- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Australia are about to begin a Test cricket schedule which will see them taking on Pakistan in the UAE, a home series against India, and finally the quest to retain the urn in the Old Dart.
Last time Australia met Pakistan it was on English soil, and a hard-fought 1-1 series played out.
This will be a far greater task on the turning UAE decks and Michael Clarke’s men will need some strong performances if they are to reclaim the number one test ranking back from South Africa.
The recent Australia A fixtures have provided cricket fans with a glimpse into the minds of the selectors.
The batting line up, while performing well individually over the past 12 months, still needs some rejigging in order to combat the greener English decks.
Chris Rogers will be 38 by the end of next year’s Ashes tour, so unless he has a bumper summer suitors will be lining up to take his spot. The heir apparent appears to be Alex Doolan, who batted well opening for Australia A, has a watertight technique and calm nature, which would serve him well against the swinging Duke ball.
Shane Watson for me either bats at three or is out of the side. The caveat here is that he needs to make runs, and his bowling if available is an added bonus. At 33 a critical summer awaits and he must convert starts into big scores, otherwise the likes of Jordan Silk, Glenn Maxwell or Peter Forrest could end his Test career.
Phil Hughes made a bucket of runs for Australia A, but he needs a full season of shield cricket before he can be trusted in the baggy green again.
Clarke and Steve Smith at four and five are no brainers, and they are the likely captain and vice-captain.
The number six position however is up for debate. James Faulkner made 94 batting five for Australia A recently, clearly a directive of the selectors that he be pushed up the order to see if his batting is top-order quality. Don’t be surprised to see him batting four or five for Tasmania throughout the shield season.
Faulkner is not just a T20 slogger either, as he plays both sides of the wicket well and could potentially fill the all-rounder role for years to come. For me he bats six and if he is successful will heap pressure on Watson.
Brad Haddin has been a magnificent servant to Australian cricket but he’s turning 37 in three months. A tour of the UAE followed by the Australian summer will likely see him out.
The bowling stays largely unchanged from the last Test, except that Ryan Harris may struggle to continue with the knees of a man twice his age. I have put a line through him for the Ashes. I hope he proves me wrong.
Mitchell Johnson and James Pattinson will send down the 145 kilometre rockets, Peter Siddle will keep it tight, and Nathan Lyon will continue to improve and learn in his role as Australia’s spinner.
| Last Test vs South Africa March 2014 | Ronan O’Connell’s side vs England July 2015 (selected Dec 2013) | My Australian side vs England July 2015 |
| Chris Rogers | Jordan Silk | Alex Doolan |
| David Warner | David Warner | David Warner |
| Alex Doolan | Alex Doolan | Shane Watson |
| Michael Clarke | Michael Clarke | Michael Clarke |
| Steve Smith | Steve Smith | Steve Smith |
| Shane Watson | Chris Lynn | James Faulkner |
| Brad Haddin | Tim Paine | Sam Whiteman |
| Mitchell Johnson | Mitchell Johnson | Mitchell Johnson |
| Ryan Harris | Peter Siddle | Peter Siddle |
| James Pattinson | James Pattinson | James Pattinson |
| Nathan Lyon | Nathan Lyon | Nathan Lyon |
Tim Paine is my back-up keeper, while the fast bowling cartel would be supported by Mitchell Starc as another tearaway quick, Ben Cutting to provide a consistent line, and Chadd Sayers.
On the batting front Mitch Marsh covers as an all-rounder and potential number six, while Nic Maddinson could be a smoky as the reserve batsman should he get runs early. But this spot is wide open, particularly if Glenn Maxwell’s county form translates into big shield runs.
Finally the reserve spinner should be a young kid who has some solid figures rather than a hopeful punt, as Ashton Agar was. The two young leggies Cameron Boyce and James Muirhead will be fighting for this final tour spot.
The first side is sorted, and boy does it look strong. Only 12 months away – bring on the Poms!
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.