by Aerie » Mon Jan 07, 2013 10:16 pm
They have been taking 16, but I have a feeling they'll pick 17 with the fragility of the fast bowlers and I think they need to take 2 spinners and 2 keepers just in case something happens on the morning of a match to either Wade or Lyon. Granted, the 2nd spinner may not even get picked in any case, but need that option there.
I think the opening bats have been solid enough and wouldn't change Warner and Cowan. I think they have something good going - not as prolific as what we've enjoyed in recent times, but a good combination. Hughes still has work to do, but is in the box seat to make number 3 his own and should be given every opportunity. Clarke I'd move up to 4.
Wade has made an excellent start batting wise, but I'm still concerned about his keeping. However, I don't think he is significantly worse than the next in line so he keeps his spot at the traditional keepers position at 7. Haddin his deputy.
The spinners spot is Lyon's and I'd like them to take a project spinner on the tour as opposed to someone like Beer or Doherty. Perhaps Zampa to bowl plenty of overs in tour games and in the nets and see how he improves. They must be confident if he is needed to play a Test match he will play his role though. I haven't seen enough of him to know.
The pace bowling is really strong and can win The Ashes. The selection will be very interesting - must go on form. Bird looms as a possible threat in English conditions, but would they play him above Pattinson/Siddle/Johnson if all are fit? Those four along with Starc and Cummins would be the group I go with. If Cummins isn't fit, then the best performed Shield bowler.
Biggest issue is who fills the number 5 and 6 spots together with spare batsman on the tour. If they take Haddin as 2nd keeper he would also push for top 6 selection just as a batsman. Watson will most likely go, however his non-bowling is a big blow All of a sudden he isn't looking the world beater he was a few years ago and looks like one of the weaknesses in the side. Khawaja will most likely go. Hasn't had the opportunity to fail so is taken as unproven and likely number 5. That leaves one position open to whoever dominates the back end of the Shield season. Doolan and Ferguson look to be battling it out with David Hussey an outside chance - especially for India.
My best XI:
Warner
Cowan
Hughes
Clarke
Khawaja
Haddin
Wade
Johnson
Siddle
Pattinson
Lyon
Plus
Doolan
Watson
Zampa
Starc
Bird
Cummins