'Winning toss and batting crucial for win in Cardiff', says Rodney Hogg

Sydney, July 7(ANI): Former Australian fast bowler Rodney Hogg has said that the toss will be crucial in the first test of the Ashes series that begins in Cardiff on Wednesday.

"The toss in the First Test starting on Wednesday is the most important Ricky Ponting will face," The Herald Sun quoted Hogg, as saying.

"If he wins the toss and bats, then we (Australia) can win or draw it at worst. Lose it and we are in more trouble," he added.

The fast bowler observed that the pitch in Cardiff would help fast bowlers, as the red ball will bounce and seam around.

"First morning Andy Roberts would be lucky to get it chest high. Think of the SCG in the 1980s," Hogg said.

Hogg also said that England spinners Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar would exploit the pitch better than any of the Aussie spinners, which includes Nathan Hauritz, Simon Katich, Michael Clarke and Marcus North.

"You could put them all (Australian spinners) in a blender and still not come up with anything near Warnie. We have to find a spinner but there isn't one on tour and there isn't one in Australia," he added. (ANI)