1st Test England vs Australia

[Thiele]

Let the Ashes begin.

Looks like Lee could be doubt http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,865 ... 80,00.html

[magpie in the 80's]

First Test: England leave out Harmison

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,865 ... 80,00.html

[haloman]

First Test: England leave out Harmison

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,865 ... 80,00.html

I guess our plan to let him take a few poles in the Lions game failed then.....

[FD88]

Still confident with an attack of Johnson, Siddle, Clark and Hauritz. Siddle looms as the key - you sense the poms don't rate him which would be great for us. He together with Mitch ripped the South Africans apart on their turf so a lot rides on their form. Ritz actually started to bowl alright towards the end of that second warm up; increasingly thinking they'll pick him (especially with Lee out), if only for the first test.

We've still got the better pace battery and obviously a superior batting line up. Spin honours go to them but none of their spinners are in the elite bracket. Hauritz on a good day should hold his own. This first test will be the toughest, beyond that we'll be the ones pressing imo. Still good things.

[Rik E Boy]

Lee out is a huge loss. He was swinging the Duke beautifully in Worechester. The Poms will be delighted. How we handle the spinning ball will prove to be the key in the first test IMO.

regards,

REB

[the joker]

it is official Binga has been ruled out of the first and second test, and could miss the whole series. the England press are gunna love this....

http://www.cricinfo.com/engvaus2009/con ... 12965.html

[rod_rooster]

This could be the end for Lee. Was looking good in the tour game but to break down again leaves huge question marks over him now. I wouldn't be surprised if he never plays Test cricket again.

[Lightning McQueen]

it is official Binga has been ruled out of the first and second test, and could miss the whole series. the England press are gunna love this....

http://www.cricinfo.com/engvaus2009/con ... 12965.html

Could be a blessing in disguise, I think that we've missed Clark more than Binga and I think Siddle is a better prospect.

[Lightning McQueen]

First Test: England leave out Harmison

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,865 ... 80,00.html

I guess our plan to let him take a few poles in the Lions game failed then.....

Well he made Hughes look like Bruce Reid

[Dogwatcher]

This could be the end for Lee. Was looking good in the tour game but to break down again leaves huge question marks over him now. I wouldn't be surprised if he never plays Test cricket again.

Agreed.

[Dogwatcher]

it is official Binga has been ruled out of the first and second test, and could miss the whole series. the England press are gunna love this....

http://www.cricinfo.com/engvaus2009/con ... 12965.html

Could be a blessing in disguise, I think that we've missed Clark more than Binga and I think Siddle is a better prospect.

And agreed.

[wycbloods]

it is official Binga has been ruled out of the first and second test, and could miss the whole series. the England press are gunna love this....

http://www.cricinfo.com/engvaus2009/con ... 12965.html

Could be a blessing in disguise, I think that we've missed Clark more than Binga and I think Siddle is a better prospect.

And agreed.

Me too.

[Lightning McQueen]

What's the latest on Watto, has his broken nail repaired itself yet?

[LMA]

What's the latest on Watto, has his broken nail repaired itself yet?

The most overrated and most persisted with Aussie player in recent memory, must have seen one of the selectors rooting someone or something for him to keep getting picked. All Rounder, my ass.

[LMA]

Anyone know the final Elevens ?

[Gozu]

The other day I saw somewhere Watson was referred to as the "Boss's son"

[rod_rooster]

Wait for it..........

[brod]

Stats and trivia

- In 300 Ashes Tests England have won 95; Australia have been successful in 121
- It is 1410 days since England won their last Ashes Test, at Trent Bridge in 2005
- None of Australia's fast bowlers have played a Test in England
- Allan Border was the last Australian captain to lose two Ashes series when his sides were beaten in 1985 and 1986-87
- Australia must win the contest to keep the No. 1 Test rating

[dedja]

... and when was the last time the English team had only Poms in it?

[scottiemc]

does anyone know if Onions is a definate in Englands starting 11? he looked the goods against West Indies or maybe it was the West Indies that made him look good.