The Ashes; First Test, Cardiff, July 8-12

[Arthur Crabtree]

He's 36 though, so a good age to debut for Australia.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Hogan, then.

[captaincolly]

He's 36 though, so a good age to debut for Australia.

Dad's Army!

[Arthur Crabtree]

(Brad) Hodge(s) i the best I can do. But he doesn't bowl. And he wasn't in the Home Guard.

[The Waugh Twins]

Malcolm Marshall took a 6-fer against England with his arm in a sling, so I wouldn't write Mitch2 off.

Rest in peace.

[The Waugh Twins]

Perhaps my favourite bowler of all time.

[sussexpob]

Magoffin?

Bird?

Don't think there's a realistic chance the Duke will get the call but is Magoffin still eligible? Don't think he plays domestic cricket in Australia so even if he is available got selection he's probably down the pecking order.

Mago is registered as an overseas player, so there is no technical reason that bars his selection, and clearly the bloke would be in the squad if he was younger. While it would leave Sussex with essentially a whole 2nd string attack, I dont think you will find many Martlet fans begrudging him a baggy green or the club doing anything but push him out the door if a serious call up was considered. Bloke deserves to be a test cap, and has been a tremendous servant to Sussex.....

I wish I could say the same of the last Aussie we recruited.....

[Arthur Crabtree]

Ryano? Everyone loves him!

[Alviro Patterson]

Ryano? Everyone loves him!

The best overseas player never to have played for Yorkshire

[Alviro Patterson]

Yep if Starc can't bowl tomorrow it won't be a huge blow, but if he can't bowl in the second innings it will be tough.

Australia's best option is to clearly bat on and on if they are able to and perhaps get themselves in a position where they can't lose and hope for some fine bowling from the ever amazing Watson.

Forecast for rain at the 'diff on Sunday

[sussexpob]

Ryano? Everyone loves him!

The best overseas player never to have played for Yorkshire

Did he lie about his passport under oath when he signed for you too?

[bigfluffylemon]

This script is becoming worryingly familiar. England go 3 down early on, Bell goes cheaply, and it's left to the middle order to rescue England.

Fortunately, at least the middle order are rescuing England, rather than slumping to an embarrassingly low all out. Root is just a run machine at the moment. Long may it continue.

Bell can't buy a run at the moment. He needs a score, soon. There aren't too many players in county cricket banging on the door for his place, but the longer he goes without a significant contribution, the more the call will go out for a certain Kevin somebody...

[captaincolly]

This script is becoming worryingly familiar. England go 3 down early on, Bell goes cheaply, and it's left to the middle order to rescue England.

Fortunately, at least the middle order are rescuing England, rather than slumping to an embarrassingly low all out. Root is just a run machine at the moment. Long may it continue.

Bell can't buy a run at the moment. He needs a score, soon. There aren't too many players in county cricket banging on the door for his place, but the longer he goes without a significant contribution, the more the call will go out for a certain Kevin somebody...

Jonny Bairstow making a case for selection.

[Arthur Crabtree]

And Hales and Taylor.

None of the options thrill me. KP is a better option. But you might as well say Wally Hammond is a better option.

[Alviro Patterson]

*cough* Jack Leaning *cough*