The Ashes squad

[BarneyBent]

OK, it's not long before it's announced. Thoughts, predictions, opinions, and when the squad is finally released, criticism are all welcome.

Regardless of how the XI will line up for the Gabba, I think the selectors have an excellent opportunity to put some pressure on Huss, North and Hauritz while also showing confidence in them by picking a big squad. I know it's a home series and so it may seem like overkill, but I'd love to see a 14/15 man squad named. With injury concerns over Clarke, Katich and Bollinger, a round of Shield matches to come, and Australia A to play, CA have every excuse to name a big squad. If 3 or 4 reserves are included, the official line can be it's cover for the injury troubles, while their presence will put implicit pressure on the underperforming Test players.

Balancing how I want the Test side with being realistic, I'd like the squad to be:

Ricky Ponting (C), Michael Clarke (VC), Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Phil Hughes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Usman Khawaja, Marcus North, Shane Watson

Possibly Callum Ferguson/Steve Smith/Steve O'Keefe in there as well.

In reality I think CA will stick to naming a 12 man squad, and it will be the Test team as it last lined up plus Siddle. :(

[The Governor]

Bring on the Drum Roll for the most incompetent National Selector and Australian opener Andrew "Digga I must play the hookshot" Hilditch to announce the Australian test team that will remind cricket followers of the England TEST XI under Mike Gatting and David Gower back in the mid 1980s. Hi favourite father in law Bob Simpson will by his side to announce the test squad for the Brisbane test match.

We can call the Australian test XI for the 1st test match our Dad's TEST ARMY XI!! (Katich, Hussey, North and Haddin).

If you listened to SEN last night, Rodney Hogg interviewed his former test captain Greg Chappell. Hoggy did a brilliant job where he expressed his opinions in a tactful way. Hoggy made a beautiful comment off the long run that Greg was over qualified for the role as Talent Manager and he should be the Full Time Chairman of Selectors. Greg asked Hoggy if he was bagging Hilditch and Hoggy did not say anything in a cheeky way. Greg told Hoggy that he is happy to serve under Hilditch's chairmanship and we would have to wait and see if CA would appoint him as Chairman of Selectors.

With Greg being employed by CA, he did not bag Hilditch and the fellow selectors.

Here is the likely Ashes Test XI for Brisbane: Unfortunately, Katich will be in the side and CA should give Warwick Hadfield a call to replace Nathan Hauritz. Hauritz could not land a ball on a 20 cent piece with his eyes closed and his figures against Pakistan last summer were a fraud. The Pakistan team threw away the test series!!

Simon Katich
Shane Watson
Ricky (Captain)
Usman Khawaja
Michael Clarke
Tim Paine
Stephen Smith
Mitchell Johnson
Nathan Hauritz
Peter Siddle
Doug Bollinger

12th: Callum Ferguson, Cameron White, Clint Mackay, Ben Hilfenhauss

[tazzietiger]

Hilfenhauss has to be in the test team. Not 12th man if we want to be able to win.

[BRider]

the governor are u on drugs>

hilfy 12th man right...

first bowler picked.

[CAS79]

I think the selectors have an excellent opportunity to put some pressure on Huss, North and Hauritz

Sadly I think if the selectors were intent on putting pressure on the squad they would have delayed this announcement to after the shield games. Allowed Ferguson, Khawaja another chance at big scores and asked North and Hussey to the same.

By picking it so early It would appear their intention is to do the opposite.

[courtjester]

1. Simon Katich
2. Shane Watson
3. Ricky Ponting
4. Michael Clarke
5. Usman Khawaja
6. Andrew McDonald
7. Brad Haddin
8. Steve O'Keefe
9. Mitchell Johnson
10. Ryan Harris
11. Ben Hilfenhaus

12. Callum Ferguson
13. Cam White
14. Doug Bollinger
15. Mitchell Starc

[mattymac]

there will be no changes from our ordinary team

barring injury

[TheColeTrain]

there will be no changes from our ordinary team

barring injury
This will happen and the reaction on this board when Hussey and North are both picked with not extra batsmen could very well destroy the internet.

[BarneyBent]

Sadly I think if the selectors were intent on putting pressure on the squad they would have delayed this announcement to after the shield games. Allowed Ferguson, Khawaja another chance at big scores and asked North and Hussey to the same.

By picking it so early It would appear their intention is to do the opposite.

Nah, I don't think you can read much into that. I was reading an article today which suggested that it couldn't be delayed due to media/promotion commitments, and the players preferred to find out early anyway, because they have to do their own media stuff, autographs, promos, etc, and they have to get it in before the first Test. Given that Shield cricket is scheduled for Wednesday-Saturday for every team, there really wasn't any other time for them to get it done but before that. Apparently Greg Chappell indicated to Slats at a function that the selectors aren't happy with picking the squad so early as well, so it's not indicative of the selectors' intentions.

there will be no changes from our ordinary team

barring injury

That's what I'm afraid of. :(

With Greg Chappell in though, we might see a less conservative approach. I have no doubt Hussey and North will be selected in the squad, but I'm simply hoping for a bigger squad, so that some guys like Khawaja, Hughes, Ferguson might be selected. I'd want White in and around too but I can't see the selectors considering him.

[Stan Van Gundy]

I'd like to see Johnson dropped for Harris.

Harris offers good pace like Johnson, yet unlike Johnson he has the ability to keep it tight and build pressure.

An attack of Harris, Hilf, Bollinger (if fit), Hauritz (as much as I dislike him there really isn't any spin option, maybe O'keefe) and Watson would go alright I reckon. Johnson just leaks too many runs.

[Stan Van Gundy]

1. Simon Katich
2. Shane Watson
3. Ricky Ponting
4. Michael Clarke
5. Usman Khawaja
6. Andrew McDonald
7. Brad Haddin
8. Steve O'Keefe
9. Mitchell Johnson
10. Ryan Harris
11. Ben Hilfenhaus

12. Callum Ferguson
13. Cam White
14. Doug Bollinger
15. Mitchell Starc

Pretty much the squad I'd have except without Johnson.

[bombersno1]

Final 11:

1. Watson
2. Katich
3. Ponting
4. Clarke (if fit) * (Ferguson on Standby)
5. Hussey (he'll be there, I hate it but he will)
6. North
7. Haddin (again I hate it, Paine is better)
8. Johnson
9. Hauritz
10. Harris
11. Hilfenhaus
12th Bollinger

Squad members: Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja

[CAS79]

the players preferred to find out early anyway, because they have to do their own media stuff, autographs, promos, etc, and they have to get it in before the first Test. Secondary issues like this should have no bearing on selection date

Given that Shield cricket is scheduled for Wednesday-Saturday for every team, there really wasn't any other time for them to get it done but before that. Apparently Greg Chappell indicated to Slats at a function that the selectors aren't happy with picking the squad so early as well, so it's not indicative of the selectors' intentions.


Sadly this makes it appear as if the promotional is interfering in team selection.

The Team doesn't need to be on stage for selection, if they need to do it mid shield games so be it.

[BarneyBent]

Secondary issues like this should have no bearing on selection date

But they've signed contract and everything. Back in August it wasn't expected to be as big an issue.



Sadly this makes it appear as if the promotional is interfering in team selection.

The Team doesn't need to be on stage for selection, if they need to do it mid shield games so be it.

Not so much. It was taken into consideration when the initial date was set, which is fair enough. However, now that date is set and it can't be shifted, so while it's now of secondary importance by comparison, unfortunately they're looked in.

But the point is that it wasn't the selectors' idea, and they're not too pleased with it, so they may choose to name a bigger squad and then cut it down later to compensate. The fact that the date hasn't shifted is not necessarily a reflection of the selectors' attitudes.

[CAS79]

Sadly this makes it appear as if the promotional is interfering in team selection.

The Team doesn't need to be on stage for selection, if they need to do it mid shield games so be it.

\




Not so much. It was taken into consideration when the initial date was set, which is fair enough. However, now that date is set and it can't be shifted, so while it's now of secondary importance by comparison, unfortunately they're looked in.

.


http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/11/14/3065928.htm

Ignoring calls to wait another week, Hilditch will announce the squad at Sydney's Circular Quay on Monday morning in a public event orchestrated by the Nine Network, with captain Ricky Ponting and other players to be interviewed on stage before signing autographs for fans.

Looks like the selection of the team has been orchestrated for promotional purposes when you read that.

[BarneyBent]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/11/14/3065928.htm



Looks like the selection of the team has been orchestrated for promotional purposes when you read that.

It has, and the issue is that in order to do that, they had to lock the date in. And when they set the date, it wasn't thought that there would be so much uncertainty over the team, so getting it over and done with soon would have been considered of greater priority.

Now they're in a shitty position because they CAN'T reschedule, now that is has been revealed they need more time, because they've commited to Channel 9.

Hilditch hasn't "ignored calls" to delay the announcement; he is contractually obliged to announce it tomorrow.

[eddiesmith]

It did seem a bit strange but really when you think about it, they cant wait. The squad is always together on the Sunday before the test, Shield matches dont end untill Saturday night, hmm, a bit of a logistical nightmare!

Maybe the fringe batsmen should have done more before the announcement, a double century against SA and a few starts since dont demand selection and runs in Hobart against Englands 2nd attack shouldnt change anything

[Bombers_Forever]

Well Khawaja, Hughes and Smith are apparently in the team according to the media. Khawaja, yes, Hughes.............NO!!!!!!!!!!!

Hughes has done nothing since getting dropped, and faild dismally in the last to Shield games. NSW bias is coming to the fore again.........

[BarneyBent]

Hughes' last Test innings was an 86*, and he had a good Shield year last year. With Katich in doubt for the first Test, his inclusion makes sense.

Anyway, I'm stalking Usman Khawaja's FB right now, seeing if there's any slip of what the squad might be. :o

[strauchanie59]

Here's mine. Harris' injury has flared up and Starc is injured:

1.Katich
2.Watson
3.Ponting(C)
4.Clarke(VC)
5.Hussey
6.Kwajha?/Hughes
7.Haddin
8.Johnson
9.Hilfenhaus
10. Hauritz
11. Bollinger

12th Man: Siddle/Ferguson/White

Gotta give Johnson a chance. Get some good bounce and speed on the Gabba pitch. Get a few wickets and raise his confidence dor the rest of the series.

[legend166]

Well Khawaja, Hughes and Smith are apparently in the team according to the media. Khawaja, yes, Hughes.............NO!!!!!!!!!!!

Hughes has done nothing since getting dropped, and faild dismally in the last to Shield games. NSW bias is coming to the fore again.........

He's the next opener in line. He'll only get a game if Katich is injured.


Also, this media event is going to be a bust. The Australian public does not love the Australian cricket team any more and it looks like it's going to rain in Sydney anyway.

[rickyp]

Can someone tell me what time the team will be announced?

[Cousin Jed]

In 1 hour 15 minutes (http://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/the-ashes/australias-ashes-squad-named-live-on-foxsportscomau-from-1130am-edt-on-monday-november-15/story-e6frf3gl-1225952776645)

[Belnakor]

i'm expecting a "business as usual" team with no surprises, when was the last time there was a shock selection?

[amer]

What we'll be absolutely spewing about is the injury to Hazlewood. I'm of the opinion there was a calculated push to have Haze line up in the first test, so it's a spanner in the works for us.

I'd name George.

[amer]

Or Copeland.

[Selective Retention]

I'd be surprised if there were any bowling bolters named.

Johnson, Hilfenhaus, Bollinger, Hauritz, Siddle, Harris. (+Smith)

Even with the extended squad it's hard to see them going beyond those.

[Ron]

Squad is: Ponting, Clarke, Bollinger, Doherty, Ferguson, Haddin, Harris, Hauritz, M Hussey, Hilfenhaus, Johnson, Katich, Khawaja, North, Siddle, Smith, Watson.

No real surprises, great to see Khawaja named

[Cousin Jed]

Lol. 17 players.

[Buddy]

Surprised no Hughes (or any backup opener for that matter).

[NAUGHT5]

Hilditch hinted that Doherty may get the call up ahead of Hauritz.

Attacking move if true. And I like it.

[jimmy_clement#8]

No Hughes, suggests Katich is alright.

Khawaja and Ferguson, it suggests a four way duel for the final middle order spots providing Clarke is fit between the aforementioned two, Hussey and North.

If the younger lads make good runs, and the other two fail, it'll be lineball who gets a gig.

Doherty's selection, kneejerk arguably, suggests they aren't at all convinced with Hauritz. Smith's a smokey on a Gabba deck that suits the quicks so much, and Harris' home deck, Hauritz could be squeezed out.

And finally, with the quicks they've named, it seems very even, five into three or four spots, and you can make a case for all of them.

The long and the short, this week's Shield games actually look to be decisive: North and Hussey have their spots to lose, but the upcoming game might just be enough to make the weight swing enough to, well, swing the axe, and the fast bowling makeup is very up in the air.

[meh]

Happy that Doherty has been included, puts massive pressure of Hauritz to peform in the next SS match.

[Selective Retention]

I was wrong, Doherty :eek:

Pretty good squad if North, Hussey, Siddle, Smith, and two of Hauritz/Doherty/Harris are the ones to miss ;)

[Buddy]

When was the last time an Ashes squad had three spinners in it?

[mattf83]

Doherty? Based on what? his FC bowling average of 50+

[Selective Retention]

Tas play NSW at the SCG so maybe it will be a match race for the spinners spot.

[legend166]

Doherty has basically the same first class record as Steve Smith when it comes to bowling. Can't see any reason to pick him for Test matches.

[Surkin]

LOL at Doherty.

Is that for real. Suddenly Hauritz looks like a good option.

[legend166]

As mentioned in the Herald article, Haurtiz bowling to Ponting will be very interesting.

[Phone]

lol doherty. lol 17 man squad. although I guess this does mean the upcoming matches may actually mean something re selection.

[TheColeTrain]

Doherty is a horrible choice, selectors really have no idea.

[BarneyBent]

Damn Tasmanian bias! :rolleyes:

Seriously though, what has Doherty done? SOK should be fuming, especially after being selected for Aus A. It's not like Doherty's figures of 2/105 in his last Shield match were breathtaking.

Interesting no Hughes, guess that means Katich is good to go, or they see Khawaja as a poential opener.

And the selection of Doherty means they probably see Smith as a batsman first and foremost. If so, that's a very good thing.

[mattf83]

Doherty has basically the same first class record as Steve Smith when it comes to bowling. Can't see any reason to pick him for Test matches.
Agreed, at least smith is a more than capable batsmen who has penty of time to improve his bowling, surely smith, clarke, katich can bowl enough between them.

[pies_this_year]

Doherty? Based on what? his FC bowling average of 50+

I dunno, maybe his form?

[Drummond]

Xavier Doherty FC record:

82 wickets @ 48.80, SR 84.8.

I'd rather SOK.

[Phone]

i'd even prefer jason krejza

[TheColeTrain]

I dunno, maybe his form?

His form suggests he should be nowhere near the Test side:rolleyes:
OD side certainly, Test side no ****ing way.

[Selective Retention]

FC Records

Doherty 82 wickets at 48.80
Hauritz 144 wickets at 43.46
Smith 31 wickets at 49.35

Smorgasboard choice that one.

Doherty's Shield figures from last year and the start of this year.

9 wickets at 27.77
12 wickets at 24.25

[Selective Retention]

In all honesty though the test selection on one day performances policy lives :o

[Surkin]

In last weeks shield match between Tasmania and Queensland, a putrid Queensland batting attack needed 214 to win on the fourth day wicket.

Any spinner worth his salt should be able to do something. Yet Xavier Doherty had 0-60 off 24 overs against the household names of Broad, Lynn, Carseldine and Townsend. Hardly warrants seection int he test squad.

[mattf83]

FC Records

Doherty 82 wickets at 48.80
Hauritz 144 wickets at 43.46
Smith 31 wickets at 49.35


If was choosing from those 3, would choose the player who offers something other than just bowling.

Smith is the best batmen, best fielder and is younger a capable of developing all areas of his game.

[HSSB]

I'm pretty happy with it, Ferguson, Haris :thumbsu:

[pies_this_year]

His form suggests he should be nowhere near the Test side:rolleyes:
OD side certainly, Test side no ****ing way.

What? His form this year accross all forms has been fantastic. Do have any idea what you are talking about?

[Selective Retention]

In last weeks shield match between Tasmania and Queensland, a putrid Queensland batting attack needed 214 to win on the fourth day wicket.

Any spinner worth his salt should be able to do something. Yet Xavier Doherty had 0-60 off 24 overs against the household names of Broad, Lynn, Carseldine and Townsend. Hardly warrants seection int he test squad.

It was a green top. I'd be more worried about Hilfenhaus' lack of wickets from that game personally.

[pies_this_year]

In last weeks shield match between Tasmania and Queensland, a putrid Queensland batting attack needed 214 to win on the fourth day wicket.

Any spinner worth his salt should be able to do something. Yet Xavier Doherty had 0-60 off 24 overs against the household names of Broad, Lynn, Carseldine and Townsend. Hardly warrants seection int he test squad.

Did you see that pitch?

Hauritz bowled on the best spinning pitch in Australia and picked up one more wicket. Interesting.

[Cousin Jed]

In last weeks shield match between Tasmania and Queensland, a putrid Queensland batting attack needed 214 to win on the fourth day wicket.

Any spinner worth his salt should be able to do something. Yet Xavier Doherty had 0-60 off 24 overs against the household names of Broad, Lynn, Carseldine and Townsend. Hardly warrants seection int he test squad.

4th day Shield decks in November in Hobart aren't your average last day test deck though.

Think the selection is more based on a "defensive spinner" role than anything else.

[TheColeTrain]

FC Records

Doherty 82 wickets at 48.80
Hauritz 144 wickets at 43.46
Smith 31 wickets at 49.35

Smorgasboard choice that one.

Doherty's Shield figures from last year and the start of this year.

9 wickets at 27.77
12 wickets at 24.25

Steve O'Keefe is easily the best spinner in Australia ATM.

[gbatman]

McDonald should be in it. Funny to hear that idiot Hilditch say he thinks we have been going well and that he's pleased with the indian tour on Fox Sports. This guy is an absolute hack. We have hardly won a series and we got beaten in a clean sweap in India in embarrasing fashion.

Hilditch has NFI.

[Mr_Smooth]

pretty happy with the squad, except where the **** is phil hughes??

are they trying to screw this kid up forever??

[TheColeTrain]

McDonald should be in it. Funny to hear that idiot Hilditch say he thinks we have been going well and that he's pleased with the indian tour on Fox Sports. This guy is an absolute hack. We have hardly won a series and we got beaten in a clean sweap in India in embarrasing fashion.

Hilditch has NFI.

In todays HUN he said he hopes to stay on as chairman after the WC and he more then likely will.
Clown of a man.

[gbatman]

Steve O'Keefe is easily the best spinner in Australia ATM.

he is and he can bat but the ********s on the selection pannel can't tell the difference between good and bad cricketers.

[Kristof]

Not a bad squad - you can see where the selector's decisions lie. Personally, I would have had O'Keefe in there instead of Doherty, and McDonald instead of Smith.

Watson
Katich
Ponting
Clarke
2 of Ferguson, M Hussey, Khawaja, North and Smith
Haddin
1 of Doherty or Hauritz
Johnson
2 of Bollinger, Harris, Hilfenhaus and Siddle.

My Eleven -

Watson
Katich
Ponting
Clarke
M Hussey
Khawaja
Haddin
Hauritz
Johnson
Harris
Hilfenhaus

[crows dude]

Well from that Squad my side would be

Katich
Watson
Ponting
Ferguson
Clarke
Smith
Haddin
Johnson
Harris
Hilfy
Bollinger

[benny_cousins]

What's this obsession with Callum Ferguson? Doesn't he average 36 in first class cricket?

[aussie1st]

Really shows the selectors value ODI performances. Doherty might have performed alright in Shield cricket over the last year but if he was in contention then why not name him in the Aus A squad. Essentially O'Keefe has been overlooked because his One Day game isn't as good as Doherty.

[Mr_Smooth]

What's this obsession with Callum Ferguson? Doesn't he average 36 in first class cricket?
to be fair on Cal, in the past 3 years his average has been much healthier than his career average of 36 suggests, he was awful in his 2nd year

[Bomber Bears]

Glad Haddin got his place.

Pretty expected. McDonald should be ahead of Smith, Smith needs another year or so in first class cricket IMO anyway. SOK should be ahead of Hauritz and Doherty, but im not even convinced by him.

I'd not select johnson and Siddle from that lineup. Wouldnt surprise if Bollinger or Hilf missed out, however.

[Caesar]

Doherty is a terrible selection, O'Keefe should be pretty annoyed about that. Pacemen are fine, I have no problem with those.

The batting selections are very weird though. Seriously - a 17 man squad and no backup opener when Katich is under an injury cloud? Also, I think there are a few batsmen in the country who could feel aggrieved that they missed out to both Ferguson AND Smith.

[Bombertastic]

to be fair on Cal, in the past 3 years his average has been much healthier than his career average of 36 suggests, he was awful in his 2nd year

Nah he's average. Overrated in the long form. Poor starter and nervous. Plays better in the shorter form.

As long as we're being fair to him he is better then North. Khawaja for no. 6.

[Cousin Jed]

I believe that Khawaja is the backup opener

[Bombertastic]

Really shows the selectors value ODI performances. Doherty might have performed alright in Shield cricket over the last year but if he was in contention then why not name him in the Aus A squad. Essentially O'Keefe has been overlooked because his One Day game isn't as good as Doherty.

Nail hit on head. Both Doherty and Ferguson (who I like in ODI) are average 4 day players. Just a fact. Both of their games suit the shorter versions of the game and not the long.

[Phone]

would rather Hussey be the back-up opener.

[TheColeTrain]

would rather Hussey be the back-up opener.

If we were serious he wouldn't eveb be in the squad.
Not many people find form at the age of 35 after struggling for 3 years.

[pies_this_year]

Seriously though...what is the point of a "squad" aside from the PR exercise?

Its not like they can't pull someone in that wasn't named in the squad...

[Caesar]

I presume they're going into camp at some point.

[BarneyBent]

Seriously though...what is the point of a "squad" aside from the PR exercise?

Its not like they can't pull someone in that wasn't named in the squad...

They train, travel, dine, hang out, stay, etc, with each other.

[PUNTROADHAMMER]

Australian Test cricket is rapidly becoming an utter snore-fest and if the selectors don't see the light soon it will be a tragedy from which the game may never recover.

With this Ashes squad, once again, the selectors have had an air swing.

I'm not asking for a hit-and-giggle Test team but, f*&k me, something has to be done and it has to be done soon!!

Rodney Hogg should be putting his hand up for a position on the panel - no BS about him, doesn't care who's feelings he hurts.

Does anyone know who Andrew Hilditch answers to?

[pies_this_year]

They train, travel, dine, hang out, stay, etc, with each other.

Geez, they'll need a big restaurant to fit this squad in!

My point still remains though...Others can come into the team at the drop of a catch. If SOK goes well in Hobart (weather permitting) he still has a chance for test 2 (assuming hauritz fails.....good assumption).

[gbatman]

We are at home, we don't have to select players from that squad. Pain or Hughes could easily play at some stage. Picking a squad when you play in your home country is all about publicity and getting a group who will train together in place.

[gbatman]

Australian Test cricket is rapidly becoming an utter snore-fest and if the selectors don't see the light soon it will be a tragedy from which the game may never recover.

With this Ashes squad, once again, the selectors have had an air swing.

I'm not asking for a hit-and-giggle Test team but, f*&k me, something has to be done and it has to be done soon!!

Rodney Hogg should be putting his hand up for a position on the panel - no BS about him, doesn't care who's feelings he hurts.

Does anyone know who Andrew Hilditch answers to?

That would be James Sutherland right?

[The Falcon Strike]

to be fair on Cal, in the past 3 years his average has been much healthier than his career average of 36 suggests, he was awful in his 2nd year

42 isn't healthy.

It just means you are good enough to hold your spot in the state side.

50+, with a swag of tons is healthy

[pies_this_year]

42 isn't healthy.

It just means you are good enough to hold your spot in the state side.

50+, with a swag of tons is healthy

Really? 42 is more than solid IMO.

[beez]

No real suprises, happy Khawaja got named and would love to see Ferguson in the XI.

[Caesar]

Really? 42 is more than solid IMO.
Solid for a state player. Not exactly pushing for Test selection.

North had a FC average of around 42 when he was selected, look where that got us.

[mattymac]

lol 17. bit of a nothing announcement really. confirms everything we already knew and clarifies nothing we didn't.

[The Falcon Strike]

Really? 42 is more than solid IMO.

Solid for a state player. Not exactly pushing for Test selection.

North had a FC average of around 42 when he was selected, look where that got us.

Exactly - it's what a decent state cricketer should average. Not what they get in their best season.

I always use the example of guys like Law/Love/Hodge - these were guys who were constantly on the fringe of selection for a decade and not good enough when we were at our peak.

They all average around 50 in FC cricket.

The fact that guys like North/Ferguson are even considered is a blight on our batting depth.

[nobbyiscool]

i have a different view on the 17 man squad, i think theyve gone with that number (more than we took to england last time :o) for one of two reasons - and neither of those are promotional.

the less likely possibility is that the selectors dont know who the best 11 is.

the other possibility, the one that i suspect, is that aside from paine, the selectors realised theyd get a caning from everyone if they announced the same 12. in announcing a squad like this they at least look like theyre looking ahead.

fergusons record doesnt earn him a spot.

doherty, despite the fact that i really like him (played one of my best ever innings against him as a junior 12 years ago!), is notan australian test player. shouldve been in the one day squad since hogg retired, but shouldnt be anywhere near a baggy green.

north is a passenger and hussey shouldve been chopped. normally im quick to jump on those who advocate dropping senior players because people get bored with the team when we're losing. but these two are letting us down enormously.

mcdonald and okeefe can consider themselves unlucky, and imnot at all sure that haddin is our best keeper/batsman at the moment.

for me:
katich
hughes
watson
ponting
clarke (kwahaja if clarke doesnt come up)
smith
paine
mcdonald
harris/johnson
hilfenhaus
bollinger

why the insistence on picking a specialist spinner? if we dont have a good one, dont pick one!

johnson gets a chance, but its a short leash. he has the potential to be a damaging bowler, but he leaks runs, and even worse is that he releases pressure. he doesnt bowl in partberships, its why he cant take the new ball.

i think people might criticise that side as being light on with batting - i dont agree at all, its solid down to 8. if anything, the bowling is the issue - but while hilf, doug, johnson, ronald, smith and watson isnt fearsome, i think its more than adequate.

[PUNTROADHAMMER]

Australian Test cricket is rapidly becoming an utter snore-fest and if the selectors don't see the light soon it will be a tragedy from which the game may never recover.

With this Ashes squad, once again, the selectors have had an air swing.

I'm not asking for a hit-and-giggle Test team but, f*&k me, something has to be done and it has to be done soon!!

Rodney Hogg should be putting his hand up for a position on the panel - no BS about him, doesn't care who's feelings he hurts.

Does anyone know who Andrew Hilditch answers to?

That would be James Sutherland right?

Yes, but I was thinking more along the lines of the Board of Directors. Who are they? Test cricket is withering on the vine so why have we heard virtually nothing from them?

[pies_this_year]

Exactly - it's what a decent state cricketer should average. Not what they get in their best season.

I always use the example of guys like Law/Love/Hodge - these were guys who were constantly on the fringe of selection for a decade and not good enough when we were at our peak.

They all average around 50 in FC cricket.

The fact that guys like North/Ferguson are even considered is a blight on our batting depth.

Yeah well that's it though. There is no one else to take his position in the squad. Besides, Ferg is improving...His FC ave is on the way UP not down. Preferably you need to put two solid seasons at FC together before test selection is even considered....but desperate times....

[big_e]

Current board of directors (according to Wikipedia, anyway - I tried finding it on the CA website but it kept coming up blank):


Jack Clarke (Chairman) (SA (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/South_Australia))
Hon Dr John Bannon (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/John_Bannon) AO (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/Order_of_Australia) (SA (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/South_Australia))
Earl Eddings (Vic (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/Victoria_(Australia)))
Wally Edwards (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/Wally_Edwards) (WA (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/Western_Australia))
Dr Harry Harinath (NSW (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/New_South_Wales))
Tony Harrison (Tas (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/Tasmania))
Matthew Hayden (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/Matthew_Hayden) (Qld (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/Queensland))
The Hon Ian McLachlan (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/Ian_McLachlan) AO (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/Order_of_Australia) (SA (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/South_Australia))
Trevor O'Hoy (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/Trevor_O%27Hoy) (Vic (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/Victoria_(Australia)))
Bryan Phelan (Qld (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/Queensland))
Michael Silver (NSW (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/New_South_Wales))
Geoff Tamblyn (Vic (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/Victoria_(Australia)))
Mark Taylor (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/Mark_Taylor_(cricketer)) AO (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/Order_of_Australia) (NSW (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/New_South_Wales))
David Williams (WA (http://www.bigfooty.com/wiki/Western_Australia))

[MinerBoy]

When was the last time an Ashes squad had three spinners in it?

SK Warne = 3 not necessary.

[aussie1st]

for me:
katich
hughes
watson
ponting
clarke (kwahaja if clarke doesnt come up)
smith
paine
mcdonald
harris/johnson
hilfenhaus
bollinger
.

Don't think I could handle McDonald at 8 again or even Smith. If McDonald is going to be picked then he should be in the top 7.

[Shutty05]

i have a different view on the 17 man squad, i think theyve gone with that number (more than we took to england last time :o) for one of two reasons - and neither of those are promotional.

the less likely possibility is that the selectors dont know who the best 11 is.

the other possibility, the one that i suspect, is that aside from paine, the selectors realised theyd get a caning from everyone if they announced the same 12. in announcing a squad like this they at least look like theyre looking ahead.

fergusons record doesnt earn him a spot.

doherty, despite the fact that i really like him (played one of my best ever innings against him as a junior 12 years ago!), is notan australian test player. shouldve been in the one day squad since hogg retired, but shouldnt be anywhere near a baggy green.

north is a passenger and hussey shouldve been chopped. normally im quick to jump on those who advocate dropping senior players because people get bored with the team when we're losing. but these two are letting us down enormously.

mcdonald and okeefe can consider themselves unlucky, and imnot at all sure that haddin is our best keeper/batsman at the moment.

for me:
katich
hughes
watson
ponting
clarke (kwahaja if clarke doesnt come up)
smith
paine
mcdonald
harris/johnson
hilfenhaus
bollinger

why the insistence on picking a specialist spinner? if we dont have a good one, dont pick one!

johnson gets a chance, but its a short leash. he has the potential to be a damaging bowler, but he leaks runs, and even worse is that he releases pressure. he doesnt bowl in partberships, its why he cant take the new ball.

i think people might criticise that side as being light on with batting - i dont agree at all, its solid down to 8. if anything, the bowling is the issue - but while hilf, doug, johnson, ronald, smith and watson isnt fearsome, i think its more than adequate.
If ponting doesnt bat at 3 he bats at 5 or 6 and why would Watson bat at 3 when you have kwahaja? he is a natural no. 3.

3 bowlers & 3 allrounders, will they take 20 wickets? im not sure

[The 747]

People getting way excited here. Barring injury it will be exactly the same team as usual.

[eddiesmith]

Pretty funny squad, on the top it looks like they are appealling to the masses, but it just shows the injury concerns. I think 7 spots are locked in

Watson, Ponting, Hussey, North, Haddin, Hilfenhaus, Johnson

Then the 2 injury concerns

Katich- Khawaja as cover
Clarke- Ferguson as cover

Then you have 3 fast bowlers fighting for the last spot with only 1 of them fully fit

Siddle, Bollinger and Harris

The spinners spot seems to be the only one genuinely up for grabs and Doherty would be a fantastic inclusion and a left arm spinner is what England, especially KP, cannot play

As for the size of the squad, as said before today, its all about getting all the arrangements in place, they now know any of those 17 could be heading to Brisbane so travel and uniforms, records? etc can be ready for any person chosen

[The Governor]

Well from that Squad my side would be

Katich
Watson
Ponting
Ferguson
Clarke
Smith
Haddin
Johnson
Harris
Hilfy
Bollinger

Gee, I like your XI!

However, my Test XI from the Squad of 17 would be:

Simon Katich (The most overrated left hand opening batsman)
Shane Watson
Ricky (CAPTAIN)
Usman Khawaja
Michael Clarke
Stephen Smith
Brad Haddin
Mitchell Johnson
Peter Siddle
Xavier Doherty
Ben Hilfenhauss

Ponting loves Siddle. He follows his instructions to the letter. Siddle can become a shock or stock bowler and he is into the opposition all the time.

Greg Chappell prefers to play a spinner at the Gabba for team balance. I would play Doherty and use Smith as a number 6 batsman and leg spin bowler.

Doherty is in the side ahead of Horror Hauritz. Gee, if Hauritz can get a game for Australia, I am 100 per cent certain that every off spin bowler in Australia can wear a Baggy Green Cap.

I have decided to bring in youth into the side for a simple reason. The introduction of Smith and Khawaja can push Clarke, Ponting and Watson out of their comfort zones.

[carloss]

17-man squad for the first Ashes Test?

Surely they mean for Ashes series don't they :confused:

[courtjester]

Simon Katich (The most overrated left hand opening batsman).

How do you figure? The fact that he has averaged 47, 51 and 49 in the last 3 years?

Ponting loves Siddle. He follows his instructions to the letter. Siddle can become a shock or stock bowler and he is into the opposition all the time.

How can he follow the captain's instructions when he sprays it everywhere?

Greg Chappell prefers to play a spinner at the Gabba for team balance. I would play Doherty and use Smith as a number 6 batsman and leg spin bowler.

Doherty is in the side ahead of Horror Hauritz. Gee, if Hauritz can get a game for Australia, I am 100 per cent certain that every off spin bowler in Australia can wear a Baggy Green Cap..

Gee, you write some crap. Doherty takes 4 wickets against Sri Lanka in a one dayer and suddenly he should be in the test team. Hauritz is not as bad as you say. He IS the best off-spinner in Australia, and at the moment is probably our best spin option. You underrate Hauritz. What you basically say is Hauritz is the worst off-spinner in Aust. Absurd! My preferred spin option is O'Keefe, because of his early record in FC and his age.

I have decided to bring in youth into the side for a simple reason. The introduction of Smith and Khawaja can push Clarke, Ponting and Watson out of their comfort zones.

Why do they need to be pushed out of their comfort zones? Ponting has a magnificent record, Clarke likewise and Watson is just hitting his straps as a test player. Why "push them out of their comfort zones"?

[The 747]

How can he follow the captain's instructions when he sprays it everywhere?

2 things:

1) Don't judge Test bowlers on their one day form. Siddle is no good at LOI he is a Test bowler.

2) As far as bowling to instruction, perhaps others know more than you do on this subject...