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

[from_the_stands]

It looks as though Fawad Ahmed will get his passort, and will be flying in to join Australia A in England. This could be interesting. Now all we need is a few batsmen to be rushed into the side...

[hopeforthebest]

It looks as though Fawad Ahmed will get his passort, and will be flying in to join Australia A in England. This could be interesting. Now all we need is a few batsmen to be rushed into the side...

Another country's politicians get involve in cricket, India, SL, Bangladesh, WI and SA would be be proud of you.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Any Australian posters know how good Fawad is. His selection seems to have caused a little angst.

[GarlicJam]

No idea myself. I actually like the idea of Ashton Agar moreso, but am willing to be proven wrong.

[andy]

clarke out of tomorrow's game...his back problem getting increasingly concerning

[alfie]

Any Australian posters know how good Fawad is. His selection seems to have caused a little angst.

He has made a good impression here in Melbourne. Haven't seen him myself but he picked up some pretty handy figures in his three games for Victoria , and some good judges rate his bowling.
Hard to say how he will go internationally : he is 31 and has played only a handful of first class matches - not old for a leggie , but I do wonder if he hasn't been built up a bit too much by a local media (and team officials !) desperate for a "wild card" to revive the national fortunes...

As Garlic suggests , his interesting story may have helped him leapfrog the much younger and quite promising Agar , who may well be a better prospect for the future. But Agar clearly isn't ready yet , and you can see why the dream of an instant match winner has the selectors thinking seriously about parachuting him into the action.

Not yet convinced he will displace Lyon just like that. Will depend on his performances for the A team. And as FTS notes , it might not matter much who takes the ball for Australia unless the batsmen get their act together !

In any case his acceptance into the Australian cricket family can only be inspirational to the refugee community in this country...there must be a lot of recent arrivals from Sri Lanka , Afganistan etc who have cricket in their blood , and there has been surprisingly little impact so far at the higher levels from these population groups. Though they are well represented in club cricket , certainly in Melbourne. I guess it takes time.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Thanks Alfie. Good luck to him, after the Ashes. It would be a hell o a story if he were to play a big part in the series. Which tends to make me feel it won't happen. Might be worth trying him in some ODIs first. It might be better for him to start in a less tough series. i wonder if he can be prepared for an international batting line up.

[greyblazer]

Just waiting for Hughes to play in the Ashes

[andy]

Cowan will anchor at the top, and surely Rogers will be another anchor at 3...meaning hughes wont play surely.

[GarlicJam]

one of Hughes and Warner needs to play, and Warner will have no match practice. Possibly the selectors are planning on Hughes opening.

[shankycricket]

one of Hughes and Warner needs to play, and Warner will have no match practice. Possibly the selectors are planning on Hughes opening.

I hope not. I want to see a contest.

[from_the_stands]

one of Hughes and Warner needs to play, and Warner will have no match practice. Possibly the selectors are planning on Hughes opening.

I hope not. I want to see a contest.

At this time, with a first Test still a month away, and assuming that all slected squad members are fit, I can forsee the following Oz line-up;

Ed Cowan - This series is make or break for Cowan. He might come good, but I'm not holding my breath.
Chris Rogers - Could prove to be an inspired selection.
Phil Hughes - Similar to Cowan, this series is make or real for the "walking wicket."
Shane Watson - Sigh.
Michael Clarke - He might fire and score a truck load of runs... and then again he might not.
Brad Haddin - He'll get moved up to six, allowing the Aussies to play an all-rounder. Warner won't play in the first Test and I can't see Khawaja getting in.
James Faulkner - Why? Because we're desperate.
Peter Siddle - Statistically Australia's best bowler, although his record against England isn't great. The younger bowlers coming through can learn a lot from him.
Mitchell Starc - Australia's most improved bowler, IMHO, although has more than his fair share of bad days.
James Pattinson - I reckon he is well up for it, more so than the other bowlers. He'll probably blow England away in the first Test, then break down with an injury.
Nathan Lyon - He might do okay with Fawad Ahmed now breathing down his throat. If he bombs early, the selectors will make the change... especially is we lose the first 2 Tests.

[rich1uk]

with the warner situation that does look the probable team I think

still think Clarke should bat higher than 5 , especially if that is the top order they go with, as hes basically only getting one chance of a partnership with a specialist batsman before hes left with haddin and the bowlers

[Arthur Crabtree]

If Harris is fit, he seems to be the best bowler. If they are taking such a crock, surely he plays?

Are Fawad and Agar currently in a bowl off to get in the main squad?

[from_the_stands]

Are Fawad and Agar currently in a bowl off to get in the main squad?

It will be Fawad Ahmed who gets the nod. Ashton Agar is one for the future... maybe.