The Ashes: 4th Test - Boxing Day 2017 - MCG

[Bornadog]

The ashes have been won, but we want to go through undefeated. Starc may miss due to injury, but other than that I don't think there should be any changes.

[westdog54]

Re: The Ashes: 4th Test - Boxing Day 2017 - MCG

Who comes in if Starc is unfit.

You would think the selectors would be as cautious as possible with the series won.

[Axe Man]

Re: The Ashes: 4th Test - Boxing Day 2017 - MCG

Who comes in if Starc is unfit.

You would think the selectors would be as cautious as possible with the series won.

Jackson Bird, he's the only other bowler in the squad and has been held back from BBL just in case.

[Bulldog Joe]

Re: The Ashes: 4th Test - Boxing Day 2017 - MCG

Who comes in if Starc is unfit.

You would think the selectors would be as cautious as possible with the series won.

Jackson Bird would be the natural replacement.
Really a time to build a team spirit.

There may have been an inclination to return Handscomb, but the performance of Mitch Marsh means that can't happen.

Really no pressure on the 11 from Perth other than injury issues.

[LostDoggy]

Re: The Ashes: 4th Test - Boxing Day 2017 - MCG

Bird deserves to be next in line and would be an automatic replacement for Hazlewood or Cummins. A line up of Bird, Hazlewood and Cummins does look a bit samey though (especially Bird and Hazewood). I wonder if a wildcard like Sayers might be considered.

[Flamethrower]

Re: The Ashes: 4th Test - Boxing Day 2017 - MCG

For Australia - Khawaja out, Handscomb in.

For England - Cook, Broad, Ali out - Jennings (if available) or Ballance, Crane & Ball in.

[Axe Man]

Re: The Ashes: 4th Test - Boxing Day 2017 - MCG

For Australia - Khawaja out, Handscomb in.

Why? Khawaja has looked a million times better than Handscomb this series.

[westdog54]

Re: The Ashes: 4th Test - Boxing Day 2017 - MCG

Why? Khawaja has looked a million times better than Handscomb this series.

I agree. Bizarre call.

[lemmon]

Re: The Ashes: 4th Test - Boxing Day 2017 - MCG

Wicket should suit Bird. He bowls well at the MCG, always seems to get some nibble off the slower surface.

Wouldn't surprise me if he comes in and piles on a bit more pain.

[GVGjr]

Re: The Ashes: 4th Test - Boxing Day 2017 - MCG

Wicket should suit Bird. He bowls well at the MCG, always seems to get some nibble off the slower surface.

Wouldn't surprise me if he comes in and piles on a bit more pain.

I don't think we will miss much with his inclusion except for the left arm and around the wicket variation. As you say, Bird typically bowls well at the MCG. It would be nice to hopefully have Starc back for Sydney though.

[Bornadog]

Re: The Ashes: 4th Test - Boxing Day 2017 - MCG

Anderson claiming outside of the test bowlers there is a big gap in talent. I think Bird is right up there as well and he will surprise the Poms.

[GVGjr]

Re: The Ashes: 4th Test - Boxing Day 2017 - MCG

Anderson claiming outside of the test bowlers there is a big gap in talent. I think Bird is right up there as well and he will surprise the Poms.

With Coulter-Nile and Pattinson injured and Sayers and Behrendorff untested I can see why he might think that.

[Remi Moses]

Re: The Ashes: 4th Test - Boxing Day 2017 - MCG

They’ve lost the ashes and Anderson is still chirping .
I think just maybe he should shut up

[lemmon]

Re: The Ashes: 4th Test - Boxing Day 2017 - MCG

They’ve lost the ashes and Anderson is still chirping .
I think just maybe he should shut up

Especially with what we've seen of England's depth this series. If Mark Wood is the saviour, they're not in a good place.

[FrediKanoute]

Re: The Ashes: 4th Test - Boxing Day 2017 - MCG

About the only thing that the English have done this Ashes is talk a good game.Australia hasn't been amazing, but we have sh*tted all over them!