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.
Matt Tomlinson
Roar Rookie
Love replying to your articles Max just one flaw in your reply Ager but at 11 and you put Maddison at 2 opening would be hard for a young debutant and Warner could get better I would rather have him in at number two and Maddison at number 7 and Haddin at number 6 and of course Hughes the snick can play 12th man and when needed play in the slips just because he knows how to play their as he hits it there A LOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
Bearfax
Guest
Hmmm. I'm not a fan of Klinger or Bailey. Neither have done anything in first class cricket in the past 2 years to justify their inclusion and both have mid 30s averages. I'm a stromg believer you should stick with your future Rogers (because he is the best opener in the country at present) Hughes (because of his potential and he seems to be starting to show he values his wicket more) Watson (because of his batting experience and excellent back up bowling) Clarke (Because he's Clarke) Smith (Young, Values his wicket. A player on the rise and a second string spin bowler) Khawaja (Because of potential and I get the feeling he's about to show us what he's capable of) Haddin (for experience only. A fill in until one of the young bucks finally cements the spot) Siddle (Because he will bowl all day and has spirit) Harris (because he's the best fast bowler available at present) Lyon (because he deserves to be No 1 spinner) Cutting or Bird (because both are young and strong and wicket takers. Very different styles but equally effective) Back up batsman Maddison, because I think he's a future star test player. I also wouldnt forget Warner. He's a potential match winner. His head is in the wrong place at present and needs time to work on attitude and valuing his wicket.
Aakash bhat
Guest
http://www.theroar.com.au/2013/10/10/what-should-the-australian-playing-xi-look-like-for-the-first-ashes-test/ open this link.this is a genius article.a must read. Enjoy and comment!
Aakash bhat
Guest
Hahaha and we can invite gatting too.he looks highly motivated when its time to eat too!
Bearfax
Guest
Highly motivated when its time to eat though. I could invite you for dinner and we could discuss what part of you we will dine on.
Aakash bhat
Guest
Well Bears are lazy all the time
Bearfax
Guest
Only when I'm lazy
Aakash bhat
Guest
You do it on purpose?
Bearfax
Guest
Please excuse my spelling Aakash. I also spell Knife with an 'n'. Have the same problem with Cowan...or is it Cowen
Aakash bhat
Guest
Its pattinson mate@bearfax
Aakash bhat
Guest
I nominate this team for being the worst team that can be picked for the ist test!
Bearfax
Guest
Now I would have had Starc in my test team if he had been available. He and Patterson were the only two fast bowlers regularly taking wickets for Australia last summer. Hopefully Harris will do Patterson's job and Siddle maintains his steadiness
Timmuh
Roar Guru
Cutting ahead of Starc, fine, but not based on batting, not based on one match, and not based on limited overs performances. It has to be based on the combination that can take 20 wickets the cheapest.
TonyM
Guest
Good article Max.The only change I would make is replace Starc with Cutting.If you saw the 98 of 48 halls he put on today and the 2 wickets he took in the One day clash against Victoria,you would think the selectors would have to find a place in the team for him.
Max Willis
Roar Pro
Warner has had a terrible run of form, and an Ashes debut isn't that daunting (Look at Ashton Agar!) compared to a debut in India, (A debut is a debut). I think Maddinson could handle any pressure that is put on him. As for Haddin, he is in pretty good form so their is no need to drop him yet, but, if his form drops off later in the series, i can see Wade coming in! Faulkner is an interesting one, he can bat, so that is quite handy, and he can also be good with the ball! Thanks for the feedback Matty
Matt Tomlinson
Roar Rookie
A few players that u have said would never made my team including Phil Hughes and Maddison would be my 12th man having a debut in the ashes wold be daunting expecially as an opener and where is Warner and Brad as a co vice no way and Wade is my keeper though he does need more time and Fualkner is not in my line up but otherwise I say it is another great article :)
Max Willis
Roar Pro
Yeah sure, have a crack!
ChrisUK
Guest
You're still a Scot though Steven. Some things cannot be forgiven....
DT
Guest
5th test was at the oval Maxy (I sat through a days rain when i should have stayed in Ibiza) - and think watson got 187?-but nonetheless gets him picked in the next test. Personally I think they'll go for Rogers, Warner, Watson, Hughes, Clarke, Smith, Haddin, Harris, Siddle, Pattinson (or Bird if injured) and Lyon. Good stuff from you young buck!
Sean Mortell
Roar Guru
Is it ok if I try doing a squad for the test myself too?