We aren't complacent: Gilchrist
by Cricket Archive Staff Reporter
| Player: | AC Gilchrist, MEK Hussey, DJ Harper, PA Nixon, JM Anderson, SE Bond, MJ Mason, SB Styris, JDP Oram, KD Mills, MR Gillespie |
| Event: | Commonwealth Bank Series 2006/07 |
DateLine: 21st January 2007
Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist insists the Australian squad is
not complacent despite being undefeated in the tri-nations one-day
international series with England and New Zealand.
The Australians continued their run of victories when they beat England
at the Gabba in Brisbane on Friday by four wickets. But they were
forced to fight hard for the win despite bowling the tourists out for
just 155. They lost six wickets in reaching the victory target of 156
and were in deep trouble at 108 for five before Mike Hussey came to the
rescue and guided them home with an unbeaten 46.
It could have been even worse for the home side if umpire Daryl Harper
had given Hussey out caught behind when the West Australian was on 19.
The decision caused an ugly confrontation on the field between Hussey,
English wicketkeeper Paul Nixon and bowler James Anderson, with Hussey
admitting later he should have been given out.
Australia eventually cruised to victory and secured a bonus point to
almost guarantee themselves a place in the final of the tournament and
now travel to Sydney to meet New Zealand, who have lost both their
matches so far.
Gilchrist hit back at suggestions the Australians were taking the
series lightly and said good English bowling, a tricky wicket and poor
shot selection were the reasons for Friday's poor showing.
"There's no complacency in this team - the competition for spots in
our team is at the highest level and that in itself means our training
sessions are really intense and at the top level, and that is being
seen in what we do out on the field," Gilchrist said. "It was good for
guys to be put under pressure, but never have I thought we were getting
lazy or taking anything for granted."
However, the Australians will be eyeing World Cup places as much as
their New Zealand opposition on Sunday. While the home side go into the
match with everyone fit and in top form, the New Zealanders will be
missing pace spearhead Shane Bond, the one bowler to consistently
trouble the Australian top order. Bond is out with a back injury and
his place has been taken by 32-year-old Michael Mason. The Black Caps
are also missing key players Scott Styris, Jacob Oram and Kyle Mills
through injury.
Styris and Oram will rejoin the squad before New Zealand's clash with
England in Adelaide on Tuesday, but Mills may miss the entire series.
In Bond's absence Wellington fast bowler Mark Gillespie, who has
impressed in the first two games of the series, will take the new ball.
"The new ball is what I know," Gillespie said. "I've done it all my
life so the extra responsibility, I'll just thrive off it. You work on
bowling plans to each batter but as far as their name goes, they're
just another batter. As far as their superstar status goes, it doesn't
worry me."
