First Ashes Test Team predictions

[bennymacca]

Playing on Hobart all the time makes that look much better. Almost have to be averaging less than 20 there.

Yeah Hobart= Bowlers paradise

Well I guess this last game is an exception

[bennymacca]

Appears most are set on Harris, Sids & Johno for our pace attack. Big question is who is next in line if one of these break down? Starc, Bird, Cummins gone & Patto an outside chance to be back mid series.

Coulter-Nile hazelwood and Sayers appear next in line for me, though none of them are really bashing the door down.

They might even play Faulkner as the third seamer though that would look a bit weak

[stan]

Great work Wedgie. I'm sure everyone appreciates your efforts.

Im not sold on Johnson. Big risk but with the injuries to Starc and Paterson we really have an issue.

I like Harris as provides plenty of grunt. Siddle is similar and I guess thats the issue with him and Harris in the same side. But for mine he is one that always warrents selection by the wat he goes about it. Plenty of competativeness.

Next in line would be Sayers and perhaps Bollinger. But I would love to see pato ans starc back and see cummins get some first class cricket into him.

If these guys can get past these injuries they will be a very imposing trio in years to come.

[Brodlach]

First test squad has been annouced:

Michael Clarke (c)
NSW

Brad Haddin (vc)
NSW

George Bailey
TAS

James Faulkner
TAS

Ryan Harris
QLD

Mitchell Johnson
WA

Nathan Lyon
NSW

Chris Rogers
VIC

Peter Siddle
VIC

Steve Smith
NSW

David Warner
NSW

Shane Watson
NSW

[Jim05]

Would think Faulkner to carry the drinks.
Poms would be pissing themselves laughing seeing MJ in the squad

[GWW]

Johnson should only play in the WACA test, nowhere else.

[The Dark Knight]

Yeah agreed Jim, Faulker to carry the drinks, would rather him in the eleven than Johnson but theres no way the selectors will go with that.

I'm glad to see Bailey in there.

[Rik E Boy]

I've been a harsh critic of Johnson in the past, never forgiven him for his Lords performance of 2009. However, his pace is good and his lines appear tighter. I believe he has done his pennance and will do well in this series. There are players I rate and players I don't but once they put on that Baggy Green I want them to do well.

Hope he tears them a new one at the Gabba. No Hughes and no Khawaja is good and Bailey deserves his shot.

regards,

REB

[Failed Creation]

I'm glad to see Bailey in there.

Agreed. Until recently, I've bagged him at every available opportunity.

I'm happy to say that I was wrong.

I think he's got the right temperament to do well at Test level, and he's in good form. It's time.

[Rik E Boy]

Johnson should only play in the WACA test, nowhere else.

As an MJ knocker, I can't believe I'm saying this but I disagree. MJ is a strike bowler. If we leave him out we've got too many 'workhorses' Siddle, Faulkner, Watson. We need someone who get England jumping and Johnson is the man who can do that. He'll need to do it without easing the pressure on the batsman though that is his challenge.

I believe Harris, Johnson and Siddle will put more sustained pressure on England thatn Harris, Faulkner and Siddle and this will also help Lyon as they might have to take more chances against him, increasing his chances of taking wickets.


regards,

REB

[Rik E Boy]

I'm glad to see Bailey in there.

Agreed. Until recently, I've bagged him at every available opportunity.

I'm happy to say that I was wrong.

I think he's got the right temperament to do well at Test level, and he's in good form. It's time.

As Cricket fans, this is our luxury. I'm hoping Johnson can prove me wrong at the highest level. Haven't been a fan in the past. Another I'm not a fan of is Warner but his style of batting is more suited to Australian condiditons so I'm hoping he can prove a handful this series instead of being the walking wicket he was in England.

regards,

REB

[Brodlach]

Being lefthanded he gives that variety

[Failed Creation]

Johnson should only play in the WACA test, nowhere else.

As an MJ knocker, I can't believe I'm saying this but I disagree. MJ is a strike bowler. If we leave him out we've got too many 'workhorses' Siddle, Faulkner, Watson. We need someone who get England jumping and Johnson is the man who can do that. He'll need to do it without easing the pressure on the batsman though that is his challenge.

I believe Harris, Johnson and Siddle will put more sustained pressure on England thatn Harris, Faulkner and Siddle and this will also help Lyon as they might have to take more chances against him, increasing his chances of taking wickets.


regards,

REB

Spot on about Johnson there.

I think at this stage, Faulkner is merely a part-timer at Test level, although he has the potential to become an all-rounder.

As you mentioned, Harris and Siddle are workhorses, and as such, I'd play them both until they can no longer bowl. Screw the rotation policy bullshit.

[Squids]

Absolutely no confidence in our batting.

Bailey will last two tests at most imo.

[Jim05]

Must admit im yet to be convinced by Bailey in the longer form of the game. Definately killing it at one day and T20 level but isnt this the same bloke that averaged 18 in the shield last season? Also recently averaged 22 in the English county season, hardly great form.
Seems to be a bit of a joke that guys are getting caps for doing well in meaninless hit and giggle games

[Spargo]

.

[Spargo]

Seems to be a bit of a joke that guys are getting caps for doing well in meaninless hit and giggle games

..... played on roads in postage stamp size grounds where bowlers from both sides took cluelessness to a new level.

[Hazbeen]

Being lefthanded he gives that variety

How long till Starc is fit?

[Failed Creation]

Being lefthanded he gives that variety

How long till Starc is fit?

It looks like he will miss the series at best, the whole domestic summer at worst.

[Squids]

Starc is trash anyway so that is good for us.