Ashes hype and speculation is part of the theatre of cricket: Justin Langer

Former Australian batsman Justin Langer has hit out at critics of the national team ahead of the Ashes series.

When asked for his thoughts on doubts being raised over Australia’s squad selection, Langer said: “The hype and speculation leading into this series is part of the theatre of cricket.”

“The opinion everyone seems to always have at this time of the year will count for nothing when that first ball is bowled on November 25,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Langer, as saying.

“All this talk - and I’ve heard all sorts of rubbish spoken - is just talk. When it comes down to it, we have a very experienced side, especially a batting side, and it contains blokes who have done well at Test level before.”

“They just need to concentrate on their jobs and not be distracted by all of this rubbish that’s going on in the lead-up to the Tests,” he added.

The former opening batsman further believes that wining is all about mental toughness and eliminating all distractions.

“They have to win every battle with England, every opposition, every ball count, every hour and every day. It’s a marathon of a series and it might well be survival of the fittest, and hopefully we’re the fittest,” Langer said.