Clarke hopes for ‘McGrath in ’05’ effect
Australia captain Michael Clarke hopes England fast bowler James Anderson's side strain will have the same effect on the England side that Glenn McGrath's ankle injury had on the Aussies in 2005.
Anderson has been ruled out of the fourth Test at Trent Bridge after injuring his intercostal muscles at Edgbaston, and while England went on to win the match, Clarke hopes the paceman's absence on Thursday will work in his favour.
In 2005, McGrath destroyed England in the first Test, but then stepped on a cricket ball in training and twisted his ankle, ruling him out of the second Test and the series. England went on to win the Ashes.
Clarke said on Triple M radio: "Every day there’s something new that pops up, (there’s been) plenty of distractions for both teams, that’s for sure.
"I guess we experienced it in losing Ryan Harris before a ball was bowled this series, and now Jimmy Anderson is certainly out of this Test match, and who knows if he'll be fit for the last one as well?
"As much as you don't wish injury on anyone, I hope it can play a part like in 2005 when we lost Glenn McGrath."
He continued: "Hopefully we can take a bit of confidence knowing that someone who, I think he averages 19 (as a bowler) at this ground in Nottingham, is unavailable for selection.
"I think we can take a lot of positives from that. But again it’s about performance. No matter who they bring in, I'm sure they'll bowl well.
"I'm pretty sure conditions will be pretty similar to what we just faced (in Edgbaston), so there might be a bit of swing and a bit of seam around, and we've just got to find a way to get in, and once we do get in, go on and make a real big score."
The series sits at two-one to England after three Tests. None of the games have reached day five.
Latest
-
IndiaRohit Sharma returns to lead India on white ball series against West Indies
Rohit Sharma has passed fit.
-
T20 cricketEngland prospect Tom Banton hopes improved glovework can boost his credentials
The big-hitting batter donned the gloves for England’s third Twenty20 against the West Indies.
-
T20 cricketEngland in the West Indies: Captain Eoin Morgan to miss remainder of series
The batter suffered a minor thigh injury ahead of the third of five T20 internationals.
-
The HundredThe Hundred: Southern Brave to launch defence against Welsh Fire in August
Reigning women’s champions Oval Invincibles will take on Northern Superchargers in their opening match.
-
T20 cricketEngland in the West Indies: Phil Salt savours T20 debut despite defeat in Barbados
The 25-year-old was bowled for 57 from 24 balls in the country where he lived as a child.
-
EnglandCOVID-19 bubbles: Paul Collingwood scared of long-term impact on players
Collingwood suspects the restrictive conditions players have had to deal with may have inhibited performance levels.
-
-
The AshesWomen’s Ashes: England feel ‘pretty positive’ after first day of Test – Nat Sciver
England captain Heather Knight won the toss and elected to put Australia in to bat.
-
The AshesWomen’s Ashes: England let promising start slip as Meg Lanning piles on 93
The visitors’ lack of preparation time showed as both of the hosts’ openers were dropped on scores of 44 and 14.
-
T20 cricketEngland in West Indies: Tourists powerless to resist destructive Rovman Powell
Tom Banton top-scored for the tourists who suffered a 20-run defeat in Barbados to trail 2-1 in the five-match series.