MacGill issues Ashes warning

Stuart MacGill © Getty Images

Leg-spinner Stuart MacGill expects England to face a much-better prepared and focused Australia team when the two rivals clash again later this year.

England reclaimed the Ashes for the first time in 18 years in 2005 when they fought back from a heavy defeat in the first Test at Lord’s to register a 2-1 series win.

MacGill, who was part of the touring party in England but did not make an appearance in the five-Test series, believes Australia boasted the superior side last year but became too distracted by their opponents to translate that into on-pitch success.

“I still think that we had the better team over there when we got done,” MacGill said.

“We were too pre-occupied with beating them rather than playing well ourselves.

“That cost us in the long run. It's not going to happen this time around, there's a lot of pride in the Australian team.”

Since their Ashes success, England have been badly hit by injuries, with captain Michael Vaughan ruled out of this winter’s tour because of a knee problem.

Bowlers Simon Jones and Ashley Giles are also question marks for the trip Down Under while there are still concerns over talismanic all-rounder Andrew Flintoff’s long-standing ankle problem.

MacGill, however, was not willing to write off England’s chances, pointing out they still boast players such as Kevin Pietersen in their line-up.

He also highlighted England’s strength in depth with the likes of promising batsman Alastair Cook coming through.

“There are still some great players in their side,” MacGill said. “Flintoff, Pieto, (Andrew) Strauss, Cook, who’s opened the batting.

“He's not a newcomer - he's been making runs since he was 17 in first-class cricket. He made 200 against Australia in Essex last year.”

MacGill's opportunities against England have been limited in the past but the 35-year-old, who has taken 198 wickets at 27.20 in 40 Test appearances, believes he should be given more of a chance in the upcoming series.

“It is wickets that win you Test matches - you have got to get 20 wickets and regardless of the surface you have got to pick guys who have wicket-taking abilities,” he said. “That's why I am always a chance.

“We could have played two spinners at the WACA last year. I love bowling on the WACA.”