Ex England fast bowler Simon Jones quizzes Australian batsman and Glamorgan T20 captain Marcus North about his Ashes experiences
As the 2013 Ashes kicks off, two Glamorgan stars share their memories of cricket's most famous series. Fast bowler Simon Jones, who starred for England during the brilliant 2005 campaign, interviews Australian batsman Marcus North, who scored two hundreds in England four years later, including one in Cardiff on July 11, 2009.
SJ: "Marcus, you played here in Cardiff in 2009 and scored that magnificent 125 not out, tell us how that felt and what your thoughts are as we head into this year's Series, how does it feel to represent your country?
MN: "There's no Series like an Ashes Series, it's unique. I was lucky to make my debut in South Africa and that was pretty daunting playing out there in SA, but the build-up over here, from the practice matches, the media attention and hype, its relentless and really gets you going.
"I'll never forget the first Test here in Cardiff, I was at mid-off and Mitchell Johnson was bowling to Strauss, and I could hardly feel my fingers I was tingling so much, I was so nervous and I remember Mitchell saying, "Northy I don't know how I am going to get this ball to the other end" and that's from a guy who had played 20-30 Tests by that stage.
"When you grow up, I'm sure it was the same for you, you listen to cricket on the radio with the time difference or if you were allowed to stay up late and watch the Ashes on TV. To actually play in one, it doesn't matter how many Tests you have played, its always a special memory.
"I remember Ricky Ponting saying the same thing before that first Test in 2009 it doesn't matter how many Ashes you've played even, its always special, and it gets to your heart and I'm sure there will be some interrupted nights' sleep for the guys until the contest gets into full swing"
SJ: There's been a lot said in the press about the Australian line up. For me looking in, obviously England are the stronger team but the Australian bowlers will do a good job, they are very skilful have got pace and bounce, but the Aussie batting line up may struggle against the England attack, what's your thoughts?
"I agree, the Aussie bowlers match up and will do well, it's a rounded balanced attack, the batting is unproven, there are a lot of young guys, with only a few Tests under the belt, with the exception of Watson and Clarke, but they are not cemented in their spots, so they are still a little bit vulnerable, but at the end of the day the pressure is on England
"You saw the reaction when they won the second Test against NZ at Headingley they thrashed them but there was negative press about how they went about it so you know Australia have nothing to lose and I think that's dangerous when you have got a Test team with their back against a wall and with Darren Lehman coming in its seems to have changed a lot in the last couple of weeks
"If Australia are underestimated it's a dangerous way to go about things. The key will be the first Test match and if they start well, both teams will be nervous, and form goes out the window with an Ashes Test.
"At the end of the day, England are up there with the best in the world and they have done that because they've been playing great cricket for 2, 3 or 4 years so if they play at the best it will be tough for Australia "
SJ: Give me a score prediction...
MN: "I have to go 2-1, without sitting on the fence, 2-1 to Australia. I think the first test will be key, if we can sneak a win early it will put a lot pressure on England but I'm hoping for a tight series that comes down to that last Test "
SJ: Marcus you have a wealth of experience playing in Australia and in the County Championship. What are the highlights for you ?
MN: "There's been some really good times playing in County cricket you get to play with a variety of overseas players.
My first county cricket gig was in 2004 at Durham and I was only 24, a young kid playing alongside the likes of Shoaib Akhtar, Harmison, Collingwood - so playing with different overseas players is great
"Also playing a lot during the summer is good too, back home we only play every second week, so it's a lot different. I had a great time at Gloucester in the late 2000s, Cheltenham festival is one of my favourite festivals. We must have played two and a half weeks up there, and it always helps when you get some runs I remember having a good battle with you Simon, when you were at Worcester at the time, but I think experiencing the different teams, cultures, playing with different players and you only get one chance of playing cricket in a career
"I have enjoyed my last two years here, playing with a side that is developing and is hungry for success, I feel in my career, coming to the end of it I have that experience to contribute this team and help winning clubs, titles and getting promotion. I guess its different KPIs back home, its your home state, its always about doing well for your state and playing for Australia, over here it's a different motivation - different in their own ways but I wouldn't change anything"
SJ: How does the standards compare with the LV county Champ and Sheffield Shield? You get more rest back home between games, its relentless over here, what's your opinion?
MN: "If your national side is playing well that's a reflection on your domestic set up. Its been opinion back home that the standard of first-class cricket has dropped a bit, maybe it has a little, think back a few years about the players that were playing and what they were achieving and yet still not getting a game for Australia, which is different to now, but that happens over time, you cant have a really strong competition, when your teams are going through a change of form, and Australia is a going through that now .
"I think there are some quality players coming through in England and Wales, you see that in all formats, so me quality young guys, the only difference really is conditions, which you have to adapt to when you are playing cricket around the world, and the sheer volume of cricket, sometimes the intensity isn't as high as Australia which is just down to the guys having longer to recover and prepare
"Whereas here I think we have about 15 games in 17 days over here which takes its toll on the body, but in their own right both are string and probably the leading competitions in domestic cricket ."
Glamorgan, led by Australian Marcus North in one-day cricket in 2013 are in T20 action this Friday at the SWALEC Stadium against Somerset, scheduled start 6.30pm. Glamorgan are undefeated in their opening three games of the competition and sit top of the pool. For tickets call 02920 419 311 or visit www.glamorgancricket.com
Buy in advance to save 40% for adults and beat the expected queues on Friday night.
Australia return to Cardiff in September to play England in the fourth NatWest Series One-Day International. All ticket buyers for this game will receive guaranteed right to buy an Ashes Test match ticket in 2015 when the Series returns to Wales. For tickets for Glamorgan or this international match call 02920 419 311 or visit www.glamorgancricket.com
