Aussies need consistent fast bowler, leg-spinner to regain Ashes: Gavaskar

SYDNEY - Former Indian cricket captain and well known commentator Sunil Gavaskar has said that Australia will need a big fast bowler and a leg spinner to regain the Ashes this summer from England.

Stating that bowling would be the key to the Ashes series, Gavaskar zeroed in on Victorian pacer Peter Siddle and New South Wales leg spinning all-rounder Steve Smith as the must haves in the Australian line-up for the series.

“They have got to get the attack right. If Peter Siddle is fit, then he brings something to the team. I got the impression in the two Tests we just saw that Mitchell Johnson was just too inconsistent but he just got the wickets. They will need consistency in the team,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Gavaskar, as saying.

“I think maybe a leg spinner in the team would make a difference to the team. I thought a leg spinner in the Australian team would have made a huge difference in Bangalore,” he added.

Gavaskar jetted in from India to be an honouree by the Bradman Foundation at the SCG last night along with Adam Gilchrist. Both were humbled by the honour.

“I grew up hearing about cricketing exploits of Sir Donald and to be honoured by Bradman Museum is huge,” Gavaskar said.

Gilchrist also spoke in awe of Bradman.

“Anyone in any cricketing nation can relate to the name Bradman.

So, to be honoured by a foundation that is in his honour is something I cherish very dearly,” the former wicketkeeper-batsman said. (ANI)