WACA hoodoo no concern for England

Hughes brimming with confidence for Ashes challenge.

PERTH: England will need to overcome a long hoodoo at the WACA as well as an Australian side scratching for form if they are to retain the Ashes in the third Test of the series.

The tourists hold a 1-0 lead after an innings victory in Adelaide following a draw in Brisbane, and a win in Perth would guarantee they keep hold of the Ashes series that they won back in England last year.

England have a dismal record at the venue, with Australia having won their past five Ashes clashes in Perth. But England coach Andy Flower said the side was not daunted by the weight of history.

“England do have a poor record in Perth,” said Flower. “We had one win in 11 and that was back in 1978 in the World Series days.

“We do recognise the challenge in front of us, and I think the guys are excited and ready to turn things around this time.”

Although the WACA has not boasted pace and bounce in recent years, curator Cam Sutherland has been talking up the possibility of a lively pitch with a healthy covering of grass, and says the pitch is close to regaining its status as the fastest in world cricket.

But Flower embraced the prospect of a more traditional WACA pitch. “I think it’s really exciting. It makes for exciting cricket and that’s why we are here.”

Hughes ready for England

Meanwhile, recalled opener Phil Hughes said he was ready to be Australia’s Ashes saviour, despite his stuttering form with the bat in domestic cricket. An Achilles injury to Simon Katich opened the door once more for Hughes.

“I am pumped and I can’t wait to get out there,” said Hughes. “Mentally I feel really good and I am hitting them good in the nets, which is always a good sign.”

Published in The Express Tribune December 15^th, 2010.