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The 16-man squad for the forthcoming Ashes in England has been announced today and no doubt everyone has a point of view.
Being an Englishman who has lived in Australia for the last five years, this has given me plenty of time to assess the developing Australian side.
Unlike most Aussies who stick by their favourite players through good and bad, I can hopefully put forward a more unbiased point of view.
Therefore, the following would be my starting eleven to play in the first Test match at Trent Bridge.
1 – Cowan – Has the temperament to be an old-fashioned Test match player and can set up the foundation for a solid innings.
2 – Watson – Last chance saloon for Watto. His best form over recent times was as an opener, with a settled spell opening the innings he may discover that form again.
3 – Clarke – Wisden cricketer of the year, and your best batsmen has to play at number three.
4 – Warner – Moving him down the order would take away the pressure of opening and also encourage his attacking style of play.
5 – Khawaja – This young, talented batsman needs an extended run in the side to establish his place.
6 – Rogers – Picked in the squad and worth a chance with his experience and form in the County Championship
7 – Wade – No doubt the best wicket keeper, but needs to improve his batting and practice. Needs a little patience from selectors.
8 – Starc – It’s great to have a tall left armer in your side for variation of attack and he has proved he can swing the ball. With his new found batting form in the Indian series he could be the next all rounder.
9 – Siddle – A war horse of a cricketer as he proved in last year’s Adelaide Test match where Michael Clarke bowled him into the ground.
10 – Pattinson – A young aggressive bowler who can take the fight to the English batting line-up.
11 – Lyon – without doubt the best spinner in Australia. There will never be another Shane Warne!
Notable absentees are:
Phil Hughes – Has had his chance and not good enough at Test level.
Brad Haddin – A step back making him vice captain, Wade is clearly the better keeper.
Mitchell Johnson – The Barmy Army would love to see him in the side, however, his best form is long gone, the Steve Harmison of the Australian side.
No doubt you’ll all have a different point of view!
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