Steve Harmison claims What happened in India and New Zealand will not play a part in the result of The Ashes

With England set to face off with Australia in The Ashes in June, Steve Harmison has stressed that what went down in India and New Zealand will have no bearing on what will happen in the eagerly-anticipated competition.

The former first-class cricketer has solidified his place among the best players in English history, showcasing his skills in all formats of the game. Operating as a fast bowler, he represented his beloved country in 63 Tests, 58 ODIs, and 2 T20s. In addition, he produced a plethora of sublime performances during his stints at Durham and Yorkshire. Therefore, it’s fair to say that when it comes to cricket, he knows what he’s talking about.

Renowned for his massive impact in helping England win the Ashes in 2005, the ex-sportsman knows precisely what it takes to get the job done.

Steve Harmison makes huge statement ahead of The Ashes

Speaking to OnlineCricketBetting, he said: “The Ashes is a completely different mindset. There’s players that go and play in the IPL, some are in form, some are out of form. The difference is the good and the great, the good; stand up and the great; perform, I’ve got no doubt. I’m desperate for Australia to come to England all performing well because that makes a good series. What happened in India and what happened in New Zealand will have no effect whatsoever on the Ashes. The Ashes is a completely different animal, a completely different series. Cricket has got no competitor this summer. Harry Kane going to Manchester United could be the only thing that keeps cricket off the back pages for six weeks.

“What happened in New Zealand and India will not have any bearing on where the Ashes goes. England are in confidence mode, their dressing room will be bouncing. Australia aren’t as confident from a dressing room point of view, a few scars possibly off the back of India. But once the games start, I don’t think there’ll be any hangover from what happened in India and New Zealand.

“I think the World Test Championship helps Australia, I think the Ireland Test match helps England, not to the level that Australia get, but England will beat Ireland, I have no doubt. India beat Australia. It’ll be a good warm-up for Australia, but if India wins convincingly, that will possibly have an effect on what happens at Edgbaston on that first morning.”

Read: The day Sachin Tendulkar bade farewell to international cricket (sporf.com)

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