The Ashes 1st Test: Australia V England at Cardiff (Wed-Sun) [Pregame-Tea Day 1]

[Blue Dimension]

http://img.tfd.com/wiki/b/be/ECB_Logo.gif Vshttp://www.bradford.com.au/images/product_images/info_images/CricketAustraliaLogo.JPG

Cardiff, Wales
July 8th – July 12th
(11:00 local, 10:00 GMT)

It’s finally here, and it’s what we’ve all been waiting for - The Ashes and nobody could forget the last time Australia played in England back in 2005 where the likes of Jones, Hoggard, Harmison, et al helped England tear the Urn back from Australia’s grasp. Reverse swing played a massive factor in that series loss where the likes of Gilchrist, Martyn, Hayden and the rest of the Australian line-up were unable to cope with the reverse swinging ball. 4 years on and the teams are face to face once again on England’s turf with vastly dissimilar squads with many new faces, while the greats in Warne, Mcgrath, Hayden and once vital players in Vaughan, Hoggard and Harmison are no longer around or not currently apart of each side.

Just around 8-10 months ago it looked like this series would be a faceoff of two of the most out of form teams in international cricket. Australia got pulverised by India in India then returned home to lose for the first time on home soil to South Africa in several decades. England similarly was coming off a series loss to the West Indies and was struggling for form. But 8-10 months is a long time in cricket and both teams have since hit back coming off series wins.

England uncovered Graeme Swann, Ravi Bopara and also Graeme Onions who all have had vast success in the Test arena in recent times. Likewise Australia unearthed young prodigy Phillip Hughes along with Peter Siddle, and Marcus North. Also, the rise in form of Mitchell Johnson with both bat and ball has boosted Australia after the retirements of Warne and Mcgrath and injuries to Brett Lee and Stuart Clark.

And now each side is going into the series with confidence. With rejuvenated line-ups and players in form, each side will be looking to give the first blow and go 1-0 up in the 5 Test series.

Both countries are not without injury concerns however. Shane Watson has been unable to participate in either of the warm up matches hindering Australia’s options. Brett Lee will sit out the first 2 Tests with a side strain. Kevin Pietersen will start in the England XI but will carry an achillies injury throughout the series which he, himself admitted has a possibility of flaring up at any time.

Each has taken positives out of their warm up matches. Bopara and Cook were in solid form in the bat with each scoring centuries against Warwickshire. Additionally the English bowlers skittled the county team out for small totals. England would have been buoyed by Steve Harmison’s performance in the English Lions game Vs Australia where he bowled with fire and uncovered vulnerability in Phillip Hughes’s armoury just a week before this Test.

England however have decided against including Harmison and have named a squad of 13 including Graeme Onions and Monty Panesar who will be fighting it out for the final bowling spot. This bowling spot will most likely depend on the amount of which the Cardiff pitch will turn.

Australia would have been pleased to see Marcus North hit form and get runs under his belt along with the previously out of form Micheal Hussey who now looks set for a big series. It looms likely with Lee’s injury that Hauritz and Clark will take a spot in the starting 11 alongside Peter Siddle and Mitchell Johnson.

Both teams have been awaiting this series for some time. On paper and form wise it and looks like it will be an intriguing contest between two powerhouses of international cricket.


----------------------------

England Squad
*Andrew Strauss
Alastair Cook
Ravi Bopara
Kevin Pietersen
Paul Collingwood
Ian Bell
+Matt Prior
Andrew Flintoff
Stuart Broad
Graeme Swann
James Anderson
Graham Onions
Monty Panesar

In: Monty Panesar, Andrew Flintoff
Out: Tim Bresnan (dropped), Ryan Sidbottom (dropped)

Australia Squad
*Ricky Ponting
Michael Clarke
Stuart Clark
+Brad Haddin
Nathan Hauritz
Ben Hilfenhaus
Phillip Hughes
Michael Hussey
Mitchell Johnson
Simon Katich
Brett Lee
Graham Manou (International debut)
Andrew McDonald
Marcus North
Peter Siddle
Shane Watson

In: Graham Manou, Shane Watson, Brett Lee, Stuart Clark
Out: Doug Bollinger (dropped), Bryce Mcgain (dropped), Brett Geeves (dropped), Steve Magoffin (dropped)

----------------------------

Australia probable XI:

Phillip Hughes
(Career bat avg: 69.17 – 09 avg: 69.17)
Simon Katich
(Career bat avg: 43.43 – 09 avg: 46)
Ricky Ponting
(Career bat avg: 56.21 – 09 avg: 32.88)
Michael Hussey
(Career bat avg: 55.29 – 09 avg: 29.57)
Michael Clarke
(Career bat avg: 47.82 – 09 avg: 45.71)
Marcus North
(Career bat avg: 40 – 09 avg: 40)
Brad Haddin
(Career bat avg: 37.54– 09 avg: 33.83)
Mitchell Johnson
(Career bowl avg: 28.01, Career bat avg: 34.7 – 09 bowl avg: 25.90, 09 bat avg: 79.75)
Nathan Hauritz
(Career bowl avg: 32.29 – 09 avg: 288)
Peter Siddle
(Career bowl avg: 27.66 – 09 avg: 19.15)
Stuart Clark
(Career bowl avg: 22.97 – 09 avg: n/a)


England possible XI:

Andrew Strauss
(Career bat avg: 43.96 – 09 avg: 59.70)
Alastair Cook
(Career bat avg: 45.03 – 09 avg: 65.89)
Ravi Bopara
(Career bat avg: 49.63 – 09 avg: 118.33)
Kevin Pietersen
(Career bat avg: 50.49 – 09 avg: 50.56)
Paul Collingwood
(Career bat avg: 44.20 – 09 avg: 65.25)
Andrew Flintoff
(Career bowl avg: 32.08, Career bat avg: 31.70 – 09 bowl avg: 30.20, 09 bat avg: 16.75)
Matt Prior+
(Career bat avg: 48.41 – 09 avg: 69.17)
Stuart Broad
(Career bowl avg: 37.96, Career bat avg: 31.35– 09 bowl avg: 28.50, 09 bat avg: 26.67)
Graeme Swann
(Career bowl avg: 26.24 – 09 avg: 22.15)
James Anderson
(Career bowl avg: 33.91 – 09 avg: 26.85)
Monty Panesar
(Career bowl avg: 33.62 – 09 avg: 54.00)

----------------------------

Quotes

http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gif My prediction is it will be 5-0 to Australia. http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
Glenn Mcgrath gives his usual prediction ahead of an Ashes series

http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gif I also notice Nathan Hauritz is included, so there's no spinners. http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
David Lloyd's thoughts on Nathan Hauritz


http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gifThey are going to be weakened, but the Australian way is to come out and be fierce, competitive, and dominant in what they do. http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
Kevin Pietersen on Australias lineup without past greats

http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gifSwann's character could really get under [their] skin...he could disrupt Australia's rhythm. http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
Shane Warne on Graeme Swann

http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gif"If you're looking for clues as to who might win, I always look at the bowling attacks...Generally you can go with the team with the best attack. At the moment England certainly have got it. http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
Ian Chappell and his thoughts on the 09 Ashes

[Northern_Swan]

Brett Lee gone with a side strain

[Cousin Jed]

Cheers Blue Dimension :thumbsu:

The 5th and final test is still available if anyone wants to do a preview.

[saj_21]

How i think we should line up, now lee is out;
Phillip Hughes
Simon Katich
Ricky Ponting
Michael Hussey
Michael Clarke
Marcus North
Brad Haddin
Mitchell Johnson
Nathan Hauritz
Peter Siddle
Stuart Clark

Very strong batting line up goes all the way down to Clark, he may even line up infront of Siddle.

[Rick18]

Great writeup BD :thumbsu:

http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gif I also notice Nathan Hauritz is included, so there's no spinners. http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
David Lloyd's thoughts on Nathan Hauritz



Predictable, but still a good call :D

[Toshowyouwhy]

Can't wait. Good write-up.

Series will certainly be more like 05 than 06/07, meaning we could be in for a close one.
Australia 2-1

[w00dy]

http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gif My prediction is it will be 5-0 to Australia.




Some things never change...

[Blue Dimension]

Some things never change...

I had to laugh. Good old Pidge :D;)

[damochandler]

i still like the aussies in this one. it hasnt even been a big spinners wicket this season. win this and they never lose at lords and the series is over and 5-0 is looking good.

australia to win well

[Admiral Afterworld]

Cardiff, England

Cardiff is in Wales, not England :thumbsd::p

Speaking of which, do many Welsh people like cricket, especially the England team?

[Toshowyouwhy]

Seems an odd choice to play the first test in Wales. I liked the first test being at lords ala 05. The build up culminating in the match at the best ground in England.

[Blue Dimension]

Cardiff is in Wales, not England :thumbsd::p

Speaking of which, do many Welsh people like cricket, especially the England team?

Major fail on the Geography front. :p:o

Thanks for that.

[likka]

Speaking of which, do many Welsh people like cricket, especially the England team?

More so in southern Wales than the more "separatist" north.

Rugby is the Welsh national game, they cannot get enough of it.

[MRobbo]

TV and Radio guide to first ashes test

TV
Fox Sports 3 and HD: Live 7pm EST each day
SBS 1 and HD: Live 7:30pm EST each day


RADIO
Digital Radio
ABC Grandstand Digital: Live 7pm EST each day
(Updates on ABC News Radio and SBS Digital Radio Extra through the night (BBC World Service))

ABC Local Radio
Days 1 and 2
Live coverage from 7pm(local times) except WA 5pm on Day 1 and 6pm on Day 2.
Day 3
NSW,ACT and QLD Live coverage from 9:30pm following NRL coverage
Rest of Australia Live coverage from 10:30pm EST following AFL Coverage
Day 4
NSW,ACT Live coverage from 9:30pm following NRL coverage
Rest of Australia Live coverage from 10:30pm EST following AFL Coverage
Day 5
VIC,TAS,SA,NT,WA Live coverage from 7:30pm EST following AFL Coverage
NSW,ACT,QLD Live coverage from 8pm

[Cousin Jed]

http://i26.tinypic.com/69j38i.jpg

[Respected Journo]

Anyone going to get stuck into some tips?

I think the first test will be a draw personally, then we'll head to Lords at 0 - 0.

[amer]

Anyone going to get stuck into some tips?

I think the first test will be a draw personally, then we'll head to Lords at 0 - 0.

Certainly thinking this first test will be the toughest. If it's a draw, it'll be a case of Australia running out of time to either chase the target or knock them over. Don't think we'll be on the back foot. Unless of course Onions with his classier-than-Siddle delivery rips us to pieces. :rolleyes:

[Respected Journo]

Will Onions play? I think England may go with 2 spinners?

I think the curator will play it safe and this wicket will hold together pretty well, it might take some spin late but it will be slow spin. A bit of weather is around Saturday and these days if you lose a day to rain then a draw often results, the wicket probably won't be conducive to fast scoring rates and therefore I think a draw is quite likely.

[Toshowyouwhy]

Can't wait for the test to start. For some reason I thought it started on Thursday, only to today find out it starts tomorrow. All my plans have gone out the window!! Should all be right though, can't wait for that first session!!

[bombersno1]

Our batting has to stack up this series. It has been poor for a large portion of the last test series'. That will be the key, on form England have more in form batsmen, however we have the bowling especially without Brett lee

[bombersno1]

Is Watson going to be fit? If he is he is the most logical replacement for Lee to be honest, strengthens the batting and for a 4th string bowler he is fine

[Respected Journo]

His had not match fitness, I can't see him or McDonald coming in for this game. But I can't be certain.

[magic_johnson!]

Any streams?
pm me

[Respected Journo]

Calm down, the game doesn't start till tomorrow night.

You really are quite toey aren't you bill?

****in oath I am tony and why wouldn't I be?

Glenn McGrath, the bouncer, get that up ya he says, tremendous delivery.

Oh the good old Ashes 12th man gags.

[bombersno1]

His had not match fitness, I can't see him or McDonald coming in for this game. But I can't be certain.

Well I'd rather play him with no fitness over McDonald or Hauritz that is for sure. If he is declared fit, I can see him playing

[eth-dog]

Well I'd rather play him with no fitness over McDonald or Hauritz that is for sure. If he is declared fit, I can see him playing
Are you serious? McDonald is a more-than-handy bowler, and would provide more bowling than a fit Watson. And an unfit Watson is risky enough by itself, because he is so injury proned. Hauritz would be behind a fully fit Watson, but only a fully fit Watson. sit down and shut up

[Selective Retention]

LOL why would you bother even asking McGrath for a prediction.

[Toshowyouwhy]

Calm down, the game doesn't start till tomorrow night.

You really are quite toey aren't you bill?

****in oath I am tony and why wouldn't I be?

Glenn McGrath, the bouncer, get that up ya he says, tremendous delivery.

Oh the good old Ashes 12th man gags.

Haha gold!

Just listened to Boned and the Final Dig, both hilarious.

[damochandler]

at least you know if australia bat first and get great score and knock the poms over for not much like they did to south africa. they will get a decent enough lead and they will declare with plenty of time to spare. not like the poms

[frankc]

I can't believe Hauritz will play. This guy is useless, bloody straight breaker. His record is so poor 89 FC wickets in 46 matches at 47! He is not even much of a batsman (743 runs at 15.5).

Personally if the selectors are going to play someone a useless as Hauritz, I would rather play Cameron White. At least his taken over 150 wkts at less than 40 and his a very good batsman as well.

[picture in me pasta]

Just finished watching some highlights of 3rd test, 2005 on Fox. Was nervous watching it even now! How we escaped with a draw I'll never know.

But in any case its got me real excited for tomorrow night and the coming weeks. :)

[damochandler]

Just finished watching some highlights of 3rd test, 2005 on Fox. Was nervous watching it even now! How we escaped with a draw I'll never know.

But in any case its got me real excited for tomorrow night and the coming weeks. :)


it was the worst umpiring in that series nearly ever. some of those decisions were woeful. the brett lee lbw to simon jones in the second innings for the poms in the second test. billy bowden doing his best work there

[Cousin Jed]

Yeah been warming up watching these. Losing the toss in this 4th match was huge. (Edit: Not to mention all the dropped bloody catches and wickets off no balls)

Interesting hearing Blewett on the commentary just talking about Mitchell Johnson.

And yeah damo some of these decision were even worse than I remember, Koertzen gave 2 guys out in a row and neither of them was out....

[wavefall21]

like most of us watching the reviews of the 05 series has me pumped up for what should be an unbelievable series, both are no way near as strong as last time, but it will be very close, will be interesting tot see if swingg is as predominant as last time, cos obviously the poms decided to cheat using murray mints last time, i would reallyy like to see us go with a four prong pace attack with johnson, siddle, clark and hilfenhaus, i just don't think hauritz spin will be dangerous enough

[Belnakor]

umpring in that series ended damien martyn's career almost

[Belnakor]

i'd put money on hussey getting 2-3 bad decisions this series. just seems to happen to guys out of form

[wavefall21]

does anybody know who the umps will be in this first test? i hope asad rauf is one because imo he's the best ump in the world, i really hope aleem dar nor rudi koertzen are umpiring because they consistently make most errors i feel

[Cousin Jed]

1st Test: Doctrove and Dar
2nd Test Doctrove and Koertzen
3rd test: Koertzen and Dar
4th and 5th Tests: Bowden and Rauf

[TorresIsGod]

How about when Damien Martyn smashed it for 6 and then was given out LBW.

[damochandler]

1st Test: Doctrove and Dar
2nd Test Doctrove and Koertzen
3rd test: Koertzen and Dar
4th and 5th Tests: Bowden and Rauf


the 2 worst umpires going around right now. umpiring the last 2 tests.

poms are looking to use the 12th man at every oportunity again.

[wavefall21]

without taking credit away from the poms who were the better side, nothing went our way in the 05 series, we were so well below our best but we somehow almost drew

[DoubleO7]

the 2 worst umpires going around right now. umpiring the last 2 tests.

poms are looking to use the 12th man at every oportunity again.
Perhaps... anyway, speaking of umpires, wasn't it Rudi Koertzen that gave Kumar Sangakkara out for 192 at the Bellerive Oval? One of the worst umpiring decisions I have ever witnessed on my TV screen.

[Mr P@H]

If this rain keeps up it'll be Onions instead of Panesar i reckon, either team will need to get stuck in quickly though as i don't see that much play. Could be off and on for the entire match.

[Bourky23]

It better not bloody rain!

[JohnG]

I also notice Nathan Hauritz is included, so there's no spinners. http://img.cricinfo.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
David Lloyd's thoughts on Nathan Hauritz

LOL sad but true.

[CrazyQ]

Cmon England.

[Nel Mangle]

without taking credit away from the poms who were the better side, nothing went our way in the 05 series, we were so well below our best but we somehow almost drew

I dont know about that ,cobberino.
Rain saved australia certain defeat in Manchester by 1 wicket. Australia won the critical toss at Edgbaston but good old punter stuck us into bat.

As for this test...
The weather is looking dodgy over here this week. Playing time will be lost.

[usalion]

Under 12 hours to go, getting so pumped for the start. Lee's injury will hurt, but it is time for the next generation to step up and show themselves- I'm looking for Mitch Johnson to hit form in the Tests.

Time to get some lollies in....and where IS gary Pratt these days?

C'MON, AUSSIE c'MON!!!!!

[damochandler]

without taking credit away from the poms who were the better side, nothing went our way in the 05 series, we were so well below our best but we somehow almost drew


the poms were a better side that series.

i tell you what the poms dont look that good and i dont think strauss and flower arent that bright when it comes to the crunch. they will crack under some pressure

[wavefall21]

the poms were a better side that series.

i tell you what the poms dont look that good and i dont think strauss and flower arent that bright when it comes to the crunch. they will crack under some pressure

i really hope you're right, I definitely think we have a much better abnd settled batting lineup than the poms, but they have the clear advantage in the bowling stocks and I think 05 showed that a solid bowling unit is essential in english conditions, I'm a bit worried but am hoping our batting is stable, we know what we will get with johnson, siddle and clark but our bowling doesn't run deep.......vaughan was underrated as a captain, he was really tactically astute and got the best out of his team, I really hope we can exploit englands batting cos I really feel that after collingwood they don't have much strength there......jimmy anderson is our main danger, he can swing it both ways at pace

[marcuz]

For a team that is just a level above rubbish england are doing a lot of talking. Its amazing what a win at home over the windies does for one's confidence.

They don't rate the aussie bowlers then again either did South Africa until it was too late.

[TheColeTrain]

I fail to see where England has the advantage in the bowling department, let alone a clear one.
The only top class bowler they have is Flintoff, and he hasn't been at his best for a while. The rest are just run of the mill pace bowlers

[nobbyiscool]

i don't quite know what to say... i guess i was initially surprised with people saying that Lee's injury hurts Australia.

to that, my reaction would be that Lee has been a hack pretending to be a test cricketer for years now and should not be anywhere near our test team.

but then i hear the Hauritz is likely to play, and all of a sudden brett lee looks like dennis lillee.


we are not going to win this series. there, i said it. we can not win this series with such a B-grade bowling line up. the bowling line-up should be as it was in south africa - johnson, siddle, hilfenhaus... if Lee has been good enough to depose Macdonald, then well and good.

but we now go in with an underdone side including the worst spin bowler to ever play for australia and a guy who has hardly played a game in a year. i'm a fan of clark, but he's playing tonight on reputation and not on form - something that i hate, and something that has burned us in the past.

so i'm going to be one of those who goes all "i told you so" before a ball is bowled. hauritz never should've been there - should've been krejza who is a proven wicket taker. macdonald shouldn't be there - handy bowler, but he's not going to be a strike bowler at test level. i would've preferred doug (or geeves).

the top 9 (down to siddle) pick themselves... hilfenhaus should've been the next chosen all along (even if lee was fit). the final spot should have then come down to lee, clark and macdonald.


having said all this, i'm excited! i'm home from work with the flu today - i'm about to pop in the Ashes Glory dvd from the last series in australia... never get sick of watching that Adelaide test, and then watching gilchrists innings in perth.

[Bugz]

Weather forecast looks good (http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/hourbyhour/UKXX0030?cm_ven=cricinfo&promo=0&site=www.espncricinfo.com&cm_ite=wx-hbh&par=cricinfo&cm_pla=citypg&cm_cat=scores) :)

[Respected Journo]

Im a bit worried about the pitch to be honest, not about any potential turn, but in the quality of cricket which may be on show.

I just hope there is a bit of carry in this wicket on the first few days, but by all accounts its going to be low and slow which will make for some grinding cricket.

Just hope people don't have their expectations too high for the first test with regards to the quality of cricket as Im not sure the pitch will be too conducive to high quality cricket, a factor only compounded by the short straight boundaries which barely comply to test regulations - as such some mishits will be going for 6 and 4.

The more of think of it the more i can't understand why the ECB thinks with money rather then its head.

[jakethesnake]

Not long now. Quite exciting really. Can't wait.

[Respected Journo]

Might have to load up my special "This is not a drill" video to get everyone into the mood.

[guzroo]

Australia to win the toss and bowl first. With all the rain they have had i think we can forget about a spinner and play 4 quicks. Johnson, Siddle, Hilf and Clark.

[Respected Journo]

Win the toss and bat first, Ponting hasn't ever bowled first after winning the toss since Edgbaston in 2005.

18 times i think he has won the toss since then and all of them he has batted.

[Toshowyouwhy]

And with good reason. What the hell was he thinking. Channeling his inner nassr hussain on that one.

[damochandler]

bat first and get a score on the board. thats what they did at lords in 2005.

[Cousin Jed]

albeit not a very good one.

[Respected Journo]

Reading some of the overseas media like the pieces on cricinfo and other English online media sites I get the impression that most people feel that Australia are going to get flogged.

Anyone else getting that impression?

Seems a bit premature to me, no-one in the English media rates our bowlers, our batsmen are out of form and Ponting is a crap captain.

Is that just me or does anyone else think that the England media and fans believe they have got the Ashes in the bag?

[Respected Journo]

Mods could you please, delete my double post, cheers.

Computer froze.

[scooter22]

Ponting thinks there is seam and bounce in the pitch. Wouldn't surprise me if he bowled first. Any news on the final team yet? Would like to see Hilfy get a go.

[dynamite_kid]

Mods could you please, delete my double post, cheers.

Computer froze.
You can delete posts yourself, just go to edit then delete post.

Only a few hours to go know, should be interesting to see how the first day pans out.

[Respected Journo]

Ponting thinks there is seam and bounce in the pitch. Wouldn't surprise me if he bowled first. Any news on the final team yet? Would like to see Hilfy get a go.

Nah not yet I don't think, i may be wrong but I think normally a 12 is announced the day before a match with the playing eleven confirmed at the toss but this time no team has shed any light on it's combination.

I don't think we'll know till the toss, so still a little while to go yet.

How hard do you reckon it would be to get to sleep the night before your first Ashes test, especially for the younger blokes like Hughes. I often wonder if players find it hard to get to sleep and even if some fail to get any sleep at all.

[senrulzisback]

I'm so pumped for this, can't wait.

Hopefully we can bat first and get a solid first day in.

[Toshowyouwhy]

Yeah no doubt hughsey would be packing it right now. Really hope he does well. Plan has to be to win the toss and bat all day today. I don't care what the pitch is like, bat and bat and bat.

[Tripwire]

"Gets ready for fake wicket calls"

[Grimwood]

Is that just me or does anyone else think that the England media and fans believe they have got the Ashes in the bag?

It's just you, LtD.

The general opinion seems to be that Australia's batting is more solid than England's, with a punchier lower order, and that England's bowling has more variety, but prehaps not enough to tip the balance given the strangling qualities of Siddle and Clark.

I guess most England fans are underrating Johnson, but quite a few people only got their first look at him in the warm up game... where he really was poor.

Unfortunately I think the first match is going to be a bit of a damp squib. Sophia Gardens was a nice little county ground, but I doubt it's test credentials and it can get really .. well.. damp.

[SydneyDon]

About now I start getting nervous. I don't know what it is but it's only for Ashes Tests in England. If we bat first I'll be watching almost with my hands over my eyes, I'm hopeless. I'm particularly worried about Hughes, who I rate very highly, but the doubts about his technique with Bodyline II looking to expose him.

For me day one sets the tone for the whole series. Aussies thrive on confidence in the same way the English can falter on self doubt.

[matty p]

Australia went 2-0 in South Africa with a bowling attack of Johnson, Siddle, Hilfenhaus and McDonald (They lost the third test when they brought McGain in).

Bring Clark in for McDonald, as he can keep it as tight at one end and is much more likely to take wickets than McDonald, and leave the rest of the winning bowling combination as it is.

Surely the selectors will have enough sense to do this.

Hopefully our team will be:

Hughes
Katich
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
North
Haddin
Johnson
Siddle
Clark
Hilfenhaus

[Grimwood]

Even Mike "Baggy Green? Kill it! Kill it!" Selvey is talking of an 'attritional' series.

My first moment of panic will come when they pick Panesar ahead of Onions. Still, at least it won't be a complete shock.

[Oscarman]

3 hours to go. Let's smash the *****!!!

[Respected Journo]

"Gets ready for fake wicket calls"

Please spare us that crap, please.

[aussie1st]

Australia went 2-0 in South Africa with a bowling attack of Johnson, Siddle, Hilfenhaus and McDonald (They lost the third test when they brought McGain in).




The main problem was losing North which meant McDonald had to move to 6. And Johnson not being as effective compared to the first 2 test.

[Respected Journo]

Even Mike "Baggy Green? Kill it! Kill it!" Selvey is talking of an 'attritional' series.

My first moment of panic will come when they pick Panesar ahead of Onions. Still, at least it won't be a complete shock.

Do you think Cardiff is England's best chance of winning. I mean if you were to look at each of the venues individually would you pick Cardiff as the venue where England have the best chance of winning a test match?

My point is that if Australia lose at Cardiff then it won't really be that unexpected judging by recent media publications , despite what you say. If Australia were to lose they could still work their way into the contest.

If Australia beat England at Cardiff would that be a almost fatal blow to England in the sense that many think they have a great chance to win at Cardiff and if they were to lose then they would be fatally wounded?

[OzBomber]

albeit not a very good one.
Don't worry, we've got McGrath to take a... oh wait. :(

We have his clone, Clark instead. :thumbsu:

[Toshowyouwhy]

Don't worry, we've got McGrath to take a... oh wait. :(

We have his clone, Clark instead. :thumbsu:
Thats the same for Ian Bell, he'll probably be alright if we don't warney to get a slider through him every time.

[damochandler]

i really think we will put the cleaners through this poms side. they might have looked good against a non interested windies side. but they have looked terrible when they are put under massive pressure and thats what the aussies will do

[scooterb]

Katich > Hauritz

Why do we continually play this hack?

[Toshowyouwhy]

It will be close, there will certainly be no cleaners being put through anyone. It's just a matter of who stands up, and I don't mean the established stars, I mean the so-called second tier players. A Marcus North, a Bopara, someone that's not Pietersen and Ponting.

Depth is the key, and we won't see who has the most until the series is in action. The sides on paper are, in reality, almost inseperable. Form will play the biggest part. Just as it did in 05, just about every pom was on song, and we had half a dozen who weren't.

[weevil]

"Gets ready for fake wicket calls"

Get ready for your card.

[legitimatic]

I can't believe it's finally here, seemed like an eternity waiting for this series, hopefully Aus can set the tone on the first day.

And weevil I think it was more of a "sit back with some popcorn" kind of thing, it happens every test, don't think Tripwire himself will instigate it.

[Admiral Afterworld]

Forecast for Wed 8 Jul 2009
Weather Generally a lot of cloud around but a few bright or sunny spells will break through at times during the day. Most of the time it will be dry but there is a 20% risk of a shower at any time. Dry evening with some late sunshine.
Max temp 20 Celsius
Min temp 12 Celsius
Wind West to northwesterly 10-15mph.
Rainfall 0-2mm

[Judd4PM]

Weather report - http://weather.uk.msn.com/hourly.aspx?&wealocations=wc%3aUKXX0030&q=Cardiff%2c+Wales&setunit=C#details

[davey_magik]

When will the first ball be bowled AEST?

8:30?

[Cousin Jed]

8pm.

[Sir CJ]

I got to admit, there's a few nerves, I like many fellow Aussies hate losing to the Poms in any sport let alone the ashes, I hope we pick Hilfy over Hauritz, he will add a good variety with his swing, Hauritz can't turn a door handle, although Hauritz can be as batsman I think Hilfy being included will increase our chances of taking 20 wickets

[linda]

Reading some of the overseas media like the pieces on cricinfo and other English online media sites I get the impression that most people feel that Australia are going to get flogged.

Anyone else getting that impression?

Seems a bit premature to me, no-one in the English media rates our bowlers, our batsmen are out of form and Ponting is a crap captain.

Is that just me or does anyone else think that the England media and fans believe they have got the Ashes in the bag?

:D:D
It is just you .The vast vast majority are saying a paper thin win for either team

Im sure no Aus fans or media are saying the same about their team :eek:

[warney7]

I'm really at a loss to know why England think they are so damn good.

We're onto them and their mints, so if they're trying that stuff again, we'll be matching it.

Lee is a big loss though and the way he was swinging the ball last week would have been a big concern for the English batsmen.

Marcus North is going to have to bowl really well because we're likely to need a few wickets from him too, but other than that, I don't see any problems.

Australia to win the 1st test and take the series 3-0

[linda]

I'm really at a loss to know why England think they are so damn good.

We're onto them and their mints, so if they're trying that stuff again, we'll be matching it.

Lee is a big loss though and the way he was swinging the ball last week would have been a big concern for the English batsmen.

Marcus North is going to have to bowl really well because we're likely to need a few wickets from him too, but other than that, I don't see any problems.

Australia to win the 1st test and take the series 3-0

Someone going on about English bravado and then they themselves predict a thrashing.:eek:

[Offsider]

Here is hoping that Hauritz does not play, he is like a 12 year old pace bowler who can bowl at 90 kph. He does not turn the ball but rather drifts it or swings it. Average bat and field, would rather Hilfy plays as he bowls 50kph faster and swings it the same distance as Hauritz drifts it. North is the equal of Hauritz.

[Respected Journo]

Apparently Hilfenhaus has been spotted marking up his run?

Possible inclusion?

[YOTC]

Hauritz and Hilfy both playing?

No Clark?

C'mon England!

[dr nick]

Hauritz and Hilfy both playing?

No Clark?

C'mon England!

well hauritz and hilfy were both warming up whilst stuey clark had the baseball mit on.

If its true, the selectors and especially ponting are a complete joke. :mad:

[TheBrownDog]

Anyone else feel like a pre-Ashes spew. :o

[Respected Journo]

I got to admit, there's a few nerves, I like many fellow Aussies hate losing to the Poms in any sport let alone the ashes, I hope we pick Hilfy over Hauritz, he will add a good variety with his swing, Hauritz can't turn a door handle, although Hauritz can be as batsman I think Hilfy being included will increase our chances of taking 20 wickets

Yeah Im pretty nervous as well, had trouble sleeping last night which is silly I know. But I really didn't sleep that well, I kept just thinking about the Ashes. After a while I turned on the bedside lamp and got out Steve Waughs epic 500 page + book to read some bits on the Ashes and each series and what not.

Before I had to some uni work in the lab and I dropped glassware and just couldn't concentrate.

Still love the bit when he tells how he and the manager Bernard had to tell Slater he was dropped in the 2001 Ashes and when they told him he just got up and stormed out screaming "You can all go and get ****ed":D

Great to see that Slater has got his life back together since that period as well, newly married and a good paying job with Channel 9, also one of the best commentators they have got, probably the best.

Really though you have to treat it just as another match, is this match against England more important then the matchs against South Africa? It shouldn't be but for some reason the Ashes really gets people up and about.

[TorresIsGod]

If Hauritz and Hilfy are playing and Clark is out, then yes.