[Archived] The Ashes

[Flopsy]

to be fair, i doubt many people on here have the right to call anyone else strange, without being a hypocrite

[Blue n White Rover]

Why would anyone want their own country to receive a blow ?

I have given you my reasons for supporting Australia, if you don't like it then shut it, it's as simple as that, just because you want to support England and I don't it doesn't mean you have to comment on most of my posts I make on this topic. Is it a hard pill to swallow? Are you having sleepless nights over me supporting Australia?

Bryan, on what grounds to do you base your opinion on that i'm a wind up?

[ABBEY]

Bryan, on what grounds to do you base your opinion on that i'm a wind up?

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[Flopsy]

Leave it alone or I'll ban people.

BnW, that goes to for you as well if I think you're on a wind up

[AussieinUk]

Fred doubtfull for next week

That might be true, but IMV, he will play.

The guy seems to have a high threshold of pain and fair play to him. Shame to see him retiring after this series.

Seems Bell will get the spot for KP. Will he sit at three?

EDIT: Spotted this article on Watson.Watson to open?

[DeadlyDirk]

That might be true, but IMV, he will play.

The guy seems to have a high threshold of pain and fair play to him. Shame to see him retiring after this series.

Seems Bell will get the spot for KP. Will he sit at three?

EDIT: Spotted this article on Watson.Watson to open?

Well with KP definitely out we could really do with Flintoff being fit, Bell and Harmison in for those two and the batting lineup is looking significantly weaker, not to mention missing Freddie's bowling.

Losing KP is a blow, losing Freddie as well would be a knockout.

With that being said, I've always rated Bell, he's gone through a few bad patches but is more than capable of getting some runs, I've actually got a bet on him being leading run scorer that I put on about a year ago!! Think I can kiss that one goodbye though unless he fancy's warming up with a treble ton.

Watson to open? Would certainly seem an odd decision but I've always thought he's a pretty good batter and of course he's opened a fair few times at one day level, does he have any experience at first class level? I don't know how much Hughes place is under threat, the Aussie camp seem to keep things like that behind closed doors. He certainly came into the tour with a big reputation and although he has looked poor so far he must have done something right in the past I guess to justify being selected as the opener and not bringing any backup.

If Watson can open though then it certainly strengthens your bowling attack. Would be a big ask of him though to come into a team 1-0 down in the series, bat in an unfamiliar position plus the fact he hasn't played any cricket for a while. (I assume as he's been injured)

Desperate times call for desperate measures I guess

In all honesty Australia have always been great at spotting weakness and then being relentless, England's top order will be under pressure to perform without Pietersen and Australia who were poor in the second test will probably go in with a 'nothing to lose' attitude and play a lot more positively, I think it'll be 1-1 after Edgbaston, followed by a draw leaving everything to play for in the final test.

[Flopsy]

we've had near constant heavy showers here in Brum so the pitch is likely to be an utter pudding . So expect the dibbly doblers such as Collingwood with his cutters to play a big roll

[T4E]

That might be true, but IMV, he will play.

The guy seems to have a high threshold of pain and fair play to him. Shame to see him retiring after this series.

Seems Bell will get the spot for KP. Will he sit at three?

EDIT: Spotted this article on Watson.Watson to open?

Its probably been explained and I've missed it, but why is Hussey captaining you in the tour match? Where's Ponting?

[DeadlyDirk]

Its probably been explained and I've missed it, but why is Hussey captaining you in the tour match? Where's Ponting?

I can only assume he's at the bookies, probably putting a big wedge on England for the Ashes

[AussieinUk]

Its probably been explained and I've missed it, but why is Hussey captaining you in the tour match? Where's Ponting?

Punter, Haddin and Clarke are being rested.. Also gives a chance for McDonald & Watson to step in and Manou to feel apart of the touring squad..

Bowling attack; Johnson, Clark, Siddle, Hilfenhaus & Ritzy to all play. Watson and McDonald as the all-rounders. Really hope that Watson can push through this and impress without injury.. The English conditions are perfect for him.

I can only assume he's at the bookies, probably putting a big wedge on England for the Ashes

That's right DD, Punter is placing a 'lay' bet on the England

[DeadlyDirk]

Punter, Haddin and Clarke are being rested.. Also gives a chance for McDonald & Watson to step in and Manou to feel apart of the touring squad..

Bowling attack; Johnson, Clark, Siddle, Hilfenhaus & Ritzy to all play. Watson and McDonald as the all-rounders. Really hope that Watson can push through this and impress without injury.. The English conditions are perfect for him.

That's right DD, Punter is placing a 'lay' bet on the England

Yeh well, you know, umm, hmmmmmm okay you win I feel more beaten than an Aussie cricket team, good comeback sir

[neekoy]

Great to see KP out from an Australian perspective, would take Bell the bunny any day of the week as his replacement.

DD, *sigh* save your big smiles for when the "series" is finished, mmkayyeahthankschopchopwhatever...

[Billy Castell]

Even though Mr Pietersen is over rated, and should not be an automatic choice on current form, I would pick him over Bell any day. Australia must be laughing as they prepare to skittle him for 20. I just hope Freddie is fit, otherwise we might as well not tturn up.

[DeadlyDirk]

Great to see KP out from an Australian perspective, would take Bell the bunny any day of the week as his replacement.

DD, *sigh* save your big smiles for when the "series" is finished, mmkayyeahthankschopchopwhatever...

Just a bit of banter, it could come well back to bite me but you gotta be confident haven't you!

Don't want to be one of those supporters who are... "England are rubbish, Australia are going to hammer us, we are useless' and then jump on the positive band wagon at the end if we win by saying, 'I knew all along we'd win, England are great!!'

Any news on Lee yet? Watson?

[Flopsy]

Bell averaged 30 odd in 06/07

So not a bunny, plus you dont have Warne and McGrath to pick on him.

[AussieinUk]

Just a bit of banter, it could come well back to bite me but you gotta be confident haven't you!

Don't want to be one of those supporters who are... "England are rubbish, Australia are going to hammer us, we are useless' and then jump on the positive band wagon at the end if we win by saying, 'I knew all along we'd win, England are great!!'

Any news on Lee yet? Watson?

Lee is defin out of the third.. Watson is playing well with both bat and ball.. As too Stuey Clark and Peter Siddle.

If Edgbaston is favourable for pace.. I'd play Watson for North and Clark for Hauritz.

[AussieinUk]

England have announced the squad of 13 for the 3rd.. No real surprises - Bell, Harmy and Panesar included.

Seems that Bell will bat at No.4..

There is also press speculation that Harmy will retire after this series and Flintoff will only last 2/3 remaining tests

EDIT: Interesting that some in the press, are speaking of Key, Carberry and Shah as a reserve batsman. Carberry is a good shout.

[AussieinUk]

After todays tour match (and I admit that Northants bowling attack was 2nd string) Watson must be in the mix for selection.

Two fifties and one of those completed in 35 balls.. Handled the short ball with superb timing. His Bowling was quite sharp, figures of 3-50. IMV I would drop North and include Watson.

Lineup for the 3rd

Hughes

Katich

Ponting

Hussey

Clarke

Watson

Haddin

Siddle

Hauritz/ McDonald (if conditions suit pace)

Hilfenhaus

Clark

Drop Johnson, he is still not looking up to par.

[Flopsy]

I'm sure watso looked good, but what chance a stray hair flicking him in the eye and blinding him Thursday morning?

50/50 I'm going for

[DeadlyDirk]

After todays tour match (and I admit that Northants bowling attack was 2nd string) Watson must be in the mix for selection.

Two fifties and one of those completed in 35 balls.. Handled the short ball with superb timing. His Bowling was quite sharp, figures of 3-50. IMV I would drop North and include Watson.

Lineup for the 3rd

Hughes

Katich

Ponting

Hussey

Clarke

Watson

Haddin

Siddle

Hauritz/ McDonald (if conditions suit pace)

Hilfenhaus

Clark

Drop Johnson, he is still not looking up to par.

Johnson's bowling has been so poor that even a straight swap with Watson might not be out of the question. I thought North has looked alright, had a ton in the first test, bit harsh to drop him.

How many did Hughes get, saw he was on 30 odd I think at one point, do you think Watson as an opener is a serious option or just media speculation from his comments about batting anywhere?

I'd definitely play Clark, never heard of McDonald, is he new?

[Flopsy]

he got 68, 18 more than watson 2nd innings

Bowling figures (O M R W RR)

PM Siddle 4 1 11 0 2.75

SR Clark 9 1 29 2 3.22

MG Johnson 11.1 1 65 1 5.82 (2nb, 1w)

SR Watson 10 3 34 1 3.40

NM Hauritz 12 2 36 1 3.00

AB McDonald 11 5 15 4 1.36 (1nb)

MJ North 7 1 12 0 1.71

Please note you were playing the second string of a second division side. Those run rates for the seamers do not look good

[DeadlyDirk]

he got 68, 18 more than watson 2nd innings

Bowling figures (O M R W RR)

PM Siddle 4 1 11 0 2.75

SR Clark 9 1 29 2 3.22

MG Johnson 11.1 1 65 1 5.82 (2nb, 1w)

SR Watson 10 3 34 1 3.40

NM Hauritz 12 2 36 1 3.00

AB McDonald 11 5 15 4 1.36 (1nb)

MJ North 7 1 12 0 1.71

Please note you were playing the second string of a second division side. Those run rates for the seamers do not look good

Johnson even got spanked here, really can't see how they could justify picking him. Like I said before, never heard of McDonald but good figure above, looked him up on cricinfo and a decent bowling test average of 33 after 9 wickets, handy with the bat too by the looks. I doubt any of our batsmen have ever faced him either which may give him a slight edge, guess that works both ways though.

[Iceman]

Jeez whats happened to Johnson? Its not that long ago, that he was ripping the SA batsmen apart. I cant see them dropping MJ(and no its not Michael Jackson) as he is still the Aussies leading bowler.

[Flopsy]

i think his batting is keeping him in at the moment.

[AussieinUk]

i think his batting is keeping him in at the moment.

That and the fact that Neilsen (and the selectors) like having a fast lefty in the attack.

I think the ideal combination that Neilsen wants is five quick. Lets not forget that Johnson is third in the international test ranking and one of the quickest test bowlers to reach 100 wickets.. It's obvious that he has some perosnal issues, as his batting is fine and the comparative analysis on his action, showed no real differences. I would drop him for this test and get him up to speed for the fourth..

Btw Flops - I did mention earlier that Aust was playing a Northants second string bowling attack. Personally, I think three day games are a waste of time.. Four days at the minimum for ashes tour matches.

DD - McDonald is a decent all rounder. His bowling is his strength. Very consistent medium-fast bowler. His accuracy is comparable to a McGrath/Clark.

It's at this point I am disapointed that Symomds did not 'turn the corner' with his drinking issues. Would have made the four quick scenario very much feasable on most pitches in England. From the outset, I would have included another batsman on the tour.. Somone like Jaques or Hodge.

Ideally, the touring party should have been 20 (I have included Manou in this number, but not below)

Openers - Hughes/Katich/Jaques

No.3 - Ponting

No.4 - Hussey/Hodge

No.5 - Clarke

No.6 - North/Watson/Symonds

No.7 - Haddin/

No.8 - Johnson/Hilfenhaus

No.9 - Clark/McDonald

No.10 - Lee/Siddle

No.11 - Hauritz/Krejza