Australia A Will Provide A Great Challenge - Alex
2 January 2013
Alex Gidman is relishing the opportunity to do battle with Australia’s aspiring Test cricketers at the County Ground, Bristol, this summer.
In the final part of his preview of the 2013 fixtures, the former skipper discusses the three-day tour match against Australia A, which begins on Friday June 21st.
Alex said: “I don’t think I have ever played a three or four-day game against a major touring team like Australia.
"Even their A side is usually packed with Test cricketers of the future so it will be a really exciting challenge for us.
“At any stage of your career you can learn by watching quality opposition players and the way they go about their business.
“We really enjoyed the one-day game against South Africa last summer, so to have three days against a top touring side will be a fantastic experience.
"Games like this are so good for our young players, while the rest of us will look forward to testing ourselves against some brilliant batsmen and bowlers.
“You only have to look at the Australia A squad led by Ed Cowan, who came over here last season to appreciate the calibre of player we will be up against.
“It included the likes of Mitchell Johnson, James Pattinson and Steve Smith, who have all played Test cricket.
“With the Ashes going on this coming summer, they are sure to bring a really strong A squad to England and our supporters can look forward to seeing some top names.”
Michael Klinger, who will succeed Alex as Gloucestershire skipper this summer, was also part of last year’s Australia A tour to England.
He hit an unbeaten 65 to help them to a draw with England Lions at Old Trafford.
