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My Australian team for the first Test

26th September, 2013
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Chris Rogers and Dave Warner dug in on the first morning of the final Test. (AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES).
Roar Guru
26th September, 2013
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Picking a squad for the home Ashes series has been significantly easier than the series in England, as Australia finally has a skeleton for the team.

This skeleton my be fragile, but it was better than Trent Bridge, where the only certainty was Michael Clarke.

My openers are David Warner and Chris Rogers.

These two might have only batted together a couple of times, but there isn’t much doubt they are the two most suited to opening the batting for Australia.

My middle order is Shane Watson, Michael Clarke, Steve Smith, Nic Maddinson and Brad Haddin.

Watson’s fifth Test performances warranted another chance at three.

Before you start the Nic Maddinson insults, can you think of anyone else? Phil Hughes? Usman Khawaja? Even George Bailey?

Maddinson has been making runs for Australia A, and will put in good early Shield performances.

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Steve Smith has become Australia’s best young batsman and his century in the last Test secured his spot for the return series.

Now just for a change, our bowlers are mostly injured, with Peter Siddle being the only reliable bowler.

I suspect Ryan Harris will be alright, while James Pattinson, Jackson Bird and Mitchell Starc are in doubt.

Nathan Lyon is a must. Along with Lyon as our tweaker, my bowlers are Siddle, Harris and Pattinson if he is fit.

If Pattinson isn’t up to the task, Ben Cutting deserves his spot and is probably the best replacement.

So roarers what are your teams for the first Test?

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