Chappell backs selection of ‘genuine spinner’ against ‘four pacemen’ for Ashes success

SYDNEY - Australia’s first full-time selector Greg Chappell has said that he is against the selection of four fast bowlers in Ricky Ponting-led team’s bowling attack for the Ashes series, as he believes that a genuine spinner is required to succeed at the Test level.I’ve experienced four pacemen, generally from the wrong end, and I have a strong feeling that four can’t do much more than three. I think that no matter what the conditions, you are taking a big risk to go into a Test without a genuine spinner,” Fox Sports quoted Chappell, as saying.There will be some discussion about four (quick bowlers), but I’m not convinced it’s the right way to go,” he added.

Chappell also predicted a tightly fought Ashes series, and said that the Australian team could ill-afford a slow start.It will be even, so much so that the first session of the first Test will be vitally important. Whoever gets on top early will take a massive advantage into the series,” the selector said.

The first of the five Ashes Tests will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane from November 25 to 29.

It will be followed by Tests in Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

The tour also has two Twenty20 clashes and a seven-match ODI series. (ANI)