'No one fears Australia anymore' - Shane Warne points 'gaps' in the Test side ahead of the Ashes

The Ashes series is scheduled to commence on December 8. Ahead of the high-profile series, Australia’s Leg-spin legend Shane Warne has asserted that the Joe Root-led side would be extremely competitive this summer. He also added that the teams all over no more fear Australia and believe that they can dominate the proceedings against them.

Recently, the England Test skipper had stated that Gabba is no longer Australia’s stronghold. He had recounted India’s historic win at the venue and had asserted that doubts will linger in the hosts’ minds. Considering these points, Warne feels that things have drastically changed and that the team is no longer posing greater threats to the opposition.

“Our side’s not as great, this ‘almighty Australia’. But here’s the big thing: No one fears Australia anymore. Coming to Australia, everyone used to go ‘oh we’re going to have to be at our best to even compete’. Now they just believe they can beat Australia – every side,” Warne said while speaking on Fox Cricket’s World Cup Live.

I just look at the Australian side and there’s a lot of gaps: Shane Warne

Ahead of the Ashes, Warne also believes that there are a lot of gaps in Australia’s Test side. He raised concerns over Mitchell Starc’s effectiveness, Tim Paine’s captaincy and also suggested that neither Marcus Harris nor Usman Khawaja would provide him with great confidence if they are chosen to open the innings alongside David Warner.

“When you think back to Australia and think back to Ashes series in Australia, England have been very, very poor for a long time when they come to Australia. But I just look at the Australian side and there’s a lot of gaps. Our fast bowlers – Pat Cummins looks short of a gallop and we know he’s going to come good because he’s world-class. But Starc’s nowhere, (Josh) Hazlewood’s bowling well.

“But apart from that, we’ve got (David) Warner not making a run. Who’s he going to open with? (Marnus) Labuschagne and (Steve) Smith at three and four, but who’s going to bat (at) five? (Cameron) Green is still a young player that looks pretty good. Paine, he’s had a shocker the last couple of years as captain, tactically he’s been very poor, lost the last two series, and can’t make a run,” Warne added.