Former England Test opener David Lloyd knows exactly what dangers await the current crop of touring batsmen when the Ashes begin with the West Test at Optus Stadium on November 21.

Lloyd, a left-hander, was famously struck in the abdominal protector at the WACA Ground in the 1974-75 Ashes by menacing Australian paceman Jeff Thomson.

The “box” was protracted, leaving Lloyd doubled over on the WACA pitch.

The late Richie Benaud once reflected on the incident: “David Lloyd he said at a team meeting that Thomson wasn’t a worry to him. He said he could play Thomson with what is laughingly known as his appendage … and he went out and proved it.”

Better known as “Bumble”, the affable Lancastrian is also a former first-class coach and is revered as both a deep thinker and witty caller.

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