A likely Ashes squad

[Go_Dogs]

Re: A likely Ashes squad

It's been about 3 weeks since the thread was started and I think a few things have changed.

James Pattinson woukd be regarded as an unlikely selection and would now be behind J. Richardson, Siddle and Tremain.
Renshaw seems unlikely and there has to be question marks on Burns, Handscomb and maybe Khawaja.
Wade is in genuine contention as the reserve keeper and as a batsman.
Stoinis might be the all rounder on the tour

There is no clear 2nd spin bowling option.

Have I missed any?

Aside from now removing the question mark on Burns and moving it across so there's 2 question marks on Khawaja, I think this is spot on.

[Bulldog Joe]

Re: A likely Ashes squad

Khawaja has clearly been the most disappointing batsman, in a year of disappointing batting.

He has been afforded every opportunity to lead the way as the experienced player in the line-up and has just not performed.

I would be leaving him out of the team.

[GVGjr]

Re: A likely Ashes squad

Khawaja has clearly been the most disappointing batsman, in a year of disappointing batting.

He has been afforded every opportunity to lead the way as the experienced player in the line-up and has just not performed.

I would be leaving him out of the team.

Previously he was known as a vastly stronger performer on home soil so it's very disappointing set of innings for us this summer
I agree it's going to be hard to select him for an Ashes tour

[lemmon]

Re: A likely Ashes squad

Previously he was known as a vastly stronger performer on home soil so it's very disappointing set of innings for us this summer
I agree it's going to be hard to select him for an Ashes tour

Avergae of 19 in the UK (albeit from 3 games) doesn't help. He needs a strong finish to the Shield season

[FrediKanoute]

Re: A likely Ashes squad

Who else is going to bat at 3? Smith could, but I think the preference would be for him to bat at 4. Khawaja's century today, has probably saved him, that and his 141 against Pakistan. I think the selectors will cut him some slack - knee injury, brother getting arrested twice - hasn't been the greatest Summer off the field.

[Bulldog Joe]

Re: A likely Ashes squad

Who else is going to bat at 3? Smith could, but I think the preference would be for him to bat at 4. Khawaja's century today, has probably saved him, that and his 141 against Pakistan. I think the selectors will cut him some slack - knee injury, brother getting arrested twice - hasn't been the greatest Summer off the field.

The century against Sri Lanka will have secured his spot in the squad.

[FrediKanoute]

Re: A likely Ashes squad

So with the World Cup done and dusted thoughts turn to the Ashes. My early take on the team for the 1st test:

Warner - the best and most consistent opener Australia has
Harris - I think deserves to have first crack. Whether he is still there at the end of the Ashes depends on form, lost of competition
Smith - the 2nd best batsman in the world has to bat at 3
Lambushagne - could have gone for Wade; Khawaja injured get his a spot; Has scored over 1000 runs for Glamorgan this summer
Head - cemented his spot in the team last Summer. Needs to take his game to another level again in England
Patterson - finished the Summer well and scored centuries v Sri Lanka. England is a whole different kettle of fish. Needs runs
Paine - resist the call to bring in Carey. Paine is Australia's No.1 gloveman. Carey is heir apparent
Cummins - picks himself
Starc picks himself
Pattinson - 7 for 87 v Sussex in the 4 day warm up game. On song he is a very good bowler. Nudges Hazelwood and Siddle
Lyon - do we have any other spinners?

[GVGjr]

Re: A likely Ashes squad

Good squad Fredi, I'd imagine Hazlewood would be ahead of Pattinson and Labuschagne will be under pressure from the likes of Handscomb, Wade and Burns.

[Bulldog Joe]

Re: A likely Ashes squad

Good squad Fredi, I'd imagine Hazlewood would be ahead of Pattinson and Labuschagne will be under pressure from the likes of Handscomb, Wade and Burns.

Surely we have seen enough of Handscomb, to never pick him again.

Wade has earnt a spot on performance, but Burns must be right in the mix.

[GVGjr]

Re: A likely Ashes squad

Surely we have seen enough of Handscomb, to never pick him again.

Wade has earnt a spot on performance, but Burns must be right in the mix.

I agree there are doubts on Handscomb but his recent selection in the World Cup would indicate he's right in the selectors thoughts

I find our middle order is a tough one to pick other than Smith and Head

Patterson, Labuschagne, Burns, Handscomb, Wade, Bancroft and perhaps even Carey will provide some challenges for the selectors
Will we look more favorably towards Wade and Labuschagne because they can bowl some overs or do we lock on Patterson as a more reliable batsman or Bancroft or Burns to bat at 3 allowing Smith to be protected at 4?

[lemmon]

Re: A likely Ashes squad

Everyone's in form and making runs - tough side to pick.

Bancroft has more than 600 runs at a clip over 50 and Labuschagne was the first player to break 1000 runs for the season (plus 13 wickets to go with it) for their counties. Burns and Harris both have started the A tour with 100s, Wade is plundering runs and Patterson hasn't be able to get much time in the middle.

If Khawaja isn't fit, my team is:

Harris
Warner
Burns
Smith
Head
Patterson
Paine
Cummins
Starc
Hazlewood
Lyon

Pattinson unlucky to have 3 excellent quicks ahead of him. Tossed up between Burns and Bancroft at 3 - went Burns for his experience.

[Happy Days]

Re: A likely Ashes squad

We must pick Carey ahead of Paine - I see no reason to keep Paine in the side now that the senior players are back.

I don't rate Marnus but the bulk of runs in undeniable. Has forced his way in if Ussie can't go.

[Sedat]

Re: A likely Ashes squad

Isn't Burns out with chronic fatigue?

[Twodogs]

Re: A likely Ashes squad

Surely we have seen enough of Handscomb, to never pick him again.

Wade has earnt a spot on performance, but Burns must be right in the mix.

Hanscombe can't play in England. That moving ball outside off stump finds him out every time. We may as well bat one short.

[lemmon]

Re: A likely Ashes squad

Isn't Burns out with chronic fatigue?

Back and playing - seems to have recovered pretty quickly.