Ashes 25/26

[Borisdog]

It will be interesting if Hazlewood is out of Perth.

And even more interesting if Abbott is ruled fit in the above scenario.

I'd have Neser in a heartbeat in Brisbane, but I'd lean toward Doggett in Perth.

I'd play Abbott if the Test match was in Walgett or Coen.

 

[kyiv]

Given the tempo England bat at these days, I don't really think balancing the side with an all-rounder is explicitly necessary (at least in the first test or two when your bowlers are fresher). Our batting is more of an issue, and it's unlikely England will be grinding out 150+ over innings when batting anyway. It would be nice to have extra bowling support from Green and/or Webster, but ultimately, picking the better bat/batting form should be the key criteria, which would be Green. Even if Green isn't bowling 10 overs an innings, I'd back the bowlers to do their jobs (particularly if we get pitches with something in them). With Cummins to (hopefully) return at some point, overworking the bowlers with heavier loads early in the series isn't the end of the world IMO, and we shouldn't just pick Webster over Green on the basis of getting an extra 5-10 overs out of him. If you think he's likelier to score more, fair enough, but I think most people probably believe Green has a higher ceiling with the bat.

I liked the idea someone mentioned a few pages back about batting Green at 5, Head at 6. Makes sense to me given Green is a natural 4/5 (and allows for Lab at 3). With a shakier tail, you probably want your 6 to be playing more aggressively and getting their runs while they can anyway, which is Head's natural game.

 

[squirtle004]

He was apparently walking around fine and Cummins said he seemed pretty upbeat. Nothing official but could just be precautionary

Didn't look great walking out to shake hands just then.. but then again could also be soreness

LOL if we are without cummins and hazlewood for the first test... in a real spot of bother

 

[cats_09]

It will be interesting if Hazlewood is out of Perth.

And even more interesting if Abbott is ruled fit in the above scenario.

I'd have Neser in a heartbeat in Brisbane, but I'd lean toward Doggett in Perth.

I'd play Abbott if the Test match was in Walgett or Coen.

The NSW vs Vic shield match has just come to an end with neither Hazlewood or Abbott batting - Josh didn't look the most comfortable when he was out on the field post match for handshakes with Vic

 

[StillAtLarge]

Doubt we'll roll the dice on Hazlewood if there's even the slightest risk.
Bloody hell

 

[RookiePick]

Gee...Ollie Davies has hit a bit of a rough patch. Lucky he is a young fella, with time on his side.

A half century, in a second innings losing cause and hasn't reached double figures otherwise. Some pretty ordinary dismissals in there too.

 

[Freezin]

Geez if Hazlewood can't get through one shield game, no way he is gonna get through a test match, let alone a test series.....roll up Fergus.....your country needs you

 

[Nuggetz]

Another factor of the Green & Webster combo is their ability to be an extra fielder, they cover soo much ground in the slips/gully region. I'm not sure of the stats but would Perth have more dismissals caught behind the wicket?

1. Uzzie
2. Weatherald?
3. Labs
4. Smith
5. Head
6. Green?
7. Carey
8. Starc
9. Lyon
10. Boland
11. Doggett/Hazelwood

That's a long tail. Potentially Labs to open & bat Green at 3 with Webster at 6?

Think I'd lean towards Weatherald opening & leaving Webster out of the team. I assume they wont play Hazelwood unless he's 100% fit. At a pinch Head & Labs can also bowl some overs.

 

[western royboy]

Didn't look great walking out to shake hands just then.. but then again could also be soreness

LOL if we are without cummins and hazlewood for the first test... in a real spot of bother

Ageee on both parts - looked very sore

 

[010203]

Of course it has to. Now it is not some black mark that means he is not still an all time great, almost all greats have a hole somewhere.

But if he were to walk away without any tons in Australia it would be a pretty big gap in his resume. I think he gets at least one this summer though, would be staggered if he didn't.

I sure as heck hope Root gets a ton this summer: https://www.cricket.com/news/ill-wa...-ahead-of-ashes-2025-26-9122025-1757682890246

 

[Ohitsthatguy]

Reckon he'll be right
View attachment 2475422

Yes but the Poms will come in with a plan to hit him off his length like they did in England

He struggles with the white ball because he doesn't really have any other weapons other than his line and length

 

[Jim Prideaux]

Yep, usually when going into an Ashes series at home, the players have had a steady diet of Sheffield Shield matches and pretty much played themselves into form. That has not been the case this year, for some reason Cricket Australia has deemed a series of ODI and T20 matches against India to be better preparation.

Well, it has backfired with key players being injured and struggling for form against the red ball. As an aside, I've been following the modes of dismissal for batsmen in this SS round and have been dismayed by what I've seen. Players leaving balls which are far too close to be leaving, chopping on to the stumps, LBW to straight balls, etc. It truly is a bit of a worry for future development of the game.

But ... we'll get to Big Bash, everyone slogging away, mindless crowds flocking in to watch white balls sail into the crowds against the night sky, CA will count up the cash, and the game will continue to suffer.

I understand what you’re saying re modes of dismissal, but in fairness, Alan border field aside there have been some fairly spicy tracks dished out. In the short term it’s causing problems, but in the long run I think it will help the next generation of bats.

 

[The Lobbster]

Yes but the Poms will come in with a plan to hit him off his length like they did in England

He struggles with the white ball because he doesn't really have any other weapons other than his line and length

Our pitches won’t behave like the pitches in England. An interesting battle will be had that’s for sure

 

[squirtle004]

I sure as heck hope Root gets a ton this summer: https://www.cricket.com/news/ill-wa...-ahead-of-ashes-2025-26-9122025-1757682890246

With Hazlewood unlikely and Cummins out it would be easy money to bet on too

 

[Jim Prideaux]

Yes but the Poms will come in with a plan to hit him off his length like they did in England

He struggles with the white ball because he doesn't really have any other weapons other than his line and length

Lucky it’s red ball cricket. If the pitches are similar to recent years it would be a bold strategy to try and hit him off his length.

 

[010203]

I think Hazlewood's hamstring concerns are precautionary.

 

[FreoRicci]

I mean Australia have to eventually get some youngsters and inexperience in with Hazlewood, Starc and Cummins all 32+ years old.
Still back Australia in Perth. Any of the bowers coming in will be hungry as

 

[Jim Prideaux]

I think Hazlewood's hamstring concerns are precautionary.

So they are reporting, but with Hazlewood, that’s still a worry

 

[cats_09]

Hazlewood cleared of a hamstring strain, but Abbott has been ruled out

Hazlewood cleared for Perth, Abbott suffers hamstring strain | cricket.com.au

Mixed news for two of Australia's Test squad members in Sheffield Shield match in Sydney

www.cricket.com.au

 

[Soups]

Hazlewood cleared, Abbott not.

Gee it’s going to be interesting if he breaks down mid test.

 

[eth-dog]

Neser into the squad you'd think

 

[squirtle004]

I think Hazlewood's hamstring concerns are precautionary.

Hopefully just precautionary; otherwise, that'll be 2 summers in a row where he's not 100%. They wouldn't want a repeat of last summer, where he was ok for day 1 but not for the rest

 

[Jim Prideaux]

Neser into the squad you'd think

You would hope so. Won’t be surprised if another quick is put on standby

 

[CakeEater]

Neser into the squad you'd think

Dont rule out Jhye R

 

[Jacks Seething Rage]

Another factor of the Green & Webster combo is their ability to be an extra fielder, they cover soo much ground in the slips/gully region. I'm not sure of the stats but would Perth have more dismissals caught behind the wicket?

1. Uzzie
2. Weatherald?
3. Labs
4. Smith
5. Head
6. Green?
7. Carey
8. Starc
9. Lyon
10. Boland
11. Doggett/Hazelwood

That's a long tail. Potentially Labs to open & bat Green at 3 with Webster at 6?

Think I'd lean towards Weatherald opening & leaving Webster out of the team. I assume they wont play Hazelwood unless he's 100% fit. At a pinch Head & Labs can also bowl some overs.

Bump Lyon in Perth for Neser.

More batting and Head can trundle a few to catch up overs.