2009 Ashes Schedule

[The Coon Dog]

Sophia Gardens in Cardiff (in Wales) will host its first ever Test match when Australia tours England to defend the Ashes in 2009.

The 5 Test series schedule is:

July 8 - Sophia Gardens
July 20 - Lords
July 30 - Edgbaston
August 7 - Headingly
August 20 - The Oval

Interestingly no Test match at Old Trafford.

[LostDoggy]

Re: 2009 Ashes Schedule

No Old Trafford is unusual

Also no Trent Bridge

Trent Bridge has been on a cycle missing every second Test Series for some time now. It's a lovely little ground but it only holds 12,000 spectators.

Years ago when Nottingham CCC were short of money they sold a big chunk of the outer where they built an office block having absolutely nothing to do with Notts or cricket.

Fairly drastic action I would have thought.

[dog town]

Re: 2009 Ashes Schedule

Going to be amazing to see what they come up with. My side for the 1st test

Hughes
Katich
Ponting
Hussey- needs a good series
Clarke
Watson
Haddin
Johnson
Clark
Siddle
Hilfenhaus

Gone with 4 front line quicks and Watson, Clarke and Katich for back up. No point playing a spinner if they are not up to it particularly when all those bowlers mentioned can play a meaningful role. Hilfy got in just because I think he gives us something different and can get through a lot of overs. If Watson can bowl then that would be great but for the future of our side I think he needs to be in the side anyway. He is a big talent and only exposure will improve him quickly.


Players that would be stiff

North- Extremely stiff. I have gone with Watson on a hunch as much as anything. I think we need him to come on and he is currently fit and in form. If he can bowl then that is a bonus.

McDonald- Did nothing wrong but realistically as always going to be behind a fit Watson. I would love to have his bowling in the side as I think he would be a real handful in english conditions.

Concerns

Slips- We are a couple of decent slippers short. North didnt impress in SA at 1st and Watson has struggled at shield level as a slipper. Leaves Ponting as our only world class slipper.

[LostDoggy]

Re: 2009 Ashes Schedule

I would prefer North to Watson because I believe him to be a far more reliable batsman.

If four quicks can't get the job done, I doubt whether the fifth will.

Clarke, North and Katich can be quickly rotated through as slows.

I also see the Hilf as being useful in those conditions and Siddle also for a different reason in that he bangs the ball in whilst not falling for the trap of being too short.

My real concern is the injury cloud hanging over Clark and whether he can capture form quickly

[dog town]

Re: 2009 Ashes Schedule

I would prefer North to Watson because I believe him to be a far more reliable batsman.

If four quicks can't get the job done, I doubt whether the fifth will.

Clarke, North and Katich can be quickly rotated through as slows.

I also see the Hilf as being useful in those conditions and Siddle also for a different reason in that he bangs the ball in whilst not falling for the trap of being too short.

My real concern is the injury cloud hanging over Clark and whether he can capture form quickly

Yep thats fair enough. Personally North has never done it for me and I found his 100 in SA to be quite streaky. I do like to see batsmen rewarded though so would have no problem if he kept his spot. He has done enough statistically to keep his spot. IMO Watson has an enormous amount of ability with the bat that will only be fully revealed with time in the middle at the top level. I would be happy to sacrifice a slight amount of batting reliability for the chance to give Watson more exposure. I think the diffrence between them in negligible but thats just my opinion.

Watched England last night. Would be shocked if we dont win in a landslide. Anything like the bowling of our first 2 tests in SA and it will get very ugly.

[Missing Dog]

Re: 2009 Ashes Schedule

My youngest brother is going over for 2 test and I am not jelous at all

[LostDoggy]

Re: 2009 Ashes Schedule

Yep thats fair enough. Personally North has never done it for me and I found his 100 in SA to be quite streaky. I do like to see batsmen rewarded though so would have no problem if he kept his spot. He has done enough statistically to keep his spot. IMO Watson has an enormous amount of ability with the bat that will only be fully revealed with time in the middle at the top level. I would be happy to sacrifice a slight amount of batting reliability for the chance to give Watson more exposure. I think the diffrence between them in negligible but thats just my opinion.

Watched England last night. Would be shocked if we dont win in a landslide. Anything like the bowling of our first 2 tests in SA and it will get very ugly.

One factor in North's favour is his lengthy exposure to English conditions through his county career.

Watson is an excellent strokemaker but tends to be a bit dodgy outside off stump as evidenced by his performances for Queensland when he batted up the order. If this proves to be the case and it's by no means established that it is, then it does not auger well for Test Matches on seaming wickets.

It's all a bit like looking into a crystal bowl

[LostDoggy]

Re: 2009 Ashes Schedule

And now, Watson is back home injured again?????????????????

[dog town]

Re: 2009 Ashes Schedule

Bounced back last night ripping through the Windies & enforcing the follow on.

Still garbage. The destroyers were Onions and Swan. Hardly bowlers to strike fear into Australia. Bopara at number 3 is just laughable.

[dog town]

Re: 2009 Ashes Schedule

And now, Watson is back home injured again?????????????????

Whats he done now? Bloody hell he is a walking injury.

[hujsh]

Re: 2009 Ashes Schedule

Whats he done now? Bloody hell he is a walking injury.

Pulled a pube