Ashes warmups, June 25-July 1

[from_the_stands]

I'm pretty happy with the way things are going in this first warm up match. Some interesting battles are unfolding within the squad, which Darren Lehmann must be delighted with. I'm rather pleased that we are getting two warm-up games on this tour. With the international calendar so crowded these days, there is little opportunity for tour matches, which the players do need.

In the Shaun Marsh v Chris Rogers battle, Marsh would appear to have his nose in front. I'd like to see this carry over into the Essex match, but at the same time, I'd like Dave Warner to have a hit. They may play all 3 against Essex, resting Smith and possibly Clarke as well. The selectors could go either way in Cardiff in this battle.

In the Twatto v Mitchell Marsh battle, I'd have MM, but it seems to me that the selectors have had a boner for Twatto for so long now, that surely the Viagra is about to lose it's effectiveness. If MM picks up some wickets on the last day, I reckon it might be a done deal.

In the bowling stakes, I can't help but feel that Ryan Harris is the horse that has dropped back from the pack. MJ is looking sharp, and once he grows the tash back, Australia will have its winged keel back. Surely Starc and Hazlewood are niled on starters. In the Essex game, I'd rest MJ and Siddle and bring in Hazlewood and Starc, who are both in superstar form.

I'm expcting Clarke to declare overnight, giving the bowlers a whole day to practice their demolition skills.

[The Waugh Twins]

Yep that's pretty spot on FTS, and it's unfolding.

Interesting Clarke hasn't given Watson a bowl, I think he's done as far as Clarkes concerned.

[The Waugh Twins]

Wow turning into a demolition here.

[The Waugh Twins]

I'm guessing Warner and Voges will get a hit next match and Hazelwood a bowl. Right now there are so many possibilities for the 11 with perhaps 7 certainties.

Is it possible to go with 4 quicks and Lyon?

Something like this;

Rogers
Warner
Smith
Clarke
Voges
Haddin
Johnson
Starc
Hazlewood
Harris
Lyon

Those 5 bowlers are no bunnies with the bat with a total batting average of 27.

[The Waugh Twins]

I'm guessing Warner and Voges will get a hit next match and Hazelwood a bowl. Right now there are so many possibilities for the 11 with perhaps 7 certainties.

Is it possible to go with 4 quicks and Lyon?

Something like this;

Rogers
Warner
Smith
Clarke
Voges
Haddin
Johnson
Starc
Hazlewood
Harris
Lyon

Those 5 bowlers are no bunnies with the bat with a total batting average of 27.

Yep, I like that Mark I like it a lot.

[The Waugh Twins]

It'll never happen though Steve.

[The Waugh Twins]

Very impressive from Oz

[The Waugh Twins]

Very impressive from Oz

Australia won by 255 runs....................been seeing a lot of that lately.

[The Waugh Twins]

Watson didn't bowl. Steve Smith did and took wickets.

I think Watson's career in the Oz test side is on a knifes edge. Actually I would be surprised if he's done, it's clear Clarke doesn't want him as a bowler. Got to hand it to the captain sending out a message to the selectors.

[The Waugh Twins]

Watson didn't bowl. Steve Smith did and took wickets.

I think Watson's career in the Oz test side is on a knifes edge. Actually I would be surprised if he's done, it's clear Clarke doesn't want him as a bowler. Got to hand it to the captain sending out a message to the selectors.

Meant to say "wouldn't be surprised if he's done".

Shame because I'm a big fan, but with so much talent out there. Still not really fair that he wasn't given a bowl. Clarke up to his usual tricks of controlling the team selection.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Can't help feeling that if Watson wasn't going to play in the Ashes, he wouldn't have got a go in WI.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Smith goes at ten an over, and Fawad at over eight. Looks like they bought their wickets.

[Duncan1987]

Watson didn't bowl because he was injured, was nothing to do with Clarke, Watson will bowl against Essex.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Bloody conspiracies.

[The Waugh Twins]

Watson didn't bowl because he was injured, was nothing to do with Clarke, Watson will bowl against Essex.

I just read an article in Cosmopolitan that said Watson is considered the fittest man on earth.