The 2010 Ashes is a much anticipated contest with the media giving large amount of coverage to the happenings off the field.The English are a much improved team and are probably have their best team visiting since Gattings men in 1987.The fact that Pontings men have been defeated in 2005 and 2008 England tour is something which has rankled the Aussies and there is Hugh pressure on the team to deliver. It has not helped that they have lost the last 3 test test matches, not to mention the T20’s and one days series against Srilanka
Australia have named a 17 man squad some thing which they have not done before as my memory serves. They normally name a 13 man squad on home tours and even for the away tour of England they have a select a squad of 16.
The pre Australia squad: Simon Katich, Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Marcus North, Usman Khawaja, Callum Ferguson, Brad Haddin(wk), Steven Smith, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Xavier Doherty, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Doug Bollinger.
Katich, Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey are all 35 and history shows that the selectors dont have much patience for "old men"( eg Ian Healy, David Boon).While Callum Ferguson and Usman Khawaja are the heirs apparent for the batting slots following their impressive performances in last two seasons.Brad Haddin is making a comeback from injury so is Doug Bollinger, Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris.The selectors have not shown confidence in Nathan Haurtiz with Xavier Dogerty added to the squad but "haury" is expected to keep his place in the playing 11.
There was a lot of criticism about the squad been named ten days in advance with 3 more Shefield matches to go. I guess CA had marketing commitments to oblige hence played it safe with naming 17 in the squad.
I think Australia will retain the same playing 11 which played India provided they are fit.Injured squad members: Michael Clarke(back), Simon Katich(thumb), Doug Bollinger(stomach strain) and Ryan Harris(knee)are confident they would be fully fit for the first Test on November 25.In the batting dept the openers watson and Katich are safe while Hussey and North are under tremendous pressure, A failure in the first couple of matches could mean end of road for Mr Cricket whose average in the last three years in 33.57 bringing down his overall to 49.75 from his bradmansque average of seventies.Michel Johnson has been inconsistent form but will partner the new ball with Ben Hilfenhaus.The third seamers slot would be between Bollinger, Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris and Dougie is expected to make the cut based on his current form.
Since the pitch at the Gabba assists quickies there is a temptation to include 4 seamers, but the selectors have wisely refrained from doing so as variation is important plus with Watson been handy with the ball that area is covered.
The Pommies had a good outing in the two warm ups they had with all their players getting a decent run look to maintain the pressure on the aussies.
but do not discount the aussies who have a formidable reputation at home and 100% record in Brisbane.
My predication is Australia 2-1:) May the best team win.
Regards,
Rajiv