Cook is pleased to see all the pace bowlers fully fit and back in action
England Test captain Alastair Cook believes that the overflowing stock of pace bowlers his side have will give them a huge advantage over arch-rivals Australia during the back-to-back Ashes series this year, especially since both countries have pitches that quick bowlers will thrive on.
England have already been labelled as the clear favourites to win this year’s Ashes series, and with pace duo Stuart Broad and Chris Tremlett back to full fitness after sustaining devastating injuries, the sky is the limit for the team, according to many cricket pundits and former players.
Cook noted that competition for each spot has become so fierce that the national selectors will be faced with an extremely tough decision on who gets to play in the series, which is full of rich history and tradition.
With the national team currently in New Zealand, Cook stated that the three-Test series will give him an opportunity to see all the different type of pace bowlers England have and this may perhaps help him pinpoint which bowlers will flourish on home soil and in Australia, where the pitches are known to be a quick bowler’s dream.
While England have been able to maintain most of their star players, Cook mentioned that injuries can strike at any time, just like it did with Broad, and in order to avoid any panic or confusion, the best option would be to have reserve bowlers and batsmen fully fit and ready to play.
Australia have also been hit hard with injury concerns, as pace trio Pat Cummins, Ben Hilfenhaus and James Pattinson were ruled out for the Australian summer due to long-term injuries, while batsman Shane Watson has been in and out of the team due to a calf issue.
Australia captain Michael Clarke will be looking to put together the strongest team possible and have some excellent reserves on hand just in case things start to go south and to ensure that his team do not lose the Ashes for a third time in a row.