Arthur discusses Ashes and England
February 08, 2012 15:09:47 UK
Australia had no trouble seeing off India, England were whitewashed by Pakistan.In the wake of recent whitewashes in world cricket, Australia coach Mickey Arthur says that he is eagerly awaiting the next Ashes series.
Australia recently crushed a seemingly formidable Indian side, who are the current World Champions of the 50-over format. On the other hand, their Ashes rivals England, who are also the number one Test side according to ICC rankings, were totally outplayed by a Pakistan side that were considered fragile prior to their series clean sweep.
Australia are 3.75 to win the 2013 Ashes Series against England, who themselves are 1.61 to get the win. A drawn series, which would see England retain the urn, between the two sides can be backed at 5.50.
Their victory over a strong side and their enemy's defeat against a weak opposition has boosted Arthur's confidence a great deal and in a recent interview, he joked that he wants to play the English as early as they can.
"I wouldn't mind it actually. I wish it was this summer in England, but we're building nicely, we're bubbling away and I'm happy with where the team is at at the moment. We're confident that we are just getting better and better," Arthur said.
The next Ashes Series will be held in 2013 in England, which will be followed by another one early in 2014 on Australian soil. The historical Ashes urn is currently held by England, who defeated Australia 3-1 in last year's Test series.
But Arthur knows that England will be much tougher than they were against Pakistan in their 3-0 whitewash.
"Conditions were very suitable for them, though, and I think that has to be held in isolation, that conditions definitely favoured Pakistan. England had come out of a cold winter, they hadn't played any cricket.
"I don't think they were battle-hardened at all and I think that came out in the way they played. They'll be properly prepared for their summer and for when we get there," Arthur added.
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