Harmison said Anderson and Broad are key players in Ashes series
Former England right-arm fast bowler Steve Harmison said fast bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad are key to the team winning the upcoming Ashes series. Harmison continued Anderson and Broad’s bowling are different but they make it work well in competitions.
“The two pace attacks are different in dynamics, out-and-out pace against experience,” said Harmison in an interview with Britain’s Press Association. “Australia have bowlers who can blast you away—Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson, and Josh Hazlewood. But if they don’t get it quite right they can go at six an over. Broad and Anderson will very rarely go at six an over. They’ll be down on pace compared to the opposition, but they’ll have total control of what they’re doing.”
“Broad and Anderson are still the first two names on the teamsheet for me because in English conditions it’s still better to have their experience than any 90-miles-per-hour bowler,” continued Harmison.
Harmison stated that the upcoming series is interesting because Australia batsmen David Warner and Steve Smith are already back from suspension to help their team. Harmison continued this makes it more difficult for England especially after their batting was placed into question during their Test match against Ireland. England only scored 85 runs against Ireland on the first day.
“David Warner and Steve Smith coming back (from suspension) helps Australia, but there are question marks over their middle order. That’s what makes this series so interesting, and England’s middle order could make that 70-80 run difference. I don’t think it’s going to be a series of high quality as the two teams are not as good as their white-ball sides,” stated Harmison. “But sometimes that lack of quality can make for a better series. England are slight favourites with the home advantage, but I see it a lot closer than people think. I take England to win by the odd game.”
England’s first Test Ashes match against Australia will be at Edgbaston Cricket Ground from August 1 to 6. Host nation England currently has -143 odds to win the game while the Aussies have +122 odds.
If you want to wager on this match on one of the best sports betting sites in the market, check out Betwala’s thorough review on Sportsbet.io.
READ MORE: Sportsbet.io Review
