England in Australia

[Sureshot]

For me the East tests (late night starts) it'll be 1-1.30 hours at the start, then tot off to bed and watch highlights later.

For Perth I'll be up at 5.30 so I miss only the first session.

I blame the Geological faults for this.

 

[Storer123]

The Australian 13 man sqaud for the First Test has been announced:

Ricky Ponting (c) TAS
Adam Gilchrist (vc) WA
Stuart Clark NSW
Matthew Hayden QLD
Mike Hussey WA
Mitchell Johnson QLD
Justin Langer WA
Brett Lee NSW
Damien Martyn WA
Glen McGrath NSW
Shaun Tait SA
Shane Warne VIC
Shane Watson QLD

 

[ZexyZahid]

So Tait and Watson has been selected above Symonds and Clarke. And I thought they would go for Bracken. Also didn't expect Clark in the team.

 

[puddleduck]

So it's highly likely that Watson will play as the 7th batsman in that squad, batting at 6 with Gilly 7. Interesting selection as it gives them some leeway still to pick their final bowler, and keeps England guesing as to who it will be. Clark, Tait or Johnson. All three offering something different, the accuracy and seam of Clark, the right-arm quick of Tait, or the left-arm quick of Johnson. Personally I reckon it's between Tait and Johnson, and that the left-armer would be a good choice in one sense, adding rough outside the left handed batsmans stump, and something for Warne to aim at even against the right-hander, however it also creates some rough for whichever of Englands SLAs that they pick.

 

[ZexyZahid]

The Ashes start very soon already. It will start next week! Can't believe it. It feels like yesterday that the previous Ashes happened.

 

[Octavius]

So it's highly likely that Watson will play as the 7th batsman in that squad, batting at 6 with Gilly 7... I reckon it's between Tait and Johnson, and that the left-armer would be a good choice in one sense, adding rough outside the left handed batsmans stump, and something for Warne to aim at even against the right-hander, however it also creates some rough for whichever of Englands SLAs that they pick.

Excellent points!

I am sure that Johnson is going to get his debut. He impressed enormously in SA. Also with them leaving out their other left arm option Bracken, i believe that Johnson must be the man.

Watson will definitely bat at 6, and is a good option for tests. I think Clarke will get his chance once Martyn retires.

Jaques will replace Langer or Hayden next year.

those are my predictions.

 

[Inbox24]

How can you not pick Clarke and Bracken?

 

[genghis_khan]

I'm not surprised that they picked so many fast bowlers...all of them deserve a spot and I'm sure whoever they go with will perform at his peak. It's funny though we all say they're fighting for the third seamer, but Lee has been struggling and McGrath is rusty in the longer form of the game, although it's nigh on impossible could we see one of them miss out? :

 

[aussie1st]

There in lies our problem. Do we go for an attacker in Tait/Johnson and take a huge punt assuming they will perform and not see another 5th test Ashes display or go with Clark who will more than likely tie up an end and may take wickets.

 

[puddleduck]

I think you have to go with the attacking option. I also think the left-armer is a good idea as Strauss struggled against Pathan in India. You can't pick your team for the 1st test assuming that someone like McGrath won't bowl well and keep it tight, or that Warne won't be able to bowl long spells and tie up an end whilst taking wickets. So with that in mind you have to go with a Tait or Johnson, and I think the left-armer option offers your attack more variation. Not to mention that Johnson has done well up against KP in their few encounters so far.

That means you'll have McGrath, Lee, Johnson, Watson and Warne as your frontline bowlers, and to be honest that's a pretty good attack, if they bowl well easily good enough to win the 1st test. Compared to Harmison, Hoggard, Anderson, Flintoff and Panesar/Giles, there isn't too much difference, except the Australian attack has more variation, more pace, and a better spin bowling option. So all round if they play to their ability you will stand a good chance.

 

[aussie1st]

Having Watson at least puts less pressure on Johnson compared to when Tait and Lee were going the journey in the last Ashes test. I could go either way really, just sucks having to wait another week before we sort this.

 

[genghis_khan]

I really can't split them to be honest...Clark is reliable, did well in the tour match, Tait has that X factor and is in great form, Johnson has come along in leaps and bounds and was impressive at the WACA this week.

hmmmmmmmmmmmm

 

[cricketmad09]

The Ashes start very soon already. It will start next week! Can't believe it. It feels like yesterday that the previous Ashes happened.

Ive been counting down the days since June. Doesnt really feel like yesterday for me.

I think we should pick Tait. Better than Clark because he just exerts alot of youthful passion and energy, which is beneficial to a side full of grandpas. He is also better than Johnson.

 

[rickyp]

you all seem to be forgetting that tait still has 1 match to prove himself. SA vs ENG is going to be the decider, if he tears through them an inclusion is imminent

 

[irottev]

Interesting squad. I guess they had trouble deciding whether to take Tait or Johnson so they took both at the expense of Clarke.

MacGill isn't in the squad either, no real surprise or anything, obviously they arn't expecting a spinning pitch but he may have a part to play in the series at some point.

I think taking the extra bowlers for the first test is a good move. See how things work out.

My first side would be:

Matthew Hayden QLD
Justin Langer WA
Ricky Ponting (c) TAS
Damien Martyn WA
Mike Hussey WA
Adam Gilchrist (vc) WA
Shane Watson QLD
Brett Lee NSW
Shane Warne VIC
Mitchell Johnson QLD
Glenn McGrath NSW

It is extremly hard to choose the 3rd bowler, but I went with Johnson because he seems in decent form currently. Clark has put in good performances recently but Johnson deserves the spot on form. Tait is just unlucky he has been injured and stuff and hasn't had more opportunities recently.