For the Ashes, size does matter for England

LONDON - England cricket selectors have super-sized their fast bowling attack for the coming Ashes tour, recalling giant Chris Tremlett for the five-Test series starting on November 25 in Brisbane.

The quick will join the twin towers of Stuart Broad and Steve Finn in the 16-man touring party as England look to win their first away Ashes series since 1986/87.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the England selectors believe steepling bounce can be valuable on the quicker, bouncier tracks in Australia.

Tremlett edged out Ajmal Shahzad for the fourth fast bowling position but Shahzad is part of the England’s 16-man performance program squad that will be in Australia in the lead-up to the Gabba Test.

“The sort of conditions he (Tremlett) will get in Australia should suit him,” said England’s national selector Geoff Miller.

Miller admitted that England had deliberately pursued a policy of selecting tall bowlers in a bid to bounce out the Australian batsmen.

“There are plans ahead, the size does matter you would presume there is going to be some bounce in the wickets over there,” he said with a grin.

England have enjoyed enormous success in the Test arena under captain Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower in recent times.

They have not lost a Test series for 18 months, with their run including winning last year’s Ashes home series. (ANI)