James Hopes predicts tight England v Australia series

18/06/2010

James Hopes has told fans with ODI tickets for the upcoming England v Australia series to expect a close contest.

The Queenslander believes Andrew Strauss's men are a much better side than the one that was demolished 6-1 by the Baggy Greens the last time the two met in 50-over cricket.

Since then, England have beaten their bitter rivals at the final of the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean and Hopes is consequently expecting a much tougher challenge.

In particular, the all-rounder believes that Kevin Pietersen - who was absent from the 2009 series watched by people with ODI tickets - will be a major boost to the Poms.

He commented: "I think they are going to be naturally more aggressive."

"I'm sure they're backing themselves to beat us."

Hopes played an integral role in Australia's victory over Ireland in their first warm-up match ahead of the series on June 17th 2010, taking career-best figures of five for 14, including the wicket of opener Will Porterfield.

Posted by Sandie Banwait