Ashes Down Under 2013/14

[Edmundo]

Not looking good for the convicts ... Clarke is a major doubt for the first Test,

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/michael-clarke-in-doubt-for-first-ashes-test-20131003-2uula.html

 

[super J]

Aussie media reporting that hot spot has been axed for this winters ashes

 

[super J]

Carberry hits unbeaten century against Australia A. Must be a good chance of him opening in Brisbane and Root moving down to number six.

 

[Les Beeavinu]

Carberry hits unbeaten century against Australia A. Must be a good chance of him opening in Brisbane and Root moving down to number six.

Would be a very good I think.

 

[Indian Bee]

Carberry hits unbeaten century against Australia A. Must be a good chance of him opening in Brisbane and Root moving down to number six.

Think it's actually nailed on Carberry will now open with Root at number 6. I am glad that the selectors finally have listened to Salford Bee and me.

 

[SpiderBee]

Wonder what Australia "B" are like?

 

[super J]

Think it's actually nailed on Carberry will now open with Root at number 6. I am glad that the selectors finally have listened to Salford Bee and me.

If they'd listened to Salford then Kerrigan would be playing!

 

[Indian Bee]

If they'd listened to Salford then Kerrigan would be playing!

I think you find both me and Salford agree that Root should not be opening. Selectors agree.

Now it would be actually laughable of Root did open ….

 

[Holysmit]

A very poor Aussie A attack but Carberry deserves his chance ( hes deserved it for years) and Root has looked better at 6 then opening so makes sense. Root will be our opener but at present needs a bit of protection from the new ball.

 

[Salford Bee]

If they'd listened to Salford then Kerrigan would be playing!

No, he wouldn't. Swann would be the sole spinner.

My team:

Cook
Carberry
Trott
Pietersen
Bell
Root
Prior
Broad
Swann
Anderson
Finn

I think you find both me and Salford agree that Root should not be opening. Selectors agree.

Now it would be actually laughable of Root did open ….

Let's hope the selectors see sense. It better resolves the number six position as Bairstow is not Test class.

 

[Les Beeavinu]

No, he wouldn't. Swann would be the sole spinner.

My team:

Cook
Carberry
Trott
Pietersen
Bell
Root
Prior
Broad
Swann
Anderson
Finn



Let's hope the selectors see sense. It better resolves the number six position as Bairstow is not Test class.

How do you know Carberry is?

 

[Indian Bee]

How do you know Carberry is?

We don't but needs to be put into the test environment to find out.

Bairstow has been put into that environment and just doesn't cut it for me.

Root has shown the attributes to be a test player but just not as an opener.

 

[The Pipe]

Would suggest that as both Carberry and Root are in this match with Root in the middle order that it gives a strong message that this is how we will start in the first test

 

[Mr Tree]

Finn as third seamer? i haven't been following too closely, has he done enough to regain his spot? maybe Rankin will sneak in?

 

[Salford Bee]

How do you know Carberry is?

He was given one chance in Bangladesh during Strauss' rest. It's not enough to be sure. His innings against a (weak) Australia A side shows he can score at a decent pace.

We don't but needs to be put into the test environment to find out.

Bairstow has been put into that environment and just doesn't cut it for me.

Root has shown the attributes to be a test player but just not as an opener.

It's fair to say that England have struggled big time trying to replace Paul Collingwood. Bairstow's average of 30 is comparable to Eoin Morgan (four more Tests), Ravi Bopara (one more Test) and Nick Compton (three less Tests). England have clearly decided that the latter three aren't good enough for the Test arena, despite the fact they have all scored centuries at that level. Bairstow has passed 50 four times failing to go on. Bopara passed 50 three times (and registered a century in each of them), Morgan passed 50 five times (turning two of those into tons), Compton passed 50 three times (turning two into 100s). I fail to see much difference between the four players.

The problem with moving Root up the order for Pietersen was that you were making two changes in one. Root's average looks good on paper but he failed seven times in nine innings when the pressure was on. It's one thing opening the innings when you have a lead of 233, it's another doing it in the first innings. He survived at Old Trafford and had a decent(ish) score at The Oval.

Ian Bell's three centuries were when the pressure was on and it mattered - England were 56-3 (NET), 28-3, 17-3 (NET) when Bell made his centuries. Kevin Pietersen's century was also vital. England would have beaten Australia comfortably with or without Root's century. I'd be more comfortable with him at number six to take on tireder bowlers.

 

[Salford Bee]

Finn as third seamer? i haven't been following too closely, has he done enough to regain his spot? maybe Rankin will sneak in?

The third seamer choice is the most difficult. None of them covered themselves in glory in the first warm-up match. My reason for picking Finn is he took a big haul at the Gabba on his last tour. I'm also unsure about Tremlett's five-day fitness at this point and I'm not sure whether Rankin will prosper at Test level.

 

[Les Beeavinu]

I notice that Finn went for about 5 an over in the recent warm up game. I don't think he'll get picked on that basis. IMO he'll only get a spot as a strike bowler which would require an injury to Anderson or Broad.

 

[Salford Bee]

I notice that Finn went for about 5 an over in the recent warm up game. I don't think he'll get picked on that basis. IMO he'll only get a spot as a strike bowler which would require an injury to Anderson or Broad.

Tremlett and Rankin didn't fare that much better though. There's still a few chances for one of them to grab the spot.

Statistics from Cricinfo below.

First innings:

CT Tremlett 21 5 88 0 4.19
WB Rankin 20 1 92 1 4.60
ST Finn 23 0 123 1 5.34

Second innings:

CT Tremlett 8 1 35 1 4.37
WB Rankin 9 2 34 2 3.77
ST Finn 10 1 53 2 5.30

 

[Les Beeavinu]

Sorry but there is a massive difference between 3.77 runs an over and 5.30.

 

[Mr Tree]

yep, those stats scream "much better" to me Salford

 

[Salford Bee]

yep, those stats scream "much better" to me Salford

As I said above, the third seamer choice is one that's the most challenging to me. I don't think 3.77 is particularly inspiring. Yes it's better than 5.3 but I think there will be more twists and turns. That third seamer spot is very much up for grabs. If the game was tomorrow I'd go for Finn because he will have some positive memories from the Gabba in 2010 and I'm unsure about Tremlett's fitness or Rankin's ability to cope at the highest level. I would think that they have one chance each to stake their claims.

 

[whyteleafebee76]

The 3rd seamer spot is the only uncertainty. My head is saying Rankin because he has shown the most form in the last 6 months, but my instinct says Finn/Tremlett because they have both got experience of playing tests in Australia. Its close so they should probably just see who is showing the best form/pace etc over the next few innings.

 

[RoyBee]

I don't know much about cricket but wasn't there an Ashes series earlier this year?

 

[TW3Bee]

No play on day 2 of the warm up game and so far no play on day 3.

 

[SpiderBee]

No play on day 2 of the warm up game and so far no play on day 3.

Left handed bowl out it is!

 

[Brickie Chap]

This rain dancing the Convicts are performing won't win them the Ashes the silly fools ??

 

[Markybee]

I don't know much about cricket but wasn't there an Ashes series earlier this year?

Yes. Ludicrous, World Cup or not. For a sport that's a two horse race, it thrives on tradition and anticipation.....sadly there's not been any for this, what is it, 3 months apart? :shrug:

 

[kevalutonbee]

Yes. Ludicrous, World Cup or not. For a sport that's a two horse race, it thrives on tradition and anticipation.....sadly there's not been any for this, what is it, 3 months apart? :shrug:

Read somewhere it is something to do with money.

IIRC the next cricket world cup is due to be held in Australia in a couple of years time and Cricket Australia will be a little short of money prior to the event and figured that they needed some kind of test/one day/T20 series that would capture the publics imagination (aka generate cash) and of course The Ashes was top of the pile

 

[Mr Tree]

i'm on the other side, i'm afraid i just can't get worked up about this - i just don't see it as mattering at all. there's far bigger problems in general with how world cricket is set up. it's a one-off. don't watch it if you don't want to. i'm looking forward to five decent test matches.

 

[Indian Bee]

I honestly believe England's bowling is on the wane. Anderson although a supreme athletic only IMO has got another 12-18 months at the highest level. Broad is truly hit and miss. When he gets it right he is very good but when he gets it wrong is truly awful. His bad performances in the last 2 years has outweighed his good performances. Finn's confidence has been shot to pieces. A player that I know for a fact the Indian batsmen rated highly has gone off the boil. The depth of bowling that was there 3-4 years ago is current looking thin on the ground.

 

[super J]

I honestly believe England's bowling is on the wane. Anderson although a supreme athletic only IMO has got another 12-18 months at the highest level. Broad is truly hit and miss. When he gets it right he is very good but when he gets it wrong is truly awful. His bad performances in the last 2 years has outweighed his good performances. Finn's confidence has been shot to pieces. A player that I know for a fact the Indian batsmen rated highly has gone off the boil. The depth of bowling that was there 3-4 years ago is current looking thin on the ground.

I think Anderson can still have 2-3 years at the top, he's very fit, doesn't play t20 or much odi cricket these days and the management have been very good at resting him when needed. The bigger worry for me is where the next Swann is coming from, Kerrigan showed the stocks are pretty bare at the moment although spinners tend to go on a hit longer than fast bowlers.

I'm not worried about Broad, he's still reasonably young and has been through a lot. He struggles for consistency but can produce match winning spells as he showed in that Durham test match. Rankin is a great find and I've been impressed with Mills at Essex from what I've seen, was bowling over 90mph. Agree about Finn, not sure he knows how he wants to bowl and is still troubled with his run up.

Going to be a cracking series. If Australia can keep Harris and Mitchell Johnson fit then they will seriously test out batting line up.

Wouldn't be surprised if it was a drawn series, 2-2 perhaps.

 

[Mr Tree]

Indian Bee's just a big meanie, but he's not wrong - i've been saying about the bowling for a while

we could do with a couple other young'uns getting up to speed pronto. i'm willing to let Broad play despite agreeing with IB basically - when he's off he's distinctly average, but when he's on he's a match-winner, simple.

third seamer's gone for now - i love Finny but he's not been right since he had to sort out his run-up. up to him to get it right now.

time will tell what the next generation brings - right now we're a little thin, but there's the likes of Topley, Overton and Meaker (plus Mills) so we'll see eh......

 

[The Pipe]

Would not be surprised to see Finn start in the first test, Rankin an unknown at this level and doubts remain over Tremletts fitness.

First test very important and suggest that Finn may be the safer bet of the 3

 

[Indian Bee]

I think it will be a cracking series. I brought up the bowling as I honestly can't think of who should be the third seamer. I would favour Finn, just as he has got the experience.

If Australia can sort out their batting which still looks a bit weak to me, then I quite fancy them to win the series.

Can see Johnson causing the English batsmen all sorts of problems. Probably the fastest bowler in the world right now.

 

[The Pipe]

I think it will be a cracking series. I brought up the bowling as I honestly can't think of who should be the third seamer. I would favour Finn, just as he has got the experience.

If Australia can sort out their batting which still looks a bit weak to me, then I quite fancy them to win the series.

Can see Johnson causing the English batsmen all sorts of problems. Probably the fastest bowler in the world right now.

Johnson is very much a confidence bowler, if it goes well he will be mighty dangerous but if it doesn't start well he is likely to start bowling rubbish, albeit very quick rubbish!!!

 

[Indian Bee]

Johnson is very much a confidence bowler, if it goes well he will be mighty dangerous but if it doesn't start well he is likely to start bowling rubbish, albeit very quick rubbish!!!

Agree completely.

 

[Salford Bee]

Johnson is very much a confidence bowler, if it goes well he will be mighty dangerous but if it doesn't start well he is likely to start bowling rubbish, albeit very quick rubbish!!!

And then we all know what song will be sung!

 

[RoyBee]

Yes. Ludicrous, World Cup or not. For a sport that's a two horse race, it thrives on tradition and anticipation.....sadly there's not been any for this, what is it, 3 months apart? :shrug:

Glad I'm not the only one who think this. Bloody mental.

 

[Holysmit]

I think Anderson can still have 2-3 years at the top, he's very fit, doesn't play t20 or much odi cricket these days and the management have been very good at resting him when needed. The bigger worry for me is where the next Swann is coming from, Kerrigan showed the stocks are pretty bare at the moment although spinners tend to go on a hit longer than fast bowlers.

I'm not worried about Broad, he's still reasonably young and has been through a lot. He struggles for consistency but can produce match winning spells as he showed in that Durham test match. Rankin is a great find and I've been impressed with Mills at Essex from what I've seen, was bowling over 90mph. Agree about Finn, not sure he knows how he wants to bowl and is still troubled with his run up.

Going to be a cracking series. If Australia can keep Harris and Mitchell Johnson fit then they will seriously test out batting line up.

Wouldn't be surprised if it was a drawn series, 2-2 perhaps.

Mills isn't even the best left armer at Essex, Reece Topley is, and I believe he will be very very good.

 

[TW3Bee]

Raining again in the warm up game.

Am I right in thinking there is only one more game before the First Test?

 

[Salford Bee]

I'd say that's the batting spots sorted, barring injuries. Ballance blows his second chance.

 

[super J]

Apparently Tremlett bowled a very good spell and went at less than three an over. I can't see anyone else takin that third seamer spot for Brisbane.

Possible line ups?

Cook
Carberry
Trott
Pietersen
Bell
Root
Prior
Broad
Swann
Tremlett
Anderson


Rogers
Warner
Watson
Clarke
Smith
Bailey
Haddin
Johnson
Siddle
Harris
Lyon

 

[super J]

Bailey and Johnson named in Australia squad

 

[Salford Bee]

Apparently Tremlett bowled a very good spell and went at less than three an over. I can't see anyone else takin that third seamer spot for Brisbane.

Possible line ups?

Cook
Carberry
Trott
Pietersen
Bell
Root
Prior
Broad
Swann
Tremlett
Anderson


Rogers
Warner
Watson
Clarke
Smith
Bailey
Haddin
Johnson
Siddle
Harris
Lyon

I still think the third seamer spot is up for grabs.

Just hope Prior is fit.

 

[super J]

I still think the third seamer spot is up for grabs.

Just hope Prior is fit.

According to Clarke, Cook has already told him that Tremlett is playing.....

 

[Wooburn Bee]

According to Clarke, Cook has already told him that Tremlett is playing.....

We really need four seamers but batting too fragile. If Bresnan was fit and firing on all cylinders I would make him number 4 seamer and have him batting at 7 with Prior at 6 and Broad at 8

 

[Salford Bee]

According to Clarke, Cook has already told him that Tremlett is playing.....

Tremlett might play but I find that story difficult to believe.

 

[The Pipe]

After Rankin and Finn last night suggest Tremlett is a shoe in !!!

 

[Indian Bee]

Selectors having huge faith on Tremlett who let's be honest has not really performed in the last couple of years. I can however understand why he has been picked as he was in my opinion England's best bowler in the last Ashes series in Australia.

It will also be interesting to see how Swann will do - England's premier spin bowler but struggled somewhat last time out in Australia.

 

[Holysmit]

Selectors having huge faith on Tremlett who let's be honest has not really performed in the last couple of years. I can however understand why he has been picked as he was in my opinion England's best bowler in the last Ashes series in Australia.

It will also be interesting to see how Swann will do - England's premier spin bowler but struggled somewhat last time out in Australia.

Its not that he hasn't performed, it's he hasn't played due to injury for the most part and when he did get fit Surrey were reluctant to pick him.