Ashes 2015

[Carbine Chaos]

In all seriousness I think Harris missing will make the series a 50/50 prospect. Starc still concerns me.

 

[ROOTA#6]

In all seriousness I think Harris missing will make the series a 50/50 prospect. Starc still concerns me.

Summed up my thoughts as well. Harris is a key not just for wicket takin but he gives some control. Johnson and Starc in the same side doesn't scream control

 

[happy_eagle]

Rogers batting by himself
Lyon promoted to number 6

 

[Ashton Agar]

Ok, Harris pulled out with soreness. What are his chances at being selected for the 1st test now? Slim I'd say.

Think it's just precautionary with such a short turnaround to the first test.

 

[Phone]

just bring back g00fers

 

[placebo]

Harris out would worry me a lot as well. Johnson has been hit-or-miss over the last couple seasons and Starc is still very unproven at Test Level. I guess we'll wait and see.

 

[yabsy]

It seems like it's going to be a repeat of 2013 & Starc will get the 3rd spot for the 1st test (unless he bowls all over the place in this match). Then Harris will be brought in at one of the other bowler's expense for Lords.

 

[Carbine Chaos]

I actually think England should be favourites for the Tests. Home conditions make it very difficult, as it has been for some time now.

We are certainly capable of winning though.

 

[Costanza_]

I actually think England should be favourites for the Tests. Home conditions make it very difficult, as it has been for some time now.

We are certainly capable of winning though.

50/50 for mine. I'm not a gambler by any stretch but I wouldn't have money on either team at anything under 2/1.

Which is ****ing fantastic. One of the closest Ashes on paper for a long time.

 

[Doodlesweaver]

I actually think England should be favourites for the Tests. Home conditions make it very difficult, as it has been for some time now.

We are certainly capable of winning though.

I agree. I think it will be close, two flawed teams for me.

 

[Bumpswithagrin]

I'm sure it will be broadcast on radio, nothing at the Essex website about streams.

Tix are for members only for Saturday. Booo. I wanted to go and take a look.

I don't understand that, wouldn't they want as many people as possible to come and watch

Not a great start, Rogers out for 21 and Clarke out for a duck!

 

[Hamez]

 

[Doodlesweaver]

I don't understand that, wouldn't they want as many people as possible to come and watch

Not a great start, Rogers out for 21 and Clarke out for a duck!

Well, Day 1 is a sell-out so perhaps they are all sold out too apart from members tix.

 

[Bumpswithagrin]

Well, Day 1 is a sell-out so perhaps they are all sold out too apart from members tix.

Wow, that's good! What is the capacity of the ground? (I can't imagine a tour match being sold out here)

 

[dtm06]

So if Harris is out of the first test, surely that works against Watson? Need someone who can bowl quite a few containing overs if Johnson and Starc go awry and how many can Watson bowl realistically?

 

[ROOTA#6]

So if Harris is out of the first test, surely that works against Watson? Need someone who can bowl quite a few containing overs if Johnson and Starc go awry and how many can Watson bowl realistically?

I actually think it helps Watsons chances. He generally keeps things pretty tight when he bowls...I'm really uncomfortable with an attack that includes all 3 Mitchell's

 

[Donnie Darko]

Essex have picked their best batting and their reserve bowling..
Ideal strategy!!

I see Clarke has gone for a first ball duck..

 

[dtm06]

I actually think it helps Watsons chances. He generally keeps things pretty tight when he bowls...I'm really uncomfortable with an attack that includes all 3 Mitchell's

A few years ago I would've completely agreed. My impressions of him the past couple of years though are that he hasn't bowled much at all and he's been relatively expensive when he has. There is a difference between the high 130kph Watson of yesteryear and the mid 120's one of today. Having said that, the only thing I have to back this up is a dodgy and perhaps selective memory so I could easily be mistaken.

Counter arguement to the above is he has experience and English conditions probably agree with his bowling style more.

 

[Doodlesweaver]

Wow, that's good! What is the capacity of the ground? (I can't imagine a tour match being sold out here)

Tour matches are held at grounds that don't get a test in the same summer, if ever, so they are bound to sell out if the Aussies are in town.

Kent sold out the first three days of their match too.

 

[Doodlesweaver]

A few years ago I would've completely agreed. My impressions of him the past couple of years though are that he hasn't bowled much at all and he's been relatively expensive when he has. There is a difference between the high 130kph Watson of yesteryear and the mid 120's one of today. Having said that, the only thing I have to back this up is a dodgy and perhaps selective memory so I could easily be mistaken.

Counter arguement to the above is he has experience and English conditions probably agree with his bowling style more.

Mitch Marsh so far in his fledgling test career has a very good econ rate. Only one wicket though.

 

[Ashton Agar]

Mitch Marsh so far in his fledgling test career has a very good econ rate. Only one wicket though.

The pitches he's bowled on haven't given him much assistance either, besides Brisbane.

 

[dtm06]

Mitch Marsh so far in his fledgling test career has a very good econ rate. Only one wicket though.

Yup that was my impression of him.

If Johnson, Starc, Hazelwood and Lyon aren't getting wickets, the all rounder can't be expected to. Just tie up an end to keep them fresh. Maybe pick up a wicket but it shouldn't be a neccisity most of the time.

 

[Ashton Agar]

Damn, Warner falls just short of a ton.

 

[HBF]

Clark with a first ball duck. Not good.

 

[The Falcon Strike]

Is it wrong to hope Watto nicks off here cheaply