England captain Andrew Strauss expects pace bowlers James Anderson and Chris Tremlett to be fully fit for the start of England’s Ashes defence in Australia on November 25.
Anderson was hurt while boxing during a training camp and Tremlett was rumoured to have been injured in the same exercise but Strauss said there was no doubt the pair will be available to play in the first Test in Brisbane.
Strauss said he did not know how Tremlett sustained what he called “a tiny little niggle,” but added that he had fully recovered.
“Chris Tremlett is 100 per cent fit,” Strauss said. “He had a tiny little niggle but that hasn’t affected his preparation for the tour. Jimmy Anderson is coming along well, so we expect the whole squad to be fully fit by the time of the first Test, which is a nice start.”
Strauss said injuries were largely to blame for the 5-0 loss in Australia four years ago, which ended England’s temporary hold on the Ashes.
With Michael Vaughan injured in 2006, Andrew Flintoff captained the side Down Under. Strauss said coach Andy Flower had England more focused and better prepared this time.
“We have had a lot of success over the last 18 months, so confidence levels are very high,” Strauss said. “Our preparation has been very good. Andy Flower has prepared us well for this tour so there is a feeling of relaxed excitement about what lies ahead.
“We have an excellent chance of winning over there, we are a good tight unit, we know what to expect and can’t wait to get over there.”
