Hauritz out to escape the shadow of Shane

NATHAN HAURITZ insists he can establish himself on the world stage and play a major role in helping Australia retain the Ashes. The series gets under way this morning with the first npower Test in Cardiff and Hauritz has already encountered criticism as the Aussies’ sole frontline slow bowler.

The 28-year-old off-spinner may only have played four Tests for his country so far but he has already been condemned as a pale imitation of Australia legend Shane Warne. However, the New South Wales bowler claims it is unfair to compare any of the current side to their recently retired predecessors, such as Adam Gilchrist, Glenn McGrath and, of course, Warne.

He said: ‘Even when I’m 35 and playing my last game people will still talk about Shane Warne – after all he is the best-ever leg spinner. ‘It’s great Australia have had that but there are more guys coming through. ‘For me it’s a great vote of confidence to be the only spinner on tour. Ricky Ponting is a fantastic captain and has always shown faith in my ability.’ And Hauritz, who is expected to make his Ashes debut at Sophia Gardens today, laughed off claims the tourists’ lack of quality spinners will prove to be their Achilles heel. He added: ‘It doesn’t bother me if people think we’re not strong in terms of spin.

When I’m out there it’s just me against the batter, that’s all I’m interested in. I have to just concentrate on what I can do.’

Onions in Harm’s way as England keep faith

England are poised to follow Steve Harmison’s blueprint for success against Australia despite overlooking the Durham fast bowler for the opening Npower Ashes Test. Harmison claimed six wickets for England lions last week, causing the Australians real problems in their warm-up match at Worcester.

That display was not enough to persuade the selectors to include him in their 13-man squad for Cardiff, although the short-pitched bowling he used to remove 20-year-old opener Phil Hughes in both innings will be utilised by those who do make the line-up. ‘Steve did come into the discussion but we’ve also got other bowlers who can do that as well,’ said national selector Geoff Miller. ‘It wasn’t just a fact it was Steve who did it, it showed us an area maybe Hughes has a problem with.’

England have picked Durham’s graham Onions and batsman Ian Bell alongside the team who drew with Warwickshire last week. ‘Steve bowled really well at Worcester but the thinking was graham Onions has got possession of the position and we are consistent with our selection policy so he got the nod,’ Miller added. Left-arm spinner Monty Panesar is included after taking three wickets against Warwickshire. Miller said: ‘It’s a strange thing, spin, because you can bowl well and not get wickets, then from nowhere you can just get a five-for and Monty’s that sort of performer.’