Australia must win Ashes as defeat will cause “big upheaval in team”: Warne

SYDNEY - Australian cricket legend Shane Warne has expressed his belief that his country, being familiar with the local conditions, will triumph in the forthcoming Ashes series against England, as their defeat would mean a complete overhaul of the team.

“If Australia lose this, they’re going to go even further down the chain and probably there’ll be a big upheaval of the team as well,” The News quoted Warne, as saying to reporters at the Sydney Cricket Ground this week.

“They know what’s at stake and I’m sure they’re going to lift their game and play exceptionally good cricket and win,” he added.

On Thursday, the Australian media painted a picture of a cricketing nation in crisis, with selectors dithering over their preferred line-up for next week’s first test in Brisbane and key players battling injury or slumps in form.

“I think England before a ball is bowled have got their best chance of winning, but I think Australia will win because they know the conditions better,” Warne said.

“When the tight moments are there, Australia will just get over the line,” he added. (ANI)