Damien Fleming slams England’s batting ahead of The Ashes; calls it “one of the worst” to play Tests

Fleming slams ENG's batting ahead of The Ashes

With Australian players given a go-ahead for The Ashes later this year, former players have started indulging in mind games. Former Australian fast bowler Damien Fleming has come out in the open and taken his stand against England’s current crop of batsmen. Fleming after seeing England’s batsmen in the recently concluded 4-Test series against South Africa is of the view that it has some of the worst batsmen to play Test cricket. He also went to criticise the likes of Keaton Jennings, Dawid Malan and Gary Ballance.

Speaking to RSN Radio, Fleming said, “England needs three (more) decent batsmen in their top six. Watching the South African series, they’re some of the worst batsmen I’ve ever seen play Test cricket.” Talking about individual batsmen, Fleming started with Keaton Jennings, who averaged 15 vs South Africa. “(With) young Jennings the debate is, ‘Does he get another opportunity?’ He scored 127 runs at an average of 15. I used to bat nine in Test matches and I would just be happy with that, averaging 15. Just be happy; he’s opening the batting.” He went further questioned his technique, saying, “I don’t like his technique, (with that) closed grip, he’s going to nick people that can angle the ball across him and for bowlers that can actually get the ball to shape back in, that gap between bat and front pad (is exposed). This is an opening batsman.”

Westley who made a fifty on Test debut too was not left unharmed. “Where are 80 per cent of the deliveries going to be to Jennings and Westley? Outside off stump, maybe shaping away. They don’t have a technique to cope with that,” Fleming retorted.

He also question, Ballance’s place in the team. “How did Gary Ballance play Test cricket again after that last series two years ago there?”, Fleming jibed.

“He goes back in the crease (and) he blocks half-volleys, so he doesn’t hurt you. If you’re getting your half-volleys blocked you know it’s only a matter of time before he nicks one or gets caught on the crease and (is) lbw,” Fleming concluded.