The Australian XI

[frankc]

Given that Warne and McGrath are retiring from test cricket at the end of the ashes, I started to have a think about what our XI would look like if all players over 35 retired.

At present, the remaining members would be as follows;

1.
2.
3. Ponting
4. Clarke, M
5. Hussey, M
6. Symonds
7.
8. Lee
9.
10.
11. Clark, S

Opening Batsman: I really like Rogers of WA for one of the spots. Amazing that he has scored over 7,000 first class runs at 50 and he hasn't been heard of much. For the other spot, I'd promote Hussey. Remeber when his first few tests were as an opener and he was placed at number six when Langer returned.

With the promotion of Hussey, that leaves a middle order positoin open. For this I would like either Hodge of VIC or North of WA. I would go for Hodge because he is proven at test level (I still can't fathom why he was dropped in the first place!).

The wicketkeeper is relatively easy and I would select Haddin from NSW.

In the bowling department I would pick MacGill who will now inherit the premier spinner position from Warne.

To replace McGrath I would pick Johnson from QLD by a hairs breath from Tait. However if Lee doesn't pick up his act, I think either Tait or Gillespie should replace him. I'd probably prefer Gillespie is this case due to his experience.

Lastly if Watson is fit he must be the number six allrounder. This results in:

1. Rogers (WA)
2. Hussey (WA)
3. Ponting (TAS)
4. Hodge (VIC)
5. Clarke, M (NSW)
6. Watson (QLD)
7. Haddin (NSW)
8. Lee (NSW)
9. Johnson (QLD)
10. Clark, S (NSW)
11. MacGill (NSW)

[kolchak]

You obviosly luv ur cricket frankc.

I think Australia have lots of options....Young and old players...

I'd like to see the ODI this summer used as simply a testing ground for possible replacements, I really could not give a stuff about these games...

[delirious1]

luke ronchi from w.a., hasnt shown much but ive seen him from his school days and he was a damn good batsman and wicket keeper

[frankc]

You obviosly luv ur cricket frankc.

I think Australia have lots of options....Young and old players...

I'd like to see the ODI this summer used as simply a testing ground for possible replacements, I really could not give a stuff about these games...

Second only to the Hawks. Not much else to talk about in the off season.

[Hugshawks]

I see Vogues isn't in there Frankc. Personally I think he stands a very good chance of making the XI after the current generation retire. Interested to hear if you rate him at all.

[frankc]

I see Vogues isn't in there Frankc. Personally I think he stands a very good chance of making the XI after the current generation retire. Interested to hear if you rate him at all.

To be honest, I don't know much about him and in any case rate him behind Hodge of VIC and North of WA.

[KingRich]

As much as Brett Lee is a little down I think he will bounce back and still looks dangerous the majoity of the time. Is also a very handy batsman and is edging towards all rounder status himself if he can become more consistent with the bat!

I would like to see Cam White get a run in the one dayers to show what he's got, think he is a chance in the future.

What are David Hussey's batting stats like this summer? Bit down on usual I think but has obvious talent and would be worth a look. Cosgrove is another one I like and would like to see him get a chance in the 1 dayers to put his name out there!

[frankc]

Witth Langer retiring now, it leaves an interesing question about how our test team will look for our next test series (particularly the batting lineup). The selectors will have plenty of time to think about it as our next test series is some ten months away.

An openers position is now available and the selectors have two options,

1. Either bring in a new opener or
2. shift Hussey to the openers position (he has been an opener for all his career) and bring in a middle order batsman.

Considering my team, this leaves the decision between Chris Rodgers and Brad Hodge. If Hussey opens, Hodge should be recalled, if Hussey is left where he is, then Rodgers should be the preferred option.

I now Brad Hodge plays for Lancashire and will have the opportunity over our winter to push his claim, but I don't think Rodgers plays with an English county side. If I was Rodgers, I would be trying to an English county contract to push my claim.

I think if Hodge does well for Lancashire, and Rodgers is effectively dormant over our winter, Hodge will probably get the nod. Both players deserve their chance, Hodge has done nothing wrong over the past few years and I get the feeling is quite demenour counts against him. Also Rodgers has been outstanding, however he may have to wait a little longer, particularly if he doesn't play in England over summer.

In a sense, Hodge may have the ball in his court. He surely must rank above Voges and North (Hodge was injured when Damien Martyn retired and as such was not up for selection).

I don't think Jacques has had a good enough season.