As CRM for Unibet Australia, I got to sit down with cricket legend Merv Hughes to get his take on upcoming Ashes Series. Here's my interview (which remains the property of Unibet).
Let’s start with the all-important question. Who will win and what’s the series score?
“I hope Australia, I think Australia can win. It will definitely be a close one. Australia is travelling a lot better than what is portrayed in the media. Though England will be tough, I have to say that are not as flash as everyone thinks they are. A tight one that is either 3-2 or 2-1.”
England 3-2 is $17 or 2-1 is $ 8.00
Australia 3-2 is $26.00 or 2-1 $15.00
Who are the players to Watch?
“Tasmanian Jackson Bird for starters. He could be a real surprise packet for the Aussies and a real wildcard. Nathan Lyon is also crucial to Australia, Nathan must do well to give Australia any chance of winning the series. Expect Nathan to be looking at getting 20+ wickets to give Australia any chance of winning.
On the batting side Chris Rogers will be crucial, especially after Warner’s indiscretion. The Ashes could come down to Australia’s Top 4 vs England’s Top 4, it’s that plain and simple.”
Any advice for the Aussies?
“Play hard and win.
Win the defining moments.
Take the half chances.
Runs can come if they are patient.
Thoughtful cricket.
These aren’t clichés but genuine pieces of advice I would be telling the players. So often a test match comes down to a few defining moments, the better team will take those minute chances. Play thoughtful cricket, which may mean being patient and taking all half chances.”
What’s your opinion of the new Aussie coach?
“First of all, I was very surprised on releasing Mickey Arthur. It could not have been an easy decision to cut Mickey who still had such a long time left on his contract.
I think Darren Lehmann will do well. He has a real tough competitive streak. He may look laid back in the media, sometimes looked like a very easy going bloke. But knowing him, he has a will to win and a desire to see Australian cricket back on top.”
Though you’re a bowler. We still want your take on the Australian openers?
“I have no real issue with Chris Rogers and Shane Watson opening. Both don’t mind the ball coming on to them, so no problems having them in the lead off position. As I mentioned before, the Ashes will come down to our top 4 vs their top 4. As such, I think it’s important to have Michael Clarke at four. They have had him at 5 and when Australia were struggling, moved him up to 3rd spot. But I think he’s best at four.”
Unibet has Michael Clarke at $6.50 to score the most runs in the Ashes overall and $2.75 for top Aussie run scorer.
Shane Watson Myth or Legend?
“Shane has been up and down for a while now. With the biggest issue being his body, rather than skill set or mental tenacity. He’s definitely suited to opening as I mentioned before, he really likes the ball coming on to him.
As for a bowler, this is where his body comes into question and the rigors of bowling, as well as batting and bowling. Doing both means Watson is doing it tougher than he should. I’m not saying just stick to batting, rather, let me sit on the fence for the next two and a half months and ask me again later. This very Ashes tour could help define Shane Watson’s cricket legacy.”
Could you finish up with an Ashes Story for us Merv?
“For me the Ashes will always hold a special place in my career and the very fortunes of Australian cricket. It was the 86-87 Ashes which we hosted which really turned around Australian cricket for me and the group of players I was honoured to call team mates. In 1986-87 England came to Australia, and we lost in Melbourne. We were belted in just 3 days. Allan Border was always a fierce competitor and always hated losing as we all did, but as captain he was irate. After that loss in Melbourne Allan took a stand and you could say he drew a line in the sand to say that’s it. You could see an edge build up in him and he became even stronger as a leader. Border became ruthless and really took no prisoners.
I hope Australia 2013 draw upon that ruthlessness and desire to win. Australia needs to put England under pressure and when they do, take all those half chances.”
Australia went on to win the 5th Test by 55 runs. Australia’s Test team then won against New Zealand, Drew against England and won against Sri Lanka.
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