Counting down to the back-to-back Ashes series in 2013/14

[Durhamfootman]

If Aus lined up with that for the first test, I wouldn't be unduly worried from an England perspective. I would expect it to change very quickly though maybe even as early as the second test.

[from_the_stands]

If Aus lined up with that for the first test, I wouldn't be unduly worried from an England perspective. I would expect it to change very quickly though maybe even as early as the second test.

Nah, they won't change a winining lineup. If any changes are made, it will be replacing an injured bowler.

[Durhamfootman]

If Aus lined up with that for the first test, I wouldn't be unduly worried from an England perspective. I would expect it to change very quickly though maybe even as early as the second test.

Nah, they won't change a winining lineup. If any changes are made, it will be replacing an injured bowler.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Johnson? High risk for the selectors if it doesn't pay off.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Maybe he'll play because Hussey isn't at six?

[from_the_stands]

OK, I've reconsidered my first test team for the Ashes (again).

Dave Warner
Phil Hughes
Alex Doolan
Michael Clarke
Usman Khawaja
Glenn Maxwell
Matthew Wade
Mitchell Starc
Peter Siddle
James Pattinson
Fawad Ahmed

If they drop Hughes in India, it will only be temporary, and he'll come back in when the Oz selectors come to their senses and get rid of Ed Cowan. Alex Doolan will come in, he has to. Someone new needs to be looked at, and he's the next cab off the rank. Clarke will move up to four, because he has no choice, really. Usman should be given a reasonable run at five, with the possiblilty of eventually moving up should Doolan not cut it. The six spot is a bit of a raffle, really. Glenn Maxwell seems to be the man of the moment, although the likes of Moises Henriques, Steve Smith and Twatto will obviously be in the running. Ideally, I'd have Andrew McDonald in there, but that isn't going to happen. The bowlers pick themselves, I guess, with Jackson Bird, Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Lyon being reserves. The reserve wicket-keeper will be Brad Haddin, with the reserve batsman being... probably Twatto.

[Arthur Crabtree]

I thought Fawad would only be available for the home leg? I think it really is asking for trouble thrusting him straight into a series like this, and puts him under enormous pressure. I think Australia will play four seamers where possible.

I've been predicting a win for England at home and a tight win for Australia away. Unfortunately that leaves Australia with the Ashes. But I'm not sure either side is strong enough to win away. Things may change.

[alfie]

You are maintaining faith in Hughes then , FTS ?

Has to be faith , because he has done very little against quality bowing since his initial couple of Tests in SA.

Potential is one thing , but I reckon he has had enough free caps already...

[shankycricket]

OK, I've reconsidered my first test team for the Ashes (again).

Dave Warner
Phil Hughes
Alex Doolan
Michael Clarke
Usman Khawaja
Glenn Maxwell
Matthew Wade
Mitchell Starc
Peter Siddle
James Pattinson
Fawad Ahmed

If they drop Hughes in India, it will only be temporary, and he'll come back in when the Oz selectors come to their senses and get rid of Ed Cowan. Alex Doolan will come in, he has to. Someone new needs to be looked at, and he's the next cab off the rank. Clarke will move up to four, because he has no choice, really. Usman should be given a reasonable run at five, with the possiblilty of eventually moving up should Doolan not cut it. The six spot is a bit of a raffle, really. Glenn Maxwell seems to be the man of the moment, although the likes of Moises Henriques, Steve Smith and Twatto will obviously be in the running. Ideally, I'd have Andrew McDonald in there, but that isn't going to happen. The bowlers pick themselves, I guess, with Jackson Bird, Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Lyon being reserves. The reserve wicket-keeper will be Brad Haddin, with the reserve batsman being... probably Twatto.

From an English perspective, I'd rather see Hughes than Cowan. Not that I'm worried about either. I really do rate Hughes but watching him bat in Tests, can't help but feel that his comeback may have been rushed a little. He was very good in the ODIs but in the Tests, even against SL, he wasn't entirely convincing tbh. Struggled against Dilshan in Australia and I see no reason why Swann or Monty won't have him on toast in England next summer.

[greyblazer]

OK, I've reconsidered my first test team for the Ashes (again).

Dave Warner
Phil Hughes
Alex Doolan
Michael Clarke
Usman Khawaja
Glenn Maxwell
Matthew Wade
Mitchell Starc
Peter Siddle
James Pattinson
Fawad Ahmed

If they drop Hughes in India, it will only be temporary, and he'll come back in when the Oz selectors come to their senses and get rid of Ed Cowan. Alex Doolan will come in, he has to. Someone new needs to be looked at, and he's the next cab off the rank. Clarke will move up to four, because he has no choice, really. Usman should be given a reasonable run at five, with the possiblilty of eventually moving up should Doolan not cut it. The six spot is a bit of a raffle, really. Glenn Maxwell seems to be the man of the moment, although the likes of Moises Henriques, Steve Smith and Twatto will obviously be in the running. Ideally, I'd have Andrew McDonald in there, but that isn't going to happen. The bowlers pick themselves, I guess, with Jackson Bird, Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Lyon being reserves. The reserve wicket-keeper will be Brad Haddin, with the reserve batsman being... probably Twatto.

From an English perspective, I'd rather see Hughes than Cowan. Not that I'm worried about either. I really do rate Hughes but watching him bat in Tests, can't help but feel that his comeback may have been rushed a little. He was very good in the ODIs but in the Tests, even against SL, he wasn't entirely convincing tbh. Struggled against Dilshan in Australia and I see no reason why Swann or Monty won't have him on toast in England next summer.

I don't know how can anyone rate Hughes

[greyblazer]

The one player who seems to have a decent technique is Bailey. Pick him and see how he goes.

[shankycricket]

Yes, Bailey at 6. Doolan at 3.

[greyblazer]

If I compare Cowan and Hughes then Cowan looks slightly better. It doesn't mean he is good.

[greyblazer]

Warner
Cowan
Khawaja
Michael Clarke
Bailey
Henriques
Matthew Wade
Mitchell Starc
Cummins/ Hilfy
James Pattinson
Lyon

I don't know whether Fawad can play for Aus. or not. If Australia want to do well they need JP and even Cummins to play. Yes Clarke has to score about 1,000 runs.

[shankycricket]

Would pick Doolan at 3 and Khawaja at 4. Averages 57 in the Shield this season, apparently has a good technique and scored 161 for Aus A vs SA including Vernon and Steyn in the warm up match last year. Henriques as back up. Apparently Twatto might be fit to bowl then. So he could be tried as opener cum allrounder with Cowan as back up.

I'd also go with Bird over Starc in English conditions.