England must block out 2006 Ashes nightmare: Gillespie

ADELAIDE - Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie has said that England must block out the harrowing memories of the Ashes series played Down Under in 2006, or risk scuppering their second Test hopes.

England return to the scene of one of their famous Ashes capitulations tomorrow when they take the field at the Adelaide Oval.

Going into day five in the 2006/07 series, Andrew Flintoff’s side looked destined for a draw, resuming on 59-1 with a lead of 97.

Legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne had different ideas, spinning his side to a crushing victory that snowballed into the infamous series whitewash.

Now, Gillespie believes the cool head of skipper Andrew Strauss is vital to avoid history repeating itself.

He told Sun Sport: “If England go into this Test thinking about that infamous day, it’s completely the wrong mindset. I’ve got no doubt there will be few words said out in the middle to remind them of what happened four years ago though. If they let it affect them, then Australia will be very happy. So I hope they show highlights of it on the big screen.”

“The England players are smart enough to know it is just banter. If they worry about the past they will take their eye off the ball,” he added.

While Gillespie accepts that England can take more positives out of the drawn first Test, he remains adamant that Australia remains favourites to win the series. (ANI)