The India vs Australia series is almost like a warm-up for the Aussie boys to get prepared for the Ashes once more. Who deserves to get a go though?
Is it any of your favourites, or anyone I pick? If you would like to, comment below and bring up your own choices.
Below are my choices for who should be considered for being in the squad.
This is not my team; these are those who should be in the team, or who are on fringes and may have not played many (all if you are Wade) matches in the England Ashes series.
Aaron Finch
He simply deserves to be in the team. His 156 off 63 balls was superb, and while it was not major game, he did get 140+ in the Scotland ODI.
Finch had shown promise in the Tests played, but never made a significant score. He should be the first replacement, called in if a batsman is rested/injured.
He has potential as a batsman and is like David Warner, with an added advantage of possessing a cooler head and the ability to shift gears. He also fields very well.
Jackson Bird
The man can bowl and is a replica of Glenn McGrath entirely in his bowling style. He can bowl nothing too far outside the off-stump, just like Glenn McGrath.
Once this guy improves, he can become one of the best bowlers in the world. He has only played in one Test, on a pitch which was not great for seam movement – something he is known to be quite good at.
There’s much promise here and he offers a different type of bowling to our standard set of bowlers. He should definitely play in some, if not all of the Tests in the Ashes.
Ashton Agar
If the man is alright, he should get a go – and my guess is the Sydney Test would be the best time to put him in.
The Syndey pitch is renowned for helping spin and Agar showed some hope in his first game, but I believe his second was marred by injury, hence why he could not perform.
Agar needs to bowl well in the Syndey Test to keep his spot. In the meantime, if he plays, he should prove he can spin.
Doug Bollinger
Now this is two-fold – if Harris doesn’t play (barring injury, it will be absolute injustice). However, if Harris is injured, Bollinger should step in.
These two bowlers bowl similarly with slight deviations. Bollinger can bowl and has bowled well recently. He also can contribute with the bat with a 20 or 30 odd knock.
Xavier Doherty
Doherty is a fantastic defensive spin bowler. He builds pressure on batsmen and doesn’t go for too many runs usually.
The problem is – he really is too defensive, with minimal offensive and wicket-taking ability. If he is to do this he is required to, he should include more variations in his skillset.
To be able to stop some of the best batsmen in the world would be quite a feat however. And for that, he needs to prove his form and add some offensive ability to his armour.
Whom have I missed? Who should get a go and why?
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
I am mistaken. I have been to that site many times but I was sure Finch had a baggy green, hence why he is in there as a stronger chance - or not so much. Anyway I will write one about who will be in the team closer to the Ashes and the only one it is likely to include off this list in Bird - to make everyone happy and not think I have on knowledge of Test Cricket. Only reason I have put those players if they are ones that I have heard others mention and have put them here as potential candidates. Again, Bird is the only one who actually has any potential to knock someone else OUT of the team. The others would enter upon injuries. Ashton Agar if he gets form - that includes WICKETS. Otherwise forget it.
ChrisUK
Guest
Oh you beat me to posting the Cricinfo link!
ChrisUK
Guest
Why do you keep saying Finch has played a Test? He hasn't. Don't take my word for it, read this: http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/player/5334.html You'll notice the absence of Tests.
mark
Guest
Johnson hasn't played much? He's played over 50 tests.
mark
Guest
Debating how on earth you have Pro status next to your name when you insist Finch has played a test. You mentioned in one of your other posts that you don't know how to check Finch's test info- go here: http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/player/5334.html and i suggest you look up other players there, averages etc.
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
***Sheffield Shield is of course a great place to start. I think people have forgot to realise I do expect these guys to have form. I also do not expect all of these guys to be played ay once, probably not more than 1. They can challenge for a spot. I have also tried to name people who haven't played much like Johnson and the like. In regards to ODIs and Twenty20 not getting you a spot - Andrew Symonds...was our best all-rounder and never quite peaked...Smith has proven himself in ODIs and Twenty20s and got a run - and is now using it. no denying if these guys had a go in the Ashes and then proceeded to flop they are out straight away.
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
This article was all to raise debate so I'm glad you guys are at least doing that...
mark
Guest
For the last time, Finch has not played a test!
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
Again, that one test was in regards to teh Ashes - my fault for not clearing that up. Finch played in either the India or South African side I'm sure so...how do you know he hasn't (that's a genuine question, not having a go)? I can see potential in Doherty and if he can get a bit more aggressive and dangerous than he could be a really good bowler. At the moment he can place his ball where he wants nd get a bit of turn, but they just don't hinder or challenge the batsmen.
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
Lol first article on the Roar...Finch has played a test... In regards to Doherty and Agar...both are not tested players, we need to stick with spinners. Now, I'm not saying any of them are Shane Warne, or even close, but it took him until the ball of the century to finally be recognised and feared. That was at least 3 years. You need to stick with spinners.
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
Mate that was in regards to the Ashes. My fault for not clearing that up. Again, all based on form. These are people that have the chance to.
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
He is like a first drop in for the big hitters, Smith, Warner etc. I agree Johnson should play in the WACA test at the very least. Like everyone though, including those here, form counts. Thing was with Finch in the tests he looked settled - then got bowled. That is not highlighting much wrong on his part, more a good ball.
Elijah Weightman
Roar Guru
I think the content of this article can be justified as the editors forgot to put a "Ha" icon next to the title. In all seriousness though, I don't think Bollinger will ever make it back to the test arena. He had a good run of form around 08-09 but the wheels fell off for him after that. I still have nightmares of Cook, Trott and Peitersen smashing his deliveries all over the Adelaide Oval. He was out of shape at the time and unfortunately for him I don't think he is in the top 20 best test bowlers in the country. He did get to dance with Katy Perry though, so he must be doing alright for himself. Doherty has had his chances, we should look for either Agar or Ahmed to sub in for Lyon should anything happens to him. On a side note, does anyone know how Jon Holland is going? Is he still injured? SuperEel22 has suggested some young batsmen who I think are a far greater chance of earning a cap than the batsman Gentleman Jack has named. If Aaron Finch has a great domestic season in the Sheffield Shield, then he comes into the selection frame. Good white ball form doesn't translate to good red ball form. Especially if the opposition is well, Scotland. Taking nothing away from Finch though, he is playing really well at the moment and hopefully Boof has him in a good frame of mind. I do agree with Jack in respect to Jackson Bird, who has now played 3 test matches. Even if he isn't taking bagfulls of wickets his accuracy ensures that he can tie up one end and force pressure. I would like to see him earn another chance in the home Ashes series but the incumbents get the first pick. Harris, Starc and Siddle all performed well and it will be good to see if the likes of Pattinson, Hilfenhaus, Johnson and Bird can put some pressure on them to retain their spots. At any rate it should be a belter of a series.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well, that was confusing. Here is the next Australian Selector
expathack
Guest
So I think everyone is agreed then, this is either a hoax or written by member of the Australian selection panel.
ChrisUK
Guest
I think you're all being very mean. It's good to see Andrew Hilditch making suggestions again. ;)
Felix
Guest
Correct you are, I forgot about his back to back efforts in Australia against the Sri-Lankan juggernaut!
Skittled
Guest
And you forgot to add Maxwell ;)
Skittled
Guest
How did this guy get to write an article when he obviously knows nothing about test cricket? The whole article was rubbish but maybe it's intent was comedic, what with Bollinger and Xavier mentioned at the end. Maybe you are a pro with hit and giggle baby cricket but leave the real cricket for the big boys to discuss. Hopefully you are just stirring us up and there is no one in the media misinformed enough to believe the above list contains genuine contenders for the starting lineup of the first test.
Hookin' YT
Guest
Finch and Doherty in Baggy Green? Wind up alert.