The Ashes; First Test, Cardiff, July 8-12

[from_the_stands]

Just heard the news. Sadly, it was inevitable. Harris should have retired after that epic win in South Africa. He was been a warrior for Australia. That he only played in 27 Tests is a great shame. If the selectors draft in a replacement for Harris, I reckon it might be James Pattinson, who is currently playing in the CPL. If not him, then possibly Pat Cummins.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Cummins is going, according to press.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Which of the present teams would get in the 2005 teams?

I've got Buttler and Root for Jones and Bell.

Smith and Johnson for Katich and Gillespie/Kaspa/Tait.

[from_the_stands]

Cummins in going, according to press.

Could be interesting. I guess the selectors have him in mind for when MJ calls it a day, which will be within 18 months, I'd say.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Is he this tour's Sean Tait? Or more than an optimistic wild card?

[from_the_stands]

Which of the present teams would get in the 2005 teams?

I've got Buttler and Root for Jones and Bell.

Smith and Johnson for Katich and Gillespie/Kaspa/Tait.

Warner for Langer, just.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Easier to replace the Aussie openers as they didn't have great series. But Langer and Hayden were monsters at the time. Hard to leave one of them out.

[from_the_stands]

Is he this tour's Sean Tait? Or more than an optimistic wild card?

I do see him as a long term prospect. I have seen him live a few times and I've been really impressed with him. He has made adjustments to his run up and action. He's the real deal. The Saffers struggled against him in both matches I saw. I can see the day when our three quicks are; Starc, Hazlewood & Cummins, and I can see Cummins making a mess of England's batting line-up.

[Arthur Crabtree]

If he gets on the pitch I suppose. Shame he won't get a game before the series starts, to show what he can do.

[hopeforthebest]

Which of the present teams would get in the 2005 teams?

I've got Buttler and Root for Jones and Bell.

Smith and Johnson for Katich and Gillespie/Kaspa/Tait.

Buttler and Root were still in short trousers in 2005.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Mitch could have played. He was a once-in-a-generation bowler about then.

[GarlicJam]

Is he this tour's Sean Tait? Or more than an optimistic wild card?

In lots of ways, Cummins is a like-for-like replacement of Harris - a highly talented bowler whose career is greatly curtailed by his unreliable body. Both bowl at good speed with large amounts of swing.


imo, Cummins will have a test career worth noting, unlike Tait.

[Gingerfinch]

Which of the present teams would get in the 2005 teams?

I've got Buttler and Root for Jones and Bell.

Smith and Johnson for Katich and Gillespie/Kaspa/Tait.

Cook for Strauss.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Cook now? He's had a horrible couple of years, with just a short upturn in form at the end of it. In 05, Strauss was still riding his early wave of sensational form, and had just scored heavily in SA.

[Gingerfinch]

Cook now? He's had a horrible couple of years, with just a short upturn in form at the end of it. In 05, Strauss was still riding his early wave of sensational form, and had just scored heavily in SA.

Strauss and Trescothick were a good combo, but I'd still take today's Cook over the 05 Strauss.

I was thinking Jimmy for who, but the 05 pace attack worked well as a team.