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

[Arthur Crabtree]

Fawad went for about 4/over against Ireland. Took a wicket.

[Arthur Crabtree]

This is the AusA side to tour SA/Zim while the Ashes is played.

Steve Smith (capt), Aaron Finch (vice-capt), Ashton Agar, Fawad Ahmed, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Alex Doolan, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Nic Maddinson, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tim Paine, Gurinder Sandhu, Chadd Sayers.

I guess these are playing in case they need to called up to the main squad. I'm a bit surprised a second spinner hasn't been called up anyway though.

[Arthur Crabtree]

No Mitch Johnson.

[hopeforthebest]

No Mitch Johnson.

Mitch is remaining in the UK to take legal action against his barber.

[rich1uk]

not even sure what to think about this

http://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/nine-managing-director-jeffrey-browne-claims-network-will-influence-team-selection-as-part-of-new-deal-with-cricket-australia/story-fndpt0dy-1226666430117

[GarlicJam]

not even sure what to think about this

http://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/nine-managing-director-jeffrey-browne-claims-network-will-influence-team-selection-as-part-of-new-deal-with-cricket-australia/story-fndpt0dy-1226666430117

I haven't read the link, but it has been on the radio throughout the day. CA have spoken a denial, but what I heard of it was sketchy.

It just cannot be right.

[rich1uk]

what the ch9 guy is saying is that they will have a say on when the big name players gets rested as it affects their ratings if they play a less than full strength team

CA obviously denied it

[GarlicJam]

CA chief James Sutherland:

"Cricket has a long-standing and successful relationship with the Nine Network but team selections and scheduling are matters for Cricket Australia," he said in a statement.

"The National Selection Panel selects the Australian teams.

"With the volume of international cricket being played, it will continue to be necessary for us to manage player workloads appropriately."

As it should be. Up yours, Nein.

[GGAS]

No Mitch Johnson.

Mitch is remaining in the UK to take legal action against his barber.

[alfie]

what the ch9 guy is saying is that they will have a say on when the big name players gets rested as it affects their ratings if they play a less than full strength team

CA obviously denied it

Nine have tried this on before. Obviously they don't like the big guns missing games , but there isn't much they can do about it...they have already signed up to pay twice the national debt for the rights. Not likely to go on strike and not show a match , are they

[hopeforthebest]

Australia have 'world's best bowling attack', says Mickey Arthur

Comments (62)
Australia coach Mickey Arthur says his side have the "best bowling attack in the world" and can put England under pressure in the Ashes.
He claimed that England have shown "cracks" under pressure in the past.
"They are a very good cricket side but I would like to see how they handle pressure for a sustained period of time," Arthur told Test Match Special.

[rich1uk]

yeah loved where he blamed the media and the ECB for what happened with warner as well

[meninblue]

I have England as favorites to win the Ashes in England at least. Aussie batting department is very weak. The bowler are prone to injury and a few will get unfit after one or two tests.

[from_the_stands]

what the ch9 guy is saying is that they will have a say on when the big name players gets rested as it affects their ratings if they play a less than full strength team

CA obviously denied it

Nine have tried this on before. Obviously they don't like the big guns missing games , but there isn't much they can do about it...they have already signed up to pay twice the national debt for the rights. Not likely to go on strike and not show a match , are they

Yeah, I remember that. Didn't they kick up a stink! Personally, I think they were mad to fork out what they have in this latest deal, especially when the Oz cricket team is so poor. Channel 10 hustled them, and now that get to show a second rate team with viewers looking for something else to watch in their droves. It's a good thing the Ashes are on overnight... can't see too many people staying up for that like they used to in the good old days.

[GarlicJam]

Micky Arthur has reportedly been sacked as coach of Australia, just two weeks out from the start of the Ashes.

How DO you spell "lurch"?