Australia primed for success in Ashes battle with England, insists Siddle
Australia has not triumphed in an Ashes series on English soil since 2001 but Peter Siddle is confident the 2019 squad can prosper.
Published : Jul 28, 2019 14:19 IST
Peter Siddle has faith in Australia's well-balanced squad to cope with whatever is thrown at it during the Ashes series against England.
Tim Paine's side is aiming to become the first touring party from Down Under to triumph on English soil since 2001, though Australia is the current holder of the urn following its emphatic 4-0 triumph in 2017-18.
Siddle was also involved in the past three unsuccessful tours to England, though he believes the current crop is better placed for success in unfamiliar conditions.
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"We are a lot more aware of the team set-up and the dynamics we need to win a series in England," the seamer said.
"A couple of the other series I've played in, we haven't been quite suited to the conditions and have gone about it the wrong way.
"But I think, especially with the squad that’s been picked and the players that are in and around the group, we've got a good skill set, so whatever is dished up to us wicket-wise, we will be able to cope and handle what they throw at us."
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Good frame of mind
Siddle's faith stems from the number of Australian players in the 17-man squad who have experienced playing in England.
The 34-year-old acknowledges his time playing county cricket for Essex, where he has taken 34 wickets in eight first-class outings at an average of just 20.08 this year, has helped him to become a better bowler.
"I'm in a good frame of mind – the confidence that I have after the last two seasons over here playing for Essex has put me in a good position to know that I’m comfortable with my game, especially in England," Siddle said.
"I know that if I get the opportunity to play in this series, I'm more ready than ever. I'm definitely bowling a lot better than I have done in these conditions, and that's the best thing that I bring to this team now.
"I've got a pretty good record at Test cricket in Ashes games in England. But my experience over the last couple of years ...I've learned a lot. A lot of new skills and ways to go about it and I can play a big part in this series."
The first Ashes Test begins on Thursday at Edgbaston.