Merv gets the swerve as confident England take off

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10 April 2012

A day after joking that the only reason Australia would not whitewash England in the Ashes series was because of the recent poor weather Down Under, Merv Hughes has lost his job as a national selector.

Former Test bowler Hughes was the man to miss out with Greg Chappell joining the four-man board alongside David Boon, Jamie Cox and chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch.

Cricket Australia, who could be in trouble for beaming an image of Ricky Ponting on to Big Ben yesterday, defended the move to ditch Hughes less than four weeks before the First Test in Brisbane.

Greg Chappell's experience was felt to be vital in the hosts' attempts to win back the urn they lost in England 18 months ago.

"After feedback from National Selection Panel chairman Andrew Hilditch during today's meeting, the board unanimously decided that David Boon, Jamie Cox and Greg Chappell were the best people to join him on the four-member NSP," Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said.

"Andrew was clear that Merv had been a good selector and a strong contributor around the selection table but that Cox, Boon and Chappell were the better options to continue on the NSP. Unfortunately this means that Merv is no longer a member of the NSP.

"Merv has provided valuable input and expertise to the NSP during the past five years and Cricket Australia thanks him for his contribution during this time."

England flew out to Australia at lunchtime today after being reminded by the Aussies to bring back the urn in a stunt that involved reproducing images of Ponting and vice-captain Michael Clarke on to the famous London landmark by the House of Parliament.

Unfortunately, the Aussies did not get permission from Westminster Council, who are now demanding a fee for the stunt. The hosts are clearly trying to gain a psychological upperhand before the start of the action but former Aussie wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist believes England are the favourites.

The 38-year-old said: "I see a very confident, compact England unit about to arrive. England should start favourites — they are the most composed group at the moment and seem to have confidence about each other and as a group. That will serve them well.

"But either team could win it. I agree with [England captain] Andrew Strauss — I think you can hardly split the top four or five teams in world cricket at the moment. There is no dominant team in cricket at the moment. On any given day one can beat the other."

On the hosts' current situation, Gilchrist added: "Australia have a tremendous home record and have been particularly strong over the last 15-20 years. The West Indies did well in the 1980s and early 90s but since then it's been a bit bare for the touring teams.

"Australia play the conditions well and [captain] Ricky Ponting plays particularly well in home conditions. There is going to be a lot of weight on his shoulders if they're to be successful and I suspect he'll be up for it, too.

"But there is uncertainty about what their best 11 is when everyone is fully fit. The bowling has suffered a great deal of disruption and that makes it difficult. The spin bowling position has always been under question since Shane Warne left. Nathan Hauritz has tried his best and received great support from the selectors and that will be another contentious issue as the series hots up.

"The team have taken a blow in confidence with a series of negative results and I think we are realising we don't like losing."

England have a poor record Down Under in recent times.

They lost their last tour 5-0 and are seeking a first series success in Australia for the first time since 1986-87, with the only three wins they have achieved in 26 matches coming from dead rubbers'.

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