Sunday, December 31, 2006

England keen to ruin Aussie retirement party

England off-spinner Jamie Dalrymple says he wants to the chance to break up Australia's retirement parties in the final Ashes Test if he can earn a place in the tourists' team.

Dalrymple is in line to bowl in spin tandem with Monty Panesar at the SCG which has a reputation as a spin-friendly pitch.

Dalrymple, 25, said spirit remained upbeat despite England trailing 4-0 in the series and threatened by a humiliating series whitewash.

He said the tourists wanted to ruin the retirement of Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, who will play their final Tests in Sydney, starting on Tuesday.

"There are resilient guys here and they want to go out and win in the Test next week," Dalrymple said.

"There are a couple of retirement parties to break up and the team are burning to put down a marker."

Dalrymple has been a part of the England squad since the end of the third Test in Perth, when he replaced Ashley Giles, who flew home to care for his seriously ill wife.

The Middlesex player came on to the field at the MCG during the fourth Test as a substitute fielder while the Barmy Army of English travelling fans was in full voice and said he would love the chance to play at the SCG.

"I'm desperate to play," he said.

"If I get the chance to play at Sydney it would be superb. It would be great experience playing against a very good side."

No comments: