Completely written off by Sir Ian Botham among others, Australia have found an unlikely champion for their Ashes prospects in South African captain AB de Villiers.
Botham led a chorus of doomsdayers willing to declare Australia’s hopes dead in the water after their Champions Trophy defeat to England, even though the back-to-back Ashes campaign doesn’t officially start for another month.
The great allrounder predicted a 10-0 home and away whitewash for Alastair Cook’s side between July and January next year, confident England would even “beat Australia on Mars.”
However, Proteas run-machine AB de Villiers, who has confronted both England and Australia in Test series over the past 12 months, warned Michael Clarke’s friendless side are primed for something special.
“I know the Aussies are up for something big,” said de Villiers.
“Especially after losing (against England at Edgbaston on Saturday).
“They’re obviously out of sorts and haven’t played very good cricket of late, so the easy pick will be to go for England.
“But I would never push the Aussies out of the equation. They’re obviously a fighting team and will be somewhere close to competing in the Ashes.”
Former England captain Botham said Australia were clearly the inferior team and was adamant a humiliating 10-0 defeat beckons.
“We would beat Australia if we played them on Mars at the moment, to be honest,” Botham told PA.
“England are far superior, far better. We have won the last two Ashes encounters and I expect them to win in style over here and then in style in Australia from November onwards.”
Botham wrote in the Sunday Times bad weather was virtually Australia’s only chance at salvation.
“I’m serious. Why not? I think we’re that much better. All it needs is the players to believe they can do it,” he said.
“Australia will be tougher than they look on paper, because they’re born fighters, but not only are they struggling to keep a fast bowler on the field for more than one game at a time, losing (Ricky) Ponting and (Michael) Hussey has left a gaping hole in the batting.
“They’re relatively inexperienced, which is a big minus coming to a place like England, and when I hear things like, ‘Phillip Hughes has a much better technique than when he was last here’, I think, ‘Well, that wouldn’t be hard.’”
Botham also slammed Australian team culture, referencing the ‘homework’ drama on March’s embarrassing tour of India.
“I’ve got to say they don’t look much like the hard-as-nails cricketers I used to know.
“This business of their coach setting them homework made me laugh out loud.
“Maybe they’ve been playing so badly because the players are confused by all this stuff.
“And if so, good.
“I’m just glad I played in the pre-bulls**t era.
“Homework? Do me a favour. I never did that when I was at school, never mind when I was playing cricket.”
Aakash bhat
Guest
Smith played well in india
Montero
Roar Rookie
@ Dan I don't have to want Test cricket end. It will die if I want it to or not. These back to back Ashes series will help kill it off in Australia though.
Disco
Roar Guru
Yes - the selection policy is at fault here.
MervUK
Guest
Can anyone ever remember a test side before a series with so many questions over their batting. I'm not talking about the standard of it as such, simply the the uncertainty, other than pup no one is sure they'll play. Its incredible, I know the talent pool is dry but the Aussie selectors have been ridiculous. I bet they still spring a surprise and go with a sub standard all rounder like henriques, maxwell, marsh or smith
ChrisT
Guest
You might want to have a look at the national demographic sometime me old fruit ...
ChrisT
Guest
Yep, just like they did when McGrath called the 2011 series 5 zip ....
Disco
Roar Guru
I think England have a more settled side but there are question marks as to their depth outside of the top 13-14 players. South Africa are far stronger I think. England have some issues and challenges if they want to get close to South Africa's level; in particular, whilst Broad remains inconsistent there's an over-reliance on Anderson as the one world-class seamer which could limit the side's progress. The batting, especially if Pietersen's playing, is pretty strong at the moment. No-one really knows/or can agree on what Australia's best XI should look like; mostly because the batting keeps failing as a unit, and because of leadership/selection/personality conflicts.There would seem to be a lot of seam bowling depth but whether that helps Australia improve against the top sides remains to be seen. Currently there are acute limitations in the batting, wicketkeeping and spin bowling departments; such that away from home in particular, Australia would no longer be raging favourites to beat anyone outside of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. That said, having a plethora of seam-bowling options could be a major source of strength if and when the NSP settles on a consistent rebuilding strategy, coupled with good leadership and coaching.
Disco
Roar Guru
True. Not that I think any player should need to talk trash and boast, regardless of how good they are.
MervUK
Guest
I'd argue, that australia are a very poor side who have played at a level above their true ability in the last 15 months or so, mainly thanks to Michael clarke and Huss. While England are a very good side who have played below their best in the same period of time... England look really up for the ashes and are starting to look like they were in 2011, especially the bowling,, while the Aussies look a mess, I've got a feeling the margin may well be huge in England's favour, even if recent media predictions have been tongue n cheek.
Brendon
Guest
Loathed only by some, loved by many. Have to admit some of the stuff Warnie came out with used tomake me cringe a bit, but loved the Pigeon pointing his bunny out before the series began, funny stuff if you're an Aussie
Brendon
Guest
Then flogged em, I miss those days
Brendon
Guest
He did then turn up and walk to walk though, none of the English or Australians for that matter are that good.
Brendon
Guest
Most of the time day 5 is on a working day and the game's over, that's the reason for the poor crowds. If the game is on the line the fans would go, but they have to take time of work, so why would you go?
Disco
Roar Guru
Indeed. I know you rate Watson but I think he, Hughes and Warner are liabilities. Clarke and Rogers will have to do the bulk of the scoring I would say.
jameswm
Roar Guru
This will be determined over 5 tests in England.
jameswm
Roar Guru
This can't be the same Disco surely?
Disco
Roar Guru
But the batting is truly abysmal.
Disco
Roar Guru
Come on, Johnson's an Aussie! To question his credentials is 'UnAustralian'. ;)
Disco
Roar Guru
+1
Dan
Guest
"Were the poms laughing when they lost to the Wallabies in the Autumn internationals?" No. Why would we? Did you blokes chuckle at losing to Scotland last year?