‘Composed’ England should start favourites for Ashes series: Gilchrist

SYDNEY - Former Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist believes that the Andrew Strauss-led England team would start as favourites to win next month’s Ashes series.

“I see a very confident, compact England unit about to arrive. England should start favourites - they are the most composed group at the moment and seem to have confidence about each other and as a group,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Gilchrist, as saying.

“That will serve them well on that first morning, but either team could win it. I agree with (England captain) Andrew Strauss - I think you can hardly split the top four or five teams in world cricket at the moment.”

“There is no dominant team in cricket at the moment. On any given day one can beat the other,” he added.

The 38-year-old further said that Australia’s ‘tremendous home record’ would make the upcoming series exciting.

“Australia play the conditions well and (captain) Ricky Ponting plays particularly well in home conditions. There is going to be a lot of weight on his shoulders if they’re to be successful and I suspect he’ll be up for it too,” Gilchrist said.

When asked for his prediction, Gilchrist added: “Either team could win it and I think everyone is anticipating another tight series.” (ANI)