Australia’s comprehensive win over India in Sydney has given the Australians a valuable 2-0 lead in the series. Which means, longer term, things are looking good for Australia for the Ashes series in 2013.
While there will be two more Tests against India, the tour to the West Indies, plus the home series against South Africa and Sri Lanka to come next summer, there are plenty of options for chairman John Inverarity and his selection panel to weigh up when they sit down to pick the squad for England next year.
An outstanding pace attack consisting of James Pattinson, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Pat Cummins, plus a spin bowling option in the form of Nathan Lyon and possibly Nathan Hauritz as well, means Australia at this stage would probably have the edge over England in the bowling department.
The batting would be alright come 2013, when players such as Ed Cowan, Dave Warner, and Shaun Marsh have got a feel for Test cricket and will be well set in the Australian side. And they would be given enormous help from veterans in captain Michael Clarke, Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey.
The one area that is of most concern would be the wicket-keeping. Will Brad Haddin still be in the side come England 2013, considering his current form with the gloves, or would he be ‘pushed sideways’ to make way for Tim Paine or Matthew Wade?
So, who has the edge at this stage in the run-up to the 2013 Ashes series – Australia or England?
Edward Parsell
Guest
The Australian selectors are a joke they are as weak as water these players they have named have shown they cannot do the job the australian selectors should be looking for some batsmen who can play any type of bowling because this lot cant how can you leave Baily FROM TASMANIA out of the side he is the best batsman in australian in australia apart from clark but this team is an insult to australia cricket I think Australia need to sack the so called selectors and get some selectors who will pick players on their merits not because they are in the side grow some balls australia Ted Parsell
Darofthedump
Guest
How could you force the English counties to field full strength sides? Surely that's their prerogative.
Red Kev
Guest
I have a question I hope someone can answer. By my reckoning we have 15 tests before the Ashes start. Realistically 13 because the selectors won't do anything during the India series. Or to put it another way - not long. INDIA in Australia - 2 (of 4) tests remaining Australia in WEST INDIES - 3 tests SOUTH AFRICA in Australia - 3 tests SRI LANKA in Australia - 3 tests Australia in INDIA - 4 tests * * In here there is a test playoff for the ICC top ranking - likely England vs someone else * * Australia in ENGLAND - 5 tests ENGLAND in Australia - 5 tests Does Australia play any other test matches between the two Ashes series? Or will it be 10 straight tests against the Poms?
Jason Cave
Guest
I tend to agree. I would rather like to see Cricket Australia say to the ECB (at this stage, with the final tour schedule yet to be confirmed) 'we want more tour games'. Not as many in the earlier years, but have 5 first class games-4 games against the teams that finished 1-4 in the 2012 English County Championships, the last first-class game probably against a England Under 23 side. And those 4 county teams must pick their strongest possible line-up (regardless of injury or form). Which wasn't the case on the 1989 Ashes tour, where several counties selected a sub-standard team to take on the Australians, preferring to focus more on winning the English County Championships.
Red Kev
Guest
This. Fewer meaningless 50-over and T20 internationals and more tour games. Guys used to go on tour, play in the tour games, live with the team and find their place in the playing group, run drinks and then debut.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
I dunno, maybe a couple of A-tours against places where the ball swings, so batsmen learn to cope ? Or perhaps a real tour, with tour games before hand to get used to the conditions ?
Brian
Guest
Very big call on the bowlers The problem of a poor spinner and and poor batting against swing still exist. Remember we lost in Hobart to New Zealand. Also England beat this Indian team also 4-0. If the English can swing it they are favorites. Having said all that both Cummins and Pattinson look awesome so a lot depends on how they develop. More immediately if Watson is fit will they drop Cowan or Marsh?
Rhys
Guest
No mention of Watson in your article. Seems a bit of an obvious oversight. As for an Australian bowling attack that is clearly in its infancy (albeit showing some positive signs) having the edge over an experienced and proven English attack (in their home conditions) - that is a brave call to say the least.
Razza
Guest
Ahhhh, it was sweet to beat the Indians by so much, if there is one team i like to see flogged it is India, they are a great team, but not as great as they think. It has not been India alone, but they seem to cause problems against Australia, but now the trouble makers have retired we might get some good friendly cricket against them in the future, the last couple of games have shown some friction, but not like it used to be and it is great to see so many Indian supporters at the games and to have their own army is great for the game, but leave the drums and trumpets at home.
Redb
Roar Guru
Very early call. Until we get a settled pair of openers and first drop we will struggle.