Veteran paceman basks his teammates to create history and win back The Ashes.
Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris says he has noticed what every naysayer has said in the lead-up to this month’s Ashes opener.
And the fiery Queenslander backed his teammates to use the taunts by former England players and the local press as they look to claim back The Ashes from England.
Aside from poor form the Australian’s tour to date has been dotted with off-field distractions, most recently David Warner’s fight with Joe Root at a pub in Birmingham.
Former England players Michael Vaughn and Ian Botham have not resisted the chance to sink the boots into their old foes, predicting England will win the next two Ashes series 10-0.
However, Harris beleives the England side might go into the first Test too confident, adding they will feel the pressure from their home media and fans if they do not live up to their billing as favourites.
“I’ve noticed it. I’m on Twitter,” Harris said of Vaughn’s jibes.
“I see Michael Vaughan tweet every day and just laugh at him to be honest.”
“If we’re looking at those things and getting motivated (by them) we shouldn’t be here,” he said.
“We’ve got enough motivation in an Ashes series to come over and win back the urn.”
Despite Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad and Steve Finn showing good form through the recent New Zealand Test series and the Champions Trophy, Harris said on his day the Australian attack could pose more problems for the home side.
“We’ve got a very good attack, if not better,” he said.
“James Pattinson has come back and he’s been bowling unbelievably well and fast during the (Australia A) games. Peter Siddle’s doing the same.
“Mitchell Starc, he’s another one … if he goes anywhere near what he was doing last summer, Cook will find it very tough facing him with those big thunderbolts going away from him.
“Our attack is suited to these conditions and we’ve got one of the best attacks in the world.’
The first Ashes Test will begin on July 10 at Trent Bridge.
COMMENTS