Aussie squad for 2009 Ashes....

[krisholio14]

The Aussie Ashes squad is as follows: R Ponting (c), M Clarke (vc), S Clark, B Haddin, N Hauritz, B Hilfenhaus, P Hughes, M Hussey, M Johnson, S Katich, B Lee, G Manou, A McDonald, M North, P Siddle, S Watson.


I hope theres not an official thread hiding on this board here somewhere.

All I can say as a cricket fan and Australian cricket team hater, is that the squad is poo.

Why would you waste two spots on Watson and Lee?

Can I get the overs/unders on how long its going to take either or both to break down with some form of injury?

[Ricketts]

Good stuff Watto. Thoroughly deserved. :thumbsu:

And it can't be that "poo" we just beat the apparent #1 side with it on their turf

[grizzlym]

I've heard around the traps that there are injury concerns over Haddin's wrist. Perhaps that's the reason why Manou got a gig? Because I can't see why a tour, which includes only a handful of first class games, that a reserve keeper is required. I'm not suggesting Manou's not up to it, or that Haddin won't play, it just seems a strange selection on face value.

[outabounds]

I hope I am wrong but no side is going to win in England with Hauritz as the only spinner. Can anybody tell me what Jason Kejza did wrong because he actually looked like taking wickets.

[stick]

I've heard around the traps that there are injury concerns over Haddin's wrist. Perhaps that's the reason why Manou got a gig? Because I can't see why a tour, which includes only a handful of first class games, that a reserve keeper is required. I'm not suggesting Manou's not up to it, or that Haddin won't play, it just seems a strange selection on face value.

I agree. Surely there's something else to it. Haddin has had a huge workload the last 12 months, maybe it's just about giving him a chop out when ever they can?

[grizzlym]

I hope I am wrong but no side is going to win in England with Hauritz as the only spinner. Can anybody tell me what Jason Kejza did wrong because he actually looked like taking wickets.

He bled runs like a haemophilliac shaving with a cheese grater.

[stick]

I hope I am wrong but no side is going to win in England with Hauritz as the only spinner. Can anybody tell me what Jason Kejza did wrong because he actually looked like taking wickets.

He bleeds runs. His good stuff is excellent, but the difference between his best and worst is significant.

If you can't maintain pressure from your end as a bowler then you simply dont deserve to be picked. Hauritz for all his faults at least is able to bowl accurately and the skipper can set a field to him. If picked to play they'll use him like the poms used Ashley "Smash me miles" back in 2005. ie Dry up the scoring and give the quicks a break.

[stick]

He bled runs like a haemophilliac shaving with a cheese grater.

you beat me to it!

[grizzlym]

I would like nothing more than see Krezja ripping them in a test match, but unfortunately we'd need to bat first in every test match and rack up 600+ for that to be viable.

Here's hoping he can develop his game further in the next few years.

[raikkonen]

I've heard around the traps that there are injury concerns over Haddin's wrist. Perhaps that's the reason why Manou got a gig? Because I can't see why a tour, which includes only a handful of first class games, that a reserve keeper is required. I'm not suggesting Manou's not up to it, or that Haddin won't play, it just seems a strange selection on face value.

Maybe because of the massive amount of time Haddin would spend playing if there was no reserve. Cant really see him playing every match in the T20 World Cup, 5 Tests, 8 ODI's, 2 extra T20's, and the 3 or 4 first class games. It will be pretty much 4 months he will be over in England for given he plays all 3 forms of the game.

[grizzlym]

Maybe because of the massive amount of time Haddin would spend playing if there was no reserve. Cant really see him playing every match in the T20 World Cup, 5 Tests, 8 ODI's, 2 extra T20's, and the 3 or 4 first class games. It will be pretty much 4 months he will be over in England for given he plays all 3 forms of the game.

Isn't there a separate squad going to be announced for the T20 and ODI games? Hard to see Manou playing in them, but I might be wrong.

[frankrizzo]

At least if we do lose the ashes this blindfold/dartboard selection panel will finally be ousted.

watson probably the softest player we have produced in Queensland, unproven with bat or ball at test level, the only consistency he has achieved is getting injured every second game.

mcdonald(a test match number 9 and 5th bowler for an ashes tour i mean wtf?)

lee hasn't bowled a single ball in a first class match and yet gets recalled and presumably walks right back into a test spot based on what? his repeated failures in english conditions?

And only 6 frontline batsmen in a 15 man squad for a 5 test ashes series?

[krisholio14]

At least if we do lose the ashes this blindfold/dartboard selection panel will finally be ousted.

watson probably the softest player we have produced in Queensland, unproven with bat or ball at test level, the only consistency he has achieved is getting injured every second game.

mcdonald(a test match number 9 and 5th bowler for an ashes tour i mean wtf?)

lee hasn't bowled a single ball in a first class match and yet gets recalled and presumably walks right back into a test spot based on what? his repeated failures in english conditions?

And only 6 frontline batsmen in a 15 man squad for a 5 test ashes series?

Bar McDonald, you're thinking what i'm thinking.

I'm willing to stick my neck out and say I think Ronnie will prove more than handy in English conditions.

But seriously, why do they persist with Watson? Especially ahead of blokes who have actually proven themselves able to play at test level AND stay fit. Hodge should have been picked ahead of him, or at least give a promising batsman like Ferguson a crack.

As for Lee, well bugger me dumplings, how can the selectors justify picking him in any way shape or form? He's never done well in England for starters, he's the wrong side of 30 for a fast bowler, and not only that, he's been injured and badly out of form for at least 12 months.

His spot could have been a good opportunity to give a young up and coming quick some experience.

[courtjester]

I think the squad is okay. Here are my thoughts and predictions:

Ponting: We all know about him. Must lead from the front in England, which he failed to do last time. Will make better decisions than in 2005. Must produce some big (match winning) innings, which he hasn't done in some time.

Clarke: No good in 05 and will carry a lot of responsibility with Ponting and Hussey not at their best and North new to the team. Must bat for extended periods and start to play more of an anchor role.

Clark: Time will tell how he comes back. At his peak he is a great bowler. Will be important in stifling the English run rate. Not getting any younger.

Haddin: His keeping has been criticized but it's good quality. His batting and experience are important. Will find English keeping easier than Indian keeping.

Hauritz: A guy who is roundly critisized on this forum, but he will do his job over there. We need to play Hauritz or McDonald, playing 4 pacemen will be a mistake.

Hilfenhaus: May miss out if Brett Lee returns. Which will be a shame. Have a feeling he could be the leading wicket taker if he plays all tests.

Hughes: Is destroying county attacks as he gets ready for his first Ashes series. Exciting thought.

Hussey: Predicting he will return to form quickly in English conditions, and make a lot of runs.

Johnson: May find the English conditions don't suit him as much as Aus and Sth Africa. Will score a test hundred in this series.

Katich: Will be boring but effective. As usual.

Lee: Bah! Why? Useless in England and overrated in general.

Manou: Experienced reserve who will only play if Haddin is injured. Good cricketer but old. Interesting they didnt pick a younger keeper with succession in mind. Silly selection in my opinion.

McDonald: Handy cricketer who will bowl well in England if he plays.

North: Proved he is up to it in Sth. Africa. Good prospect for the next 4-5 years.

Siddle: If he is dropped for Lee, we should riot.

Watson: Mr Could Be? Mr Will Be? Mr Maybe?

Concluding thoughts:

Lee should not have been selected. I may be proven wrong but I dont think I will be.

Manou is fine, but interesting that they didnt pick Wade or Paine with the next few years in mind.

There will be an interesting scenario if we have two batsman injured at the one time (particularly if one is an opener). I presume Hussey will then be forced to open. We haven't picked a reserve batsman (unless that reserve is Watson). So let's say that in a worst case scenario Ponting and Katich are both injured on the morning of the first test (unlikely but possible). Would this mean our line up would be:

Hughes
Hussey
Watson?
Clarke
North
McDonald/Manou?
Haddin
Johnson
Hauritz
Siddle
Clark

It's not exactly a batting line-up that will scare England. Why wouldnt they select Hodge/Rogers or Ferguson in the squad as a specialist back-up batsman?

[OzBomber]

I would've preferred Ferguson there than Ronnie or Manou. He's shown that he is a more than capable middle order batsman at international level.

[potatomasher]

It's a shame that, after naming a squad for the South African tour which everyone generally agreed was a good squad, that they have gone back to the old ways which disappoint more than encourage. Bringing back the tried regulars (e.g. Watson) despite young players with obvious talent who are putting up good performances (e.g. Ferguson) is a shame. Neither of those two should play in the series anyway, so it isn't a huge factor, but as I've said in another thread, I'll be very disappointed if Hilfenhaus is kicked out of the lineup by Lee.

[OzBomber]

Neither of those two should play in the series anyway, so it isn't a huge factor, but as I've said in another thread, I'll be very disappointed if Hilfenhaus is kicked out of the lineup by Lee.Nah, he'll be kicked out by Clark.

[Hodges]

Surely we cant play Lee. Hilfy, Siddle, Johnson and Clark are all ahead of him, especially in English conditions.

[potatomasher]

Nah, he'll be kicked out by Clark.
I wouldn't complain too much if that were the case, if any Australian bowler has earnt automatic selection in Tests it's Clark, but I'd still like to see Hilfy have a go in the English conditions.

[frankrizzo]

Surprised so many people (here and in the press) are happy with this squad.

I still can't get over no backup batsmen in an ashes series, it's insanity especially considering hussey is so horribly out of form.

Did they learn nothing from 2005?

[Cleavy]

Surprised so many people (here and in the press) are happy with this squad.

I still can't get over no backup batsmen in an ashes series, it's insanity especially considering hussey is so horribly out of form.

Did they learn nothing from 2005?

Who do we have currently playing county cricket?

[Chris25]

Who do we have currently playing county cricket?

Rogers, Voges and Cosgrove are all over playing country cricket at the moment. And all 3 are in good form too.

I can't imagine Voges or Cosgrove getting a call up, but they are there and wouldn't be the worst choices given their current form.

[grizzlym]

Hodge was supposed to be playing County, but decided against it quite recently. Maybe scuppered the contingency plans the selectors had for plucking experienced specialised batsmen from County if required. Rogers if they needed an opener/number 3, Hodge for the other positions. Must confess, I'm not enamored of Watson being our back-up number 6 at this stage. God forbid we go down the all-rounder path again....

[spookism]

With no backup batter, maybe they are looking at Johnson providing some more good work with the bat over there.

Can't wait to see Hughes destroy a few opening bowlers hearts. Also would to have liked to see Ferguson getting on the list, but there is still time for him. Fair chance he'll be playing in both the '11 and '13 Ashes.

Someone mentioned why not give an up and coming keeper the tour over Manou. Maybe it has something to do with how inexperienced the squad already is and perhaps an elder with leadership experience is what they wanted for the tour?????

[Cleavy]

Someone mentioned why not give an up and coming keeper the tour over Manou. Maybe it has something to do with how inexperienced the squad already is and perhaps an elder with leadership experience is what they wanted for the tour?????

didn't he have the best/most consistent year with the bat of all the candidates?

[Toshowyouwhy]

The keeper issue is the only one that is worried me. I play at the same club as Chris Hartley, and have seen lots of him throughout the season, and he is without a doubt the best keeper in the country. His batting has improved, and he was regularly yhe best bat in the bulls team last year.

He should be going to england and i really feel for the guy, because thats probably his last chance.

[grizzlym]

The keeper issue is the only one that is worried me. I play at the same club as Chris Hartley, and have seen lots of him throughout the season, and he is without a doubt the best keeper in the country. His batting has improved, and he was regularly yhe best bat in the bulls team last year.

He should be going to england and i really feel for the guy, because thats probably his last chance.


Isn't Hartley over there playing County or minor League while the ashes tour is on? You see I thought the selectors wouldn't take a back up keeper and, if needed, draft in someone like Hartley.

[aaronm46]

one can only hope Watson pulls a hammy so a specialised batsmen can come into the squad

[King Elvis]

Surprised so many people (here and in the press) are happy with this squad.

I still can't get over no backup batsmen in an ashes series, it's insanity especially considering hussey is so horribly out of form.

Did they learn nothing from 2005?

Forget 05 - what about the Saffer Series? We were a bat short in that squad as well, Ponting openly stated after the final Test that he had requested an additional reserve batsman in the squad and had been ignored by the Selectors, and they've done it again.

Lee shouldn't be there.

Rogers is playing County, so I assume he's in the frame as cover should we lose one of Hughes/Kat, or considering Kat could move down the order, if we lose any batsman then Rogers to open with Hughes, and Katich down the order.

Would really like to see Huss moved back down the order to where he was such a dominant force.

Bowling attack should be Clark/Johnson/Siddle/Hilfy - and if the pitch is a turner, swap one of them out for Hauritz.

McDonald should not play, nor should he be in the Squad; he doesn't offer enough as a bowler to warrant selection, and his batting is nowhere near good enough to compensate.


Pretty ordinary squad, but that's what we've grown to expect from the current ********s in charge of Selection.

[Ricketts]

Who would you select instead of the players you don't want King?

[potatomasher]

Who would you select instead of the players you don't want King?
Ferguson or Jaques (not sure about his injury status) could slot into the squad instead of any of the excess bowlers/all-rounders.

[raikkonen]

Isn't there a separate squad going to be announced for the T20 and ODI games? Hard to see Manou playing in them, but I might be wrong.

Yes, but can you honestly see Haddin playing every game that Australia play over there in the next 4 months? Manou will play a First Class game at some stage, at a minimum.

[grizzlym]

Yes, but can you honestly see Haddin playing every game that Australia play over there in the next 4 months? Manou will play a First Class game at some stage, at a minimum.

Well, that's basically what he's done for the last 8 months anyway. But yeah, i reckon Marnou might get the odd game, especially if Haddin is carrying an injury.

[Adrian Shelton]

3rd test prediction. Out: Watson(hamstring) In: Symonds

[eth-dog]

IMO we need an extra batter, and that's really it. get rid of Watson, bring in FERGY!!!!

[matty p]

I think Ferguson in for McDonald would give us the right balance.

[Nel Mangle]

3rd test prediction. Out: Watson(hamstring) In: Symonds

Symonds off field indiscipline could cost him a callup.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/jim78/simmo.gif

[Jezzzzza]

I'll try not to repeat anything people have said...

One thing that has annoyed me since the 2005 Ashes, is the selector's persistance to find an all-rounder
Ok, so we were outplayed last time, but it just so happened we were (un)lucky enough to feel the brunt of one of the best all-rounders in the world
Why look for something when it's not there? :confused:
Even then, Johnson is turning out to be a useful batsman - scoring hundreds

Overall I'm pretty happy with the squad, barring the Andrew McDonald selection - I think Hodge should've been given a go... talk about being snubbed over and over again

Even with Manou, Hughes and Hussey have done back-up keeping before, so a Ferguson might have been better to bolster the batting

I would think only one of either Lee or Clark will get a go in the first test, and it'd be crazy so save our spinner for the 3rd/4th test
And Hilfenhaus has to get a go doesn't he?

And personally, I think Hussey should come down the order - he was playing his best cricket coming in 5 or 6....

My prefered line-up for Cardiff:
1. Katich
2. Hughes
3. Ponting
4. Clarke
5. North
6. Hussey
7. Haddin
8. Johnson
9. Hauritz
10. Clark
11. Hilfenhaus

[DoubleO7]

3rd test prediction. Out: Watson(hamstring) In: Symonds
If Symonds is not in the squad from the beginning then unfortunately he can't get a call up for any Test match in that series.

A quick glance over this thread informs me Symonds was not included in the Ashes Test squad. Not the best decision in my opinion considering his IPL form.

[Jordan93]

My prefered line-up for Cardiff:
1. Katich
2. Hughes
3. Ponting
4. Clarke
5. North
6. Hussey
7. Haddin
8. Johnson
9. Hauritz
10. Clark
11. Hilfenhaus

I agree with this would probably be our best team in their conditions

[robbo75]

I agree with this would probably be our best team in their conditions

Siddle would have to be pretty unlucky to miss the 11 as well. Having said that Hilfy would be worth a go given he's our best genuine swing bowler. Good depth building in the pace bowling stakes.....now lets find a spinner :P

[DoubleO7]

Siddle would have to be pretty unlucky to miss the 11 as well. Having said that Hilfy would be worth a go given he's our best genuine swing bowler.
Didn't go so well in the favorable South African conditions; Siddle on the other hand...

[eth-dog]

I agree with this would probably be our best team in their conditions
haha, no Peter Siddle?

[MuzzHawk]

Not sure whether I agree with it or not, but I think Watson will play the first test. I dont think they wouldve named him in the squad without the intention of playing him.

Katich
Hughes
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
Haddin
Watson
Johnson
Hauritz
Siddle
Clark/Lee/Hilfy

Last bowling spot will probably come down to form in the lead up matches.

[grizzlym]

haha, no Peter Siddle?

Yeah, that's mighty odd. In my book Siddle is the bowler next picked behind Johnson. Those 2 will form a great partnership in the not too distant future I reckon.

[krisholio14]

Yeah, that's mighty odd. In my book Siddle is the bowler next picked behind Johnson. Those 2 will form a great partnership in the not too distant future I reckon.

They already have.

[grizzlym]

They already have.

Too true! Here's hoping they can stay on the park together for long enough to be recognised by all as a great partnership.

[King Elvis]

I can't wait for the Ashes; everytime I see the ads, I get a semi.

[Adrian Shelton]

If Symonds is not in the squad from the beginning then unfortunately he can't get a call up for any Test match in that series.

A quick glance over this thread informs me Symonds was not included in the Ashes Test squad. Not the best decision in my opinion considering his IPL form.

It's a while away yet, hell will Watson even make it on the plane before he twangs like a $10 guitar?

[big_sav]

got tickets boys
days 1, 2, 3 at edgbaston
cant wait

[matty p]

Please make the team for the 1st test:

Hughes
Katich
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
North
Haddin
Johnson
Siddle
Clark
Hilfenhaus

Don't let Lee anywhere near the team.

[courtjester]

Please play a spinner Australia. Hauritz. Don't go down the path of 4 quicks.

No to Lee.

Siddle
Johnson
Hilfenhaus
Hauritz

[frankrizzo]

ahaha watson might be injured again.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,,25673432-5009880,00.html

Seriously can somebody explain this bloke (and the hype surrounding him) to me?

If he had some amazing start to his test career i could see the rush to always get him back in the side but he's never looked remotely comfortable at test level and has no 5 wicket hauls and just the one 50 from 8 tests when you lump in the fact he's as tough as a feather pillow and i just don't get it?

I have to wonder if our selectors are just letting their teenage daughters pick the test squads via sms.

[krisholio14]

ahaha watson might be injured again.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,,25673432-5009880,00.html

Seriously can somebody explain this bloke (and the hype surrounding him) to me?

If he had some amazing start to his test career i could see the rush to always get him back in the side but he's never looked remotely comfortable at test level and has no 5 wicket hauls and just the one 50 from 8 tests when you lump in the fact he's as tough as a feather pillow and i just don't get it?

I have to wonder if our selectors are just letting their teenage daughters pick the test squads via sms.

Your guess is as good as mine.

[spookism]

Please make the team for the 1st test:

Hughes
Katich
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
North
Haddin
Johnson
Siddle
Clark
Hilfenhaus

Don't let Lee anywhere near the team.

We can all hope that's the eleven, but you can bet Lee and Watson pop there heads up in there somewhere....

[Selective Retention]

Of the debatable positions North and Siddle should be certainties IMO.

Pitch conditions and tour match form should be the factor in the other two bowling slots with Clark/Hilfenhaus/Hauritz battling it out. I'm not hugely fussed either way with those three as long as it is justified in some way, Hauritz needs a turner or a road to play.

[Toshowyouwhy]

ahaha watson might be injured again.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,,25673432-5009880,00.html

Seriously can somebody explain this bloke (and the hype surrounding him) to me?

If he had some amazing start to his test career i could see the rush to always get him back in the side but he's never looked remotely comfortable at test level and has no 5 wicket hauls and just the one 50 from 8 tests when you lump in the fact he's as tough as a feather pillow and i just don't get it?

I have to wonder if our selectors are just letting their teenage daughters pick the test squads via sms.


I think he's always had potential. watchin him smash my club's first grade team around for 200 (hi first game returning from the most recent injury at the time) was unbelievable. It's unfortunate for him that injuries have screwed what may have been a really good career.

[folester41]

ferguson should be in there, but otherwise its probably the best side, not that many great cricketers going around at the moment.

i think callum will become a great player, love the shots he plays, good timing, smart player, bit of class.

[matty p]

Of the debatable positions North and Siddle should be certainties IMO.

Pitch conditions and tour match form should be the factor in the other two bowling slots with Clark/Hilfenhaus/Hauritz battling it out. I'm not hugely fussed either way with those three as long as it is justified in some way, Hauritz needs a turner or a road to play.

I think M. Clarke, North and Katich can do as good a job as Hauritz can as the spinner. Just play the four pacemen (Johnson, Siddle, Hilfenhaus and Clark), and bowl Clarke, North and Katich as the "spinner".

[DoubleO7]

Peter Siddle side-swipe a boost for Brett Lee (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25680951-11088,00.html)

'Brett Lee's prospects of a career revival have received a boost, with Australian captain Ricky Ponting refusing to guarantee Peter Siddle's spot for the Ashes.

Ponting handed out high praise to Lee, claiming he had never trained harder, but threw the cat among the pigeons by declaring Siddle was not a walk-up start.'

[Selective Retention]

I think M. Clarke, North and Katich can do as good a job as Hauritz can as the spinner. Just play the four pacemen (Johnson, Siddle, Hilfenhaus and Clark), and bowl Clarke, North and Katich as the "spinner".

Hauritz is a battler but we need a spinner to take the workload off the quicks. We can't get in the situation where the quicks all have to bowl 30+ in an innings, they will break down. If the pitch is going to take seam and swing we can play the 4 quicks but otherwise we should play Hauritz.

Bowling long overs takes away from the other guys batting, especially Clarke and Katich who have injury concerns when forced into a big workload.

[saj_21]

Of the debatable positions North and Siddle should be certainties IMO.

Pitch conditions and tour match form should be the factor in the other two bowling slots with Clark/Hilfenhaus/Hauritz battling it out. I'm not hugely fussed either way with those three as long as it is justified in some way, Hauritz needs a turner or a road to play.

Agreed North and Siddle should be in the starting XI.

I think M. Clarke, North and Katich can do as good a job as Hauritz can as the spinner. Just play the four pacemen (Johnson, Siddle, Hilfenhaus and Clark), and bowl Clarke, North and Katich as the "spinner".

I agree pick the four best bowlers, pressure for Hauritz will come if we lose the first test and the part timers do not have an impact.

And i hope the article in which ponting declared siddle not a certain starter is a ploy to get all the quicks fired up. Becuase if Lee plays over siddle i will have lost all faith in Ponting as a captain.

Brett Lee "I am in the squad to be a bowler who can bowl up around 150km/h and that is what I am going to do. I'm in a great frame of mind."

Surely Brett by now you have learned it is more than just bowling quick, also Peter Siddle and M.Johnson can bowl at that pace and actually do something with the ball.

[BigCat2]

Peter Siddle side-swipe a boost for Brett Lee (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25680951-11088,00.html)

'Brett Lee's prospects of a career revival have received a boost, with Australian captain Ricky Ponting refusing to guarantee Peter Siddle's spot for the Ashes.

Ponting handed out high praise to Lee, claiming he had never trained harder, but threw the cat among the pigeons by declaring Siddle was not a walk-up start.'

Nice one Punter. Pump the tyres of your favourite overrated blonde dumb bowler, and shoot down the confidence of the young bloke who's been doing well.

[Dixie Flatline]

I damn near choked on my breakfast this morning when I read that article.

Cricket Australia should just cut the tour short and save themselves the cost of accommodation, travel and meal expenses plus match fees if Lee is selected and Dermie is omitted. We can kiss the urn goodbye if Lee is leading our attack and Siddle is carrying the drinks.

Surely this is some wind-up by Punter? Otherwise, Sanitarium must have a warehouse full of Weetbix with Lee's chevy chase all over them they need to shift.

:rolleyes:

[krisholio14]

I damn near choked on my breakfast this morning when I read that article.

Cricket Australia should just cut the tour short and save themselves the cost of accommodation, travel and meal expenses plus match fees if Lee is selected and Dermie is omitted. We can kiss the urn goodbye if Lee is leading our attack and Siddle is carrying the drinks.

Surely this is some wind-up by Punter? Otherwise, Sanitarium must have a warehouse full of Weetbix with Lee's chevy chase all over them they need to shift.

:rolleyes:

IF it's not the Aussies are in more trouble then the early settlers. Didn't they learn anything from last time?

[redlegs]

ahaha watson might be injured again.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,,25673432-5009880,00.html

Seriously can somebody explain this bloke (and the hype surrounding him) to me?

If he had some amazing start to his test career i could see the rush to always get him back in the side but he's never looked remotely comfortable at test level and has no 5 wicket hauls and just the one 50 from 8 tests when you lump in the fact he's as tough as a feather pillow and i just don't get it?

I have to wonder if our selectors are just letting their teenage daughters pick the test squads via sms.

If these scans show that Watson won't be able to play will the selectors send another all-rounder or another batsmen? The selectors selected him with an asterix next to his name aswell saying he would only go over if fully fit. They should send a young up and coming player who would be able to get experience from touring, even if he carries the drinks every game it would probably still be good in the long run having young players with touring experience.

[Cleavy]

If these scans show that Watson won't be able to play will the selectors send another all-rounder or another batsmen?

Batsman, apparently.

[BigCat2]

IF it's not the Aussies are in more trouble then the early settlers. Didn't they learn anything from last time?

Ahh...but he's fitter and stronger than ever...

[Cousin Jed]

Batsman, apparently.

There's not really an "allrounder" to send

(Plus Watson can't really bowl atm)

[Cleavy]

IF it's not the Aussies are in more trouble then the early settlers. Didn't they learn anything from last time?

Ahh...but he's fitter and stronger than ever...

"But he's got a new hat." :p

[DIG]

No selectors are at the match vs Sussex.

Has there been a more important warm-up match in recent times than this, to see how our bowlers are going?? Where are they!

Maybe they'll just go on Punter's word as to who bowled well...

[krisholio14]

No selectors are at the match vs Sussex.

Has there been a more important warm-up match in recent times than this, to see how our bowlers are going?? Where are they!

Maybe they'll just go on Punter's word as to who bowled well...

Which can only mean one thing.....

OUT: Siddle

IN: Lee

lol

Here's my XI if I was a selector (and don't say 'thank god you're not then :p)

Hughes
Katich
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
North
Haddin
McDonald
Johnson
Clark
Siddle
Hauritz (12th man)

Personally, I don't think theres any value in picking Hauritz unless it's a raging turner.

I think Macca can give the quicks the rest they need while keeping it tight, he adds depth to the batting, and if you really want to get some spin up in there, a platoon of North, Clarke and Katich can be just as effective as using Hauritz.

[RangaInTeal]

Out: Watson
In: Ferguson, although since christmas last year Cosgrove has been in some special form.

Thats not being bias, Ferguson has shown plenty in the one dayers and looks to be the new cat off of the rank and Cosgrove is arguably the most in form Australian going at the moment.

My starting XI

Huges
Katich
Ponting
*Hussey*
Clarke
North
Haddin
Johnson
*Lee*
Clark
Siddle

*Hussey* If Watson is fit, play him as the number 4 batter.
*Lee* If he burns up the warm up matches, play him, otherwise go with the swinging ball Hilfenhauss

[Dujon11]

Out: Watson
In: Ferguson, although since christmas last year Cosgrove has been in some special form.

Thats not being bias, Ferguson has shown plenty in the one dayers and looks to be the new cat off of the rank and Cosgrove is arguably the most in form Australian going at the moment.

My starting XI

Huges
Katich
Ponting
*Hussey*
Clarke
North
Haddin
Johnson
*Lee*
Clark
Siddle

*Hussey* If Watson is fit, play him as the number 4 batter.
*Lee* If he burns up the warm up matches, play him, otherwise go with the swinging ball Hilfenhauss

I agree they both warrant selection on form, however Hodge would be my first choice.

[Drummer_19]

I think play Johnson, Clark, Siddle and Hilf with Lee missing out with North and Clarke to share the part time spin role.

It's been proven many times over that swing bowlers fair well in the murky conditions of England so I would love to see Hilfenhaus in there with his ability to swing the ball WITHOUT having to bowl half volleys everyball like Binga.

[BigCat2]

Johnson and Siddle with the new ball. Clark 1st change and Hauritz as the spinner. Hilf very stiff to miss out due to the pitch.

[Pevers-Legend]

Bowling Overs Maidens Runs Wickets Extras
Lee 5 0 22 0(4nb)
Hilfenhaus 5 2 10 1(1nb)
Siddle 6 0 18 2(3nb)
Clark 6 2 10 0-
Hauritz 5 0 35 0(1nb)


Things are looknig good. Clark back to his miserly best - Lee and Hauritz sieves and the others taking wickets.

[Extortion Threat]

Well it looks like Hauritz (0/98 off 19) bowled himself out of team. I reckon we'll struggle with four quicks though. Surely they'd doctor the pitches into raging turners for their spinners.

Those bowling figures from the tour game hardly inspire confidence, all their tailenders scored some decent runs. Also 40 extras including 22 no-balls & 11 byes. That's the sort of basic shit that cost us the Ashes in 2005. I pray Lee is nowhere near the team. But since he got 3 wickets he'll probably get the new ball.:thumbsd:

[krisholio14]

Well it looks like Hauritz (0/98 off 19) bowled himself out of team. I reckon we'll struggle with four quicks though. Surely they'd doctor the pitches into raging turners for their spinners.

Those bowling figures from the tour game hardly inspire confidence, all their tailenders scored some decent runs. Also 40 extras including 22 no-balls & 11 byes. That's the sort of basic shit that cost us the Ashes in 2005. I pray Lee is nowhere near the team. But since he got 3 wickets he'll probably get the new ball.:thumbsd:

It's Macca time :thumbsu:

[BigCat2]

Some sense at last:

"I think Peter Siddle's a lock," Nielsen said. "He's bowling beautifully. All things being equal - his body being in good shape and him ready to go - he's one of our two outstanding bowlers at the moment in my opinion. He's doing a fine job every time he bowls and gets better.

http://www.cricinfo.com/engvaus2009/content/current/story/410715.html

[courtjester]

Prediction.....Andrew McDonald to be Australia's leading wicket taker, Ashes 2009...

http://www.likecool.com/Gear/Pic/Creepier%20Ronald%20McDonald/Creepier-Ronald-McDonald.jpg