Australia will avenge defeat and win back Ashes: Justin Langer

Bangalore, Sep 23 (UNI) Australian Test Opener Justin Langer expressed confidence about the World Champions avenging last summer's Ashes defeat at the hands of England and win back the famous urn this year.

''We are in good form now, we have defeated West Indies and South Africa after losing the 'Ashes' series against England last year. We have recovered well and have been on a winning streak. Moreover this time we have the advantage of home pitch and I am confident of winning the Ashes this year,'' Langer told UNI here last night.

He said, ''our preparations for the mega event are in full swing.

We have to face England's strong players like (Andrew) Flintoff and others but we are determined to win this time and bring the Ashes back.'' About the prospects of Australia in next year's World Cup, Langer said there was no reason why Australia could not win. ''We are strong and I am positive about our team winning the World Cup.'' Replying to a question, he said ''India may be strong contender in the World cup since it has very good players like Sachin (Tendulkar), Rahul (Dravid) and ace spinner Kumble (Anil).

However, South Africa cannot be ruled out. West Indies are also performing well now a days and moreover they have the home pitch advantage. But, I am confident of Australia winning the Cup.''

About the secret of the Australian Team remaining in the top spot, Langer said leadership, vision, consistency, teamship, training have contributed for the continuous success of the team. ''There is more competition to enter the main squad and if you fail to perform well there is no other word but getting removed from the team'' he said, adding, ''This has enabled only the best to get selected''.

Australian players have natural talent and leadership inherited from former great players he said.

Langer, who has played 100 Tests and has to his credit more than 7,000 runs, was however not confident of returning to one-dayers.

He said, ''there are great players like Adam Ghilcrist, Mathew Hyden who are doing fantastic job and there is no chance of me making a came back into the OIDs''.

Langer is here leading the University of Western Australia team to play one three-day match (in Bangalore) and three one day matches (in Mysore) against Karnataka team.

About the tour of Karnataka, he said that it was a good opportunity for the youngsters to prove themselves. ''Beating India in India is difficult and this tour gives opportunity to get used to Indian condition and learn more for the upcoming players'', he added.

On chances of Australia winning the Champions trophy, he said that ''taking into consideration the present winning streak, Australia has good chance of winning the trophy. this is one major tournament Australia have not won so far and this year the team would be keen to emerge champions. The team is determined and with the kind of motivation it has, I think Australia can taste success this time.''

UNI