England can mount successful Ashes defence, says Benaud by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

R Benaud

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DateLine: 27th July 2006

 

Former Australian captain Richie Benaud has said England can mount a successful defence of the Ashes when they travel to Australia later this year despite their growing injury crisis.

 

Benaud insisted now was not the time to write off England's chances. "There is so much time to go between now and the start of the Ashes (at Brisbane's Gabba ground in November). We are only just halfway through July. You (England) might have 12 fit fast bowlers by the time the Ashes start. There is no point in anyone panicking. Eighteen months ago I was saying that if England had a fully fit fast bowling attack they could easily regain the Ashes. Everyone laughed at me. The fast bowlers were the key then and they still are," Benaud added.