Ashes Build-Up Is Just Pure Theatre

Chris Stocks discovers that Justin Langer doesn’t share the same prediction philosophy as his mate Glenn McGrath

- Chris Stocks

Justin Langer was regarded as one of Australia’s chief Ashes irritants during the five series he played against England.

The spiky former opening batsman was victorious in four of those campaigns – the glorious English summer of 2005 the only time he tasted defeat – before bowing out in style with retirement at the end of Australia’s 5-0 whitewash in 2006-07.

But unlike former team-mate Glenn McGrath, he is refusing to predict a similar result in this upcoming series.

“I’m going to be very diplomatic here because I know the next thing will be that I’m saying all sorts,” said Langer. “Glenn McGrath might go for 5-0 but I usually like to under promise and over deliver.

“I just love the theatre in the build-up to an Ashes series, I can’t wait. I’m really enjoying the banter already. But what’s really important is when the first ball is bowled at Brisbane – that’s what matters.

“All the words, all the speculation and all these stories building is great – it means cricket is on the front and back pages of the newspapers. But what really matters is who has got the steel on day one at the Gabba. I can’t wait for that.

“There’s nothing better than Ashes cricket. Nothing beats the feeling that builds up to it then the action starts. I can’t wait.”