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The first Ashes Test is six weeks away and I though it would be a good time to put together my starting XI for the first Ashes Test at the Gabba.
1. Chris Rogers
Rodgers makes runs consistently at first-class level and is quite reliable compared to someone like Shaun Marsh or Phil Hughes at the top of the order. Rogers was one of our best batsmen in the previous Ashes series, making a combined 367 runs from nine innings at an average of 40.7.
2. Nic Maddinson
Maddinson opens the batting for New South Wales regularly, but can also play in the middle order and averages 40.5 in first-class cricket. If needed, Maddinson could be swapped with anyone or moved into the middle order.
3. Shane Watson
Although I dislike Watson a lot, his 143 off 107 balls in the 5th Ashes Test at Southampton definitely gets him into the team.
Watson’s body language on the field suggests that he doesn’t want to be there. If he can change this, and put in a few good performances when they are actually needed, Watson should keep his spot in the team.
4. Michael Clarke (C)
It could be Clarke’s last Ashes series, as he suffers from a chronic back problem. When he is up and about, there is no doubt Clarke is almost the best batsman in the world.
5. Steve Smith (co-Vice-Captain)
His 138* in the 5th Ashes Test definitely gets him a spot in the team.
I have given Smith the role of Vice-Captain to help develop into our new captain once Clarke and Brad Haddin retire. Both of those two could show Smith the ropes of being the captain during the series.
6. Phil Hughes
Hughes is lucky to make it into my XI as I think he dangles the bat too often and doesn’t follow through with his shots enough. Hughes only just scrapes through thanks to some decent performances in the previous Ashes Series.
7. Brad Haddin (WK) (co-Vice-Captain)
Although I’d much prefer to see Tim Paine or Matthew Wade donning the gloves, Haddin has been in great touch and took a few spectacular catches in the previous Ashes Series.
Although his batting can let him down sometimes, when he is on a roll, no one can stop him.
8. James Faulkner
Faulkner featured in the last Ashes Test match and picked up figures of 4 for 51 and 2 for 47. Although he may not have the pace of someone like Mitchell Johnson or Jackson Bird, he definitely has a few variation balls that deceive batsman a lot.
9. Mitchell Starc
Starc is a pretty handy bowler and, if fully fit, is able to unleash deadly inswinging yorkers. Starc is also good to watch when he bats; he had famously made 99 against India.
10. Ryan Harris
No doubt our best bowler in the previous Ashes Series, and has a great record against England in Australia. When he is fully fit, he bowls a beautiful line and length.
11. Nathan Lyon
When given a chance in the team, Lyon delivers, and has become quite a reliable bowler. I was watching him during the Ryobi Cup and he was spinning the ball past the bat beautifully!
12th Man. Ashton Agar
Made a ridiculous debut but was never able to reproduce it. The only reason he’s 12th man is to give all us Aussie’s something to cheer about if its all doom and gloom.
Special Mentions
James Pattinson – Pretty much ruled himself out of the first and second Tests, but could come in later and have an impact.
Usman Khawaja – Needs to go back to Shield level and produce some strong performances before he can be picked in the side.
Ed Cowan – Not sure he will ever play for Australia again! Was a bit unreliable as an opening batsman.
Mitchell Johnson – Johnson is a player who performs at some grounds but not at others. He must be picked at Perth but everywhere else is 50/50. Could be swapped with Faulkner as a bowling all-rounder.
So what do you think? Have your say in the comments below.
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