England still optimistic of Cardiff success by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	RT Ponting, SM Katich, MJ Clarke, JM Anderson
Event:	Australia in British Isles 2009

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DateLine: 11th July 2009

 

England players are still confident of winning the opening Ashes Test at Cardiff despite Australian batsmen dominating the last two days.

 

After England reached an imposing first innings total of 435, Australia responded with centuries from Simon Katich and Ricky Ponting. They will resume today's fourth morning 44 runs ahead on 479 for five.

 

This kind of batting has now left England with an uphill task in the first of the five Tests, but seamer James Anderson still remains optimistic about their chances of travelling to Lord's next week with a hard-earned lead.

 

"We've got a big session first thing this morning which will probably decide whether we can win the game or not," said Anderson, who claimed the scalps of Katich and Michael Hussey before lunch.

 

"We'll have to work out how we can get those last five wickets pretty quickly, but we certainly believe we can still win.

 

"A lot's been made of them not being a strong side, but they've just come from a series win in South Africa so we've not thought that for one minute.

 

"We've given them the respect they deserve. They played well, they made it hard for us but we will keep fighting."

 

Anderson also rejected the suggestion that fatigue could be a factor especially since the side is out on the ground for the last 139 overs and almost all the bowlers have had a tough run.

 

"I hope not two days into an Ashes series - we're feeling pretty fresh because you're going to get long days in Test cricket so we'll recover well."

 

On the other hand Australia who lost vice-captain Michael Clarke for 83 shortly before the close for bad light, are also confident they can force a victory in the final two days.

 

"If the rain stays away I definitely believe we can get a result," said Clarke.

 

"If we can make another 100 or 150 runs, I think that wicket on day five is going to continue to spin and the bounce is going to be a little bit more inconsistent.

 

"Heading towards the back end of the game I think the wicket will start to play a few more tricks, there will be a little bit more turn and a little bit more inconsistent bounce and I do believe there's an opportunity for a result there."