How will Australia fare in the 2015 Ashes? While Australia’s dominant home Ashes series is fresh in our memory, there are a number of questions coming into Test cricket’s biggest rivalry.
What will be the talking points? Which youngsters will make a mark in the domestic competition? Who will be wearing the baggy green come this time next year?
In the last four or five years, there has been a big turnover of fast bowlers for Australia. Come the 2015 Boxing Day Test match, our current best bowlers in Mitch Johnson and Ryan Harris will be on the worst side of 34.
Therefore, the opportunities will be there for a young quick who’s bowling well at the time.
How far will captain courageous last, considering his recent issues with injury? I suspect like Brad Haddin, Clarke may be looking for one more crack against the Poms in an Ashes series. That means 2015 will be his final shot.
The next 12 months of Australian cricket will most certainly be an intriguing time for the Test team. With plenty of cricket to be played, I will take a look into my crystal ball and name the team I think will be walking out onto the hallowed turf that is the MCG for the 2015 Boxing Day Test.
1. David Warner (NSW)
2. Shaun Marsh (WA)
3. Steve Smith (NSW)
4. Michael Clarke (NSW, captain)
5. Joe Burns (Queensland)
6. Mitch Marsh (WA)
7. Sam Whiteman (WA)
8. James Pattinson (Vic)
9. Patrick Cummins (NSW)
10. Nathan Lyon (NSW)
11. Jason Behrendorff (WA)
12th man Ashton Turner (WA)
Brad C
Guest
I believe you are all wrong. Clark will not be captain and won't make the side he's stuffed. We all know he'll come back too early and injure himself again. Smith captain with a team that is fairly close to the one playing today is my prediction. Look Rogers will still be in the side why? Because he loves English conditions and will have a good series over there. Cowan the ther opener. Warner at three. Smith at four. S Marsh at 5. Watson moves down order to 6 and is now regarded as an all rounder (his bowling is presently keeping him in the team) Haddin still there (needed as senior player) and vice captain. Followed by Johnson, Harris, Lyon and Hazelwood. M Marsh 12th man.
The Bush
Roar Guru
Very likely and in fact a potentially very strong line up. I'm very keen to see how M Marsh and Burns progress over the next 12 months assuming S Marsh doesn't keep burns outta the side and Watto does move on/get moved on.
Robbo
Guest
"Crystal meth".ha ha...very good
jammel
Guest
Good side Jamesb. Looks solid - and it's realistic too (i.e. might actually eventuate). My dream XI would be: Warner Cowan Burns Smith Clarke Khawaja Nevill Johnson Cummins Harris Lyon
Shaw
Roar Rookie
Was that inspired by your Crystal ball or crystal meth? Insert Johnson, Faulkner and Cowan, cull marsh, brendorff and Cummins.
Matth
Guest
I wouldn't be surprised if Faulkner somehow gets himself in there. Just not sure how. He definitely has stepped up every time he's had the opportunity so far.
jamesb
Guest
Actually when you look at the current boxing day team, there is no Victorian born players. Anyway, here is a possible boxing day team in 12 months time: D.Warner E.Cowan J.Burns S.Smith M.Clarke M.Marsh P.Nevill M.Johnson J.Pattinson J.Hazelwood N..Lyon You would think that Rogers, Haddin and Harris are done, while Watson will be replaced by the younger M.Marsh.
Sideline Comm.
Guest
Johnson will still be there, and Hazlewood looks good. Shaun Marsh an opener? Whiteman is in terrible form. Warner Cowan (might be wishful, he's a bit old) Smith (VC) Clarke (C) Burns M.Marsh Nevill Johnson Pattinson Lyon Hazlewood. I say Cowan because he is the standout opener with Burns in the Middle order. Another option is Ryan Carters. He is a young right-hand batmen with a low strike rate, a good foil for Warner. His average is possibly a little scant at the moment, but he has been good over the last 2 years since he stopped 'keeping. Silk gets talked about, but he's not there yet. One other option would be promoting Burns to opener, and selecting another middle-order batsman.
jameswm
Guest
And who's to say Rhino won't be fit. Oh - and Shaun Marsh opening takes the cake I think.
jameswm
Guest
The current team is NSW & WA only - well, it was last test before Harris and Burns came in. Johnson, the Marshes and Rogers from WA, and Warner, Watson, Smith, Haddin, Hazey, Starc and Lyon from NSW. Apologies - Rogers now Vic, though he spent 10 years playing for WA. And Sydney born...
Max
Guest
Josh Hazelwood an Mitchell Johnson will be Australia's 2 best bowlers. Can't believe you don't have Hazelwood in the side!!!!
punter
Guest
Mitchell Johnson!!!!!
Rob JM
Guest
I think you left some West Australians out of the side!