Ashes 2013 - Australia tour of England June/August 2013

[sifter132]

I think Bryan Coverdale on cricinfo summed up pretty well why Smith probably was not included:

Yep he's pretty on point. Just found it interesting that they've deliberately ignored Smith who did well vs spin for another opening batsman in Rogers. Not saying it's 'wrong' (Smith was hardly Bradman...) but the Aussies are clearly laying their cards on the table about the type of player they want. And that England could easily exploit that with home advantage and using Graeme Swann early and often against the left handers. That and only choosing one spinner and it looks like the Aussies aren't expecting a lot of dustbowls Not a very flexible squad would be one way to put it.

You could be right about the later Tests being the ones for the spinners. By that time Fawad Ahmed will probably be in the squad as the 2nd spinner, and we'll know how the team of openers is doing. Reinforcements can always be called up. Bailey is doing the right thing by being over there for the summer.

 

[Sedition]

Might see if I can round up some friends with big wallets...
That's the test I normally go to.

Not sure if I should be worried about that or not But yeah would be cool if any PC'ers are there to have a beer or dozen. Hopefully the weather's good so we can watch some cricket too.

 

[Skater]

Hopefully the weather's good so we can watch some cricket too.

In Durham?

 

[Sedition]

Wishful thinking for anywhere in the UK tbh

 

[Skater]

We've had such a horrendous winter with snow that I'm expecting a long, dry summer for a change.

 

[barmyarmy]

Durham normally gets the May test so it's freezing cold and wet. In July it might at least be 16oC or so.

 

[angryangy]

I take it that's 16 and not 160

 

[War]

Yep he's pretty on point. Just found it interesting that they've deliberately ignored Smith who did well vs spin for another opening batsman in Rogers. Not saying it's 'wrong' (Smith was hardly Bradman...) but the Aussies are clearly laying their cards on the table about the type of player they want. And that England could easily exploit that with home advantage and using Graeme Swann early and often against the left handers. That and only choosing one spinner and it looks like the Aussies aren't expecting a lot of dustbowls Not a very flexible squad would be one way to put it.

You could be right about the later Tests being the ones for the spinners. By that time Fawad Ahmed will probably be in the squad as the 2nd spinner, and we'll know how the team of openers is doing. Reinforcements can always be called up. Bailey is doing the right thing by being over there for the summer.

Ye i'm almost certain at least by the Oval, England could employ a two-spinner tactic.

Blogs: Matt Cleary: My Australian XI for the Ashes | Cricket Blogs | ESPN Cricinfo

Have a look at this guys proposed Ashes starting XI: Watson, Rogers, Hughes, Clarke, Khawaja, Warner, Haddin, Siddle, Harris, Starc, Pattinson.

While i am happy with the AUS squad, as many people have noticed it seems to have too many guys more comfortable opening/batting @ # 3.

But indeed of all those batsmen Warner @ # 6 is not a bad idea as a counter-attacking # 6. Fact is i have been worried about Anderson destroying Warner's technique if he opens since the AUS home summer, so maybe # 6 is the key for him.

 

[sifter132]

That could be a plan - someone has to bat down lower, just a matter of who suits it best and who wants to do it. I was surprised the South Africans didn't expose Warner a bit more. Most of the time his front foot doesn't get down the wicket very far, if at all. Someone who bowls full like Anderson or Steyn SHOULD have a field day against him.


And also...Harris couldn't even last until the First Test! Injured again...achilles this time. IPL news : Injured Ryan Harris flies home from IPL | Cricket News | Indian Premier League | ESPN Cricinfo
Not a massive problem, Aussies will just pick whoever is next on the production line if Harris isn't fit: Mitchell Johnson, Ben Hilfenhaus or maybe Pat Cummins will be ready. Chadd Sayers as the roughie. Maybe even Gurinder Sandhu

 

[aussie1st]

Time to move on from Harris, I'd put good money on him breaking down in a test match if he gets picked. Sayers should take over, like what I read about him here.

Just the usual in County cricket, Cowan with a 50 and Bailey with a 11.

 

[aussie1st]

Rogers 131 not out after being made to follow on. He's certainly making a push for inclusion. Cowan not so much, didn't even get to 50 in his last match. Bailey same old too.

Copeland back to back 5 fers just confirming our pace bowling depth.

 

[sifter132]

Copeland, there's a forgotten man! Glad Rogers is getting some scores, if he's going to play, he might as well be in good nick.

 

[War]

Time to move on from Harris, I'd put good money on him breaking down in a test match if he gets picked. Sayers should take over, like what I read about him here.

Yea as i've been saying for months, Harris body really can't last test matches properly. If over these 10 tests, he manages to play in 5 that would be a lot.

His knee's are of similar feeble work like former England/Tottenham football player Ledley King, Flintoff & Malinga. No cartilage around the knee's so the pressure of bowling in 4-day & test cricket can end his career.

Its clearly a case of the AUS physio & Harris himself knowing this HUGE risk & wanting to play test cricket regardless. So i hope to god during these Ashes test's that another injury doesn't end his career, because he really should only be playing ODI/T20 cricket en route to the 2014 & 2015 cups.

 

[sifter132]

I'd never have Harris as a plan A going in to a Test series, but I'd definitely consider him as a temporary, plan B-type bowler. Be a perfect guy to spark the team for a couple of Tests here and there as an injury replacement, for example.

 

[aussie1st]

Copeland, there's a forgotten man! Glad Rogers is getting some scores, if he's going to play, he might as well be in good nick.

He put an exclamation mark on it by making it a double too. Khawaja would be the one most worried the number 6 spot which was all but his is again slipping away from him. If it does happen no idea where they will bat Rogers, funny enough the current openness are probably best placed to move down as Hughes definitely looks like he prefers the new ball and we know about Watson.