Ashes paper talk: The view from Australia

The fall-out Down Under rumbles on following England's unexpected victory over Australia in the first Ashes Test in Cardiff.

The injury to Starc, Glenn McGrath talking too much and Jimmy Anderson discussing the drinking habits of the Aussies are the main focus for the Australian media as the Lord's Test approaches...

Read what the Aussies are reading about on Tuesday, July 15th:

COURIER MAIL

The headline reads "Can 'Dad's Army' produce final swansong?"... Feelings are still running strong Down Under after the Cardiff fiasco. Should there be some younger blood in the squad? Robert Craddock writes: "When you pick an old Test cricket team, there are no excuses. You have to win. And win regularly, otherwise you cop it from everywhere."

DAILY TELEGRAPH

We don't know what Aussie bowling legend Glenn McGrath has done to upset his nationals but they've asked "Can someone buy Glenn McGrath a muzzle?"... They continue: "Before we consider whether Australia can haul itself from the Cardiff rubble, can someone please find a way to silence Glenn McGrath?", writes Richard Hinds. Perhaps he's back-tracking slightly after predicting a 5-0 win for his country last week.

THE AUSTRALIAN

Mitchell Starc is the centre of attention and the paper reports there is a rising sense of optimism in the Australian camp on the paceman's chances of playing in the second Test. After snaring five wickets at Cardiff, he's struggling with an ankle injury. Peter Siddle waits in the wings apparently. They write: "With Ryan Harris out injured before the series began, the Australians have moved past Plan B to Plan C if they make that substitution."

They are also suggesting the selectors have already decided to drop Shane Watson, having initially handed him two Tests to prove his worth: "They may already have changed their minds after the veteran was trapped LBW twice in the first Test."

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

"A headstrong Mitchell Johnson returns this week to the scene of the most forgettable outing of his Test career intent on leaving Lord's with better memories with Australia needing him to fire in light of the doubt surrounding Mitchell Starc's fitness."

Meanwhile, columnist Dean Jones has plenty to say about England being clever to slow down the pitches and has a pop at Australia's poor attitude..

The Aussie commentator and former player says: "The Australian cricket team cannot play on low, slow pitches. England got the first Test venue right when they selected Cardiff, as the Poms knew it would offer low and slow bounce, with a hint of swing. The key to England's win was to nullify our quicks and wear on the Australian batsmen's patience. It was a perfect formula against the freewheeling Australians who showed no respect for the conditions and were not prepared to adapt. I think the major problem is our batsmen don't seem to know how to score on these "slow dogs", nor have pride in their defence and concentration."

au.news.com

The website is reporting England bowler James Anderson has revealed the Australians refused to share a drink after the defeat in Cardiff. The paceman said England and New Zealand shared drinks, regardless of results, following both matches in their drawn 1-1 Test series earlier this season. England captain Alastair Cook invited Australia counterpart Michael Clarke and his side into the home dressing room after England's win, but was rebuffed.

Anderson said: "That's their (the Australians) prerogative. After the New Zealand series, we had a beer after each game with them. We found that was quite an enjoyable thing, just to chew the fat after a hard Test. It didn't matter whether we won or lost. It's Cooky's idea. He's the captain, he went and asked them. We were all happy to do it. I don't know why they (the Australians) didn't come in."

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