Ashes: Rob Key urges fans to get behind England - EXCLUSIVE
FOUR days ahead of the first Ashes Test in Brisbane, Rob Key’s message to those who have written off England already was clear: “Get off their backs.”
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The former Kent captain, who was part of England’s Ashes side in 2002/3, insists Joe Root and co are just as good as the cocky Aussies – even without Ben Stokes.
Key, who scored a double century for England against the West Indies in 2004, rubbished claims that Root is captaining one of the worst Ashes squads ever.
He said: “This England team has some of the best players in the world in Joe Root, Alastair Cook, one of England’s greatest ever run scorers, Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad, two of England’s greatest ever wicket takers.”
Key, who became a Sky TV pundit after retiring from first-class cricket last year, makes this Ashes series an “even-money contest”.
“The first Test will be absolutely crucial,” he said. “But the Australians have as many gaps and holes as the England team has. They have just as many people trying to prove themselves as England do.
England cricket team go paintballing ahead of Ashes
Tue, November 14, 2017The England cricket team have been enjoying themselves paintballing in Townsville ahead of the first Ashes test against Australia
The England cricket team tried their hand at paintballing in Townsville
This England team has some of the best players in the world in Joe Root, Alastair Cook, one of England’s greatest ever run scorers, Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad, two of England’s greatest ever wicket takers
“It’s a good match up and I don’t think anyone can say at this point who’s going to win or lose.”
Key claims a lot will depend on how Root copes with the fierce pressure he will face – plus the clamour to get him to bat at No3.
“He obviously likes batting at No4 and we just want Joe Root scoring runs. Wherever he thinks he can best do that you put the bloke,” he continued.
“As captain, Joe Root is going to live or die by his decisions and if he thinks he’s better at No4 and can score more runs from there it’s a no-brainer.
“He’s got a helluva lot on his plate and it should be down to him where he wants to bat. He’s the one who has to go out there under all the pressure and deliver.”
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Key is also forecasting that a future England star could be born over the next couple of months.
He said: “This is a great opportunity for someone to make a name for himself. Whoever does well in this will be an international cricketer for a long time.”
Key’s guess on who that someone will be will, however, raise a few eyebrows.
“This is a massive opportunity for someone like James Vince, who has real potential,” Key claims. “The same for Jonny Bairstow, who is a class act.”
Key is also confident that Mark Stoneman could finally fill one of England’s problem positions as an opening partner to support Cook.
“He deserves to be there,” Key added. “Don’t forget Steve Waugh took 20 games before he got his first 100. People need time, and I think Stoneman will come good.”
