We are not shaping up too well at all. Katich is ahead of Jaques now, which I disagree with 100%. What more can the man do? He has made 3 100's and 6 50's at an average a tad over 47 in 11 matches and is fast closing in on 1000 runs. He has been solid at the top of the order, and after a good domestic season and one good tour of the West Indies, Katich is catapaulted into the side, at Jaques expense. Even if Jaques has a bad back, if he is fit for the first test, he should be selected.
Krejza should not be selected for the first test. He obviously isn't ready, and todays performance did a lot of harm to his chances of being selected.
Whilst I don't like Johnson, after yesterdays performance, he has to be selected. He bowled well, at a good pace, and hit the deck. He has given up on getting conventional swing, and is just going to go with reverse late in the innings now. He is concentrating on a good line and length, and hitting the pitch hard. He reaped the rewards for it yesterday, and has done his confidence a world of good.
My team would look like this for the first test:
1. Jaques
2. Hayden
3. Ponting
4. Hussey
5. Clarke
6. Katich
7. Haddin
8. Lee
9. Johnson
10. Clark
11. Bollinger
That is our best side, with Katich and Clarke providing out spin. But the team we will go with is this, however I don't want it.
1. Katich
2. Hayden
3. Ponting
4. Hussey
5. Clarke
6. Watson
7. Haddin
8. Lee
9. Johnson
10. Clark
11. Krejza/Bollinger/Siddle (Krejza to 8 if selected)
That is not our best possible side, but that is what will be selected. I am undecided on who our bowlers will be, but I have no doubt about the batting line up and the allrounder position.