SA Footy

I see Graeme Swann's talking big about their state of mind when they play against us now. Had a couple of good wins, no doubt about that, but the litmus test on our turf hasn't occurred yet.

So what's everyone's intuition saying at this early stage? Do we win the urn back or are we witnessing the birth of an era where Australia fears the Poms?

I have to admit watching some of that T20 WC final they really don't look like they fear us anymore, especially Pietersen and Collingwood, who I've always been a fan of. I knew Warnie also rated the guy highly by how much he'd sledge him because Collingwood never backed down from him. He's got more heart than any of our guys.

I've got a feeling some of that old England "Oh shit we're in Australia" mentality will come back when they get here but I think they'll manage to overcome it. Two evenly matched sides. Here's an article about this from Malcolm Knox, "Australia primed for Ashes defeat":

http://www.backpagelead.com.au/cricket/ ... hes-defeat

The potential line-up of Strauss, Cook, Trott, Pietersen, Collingwood, Bell, Prior, Broad, Swann, Anderson and Sidebottom, with Bopara as a back-up bat & Bresnan/Onions back-up quick, is as accomplished a batting & bowling line-up as I can remember.

It will be an interesting series indeed. England will be as settled and confident as they've ever been coming into an away Ashes series, probably since 86/87. Like all touring sides, how they handle the extra bounce at the Gabba and the WACA will dictate how they fare IMO. Dropping those 2 matches will make it near-on impossible to achieve an English series win. I think the home side will win - just.

Aust to win 3-2.

Man of the Series: P Siddle

I never want to see us lose the Ashes on Australian soil so we have to win, we can't lose simple as that. The right team has to be selected though.

MarblePark wrote:Aust to win 3-2.

Man of the Series: P Siddle

Huge call. If it were up to me, he wouldn't even get in the XI.

Bollinger, Hilfenhaus, Johnson, Hauritz.

yeah we win the ashes, id say we get it 3-1

If Hilfenhaus gets in over Siddle, I'll eat my hat.

MarblePark wrote:If Hilfenhaus gets in over Siddle, I'll eat my hat.

Ryan Harris ahead of both IMO.

Depends on how we play Swann. If he doesnt get cheap wickets we will walk it in

rod_rooster wrote:

MarblePark wrote:If Hilfenhaus gets in over Siddle, I'll eat my hat.

Ryan Harris ahead of both IMO.

I'd love it Rod...

But I don't like the chances...

MarblePark wrote:If Hilfenhaus gets in over Siddle, I'll eat my hat.

Oh please, Siddle is a good to average talent, Hilf is an elite talent.

IMHO:

SHOE-IN: Johnson- strike bowler.
SHOE-IN: Duggie- Strike bowler.
SHOE-IN: Horrie- Spinner.

Down to:

Hilf- strike bowler.
Siddle- Workhorse.

NEED a workhorse.

Siddle is our only Test standard workhorse.

Siddle NEEDS to play.

Hilf not a workhorse??!!

The bloke can bowl all day!

Harris should play before both of them imo.

Has done nothing wrong.

bloods08 wrote:Harris should play before both of them imo.

Has done nothing wrong.

Agreed

If a side is picked on form, Harris is a shoe-in.

I'd love it, but it isn't going to happen.

MarblePark wrote:IMHO:

SHOE-IN: Johnson- strike bowler.
SHOE-IN: Duggie- Strike bowler.
SHOE-IN: Horrie- Spinner.

Down to:

Hilf- strike bowler.
Siddle- Workhorse.

NEED a workhorse.

Siddle is our only Test standard workhorse.

Siddle NEEDS to play.

Dont follow your cricket closely?? Hilfenhaus is an absolute workhorse and that is the reason he has such a good record at domestic level. Thats his strength. Bowls into the wind, for the majority of the day!

Just did some cricinfo related maths, and I take it all back.

In their brief Test careers, the following is fact:

Siddle, on average, bowls 18 overs per Test

Hilf, on average, bowls 36 overs per Test

I stand corrected.

Hilf for the Ashes!

MarblePark wrote:Just did some cricinfo related maths, and I take it all back.

In their brief Test careers, the following is fact:

Siddle, on average, bowls 18 overs per Test

Hilf, on average, bowls 36 overs per Test

I stand corrected.

Hilf for the Ashes!

What's going on here? A bloke doing some research, and then admitting his opinion was a little bit off, ON THE INTERNET!? Wow, I didn't think that sort of shit went on...

Seriously though, I really hope Hilf (The Hilfinator?) gets up for the Ashes, I love watching him bowl.