Story Defending the Ashes

[Guesty98]

Australian cricket in another crisis?

14th June 2015


Picture it, a barmy Melbourne evening, 95’000 screaming fans packed into the MCG, George Bailey, not out on 78, uses his feet and gets down to the pitch of a gentle Nathan McCullum off-break, Bailey nudges the ball into the outfield and as he sprints the second run home, Australia becomes the world champions of one day cricket for the fifth time, comfortably defeating New Zealand by seven wickets. The tournament caps off another remarkable summer for the Australians, after their embarrassing defeat at the hands of Pakistan, the Aussies hit back with a one-day series win against South Africa, a comprehensive 3-0 test series win over India, collecting yet another one day tournament win over both England and India before claiming the ultimate one day prize in their homeland.


Bailey in control against the Kiwis


Captain Clarke and Aaron Finch celebrating a victory during Australia's campaign

From their though, things haven’t quite been the same, first Ryan Harris retired, after a huge summer Harris was content to leave the game on a winning note, saying “The last 16 months for Australian cricket has been incredible, and I’ve been very fortunate to be a part of it. Unfortunately my body just can’t hold up anymore. … I’m not concerned about leaving, we’ve got an excellent setup and with the amount of young quicks we’ve got coming through, I’m sure we can remain up the top for a long time to come”. Brad Haddin was the next cab off the rank, after another excellent summer that included two test hundreds and a match winning century in the semi-final against South Africa, with a combination of that recurring shoulder injury and the fact that he was now 37, Haddin said he was pleased with what he’d achieved and was keen to move on to the next stage of his life with young family. With both the number 2 paceman and the country’s number one wicketkeeper both gone, the selectors were having a hard time of thinking who they would have to take to the West Indies, things become even more complicated when both Shane Watson and Chris Rogers gave up international cricket, Watson citied the desire to play more T20 cricket and Rogers wanting to play one last full season of county cricket. This now left four spots open in the test team and with a heavily packed winter schedule up ahead, fringe players like Phil Hughes and James Pattinson could sense that an opportunity was upon them.


Ryan Harris was the first to retire


Brad Haddin followed suit


An important occasion causes for important clothing


Chris Rogers in his international cricket retirement interview



The Australian selection panel were due to announce the test squad to tour the West Indies on the 31st of April, two and a half weeks before the first test. Michael Clarke then went on to drop the cricket bombshell of the year by announcing his retirement from all formats of the game, effective immediately. In a press conference held just outside the Sydney Opera House, Clarke talked about his career, the early years, his international breakthrough, the turmoil years after the retirements of Warne, McGrath, Gilchrist, Hayden and then the turn around the whole cricketing world had experienced a mere 17 months ago with the second coming of Mitchell Johnson. Clarke spoke about the highs and lows of his career and stated that it was his lower back and hamstrings that had caused his retirement, the burden of repeat surgery and the stress levels it was causing on his wife, Kylie, was ‘too much’ for Clarke, who stated he wanted to be as fully healthy as possible for the rest of his life, and for this to possible he’d have to give up cricket, which was something that sat comfortable with him, “Two years ago Australian cricket was in dire straits after those horrible loses in India and England. To the board’s credit, bringing in ‘Boof’ (Darren Lehman) was the best move they’d ever made, and of course having a fit and firing Mitchell Johnson is always handy. …It’s been an honour to lead the boys through these great times, an Ashes, a World Cup, claiming back the Test number one ranking, it’s been incredible and something I hope Australia will look back on and be exceptionally proud of.”


An extraordinary loss for Australian cricket

While tributes from all over the cricketing world flowing for the departing Clarke, Rod Marsh, and the rest of the National Selection Panel (NSP) now faced a tricky situation, with the loses of Clarke, Haddin, Harris, Rogers and Watson, there were many large, gaping holes in the test squad, and with the squad to tour the West Indies to be announced in the coming days there was mass panic over who would get selected, in the end though, there were few surprises, Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Matthew Wade and James Pattinson found themselves back in the test XI, Mitchell Marsh was handed his first test cap by an ever beaming father in Geoff Marsh. Surprisingly David Warner was handed the captaincy. This decision was not poorly received back in Australia but received mixed reviews from Australia’s large contingent of sporting journalists.


Hughes, Pattinson, just a couple of the country's test candidates

The tour to the West Indies was slightly disappointing for the Australian’s; they won by 4 wickets in the first test, thanks to some excellent fourth innings batting by George Bailey and Johnson. In the second test, a finger fracture to Mitchell Johnson cost the Aussies, Johnson was hurt by a Kemar Roach bouncer and couldn’t bat or bowl in the second innings, the West Indies held off a resilient Australia to claim victory in the second test by 40 runs, the win meaning the series would finish is a draw.


With the Ashes only a mere month and a bit away, all potential test members were given time off at home while Australia fielded, according to Ian Chappell, ‘A squad that definitely needs more time. It’s almost unfair to usher these young protégés onto the international stage.” The squad, featuring youngsters like Chris Lynn, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis, Gurinder Sandhu and Joel Paris, which at times looked like they really were struggling, held on for a gritty 2-1 series win, with Stoinis striking Roach over his head for six to win the penultimate game and take the series.


After a tour that respected cricket journalist Malcolm Conn said, “It (the tour) was a pass, nothing more, nothing less. The NSP are going to have think very hard about the squad they send over to England if we’re to retain the Ashes.” Public speculation was rife as names were tossed around and the question mark over Warner as captain was growing bigger every day.

The big question on everyone’s lips though was ‘Are the Australian’s good enough to reclaim the Ashes?”
Only time would tell.

 

[Guesty98]

Chappell and Border endorse Smith as captain, believes Maxwell deserving of spot

16th June


Former test captains Ian Chappell and Alan Border have thrown their support behind Steven Smith as the next captain of the Australian test side and have recommended as Glenn Maxwell as a ‘certain starting XI member’ if the Australian’s are to retain the Ashes in England, with the series to start in roughly a month’s time.


Chappell pointed to Smith’s experience at first class level, where he came back to lead New South Wales to their second consecutive Shield Final, ultimately losing to Western Australia, and his close friendships with both former skipper Michael Clarke, and Australian leg spinning icon, Shane Warne. Chappell said “He (Smith) is the perfect man to lead this country to another Ashes series win, he’s had plenty of experience leading New South Wales across all formats and he represents the kind of image that Clarke was trying to produce, strong, attacking and vicious. The fact that he’s had been ‘groomed’ as Australia’s next captain shouldn’t worry him at all, he’s got some excellent players with plenty of x-factor, think Dave Warner and Johnson, and if the selectors get it right, Glenn Maxwell.”


Australia's next test captain?

Although Smith has struggled over the last year at test levels, 330 runs at 27.50 a bat, Alan Border believes this needs to be overlooked, “Yeah, he might’ve struggled over the last couple of matches, but his record in the previous series over there (345 @ 38.33) was respectable, plus he’s got another 2 years of experience playing at a first class level. Playing under Clarke’s vision of cricket, I don’t think Steven will be too different.” When quizzed on who he thought might be a ‘shock’ pick, Border noted Maxwell, but also the young left arm pace bowler from Western Australia, Jason Behrendorff, Border pointed to the youngsters stats from last seasons first class competition, 48 wickets @ 17.52 a-piece and his maturity, claiming the 25 year old has worked hard with Western Australia coach Justin Langer and believes the youngster and believes he’s worthy of a place in the touring squad.


Is Glenn Maxwell the man that can provide the spark they need?

Australia’s 18-man squad to tour England will be announced at 9am (AEST) on Monday the 22nd of June

 

[Guesty98]

Aussies tipped to take plenty of openers

18th June


With the announcement of the test squad only days away, inside information has been leaked that Australia is expected to take a heavy top order batting lineup over to England. A source that is reportedly close to national selector Mark Waugh has been reported as saying that as many as seven openers may find themselves over in England fighting for spots in the Australian top six. Along with the certain starter in David Warner, Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Ed Cowan, Jordan Silk, Michael Klinger and Ryan Carters, who also is a wicket keeper, have all been mentioned by the source as 'strong' candidates to not only open with Warner but also slot in to a position in the middle order.


Will Silk find a place on the touring squad?


Is Ryan Carters Australia's next permanent wicket keeper?

Ever since the retirements of Chris Roger and Shane Watson, the Australian top order has become even more shaky than the immediate post-Hayden, Ponting era, particularly the number three position being of particular concern. With Phil Hughes never fully cementing a place in the top order despite having numerous opportunities, and after having a poor series in the West Indies, both Silk and Klinger should be feeling especially confident after both had excellent summers.

When questioned on these rumours Mark Waugh merely scoffed them off, saying "Don't believe everything you hear, wait till Monday when the squad is announced." The rumours only add fuel to the fire that the selectors are going to deliver a very fresh faced squad after numerous retirements to seasoned members such as Michael Clarke and Shane Watson.


Mark Waugh, does he have something to hide?


England claim series win

20th June

England has won the second test and a series whitewash against New Zealand, winning by 7 wickets after a patient, unbeaten 96 by 25 year old opener Rory Burns. Chasing 250 to win on a wicket that had favoured the bowlers, Burns, along with Gary Ballance took their time in a second wicket partnership of 156 that made victory nothing more than a formality. England now have a month to prepare for the first test against Australia in Cardiff.


A patient, unbeaten 95 by youngster Rory Burns saw England claim a 2-0 series win against New Zealand

 

[Gaurav_7]

Great start! I have enjoyed all the updates so far and this build up to the Ashes is interesting. These retirements all of a sudden have left a huge gap in the Aussie cricket. It will be fun to see how they can rebuild and whether this inexperienced team will be able to perform respectably in the Ashes. Keep going please.

 

[Guesty98]

Australia announces 18-man squad for Ashes

22nd June

Australia has announced an 18-man squad that will tour England in July-August of 2015.
No captain has been announced

Australian squad: Ashton Agar, George Bailey, Jason Behrendorff, Jackson Bird, Ryan Carters, James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Jordan Silk, Steven Smith, Adam Voges, David Warner, Sam Whiteman

 

[Guesty98]

Breakdown of Australian squad

23rd June


Yesterday's announcement of the 18-man squad to tour England next month has been filled with quite a few surprises and created uproar in certain areas of Australia’s cricketing community. The squad features 3 opening batsmen, 3 middle order batsmen, 2 wicket keepers, 5 all-rounders and 5 bowlers. The side is divided throughout the states with 4 from NSW, 4 from Tasmania, 7 from Western Australia, 3 from Victoria, Queensland and South Australia both didn’t get a player in the selected side, Phil Hughes and Usman Khawaja both being extremely unlucky to not receive a spot.


Here is a statistical breakdown of every player and the role Darren Lehman believes they will play in England:


Ashton Agar (LHB, SLA): Who can forget his memorable 98 in the first Investec Ashes test nearly 2 years ago? The young 19 year old came out and played some amazing shots for a teenager and took the cricket world by storm. Since then has been solid for Western Australia, last season the slow left arm orthodox bowler took 26 wickets at 47.27 but scored a handy 714 runs at 42. His economy rate is tidy and with 35 first class matches under his belt, could be pushing for a spot as a bowling all-rounder at 7.


Darren says “No one can forget what he did two years ago, from then on though, ‘Ash’ has worked pretty hard and has ticked all the right boxes to earn his spot. I’m keen to see what he can do this time around.


George Bailey (RHB): Smiling George, a member of the ‘Unchangeables’ who ran through England last time around. Bailey has continued to grow in the first class field, even giving up the national T20 captaincy to concentrate on getting his place back in the side. An excellent season last year where he scored 1068 runs (HS 269) at 106.8 has seen him earn his place in the side. Potential captain.


Darren says “George has been a real success story over the last three years. His batting in the one day arena has been superb. I saw him bat for Tasmania a couple of times last year and he was simply awesome, I think he scored four centuries. Also his leadership will be crucial in helping the side.

Jason Behrendorff (RHB, LFM): The 25 year quick from WA is probably the biggest surprise of the side, though right him off at your peril. Last season alone in 10 matches the “Doff” took 48 wickets with an average of 17.52. He generates excellent pace and as a left arm pace bowler has the ability to sharply bring the ball back in to the right hander.


Darren says “Jason has been bowling really well for his state, I’ve had frequent chats with Justin (Langer) about his progress and I’ve been impressed. Will definitely have a shot at a test spot but he’s still got a lot to prove.”


Jackson Bird (RHB, RFM): After playing only one test last time round Bird will have a point to prove to English fans this summer. With excellent rhythm combined with the line and length, could cause trouble. Last season averaged 24.37 for 37 wickets. Will battle for the third seamers spot.


Darren says “Obviously with the retirement of Ryan an opportunity has opened up for ‘Birdy’. He’s pretty tight and he can move the ball both ways, could take the new ball with Mitch.”


Ryan Carters (RHB, WK): It’s a showdown between him and Sam Whiteman for the wicket keeping position. A defensive player who has batted every number from 1-7 in the order, his adaptability will be key for the Australian line-up. Effective behind the stumps. Performed well in an injury-plagued season, 419 @ 69.83, with 21 catches.


Darren says “He’s been developing nicely, has kept to Lyon before but he’s going to have to contend with Mitch. His batting offers flexibility up and down the order. Has earned his spot on the team.”


James Faulkner (RHB, LFM): Played his sole test match on the last tour here, a very good state cricket, figures haven’t been great over the last couple of seasons, though he did pick up 26 wickets last season. Will rely on swing though he can swing a willow. Potential number seven though more likely to be third seamer at eight.


Darren says “I’ve been pleased with James’ development, he’s had good exposure in the limited overs format. He knows what he has to do in England and he bowled well in the IPL. His flexibility as a bowler or all-rounder adds great variety to the team.”


Mitchell Johnson (LBH, LF): The stare this man gave to James Anderson after bowling him in the first innings in Adelaide is part of Australian spot forever. Was excellent in the West Indies before hurting a rib, it fit and firing now and raring to go. Key to Australia winning.


Darren says “Everyone knows how an much of important player Mitch is, but he’s still only one bloke. English wickets are a bit slower… He’s got some demons to conquer from last time, but I know he’s ready, he’s still got a lot to prove to people on that side of the world.”

Nathan Lyon (RHB, OS): ‘Gary’ has had a difficult last couple of months, was well played by the Indians on home soil but he was always going to be their target for quick runs. Memories of his 5-for in Melbourne will terrorise some English batsmen, and if he can tie down one end, it lets the paceman wreck havoc from the other end.


Darren says “He didn’t have the best time in the West Indies but I’ve worked with him and I know he’s going to bounce back. His work with Murali twelve months ago is starting to show off in the nets… He will play a crucial role.”


Mitchell Marsh (RHB, RFM): Even though he’s only had seven games at the international level, Marsh the junior, junior has shown enough for everyone to realise he will be around for years to come. Had a good season last year, picking up 26 wickets and having a batting average of 49. A hard-hitting, effective pace bowler, his ability to gather bounce from his big six-foot plus frame might add fear factor into the minds of the English. Debuting earlier in the year against the West Indies will do him well.


Darren says “Everyone knows the potential Mitchell has, talents like him don’t come around that often… I thought he went alright in the West Indies, he’s still got a long way to come. Just like James, his flexibility is crucial to us.”


Shaun Marsh (LBH): It seems like forever since Shaun stroked his way to a magnificent hundred in South Africa against the world champions. At times struggled against the Indians last summer but scored a solid 109 at Melbourne. Needs to score runs. Could be his last chance.


Darren says “I thought Shaun was pretty good last summer, just a couple of unlucky decisions that the DRS might’ve fixed. Will probably bat at three, could also open… there’s no doubting we will need big runs from him, he’s crucial to us winning.”


Glenn Maxwell (RHB, OS): Knuckled down and had a solid season, averaged close to 60 with the bat but his bowling was impressive, 27 wickets at 29. Arguably the most devastating cricketer in the world, his ability to find the boundaries and hard hitting of the ball is a concern for any captain. His off spin could buy him a spot in the side though he’s playing test match cricket.


Darren says “We all know what ‘Maxy’ can do, we just need him to knuckle down and bat for long periods of time. I’ve been impressed with his bowling in recent times. Could be the x-factor.”


James Pattinson (LHB, RFM): A solid first class season (30 wkts @ 23.53) sees him back in the side, has chance to become a permanent fixture in the starting eleven. Has matured since his early years and his body seems to be recovering well from past horrors. Will fight Bird and Behrendorff for that third seamers position.


Darren says “It’s great to have a bowlers of James’ capacity in the side. He’s got his body back on track and has been quite quick in the nets. Obviously he will fight for that seamers position and he knows that… I’ve been impressed with his maturity from a couple of years ago.”


Peter Siddle (RHB, RFM): A shocking summer where he took just 10 wickets in 5 matches where forgotten with a solid series of 10 wickets at 22 in the Caribbean, has regained that pace he lost and has now developed a knack for a bit of late swing. Will continue to be the workhorse for the side.


Darren says “Sids has been developing nice pace in the nets, I’ve been impressed with a new Yorker. It’s a pity KP isn’t in the side but Peter knows his job and can bowl to any plan we give him.”


Jordan Silk (RHB): Is in the side after a brilliant last summer, the 25 year old scored 1033 runs at 64.56 with a top of score of 242, although defensive can bat for really long periods of time. Suited perfectly for English conditions after spending the past few seasons in Hobart. Will fight for the opening and number three positions. Also a great fielder.


Darren says “Had an excellent season, he was scoring the types of runs we want blokes to be scoring. Could bat all day if he wanted to. Even at 23 this kid could player test cricket for at least decade. His willingness to fight and his ability in the field is another key facet of his game, plus he’s been captain for various teams and won’t be out of place.”


Steven Smith (RHB, LS): Likely to be calling ‘heads’ or ‘tails’ when the first test begins. Had a poor summer in tests but don’t let that count for anything. His technique has improved and he plays the ball late, which is the key in England. Will be interesting to see whether he bats four or five, he also can bat at three.


Darren says “Steven is a candidate for the captains job, first and foremost he’s got to focus on his batting, we need big runs from him. I’ve worked with him over the last 24 months and know how he operates, I would love to see him have an awesome series.”


Adam Voges (RHB, SLA): The most experienced batsman left in Australian cricket, has played all over the world, including numerous seasons in England and knows the conditions well. At 36 is the oldest member of the side and may be a shock to a few, but has scored buckets of runs over the last two seasons, very deserving of a call up and a tribute to his hard work.


Darren says “I’m thrilled to have a bloke of his calibre in the side, has played very well for the country and has been an excellent captain for WA. I’ve had talks with him in the last couple of days leading up, he’s extremely keen and can’t wait to get over there.”




David Warner (LHB, LS): The most recent captain of the side, though this was more likely a temporary replacement. Has continued to remain as destructive as he is at the top of the order, had a great last two years of test cricket and makes runs everywhere he goes. Still has a bone to pick with a few English players and would love the chance to beat them on their own turf.


“It’s fair to say ‘Davy’ didn’t have the best time in the Windies… I doubt he’ll captain, we just want to see him back to his best, which is scoring bucket loads of runs and terrorising opening bowlers.”


Sam Whiteman (LHB, WK): Alongside his state team mate Behrendorff the other surprise selection, especially over more experienced layers such as Chris Hartley and Peter Nerville. Nonetheless this kids has heaps of potential, and while not overly aggressive can just bat and bat. Very good keeper on the bouncy Perth wickets, though will have to get used to the ball keeping lower and keeping to the off spinner.


Darren says “Ever since he scored that century against India A I’ve been keen to get Sam on tour, now the chance has come where he can play a test match. He’s quite tidy behind the stumps and is only going to learn. He was solid in first class last year and is only going to grow as he plays more and more cricket.”



Some new faces, and some not so familiar, an interesting squad


Guess who's back England?

 

[Guesty98]

How's everyone finding it so faR? (I know your out there)

Please don't be afraid to come forward with ideas and suggestions. If my vocab gets a bit repetitive of I keep saying the same things, or there's something you would like me to try and add, then go ahead.

If there's anyone out there who might be willing to do a bit of graphic work for a scoreboard or two then I would be really appreciative.

There's no need to worry about this story falling flat on it's feet, I've got a good portion of the tests written up so far (1 & 3/4) plus a few couple more news articles, so don't worry.

Thanks for reading

 

[Gaurav_7]

Interesting not to name a captain! I think Bailey is the man but looking at long run, maybe Steve Smith can do the job. I doubt this team will be able to match Englishmen in this Ashes as it is very inexperienced. Let's hope I am proven wrong.

On another note, I am really enjoying this story. Seems really good and is very easy on the eye. Readers will come (I hope). This section needs some revival and the writers need to step up even when there is no response. Keep going mate.

 

[Slowcoach]

Love the Mark Waugh, does he have something to hide bit.