Don’t write off Aussies, says Dunk

Royton pro Ben Dunk: don’t dismiss his fellow countrymen

CRICKET:

AUSTRALIA can defy the pundits in this summer’s Ashes series says Queenslander and current Royton pro Ben Dunk. The first Test starts at Trent Bridge tomorrow.

“Everyone is tipping England, but I think the way Australia have been playing in the last couple of matches suggests a surprise,” said Dunk.

“The timing of the appointment of Boof (new coach Darren Lehmann, who replaced Mickey Arthur) was a surprise, but he will have removed the fear of failure from the side.

“I know him from my time at Queensland and he is just one of those people who players like to be around.”

Dunk believes that if Australia are to beat England, pace bowler Ryan Harris and opening batsman Shane Watson need to be on top of their game.

“Harris needs to stay fit for Australia to have a big chance. He is a key bowler. And now Watson is back at the top of the order he should do well.”

Dunk acknowledged England have the superior spinner in Graeme Swann, but stressed it was dangerous to underestimate Australia’s Nathan Lyon.

“Statistically, Lyon has done well, although you have to say Swann is one of the best spinners in the world.”

Though the ball might not seam and swing conventionally if the current hot spell continues, dry pitches could lead to reverse swing as Test matches develop.

Added Dunk: “England showed in the Champions Trophy that they could get the ball reversing early and they will be looking to do that in the Tests.

“However, my prediction is a 2-1 win for Australia. It would be very un-Australian of me to predict a loss!”