Nielsen relishing thrilling decider

by S M August 18, 2009

"This is what you play the highest level of sport for," Australia coach Tim Nielsen said.

"These are big occasions where there's big crowds and there is a perception around that it means a lot.

"You talk about the lead-up and walking out onto the ground with the expectation and the crowd and it sends tingles going down your spine.

"Our challenge this week is to make sure while we don't make it bigger than it is, we enjoy that.

"You don't get too many opportunities to play in a big game like this too often. I would love to be able to talk to players in 10 years' time and talk with them about how much fun was that week we had at The Oval.

"These are the sort of games you remember in your career. Great friendships and great mateships come out of it because you've all been exposed and experienced it together. It's a special time, it's good fun."

"You obviously feel good about yourselves when you have won," he said.

"We went down to Canterbury (where the tourists defeated the England Lions), had a good couple of days there and had a good blow out.

"We gave the bowlers a good run out and we got some runs into our batters so we have had a good lead up to this game so it'll be nice to go into a Test match knowing that England are under pressure."

"He brings a lot to the table with his all-round ability and experience," Nielsen added.

"He has probably got the added pressure that it is his call and it is his last Test match.

"We are not worried about it (Flintoff's probable return). If it's not him I'm sure it will be someone else who stands up and has a real go for England as well to try and turn the game in their favour."