Re: The Ashes - First Test @ Trent Bridge
Reply #18 –
Possible line up;
Shane Watson
Chris Rogers
Phil Hughes
Michael Clarke
David Warner
Steve Smith
Brad Haddin
Mitchell Starc
Peter Siddle
James Pattinson
Nathan Lyon
12th Man: Jackson Bird
Siddle under pressure to perform or else Harris or Bird will take his place.
Bird has done well there thus far but I think Siddle will keep his spot. Runs are gold at this venue so playing the extra bat makes sense. They may be tempted to go with Faulkner as who gives them another left armer who's been accurate but can also bat. Warner hasn't played any lead up games and wasn't in good form to begin with.
It certainly not easy to select this team. Warner doesn't really deserve selection, but IMO, he's a better option than Cowan. Khawaja just misses out. Again.
I really like James Faulkner. But for the 1st Test, I reckon they'll be inclined to pick Starc because he has a few tests under his belt. His batting has improved dramatically and hopefully he can bowl a few ripping spells. His only drawback is that he is prone to Mitchell Johnson type eraticism
Just too many Lefties to pay Khawaja as well, can't afford to play into Swanns hands too much. One of either Warner or Cowen will have to miss as well......when can we get some right handers back in the frame for Test selection ? It's not like this current crop of cack handers are Langer, Hayden or Hussey either.
Smith showed enough in India to warrant selection & much as I am fearful about picking Hughes.....if you pick blokes on scoring runs in the lead up games, then he has to be selected. Maybe suit him more batting at 5.
We will see very soon.