Published: Jul 29, 2015, 10:46 AM (IST)
Edited: Jul 29, 2015, 11:20 AM (IST)
England legend Sir Ian Botham is “fed up” of listening that it’s all over for the hosts following the massive 405-run loss to Australia in the second Ashes at Lord’s. While the English side received heavy criticism from various cricket pundits, Botham insists that England will come out fighting back at Edgbaston in the third Test. Even pacer Stuart Broad, who will have to deliver for the home side if they wish to beat the visitors, also sarcastically attacked the media reminding them that they were 1-1 into the five-match series and not 0-10. READ: Mark Waugh blames James Anderson for England’s loss in 2nd Ashes Test at Lord’s
According to a report from Sky Sports, Botham said, “I’m getting a bit fed-up with people saying it’s all over after the last match and England are a beaten side. It’s 1-1, we smashed them in the first game and then they smashed us. I’ve said all along it’s going to be close and there is not going to be much between the sides in this series.
“England will come out fighting, it’s a ground they have a good record on, and with a bit of luck maybe they can win the toss and get a good start rather than being 40-4 again. READ: Michael Clarke warns Jonathan Bairstow of tough Aussie challenge ahead
The former cricketer is delighted to see 25-year old Jonathan Bairstow in the team after a long gap of 18 months. The Yorkshire batsman, who has replaced out-of-form Garry Ballance, has been in terrific form in the County Championships, averaging more than 100 after scoring five centuries, including a double hundred.
“He’s in great nick and is at the top of his game and deserves his chance. All we’ve got to do is start scoring some runs. We have been consistently awful at the top of the order and you can’t keep doing that at Test level,” former English skipper added. With 1-1 after two games, England and Australia face each other at Birmingham for the third Ashes Test on Wednesday. READ: Ashes 2015, 3rd Test at Edgbaston: Ricky Ponting terms axing of Brad Haddin as
