Aussie stars will have to risk all to regain Ashes: Roebuck

Published>Sun, Nov 14 10 05:53 PM

Sydney, Nov 14(ANI): Noted cricket commentator Peter Roebuck reckons that the Australia's cricketers will have to play 'open and attacking' cricket for a successful Ashes campaign against England.

In his syndicated column for the Sydney Morning Herald, Roebuck writes that the Ricky Ponting-led Australian team needs to embrace the adventurous spirit.

"Nothing condemns a side more certainly than negativity. At present an anxious mood has formed around the team and it needs to be dispersed. It is the inevitable result of the struggle endured by a handful of players worried about their places," Roebuck wrote.

"Cricketers under the pump become introspective, fearful of error. Before long, the entire team is ill at ease and poorly placed to resist a more outgoing opponent," he adds.

He further said that Australia's primary task in the next fortnight is to replace a fretful contingent.

"It's a question of intent, not style. Hussey needs to get out there and score a century or else accept that it is over. North has to subdue the Poms or else realize that someone else deserves an opportunity. Hauritz needs to bowl as he prefers and may the devil take the hindmost," Roebuck writes.

"In short, these players have to risk it all on the roll of a die. Only then can England be beaten. Inhibition, not hesitation, is fatal. If they are not up to the task of going toe-to-toe with the fourth-ranked team, they will not last long," he added.

The first of the five Ashes Tests from November 25 to 29 will be followed by Tests in Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

The tour also has two Twenty20 clashes and a seven-match ODI series. (ANI)

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