Gilchrist issues choke warning
AUSTRALIA’S inexperience could see them choke now that victory is within their grasp, their former wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has warned.
England’s dominance of the last three series means few of the home team have successfully finished an Ashes series. Gilchrist believes they may start to feel the pressure.
“It’s a challenge for the Australian team, they are so close,” he said. “Most of this group of players have not been in this scenario in their careers, so there will be a challenge for them to maintain that standard. That might be something for England to draw on.”
Temperatures in Perth are forecast to hit the high 30s, conditions Gilchrist believes will help Australia’s batsmen plunder more big scores.
“The heat does come into the game here,” he added. “In 2006 I was the beneficiary of a 40C day, and two batsmen prior to me scoring hundreds. By the time I got hold of that England attack, they were pretty cooked.”