Steve Waugh defends David Warner, Cameron Bancroft as opening woes continue
Former Australian captain Steve Waugh has defended David Warner and Cameron Bancroft amid the two returning openers’ struggles to start the Ashes series.
It will be mate versus mate when Australia takes on Australia A at Southampton in a four-day pre-Ashes trial match starting at 8pm (AEST) tonight.
The official teams were picked by Australian assistant coaches Brad Haddin and Graeme Hick in an American-style draft model.
The teams will be known as the Hick XII and Haddin XII with current Australian captain Tim Paine to lead the Hick XII while Travis Head will skipper the Haddin XII.
All 24 players will take part and the match won’t be listed as an official first-class fixture.
It’s the final chance for players to push their case for national selection for the first Test in the Ashes against England starting on August 1.
Australia (Hick XII) vs Australia A (Haddin XII)
Dates: July 23-July 26
Time: 8pm-3am (AEST)
Venue: Ageas Bowl, Southampton
Broadcast: None
Hick XII
Joe Burns
Cameron Bancroft
Steve Smith
Peter Handcomb
Matthew Wade
Mitchell Marsh
Tim Paine (c, wk)
Michael Neser
James Pattinson
Jackson Bird
Chris Tremain
Nathan Lyon
Haddin XII
David Warner
Marcus Harris
Kurtis Patterson
Travis Head (c)
Marnus Labuschagne
Will Pucovski
Alex Carey (wk)
Pat Cummins
Mitch Starc
Peter Siddle
Josh Hazlewood
Jon Holland
Unfortunately, due to the match being a trial and in England, there are no live broadcasts of this match either on television or online through streaming.
Judging by previous Australian tours, Cricket Australia will have updates and video highlights through their website.
If you’re lucky enough to be in or near the Ageas Bowl in Southampton this is your best chance to watch the action as it happens. The county club Hampshire is hosting the match and is charging £21 for Day 1 £16 for subsequent days (approx. $28-$37 AUD). Ticket information can be found on the club’s website.
If you’re not in England, stay connected on The Roar, where we’ll be analysing each day’s play and what it means for the Ashes.
Former Australian captain Steve Waugh has defended David Warner and Cameron Bancroft amid the two returning openers’ struggles to start the Ashes series.
Can’t argue with the results though!
As I am penning this piece, Australia find themselves stranded at 4/75, with Matthew Wade trying to settle in and advance the rescue act with Steve Smith.
David Warner’s sorrowful series continues as he departed for yet another single-digit score, courtesy of a Stuart Broad special.
What a moment for the West Indian paceman!
