Waugh tips Australia to retain Ashes with 'convincing' Oval win

Colin Crompton
Wednesday 31 August 2005 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

"Despite being 2-1 down, the Australians may well be more relaxed coming into the final Test because they only have one option and that is to win," Waugh said.

"I'm backing a convincing Australian victory. The Aussies rediscovered what has made them a great side on the last day of the Trent Bridge Test. The fire within was burning and the stomach for a battle to the death was back."

However, Waugh urged selectors to make one change for The Oval showdown and choose the leg-spinner Stuart MacGill for the decider. "Australia have to take 20 wickets next week and for that simple reason they need MacGill," he said.

Meanwhile, the paceman Simon Jones has reacted to Australian complaints that England had been overusing substitutes. Jones, whose ankle injury allowed Gary Pratt on to the field for a prolonged period during which he ran out Ponting, said: "I proved I had an injury but for them to accuse any of us of resting up is rubbish. Usually people just go to the loo and, with the rules as they are, you have only got two overs, which is not exactly much time to rest."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in