Scores Upcoming Results
04-Nov-2010 06:01:00 GMT
The Ashes, 2010-11

Anderson, Swann Fit for Ashes Tour Opener

Perth: Bowlers James Anderson and Graeme Swann have overcome injuries to be included in a strong lineup for the opening match of England's Ashes cricket tour to Australia, a three-dayer against Western Australia state starting Friday.

Paceman Anderson has been troubled by a rib injury and off-spinner Swann by a sore thumb, but both have been passed fit to be included in England's 13-man squad for the match.

Test captain Andrew Strauss, who will lead an England team near full strength, said it was important for the tourists to quickly get into Test mode.

"The last thing we want to do is approach these matches like warm-up games," Strauss said. "If you use that sort of attitude, you're always going to come unstuck.

"Preparation-wise, we want it as close to a Test match as possible and go out to win them. That's the key - We want to achieve some winning momentum, good form and some good clinical cricket."

Strauss said England could expect stiff opposition in its warm-up matches ahead of the first Ashes Test starting Nov. 25 at the Gabba in Brisbane.


Scores Upcoming Results
Related links

Top