Aussies ready for fightback

Australia coach John Buchanan is ready for an England fightback at Edgbaston

Australia coach John Buchanan has warned England that his side can deal with any backlash when the teams clash again in the second npower Test at Edgbaston.

Buchanan is aware England will be looking to bounce back from their 239-run defeat in the opening Test at Lord’s after some harsh criticism in the media.

But he has every confidence in his side dealing with whatever is thrown at them especially if his top order batsmen fire on all cylinders.

Buchanan said: “The England selectors make the call on who they want in their side and the way they want to play the game.

Buchanan has ensured his side are fully prepared for the second Test © Getty Images

“They have had a close eye on this series and have gone into it with strategies in mind. It’s for them to work out whether they work or don’t work.

“But our job is to make sure we are ready to play and, if we are ready to play, then whatever strategies they choose, we can deal with.

“I’d be surprised coming into this Test if England played any differently. I think a number of players have said it is only one Test and, if it was to have some effect already, I’d be very surprised in terms of the England camp.

“I expect them to be much more resilient than that. They will be looking to square the series and if they do that, everyone is back on side with them.”

Buchanan added: “I’m sure Duncan Fletcher and his group are well aware of what the reaction will be if things don’t go well and we’ve just got to wait and see how this next Test unfolds.

Buchanan is keen to have the top order functioning better © Getty Images

“If you look at the Lions tour, the press started to climb on their back after the first Test loss but gave them a little bit of leniency.

“But, after losing the second Test in a three-Test series, the walls came tumbling down at that stage.”

Buchanan admitted: “I guess a coach is never satisfied no matter how well a team performs and always looks for the perfect game. It is probably impossible to achieve.

“But in terms of improvement, the top-order batting is the one area we would hope to nail down a lot better next time and hope that our batsmen will play long innings. That’s pretty important.

“It’s been a feature of how we’ve played good Test cricket over a period of time and I think we can fine-tune our game plans in that area.”