory by the only five England captains still alive who have lifted the urn.
As Strauss leads his side into today’s first npower Test against the Aussies in Cardiff, Raymond Illingworth, Mike Brearley, David Gower, Mike Gatting and Michael Vaughan all agreed it will be close - but the five wise men’s verdict is for an England triumph.
Vaughan, who retired from cricket last week, said: “Nothing would give me greater pleasure than seeing Straussy lift that urn and joining our select band.
“England have the flair and the firepower to bowl the Aussies out twice and to keep them in the field long enough to put them under pressure. I think we could win 2-1 or even 2-0.”
Illingworth, now 77, regained the Ashes Down Under in 1970-1 despite England not having a single lbw appeal upheld.
He said: “Originally I was leaning slightly towards Australia, but losing Brett Lee is a major blow for them and that has tipped the balance back in England’s favour.”
Gatting, the last England captain to lift the urn on Aussie soil in 1987, said: “I’m also going for England 2-1 for the simple reason we have more variety in our attack.”
Brearley, the mastermind behind the 1981 series win, believes England have a “decent chance” but warned: “The margin between death and glory is always narrow.”
And Gower, who piloted England’s 3-1 win in 1985, added: “I think it might be 2-2 but if a key player like Kevin Pietersen has a great series that could tip the balance.” (ANI)
