OLIVER'S AUSSIE ARMY

The bashing has begun, but not for Pope and Wood.... they have their own fan clubs Down Under

- BY RICHARD EDWARDS

ENGLAND'S players are already receiving pelters from the Australians, but believe it or not, some of our boys are actually quite popular Down Under.

The former England vice-captain spent a season in Australia playing for Campbelltown Camden Ghosts and made such an impact that he was celebrated in the New South Wales State Parliament.

“Mate, we just love him,” said Graeme Hardy, the then chairman of the clubs selection committee.

“He came over here and just fitted in straight away. He was a lovely young bloke.

“There were no airs and graces, he was just one of the boys.

“He would drive around this part of Sydney in a ute (pickup truck), he just didn't care. He was very humble, and a fantastic cricketer.

“Of course, we don't want him to be on the winning side in the Ashes but we'd love him to score a stackload of runs.