Unofficial Buildup to the 2010/11 Ashes

[Themer]

 

[TumTum]

 

[angryangy]

Summer fixture has been release, so we can start to guess at what sort of match preparation can be done before the series.

Red = Tests overlapping
Blue = Limited overs overlapping

October 08-11 2010
XXXX Gold Queensland Bulls v PKF Tasmanian Tigers

October 10-13 2010
Retravision Warriors v DEC Bushrangers

October 11-14 2010
West End Redbacks v RTA SpeedBlitz Blues

October 25-28 2010
DEC Bushrangers v PKF Tasmanian Tigers

October 29-01 2010
West End Redbacks v Retravision Warriors

October 31-03 2010
XXXX Gold Queensland Bulls v RTA SpeedBlitz Blues

November 10-13 2010
PKF Tasmanian Tigers v XXXX Gold Queensland Bulls

November 10-13 2010
RTA SpeedBlitz Blues v DEC Bushrangers

November 17-20 2010
RTA SpeedBlitz Blues v PKF Tasmanian Tigers

November 17-20 2010
XXXX Gold Queensland Bulls v West End Redbacks

November 17-20 2010
DEC Bushrangers v Retravision Warriors

Without knowing the squads, it's still a very rough estimate, but there are three general groups.

A core player such as Clarke, Hussey or Watson might get only one or two matches if they play all international engagements.

A Test specialist such as Katich, Hilfenhaus or North could get 2-3 matches between Tests. One day specialists could also play that many games.

Meanwhile, potential 'Ashes bolters' could do so on the form of up to 4 matches, which is a great sign for those keen to see players like Harris or Siddle. Not quite so great if they tour India and don't play, like with Khawaja against Pakistan.

However, there is a slight imbalance in the draw as WA and SA play one less game. This may tip the selectors' hand for the ODIs against Sri Lanka, as it would be an opportunity to give both Johnson and Hussey a chance to play an extra match. If Ponting is to be given a chance to play more first class cricket, it would be the India ODIs; the Sri Lankan ODIs would offer only rest.

 

[lethalhughes]

My aussie team for the ashes:
1.Hughes
2.KATISH
3.PONTING
4.CLARKE
5.WATSON
6.HUSSEY
7.HADDIN
8.JOHNSON
9.HAURITZ
10.HILFENHAUS
11.BOLLINGER

WITH HARRIS 12TH MAN

 

[sifter132]

Yep something like that would be sweet. Hughes has been working with Justin Langer on ALL facets of cricket and life recently so hopefully that gives him that extra edge. But I've got a terrible feeling we'll be playing North and Siddle in the 1st Test neither of whom give me great confidence...

 

[aussie1st]

Would be happy with that but can't see the selectors bringing Hughes back so soon.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

Funny how 'Punter' can see the 'cracks' in the England team, but can't see the gaping chasms in his own outfit.

 

[superfreddie]

I think Englands first team is pretty settled now despite some recent poor form from some players.

I think I would bring Bell back in for Morgan though, his century was great but he has been pretty suspect since, does anyone agree and do you think this will happen.

 

[angryangy]

I don't think Morgan is utterly terrible, but if England are serious, they'll pick Bell. He surely would be playing Pakistan if he hadn't hurt his foot, so with his record, experience and recent form, he should still have a spot.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

I think Englands first team is pretty settled now despite some recent poor form from some players.

I think I would bring Bell back in for Morgan though, his century was great but he has been pretty suspect since, does anyone agree and do you think this will happen.

Morgan looks a good prospect, but I think Bell is currently the more solid and reliable Test player.

 

[lethalhughes]

Yep something like that would be sweet. Hughes has been working with Justin Langer on ALL facets of cricket and life recently so hopefully that gives him that extra edge. But I've got a terrible feeling we'll be playing North and Siddle in the 1st Test neither of whom give me great confidence...

Lets hope that doesn't happen.Bollinger, Johnson and Hilfy are better than Siddle at this point.North will fail terribly in India against harbajan and selectors will be force to drop him.Hope if that happen they don't go with Steve Smith.Smith is a really good talent but his time is not now.Hughes and khawaja would be next in line, imo.Hey guys do your'll think Klinger will ever be considered, what if he has another outstanding season, would he be worth a go?

 

[CremerCurrans]

Australian Odi & Test Kits for the Ashes (pictures released 23rd of August)

 

[Covvy]

I like the ODI kit, looks nice with the southern cross.

 

[TumTum]

Test kit is sweet. I love the vodafone, makes us look so professional. Love the yellow trimming as well.

 

[CremerCurrans]

if you want to look at the pictures of all the players just click on the links below

Australian Test Team Headshots - Pictures - Zimbio

Australian One Day International Team Headshots - Pictures - Zimbio

Australian Twenty20 Team Headshots - Pictures - Zimbio