Ashes 2013/14

[taylorsworkrate]

KP and Prior being injured is a problem, I'm hoping they recover. Tremlett's pace was down a bit, but he's never been lightening fast.

No, but I remember the last time we were down under Tremlett was around 85-87 mph. I just think that unless he's around that sort of pace now then Rankin and Finn offer more.

From what I can gather, both Prior and Pietersen are expected to be fine for 1st test.

[eastie]

The strong feeling with the media pundits around the England camp is that tremlett seems a cert for the 1st test with broad, Anderson , and  swann making up the bowling line up .

[PaulWinch again]

Wouldn't surprise me.

[PaulWinch again]

I'm a bit surprised we haven't called up a wicketkeeper replacement. I wouldn't want Bairstow as our wicketkeeper for a whole game, I'd have thought Kieswetter or Buttler should have been brought in.

[paul_e]

I'm a bit surprised we haven't called up a wicketkeeper replacement. I wouldn't want Bairstow as our wicketkeeper for a whole game, I'd have thought Kieswetter or Buttler should have been brought in.

Buttler should've gone anyway for me, he's a fantastic wicket keeper and his batting is improving to the point where he can now construct an innings in the shorter formats rather than just coming out swinging.  After his summer going along with the test squad as the backup to Prior would've been just reward for me.  Add in that he'll be in australia for the ODIs and T20 anyway and it really would've made sense to take him along early for the 'experience'.

[OCD]

Aren't they (Buttler in particular) part of the performance squad that are over there?

[Dave Cooper please]

Yes, England have been very good at arranging tours for the 'B' team so that they can step in if needed.

[OzVilla]

Aussie named their squad and no real surprises.  Warner, Rogers, Watson, Clarke, Smith, Bailey, Haddin, Johnson, Faulkner, Siddle, Harris, Lyon.

Batting confirmed and only question is whether they go in with Faulkner as an all-rounder (Watson probably won't bowl, he'll strengthen the batting and might suit the Gabba pitch) or Lyon (solid spin option with a decent record at the Gabba).

[aj2k77]

Johnson mouthing off already. I would love to see that cocky wanker get dispatched to all corners of the ground again and dropped.

[PaulWinch again]

Bailey will be a threat he's been in excellent form.

[taylorsworkrate]

It does, on paper at least, look a stronger Aussie team than the summer.

Johnson's form will be absolutely key if they are to seriously challenge us though. I have a bad feeling he won't let his head go to pieces this time

[PaulWinch again]

If Prior isn't fit it looks like Bairstow is going to keep wicket which is a bit of a concern.

[eastie]

Will be a close series but I fancy  England 2-1

[fredm]

3 - 0 England. The Aussies will put up a better showing than in the summer but they are still a poor team.

[PaulWinch again]

I think this series is going to be tough, the Aussie side looks stronger to me now and more confident. We're definitely going to improve on the level we achieved in the summer and be a lot more consistent.