Katich looking to nail the Ashes at The Oval
By ANISunday, August 16, 2009
CANTERBURY - Being one of just four Australian cricketers who played in the shock 2-1 Ashes series loss to England in 2005, opener Simon Katich says Australia is ideally placed to prevent a repeat (a draw) at The Oval, when the fifth match gets underway from Thursday.
Katich says his side is primed for revenge. In 2005, Australia had to win in London in 2005 to draw the series and retain the urn. Now, at 1-1, it merely has to prevent an England victory to retain the Ashes.
“I think the difference (between 2005) is that we were going in under different circumstances. Last time, we were sort of scrounging our way through the series, fighting to stay in games. In the third Test we hung on for a draw, the fourth Test we lost, so the momentum was well and truly with England. This time round, we’ve managed to get it back late at Edgbaston and win so well at Headingley. But that means nothing - it all depends how we start day one. That’s going to be the key now,” he said.
“This time around we have the chance to get on top early and make the most of the opportunity. Everyone will be keen to do that,” Katich said.
The other three squad members from 2005 are captain Ricky Ponting, vice-captain Michael Clarke and pacer Brett Lee - the only one not expected to play in the decider, with selectors left to decide whether to retain Stuart Clark or replace him with spinner Nathan Hauritz.
Katich is pleased with the settled nature of Australia’s preparation compared to the hosts. He said the younger members of Australia’s squad were not being spurred on by the memories of 2005’s survivors.
“It is hard to re-create that [feeling of loss after 2005] because a lot of the guys in our squad didn’t experience it, but for those of us who did it was a bitter pill to swallow to lose the Ashes for the first time in a while. A lot of our young guys have not been through that and we are not going to bring that up with them now,” Katich said.
Katich said he was ready to take up spinning duties in London should selectors stick with an all-out pace attack. (ANI)
