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Recently The Roar forums have seen a plethora of Ashes XIs as fans strive to find a way through the quagmire that Australian cricket has found itself in following the recent drubbing in the subcontinent.
In my last article, I stressed that reflection and learning rather than wholesale selection changes might be the answer for this very young Test team.
Poor results are hard to swallow for fans who have been brought up on dominance and outright victories, but the experience gained by these players who had never played quality spin in the subcontinent will be hugely beneficial.
Patience is key.
Commentators have spoken ad nauseam about the lack of nous and tactics shown by the team, for example Nathan Lyon failing to go around the wicket in three Tests, and Warner continually sweeping.
As I mentioned earlier, the real litmus test for this team will be how they grow from this experience, not through chopping and changing the team too aggressively.
In light of this, I want to pour some cold water on some of the more interesting selection choices that have been proposed by Roarers and experts. A sort of XI of players who must not play (in some cases, not yet).
1. Chris Rogers
No, too old. Perseverance with Ed Cowan (who has played a lot of cricket in England) is key. One Roarer, Brian Zhang suggested Cowan be cut for Watson because he didn’t score fast enough in his post today.
Their strike rates are not that far apart, and in England with the swinging ball, the openers primary obligation is to protect the middle order not to blast away like a Virender Sehwag or a Matt Hayden.
2. Alex Doolan/Joe Burns
No, not yet. If we can draw comparison with the All Blacks, the All Blacks would rarely bring brand new players into the most important Test series for their country. While these players show promise, they are not the Ashes answer.
3. Usman Khawaja
Just joking, Roarer Red Kev almost had a heart attack there. The golden question of Uzzie is an interesting one. Despite much discussion, I have no doubt he will eventually play, and it is just a matter of when he gets his chance.
4. Ryan Harris/Ben Hilfenhaus
No, no, no. Bird must take Hilfenhaus’ position as the swing bowler, while Pattinson fills the abrasive outswinging position of Harris.
I don’t care how good Harris bowled in a Shield Final, he did not bowl as well as Pattinson in India.
5. Brad Haddin/Glenn Maxwell/Steve Smith
Although, I, like many others was pleasantly surprised by the development of Steve Smith, I say no. He still needs more work and doesn’t fit the top six of my A-team. I would like to see the Aussies show some guts and give Tim Paine the ‘keepers spot, and let him play some tour matches over there.
No comment on the big show, other than just no.
6. Shane Watson
See any article posted by Red Kev on this topic. The boat has sailed, time to be a stay at home dad for Lee.
7. Xavier Doherty
He bowled well in spells in India, bowling a much more attacking line than Lyon (until Lyon went around the wicket).
If Argus recommended picking on form, then as many have mentioned Steve OKeefe must go as the backup spinner. But I think it would be a bold move to put Ashton Agar through at this early stage of his career.
So – in light of that, from Ashes to Ashes, here is my hat in the ring in terms of the Aussie XI moving forward.
1. Ed Cowan (vc) 2. David Warner 3. Phillip Hughes 4. Usman Khawaja 5. Michael Clarke (c) 6. Moises Henriques 7. Tim Paine 8. Mitchell Starc 9. Peter Siddle 10. James Pattinson 11. Nathan Lyon
I think this team has versatility in bowling with a left armer, deck hitter (Siddle), express outswing (Pattinson), good offspinner in Lyon and support in Henriques.
From a batting perspective our whole top six will perform better in seaming, faster conditions.
Khawaja at 4 should provide more stability in the middle order and hopefully long partnerships with captain Clarke. I have taken Paine over Wade on a purely personal basis.
@johnphilipson
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