Who has cemented a spot in the AUS XI?

[courtjester]

After last night's knock surely North has earned his keep for this series and the Australian summer. Who do you think is 'untouchable' in the Australian team at present?

I'd say the bolded are:

Katich
Watson
Ponting
Hussey
Clarke
North
Manou
Johnson
Hauritz
Siddle
Hilfenhaus

Watson is not far off after this test.
Manou is a variable after coming in for injury, but was impressive.
Hauritz has done very well.
Interesting that of our pacemen, Hilfenhaus was probably last picked coming into the Ashes (behind Siddle and Johnson). He is been the best with the ball for mine this series.
Is this the most vulnerable Australian team we've had in 20 years?
AND- how much is it effecting our performances having instability and uncertainty in the ranks?

[Wicked Lester]

It should not come as a surpise that it is the most unstable/unsettled team in 20 years. That tends to happen when 8-9 senior established players vacate the scene in relatively quick succession.

North's innings impressed me greatly. I'd had him tagged as a possible downhill skier. I take that back. He was superb and, unlike Clarke, I can barely remember a false stroke. Hopefully, going out for 96 will keep him very hungry.

Not sure I'd agree that Hilfy's yet cemented a spot in the team. He's currently bowling in conditions that should suit his bowling even more than his home turf does. He's bowling well and he's been the pick of our bowlers, but I'd want to see him hold his spot in 5-6 home tests before declaring him a permanent member of the side.