Ashes 2010/11

[VillaZogmariner]

[VillaZogmariner]

First blood to Bresnan.

[VillaZogmariner]

Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel (NSP) today announced a 12-man squad for the third Vodafone Ashes Test match beginning in Perth on Thursday.

The 12-man squad is:

Ricky Ponting (c)
Michael Clarke (vc)
Michael Beer
Brad Haddin
Ryan Harris
Phillip Hughes
Ben Hilfenhaus
Mike Hussey   WA
Mitchell Johnson
Peter Siddle
Steven Smith
Shane Watson

NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch said:

“Phillip Hughes replaces the injured Simon Katich in the squad for the third Test match in Perth. Phil is an exciting young batsman who has already proven his ability to succeed at international level and he deserves this opportunity to return to the Australian side.

“Steve Smith replaces Marcus North in the 12-man squad. This is obviously disappointing for Marcus who has played some outstanding Test innings for Australia but it was felt to be the right time to bring the exciting prospect Steve Smith into the Test team. Steve has already had success at international level and will also add to the bowling depth with his leg spin bowling and dynamic fielding.

“Michael Beer replaces Xavier Doherty in the squad. Michael is a left-arm orthodox spinner who has been very impressive at domestic level this year. He took wickets against England in the tour match earlier this summer and we expect he will bowl very well against the English on his home ground.

“Doug Bollinger has been omitted from the squad. Both Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus did not play in Adelaide but will be strongly considered for selection in the Perth Test match where conditions will suit them. Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle were the pick of our quicks at Adelaide Oval and these four make up the pace attack for the Perth Test match.

“The squad is a very exciting one with a blend of talented young players and experienced international cricketers. We are confident it will play an aggressive brand of cricket as we try to change the momentum of the Test series in this critical Vodafone Ashes Perth Test match.”

The Australian squad will gather in Perth on Sunday evening. Details of the team’s training and media schedule and accreditation collection details in Perth will be forwarded on Sunday on arrival.

So that is 4 changes for the Aussies, excellent!!

Michael Beer is 26 Years old, made his first class debut this October and has only played 5 First Class games in his career!

[taylorsworkrate]

Unreal,

One mediocre domestic left arm spinner fails so they bring in another.

Smith is no great shakes either.  He's handy with the bat but chris schofield like with the ball.

[taylorsworkrate]

My guess is the Aussie team will be:

Watson
Hughes
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
Haddin
Smith
Johnson
Harris
Beer
Siddle

[N'Rexy]

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[Dave Summers]

My guess is the Aussie team will be:

Watson
Hughes
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
Haddin
Smith
Johnson
Harris
Beer
Siddle

I think that's the team they will pick too, which for me, leaves them light on batting.  With Ponting and Clarke in shall we say indifferent form, putting a lot of pressure on Mr Cricket and the openers.   Chances for the opening bowlers as well, both Watson and Hughes like to go at the ball which may reap its rewards, but equally they could be 2 down as quickly as Adelaide.

It worries me, but I am ultra confident that we will retain the Ashes and if the weather stays fair, win the series by 2 matches.   

One thing I would like, as a True Bear, is to see Belly move above Collingwood.   The man is in the best form of his life and they need to use it and not let him waste away at No 6.

[KevinGage]

Hussey (Mike) could open the batting, as that's where he made his name with WA.

You'd take away the (relative) stability they have in the middle order with that mind. His brother David Hussey might come into the reckoning in the middle order, if they suspect that Phil Hughes still has an issue with the short ball.

But that would be changing two positions in the side to cover one vacancy.

Hughes will probably get the nod.

[taylorsworkrate]

England 184 for 2 at lunch vs Victoria.

Bell not out on 60.

Strange really considering the amount of runs Cook, Pietersen and Trott have scored,  that Bell seems to be in the best nick of all.

[peter w]

I'd keep Bell where he is. he seems to be best at number 6 and when he was last there regularly in 2006 he couldn't stop scoring 100s agains pakistan (or at least high scores)

[Villan For Life]

I'd keep Bell where he is. he seems to be best at number 6 and when he was last there regularly in 2006 he couldn't stop scoring 100s agains pakistan (or at least high scores)

He bats well with the lower middle order. Prior, Broad (when fit) and Swann can usually be relied on to hold up an end.

That said I think that Bell should swap places with Colly and go in at 5.

[Rotterdam]

'.......if it ain't broke'

[KevinGage]

Agreed.

I hear all the arguments about playing him higher up the order. Not just 5, but he should -in theory- be good enough to play even higher up. He has all the shots, technique and so on.

But for whatever reason it hasn't quite worked in the past for him there. He seems happy at 6, his average there is far healthier than in any other slot so lets not ruin a good thing.

I also don't think he's waisted there at 6, as if it's some type of rank or mark against his ability. The good Ausses sides of yesteryear had great players coming in at that slot.

How demotivating must it be for the opposition to do the hard work of getting 5 wickets down only to see a player like Bell stroll to the crease.

[taylorsworkrate]

I think Bell averages around 55 batting at 6.  His overall average is about 42 / 43.

One of the things thats impressive about the current England line up, is that they all know what their individual role is.  No reason to change things.

[Dave Cooper please]

I'm happy with having a batsman as talented as Bell at 6, let's face it, often you think that if you have taken the top four wickets you are well on your way towards the tail, but England have one of their best at 6, followed by Prior, Broad and Swann who can all hold their end up to help him.