Counting down to the back-to-back Ashes series in 2013/14

[from_the_stands]

F-T-S i am not sure what comments you refer to when you suggest KP might walk away from the game

I don't see him walking away from the game anytime soon, but I could see him retiring from Test cricket before he does away with the short stuff. We've even had a thread on here where we've speculated as to when his last Test series will be. It might possibly be that he actually retires after the Ashes, along with half the England side, especially if they win. I guess suggesting that he might retire before the Ashes is wishful thinking on my part... but I'm still hopeful!

[OffStumpYorker]

F_T_S,I really dont think half the englands side will retire after the next ashes, the only one I can see doing so is strauss, and may be swann who will be 36/7 and 34/5 respectively, all the others at the moment are going to be 32-34 with KP being the 'old' man of the bunch.

So I expect this side to be together for pretty much the next 5-6 years, possibly even going as far as the 2017 Ashes.

[from_the_stands]

... but I'm still hopeful...

[OffStumpYorker]

... but I'm still hopeful...

LOL, yeah, knowing Australias luck they will still be wheeling out punter and hussey and recalled Katich (We can only hope!!).

[englandmad666]

Im still hopeful phil hughes is around then

Its to hard to say what will happen in two years but id love another away series like the one we had last australian summer, the best cricket of my life

[Arthur Crabtree]

I seem to recall Strauss at least implying that Trott will take the next available openers spot. That means, if Morgan hangs around, the next generation (or Bopara) is looking at one likely spot in the middle order.

I'd hope that this develops tough players, who have been improved by the fight to get in the team in the first place.

The one big if, is the year of touring in Asia. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India. Three away tours which will be an entirely new test of their skills. Conceivably, that could put pressure on places. Note how well Patel did with the bat in the ODIs vs the spinners. That will carry some weight (pun present), and he'll at least tour in SL/Pak.

As for Australia, there is room for hope. But I'm not going to make too much of wins against NZ. A decent team might have taken Starc apart in Brisbane.They looked pretty flaky in SA. But a home win v India will mean something.

It's unlikely that Australia will complete back to back whitewashes. That's my starting position.

I think England will do ok in Asia. Not saying they'll win these series, but they'll be competent and take some beating.

[from_the_stands]

One issue that will definately have to be addressed as far as the Aussies are concerned before the next Ashes is the problem with batting collapses. We lost the 2009 Ashes as a direct result of two collapses, and since then, the problem seems to have gotten worse. To be bundled out for 136 at home against the Kiwis should almost be triggering another inquiry! One solution, which has already been previously been suggested is the removal of Justin Langer as batting coach. I wouldn't have a problem to see Punter pack up his kit for the last time and to move into Langer's role.

[PardonWonTheCup]

One issue that will definately have to be addressed as far as the Aussies are concerned before the next Ashes is the problem with batting collapses. We lost the 2009 Ashes as a direct result of two collapses, and since then, the problem seems to have gotten worse. To be bundled out for 136 at home against the Kiwis should almost be triggering another inquiry! One solution, which has already been previously been suggested is the removal of Justin Langer as batting coach. I wouldn't have a problem to see Punter pack up his kit for the last time and to move into Langer's role.

Kiwis bowled well and our batsmen are lemmings. That is established.

I've somehow climbed beyond being thoroughly pissed off at them (I put that down to the first innings at the MCG over summer, that was a mental Rubicon for me) and there is a part of me that enjoys them for the blood sport they are.

There is something admirable about the inevitable brain fart from Haddin.

[from_the_stands]

A new member for the Oz top 6 come Ashes time; http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/player/505110.html

Just have a look at that average!

[dan08]

A new member for the Oz top 6 come Ashes time; http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/player/505110.html

Just have a look at that average!

Bradman-esque!

He's only 18 and has done well in his recent matches. If he continues that form then who knows...

[from_the_stands]

A new member for the Oz top 6 come Ashes time; http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/player/505110.html

Just have a look at that average!

Bradman-esque!

He's only 18 and has done well in his recent matches. If he continues that form then who knows...

Here's the write up from the telegraph, which I totally missed at the time.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/8919595/Blues-batsman-Kurtis-Patterson-becomes-youngest-batsman-to-score-a-first-class-century-at-SCG.html

[OffStumpYorker]

A bit Early to start bigging the kid up, great that he scored a big ton on debut, but that means jack once the bowlers union has had a chance to work him out, just like they have with so many others (Hick, Hughes, Ramprakash, to name a few).

[from_the_stands]

A bit Early to start bigging the kid up, great that he scored a big ton on debut, but that means jack once the bowlers union has had a chance to work him out, just like they have with so many others (Hick, Hughes, Ramprakash, to name a few).

Future captain of Australia!

[dan08]

I think it's stupid to have two Ashes series back to back.

They should have scheduled it as: Australia 2010/11, England 2012, Australia 2013/14.

The Ashes is the best Test series in the world but it just won't feel as special because the winner of the 2013 Ashes in England will only have it for 3 months before the next Ashes starts!

[andy]

I think it's stupid to have two Ashes series back to back.

They should have scheduled it as: Australia 2010/11, England 2012, Australia 2013/14.

The Ashes is the best Test series in the world but it just won't feel as special because the winner of the 2013 Ashes in England will only have it for 3 months before the next Ashes starts!

i completely agree. ridiclous planning by the two boards.