ENG vs AUS 2018: Australia will face a stern test against England, says Adam Gilchrist

The 5-Match ODI series begins from today at Kennington Oval in London.

Justin Langer and Australian team ahead of the first ODI | Source Getty

Former Australian wicket-keeper, Adam Gilchrist has emphasized that the new Australian side has to face a dreadful number of challenges against England. Adam Gilchrist feels beside winning the game, the team needs to build public confidence as well. After Australia's Ball-Tampering scandal, numerous questions were raised to conduct the spirit of cricket.

Nevertheless, after appointing a new coach and an interim captain, Australia have to turnaround things. "The England series is the first step on a journey that everyone seems to be acknowledging will take some time to rebuild complete trust and faith in everything that has gone on," Gilchrist told BBC Sport on Tuesday. 

 "This team will face some large hurdles over the course of the next 12 months to just in rebuilding trust and confidence with the public supporting them, but in regards to missing a significant amount of first pick players. That is going to present an awful lot of challenges."

Australian bowling department is out due to several injuries and the likes of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins will be eyeing out to make a return at the International level before World Cup 2019.

Adam Gilchrist feels David Warner and Steve Smith's absence will provide numerous opportunities to other players to perform. Adam Gilchrist added, "Smith and Warner have been the scorers of the lion's share of runs in most formats in recent years so it is a significant hole," he said. "But I feel there are a number of players that can really step in and be productive and do a really good job. It's going to be challenging, particularly in those conditions against a highly-ranked and highly-rated England squad.

"There could be matches when they are bowled out really quickly because they are so attacking, but it's going to take a little bit of trial and error as well as a show of faith and trust from selectors. It's going to be an aggressive looking line-up and should it come off it will look great."

Australia will take on England for a 5 ODI match series, beginning on June 13. The visitors are also supposed to take on the home team in a one-off T20 in Birmingham on June 27.
 

 
 

By Kunal Kataria - 13 Jun, 2018

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