Ashes 2013/14

[OCD]

Michael Clarke didn't half make a cock out of himself announcing the England team. Must think he's the Cricket equivalent of Jose Mourinho. If I were Cook, I would just say that it's easy to name our team as we have a settled side and haven't spent the last couple of years experimenting.

[aj2k77]

He seems to be believing Warne's hype that he's some sort of captaincy guru. Anyone can experiment and take risks when you're already taking a schelacking.

[PaulWinch again]

Finn's spell might have made things interesting, sounds like he found his rhythm and pace. I don't think Carberry's failure will have an impact on his selection either.

[UK Redsox]

Finn's spell might have made things interesting, sounds like he found his rhythm and pace. I don't think Carberry's failure will have an impact on his selection either.

Aggers sounded distinctly unimpressed with Finn despite his five wickets

[PaulWinch again]

It's good that all of the batsmen have got some runs across the 3 games, so should have confidence. I'm fairly happy with our top 6. Bowling is still a concern as none of the three big men has really grabbed the opportunity. I imagine it'll be Tremlett, because I always get the impression the selectors are looking for a reason to pick him, whereas with Finn they seem to always be looking for a reason to drop him.

[PGW]

It's good that all of the batsmen have got some runs across the 3 games, so should have confidence. I'm fairly happy with our top 6. Bowling is still a concern as none of the three big men has really grabbed the opportunity. I imagine it'll be Tremlett, because I always get the impression the selectors are looking for a reason to pick him, whereas with Finn they seem to always be looking for a reason to drop him.

Top 6 does pick itself probably top 7 as it looks as though Matty Prior will be missing. I agree i think that Tremlett will get the nod. Just got to ensure that we don't lose the first test so the toss doubly important, win it , bat and get 450 on the board more if possible. We don't win very often in Brisbane - avoid defeat here and we will win series.

[PaulWinch again]

I agree a draw would be a good result, but it does sound like Prior will hopefully be fit.

[paul_e]

It's good that all of the batsmen have got some runs across the 3 games, so should have confidence. I'm fairly happy with our top 6. Bowling is still a concern as none of the three big men has really grabbed the opportunity. I imagine it'll be Tremlett, because I always get the impression the selectors are looking for a reason to pick him, whereas with Finn they seem to always be looking for a reason to drop him.

Finn, like Monty, can be very effective, but the rest of his game is very poor so if things don't happen with the ball he offers nothing.  All of our bowlers offer something in the field and with the bat (with the exception of Jimmy but he is an excellent fielder and one of the 3-4 best bowlers in the world so the same rules don't apply).  For Finn to get a regular spot he needs to take 4-5 wickets every match, and at a reasonable economy because that is all he brings.

[PaulWinch again]

I don't know Finn is much more capable with the bat than Monty. I think his primary issue is consistency and if we used him as a short burst strike bowler he'd be great.

[paul_e]

I don't know Finn is much more capable with the bat than Monty. I think his primary issue is consistency and if we used him as a short burst strike bowler he'd be great.

Monty is an exaggeration of it, he's truly terrible in the field and with the bat, Finn's just county level at both.  Consistency is exactly my point though, if he starts taking 4-5 wickets a match minimum at around 25 runs a wicket he justifies his place, when he's not taking that many and/or costing 35-40runs for each he just doesn't justify selection, despite having some great spells.  This is where Bres gets ahead of him because he averages 30 with the ball which is decent but not great, but backs up as a very capable fielder and with a 25-30 average with the bat as well.

[OCD]

Anybody know how close Bresnan is to being fit? Or which test match he's looking at?

[taylorsworkrate]

Didn't Finn get a 50 against New Zealand?

Hoggard wasn't talented with the bat, but could hold up an end. Finn appears similar in that regard. To be honest with Broad at 8 and Swann at nine we shouldn't be looking for all rounders at 10 and 11. Pick the best bowlers.

His bowling average is below 30 and his strike rate is below 50. For me he is clearly the most talented of the 3 potentials. I'd personally put Tremlett behind both Finn and Rankin as his pace just isn't there.

[paul_e]

Didn't Finn get a 50 against New Zealand?

Hoggard wasn't talented with the bat, but could hold up an end. Finn appears similar in that regard. To be honest with Broad at 8 and Swann at nine we shouldn't be looking for all rounders at 10 and 11. Pick the best bowlers.

His bowling average is below 30 and his strike rate is below 50. For me he is clearly the most talented of the 3 potentials. I'd personally put Tremlett behind both Finn and Rankin as his pace just isn't there.

I agree on Tremlett, I don't think he's anything special.  I really like Finn, I think he's got a lot of potential, but he reminds me a lot of Jimmy when he first came into the side, in that he's strugging when the pitch doesn't work for him, he needs to learn how to get wickets in those games, and more importantly to keep his head if it's not happening for him.

[eastie]

Tremlett was very good on the last tour in Australia- I think he's pretty much odds on to start in Brisbane - Finn can be too wayward at times - the Aussies have a great record at  the gabba - we need to  stop them winning this test and I think we will go on to take the series - defeat in Brisbane for us would give the Aussies a huge lift - I'd be happy to take the draw and move on.

Regarding prior - I think he will probably be fit -

Cook, carberry, trott, pieterson, bell, root, prior, broad, swann, tremlett, Anderson .

[PaulWinch again]

Tremlett will probably start but I hope he gets form back and we're not just picking him on his past. Carberry confirmed his place today and I'm glad we got a win.