Sydney, Nov 28, 2008 : Andrew McDonald, Australian bowling coach, expects his pace bowling team of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, to be firing in the Ashes starting on December 8.He will not be surprised if the hosts have a slow start against Joe Root’s England. The international pace bowling trio has not played red ball cricket in the domestic Sheffield Shield, nor in international T20 World Cup matches.However, the Australian coaching staff has made clear that they do not believe that a lack of game time is a reason for underperformance.
McDonald’s said that Australia’s first practice session before the Gabba Test was over on Sunday: “I think we’ve made the most of what we have.”
“It was always going be a shorter prep, and less than ideal switching formats, quarantine, and all that stuff.But I believe the art of modern-day cricketer should be able adapt to that.McDonald said that there will be no excuses on our part and I’m certain there won’t be any excuses on England’s side.”
The Ashes team members competed in the ICC T20 World Cup, UAE.They are currently training at their quarantine center in Gold Coast.McDonald’s felt that this had given his bowlers enough time to adjust to the Test format.
“We have had amazing facilities up there.
Although the weather has been difficult at times, we were still able to get into the centre.These guys also have a lot of Test experience.
“So changing formats has been something they’ve been able deal with throughout their careers.McDonald said that he believes we’ll be really prepared.
He also stated that Cummins’ appointment to Test skipper will not affect his working relationship with his team-mates.
“From a bowlers perspective, I’ll be plugging in to Patty (Cummins), as I normally do.The conversations I’ll have with Pat won’t be too different from what we do as a bowler/tactical team.I believe the conversations that will most likely change will be between Justin Langer (head coach) and Pat.There will be more engagement there.
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