The Ashes; Second Test, Lord's, July 16-20

[yuppie]

Aussies suffering from a lack of preparation and planning perhaps?

Dropping Twatto, and finding an excuse to get rid of BraHadjelina.

Aussies had better win at Lords or they'll be heading back home at the end of the summer with their tails between their legs, wondering where their easy rollover ashes went, and wondering where the replacements for half their team are coming from, and wondering who will be replacing Super Boof.

Even if Australia win the ashes, they will still need to find a whole new batting line up.

[GarlicJam]

......... and finding an excuse to get rid of BraHadjelina...........

A comment most unbecoming of you, DF. (imo)



It (the tour so far) does seem to be a role-reversal of last year's tour down under - so far, but it is still early days. Remember that Aus (easily) won the first test in '05.

Even if it does go tits-up for Aus, Super Boof has plenty of goodwill banked to keep the media wolves from the door for a while yet. A bad home series against NZ might start ot push the friendship though.

[sussexpob]

Even if Australia win the ashes, they will still need to find a whole new batting line up.

I see a protracted lean period for Australia moving on from this series. The only people in this batting line up I see surviving the next 12-24 months is Smith and Warner. The worrying thing for Australia is, in a batting sense they haven't found many players to come in recently. Turning to Voges I think proves the desperation in the batting stocks, as if there was a half decent player 10 years younger he would have played in the Windies. I mean its surprising that Watson has stuck around that long, but then he being replaced by a guy who's FC average was only tipped over 30 by playing two tour teams in Division 2 of the county championship, largely against B team attacks. A guy with one 50 in 8 test innings. Watson is proof of the faith in others, because had they felt anyone was suitable, his career would have ended 2-3 years ago. In fact, it was the lack of opening options for Australia that arguably made him a test player anyway.

Going back 5 years since Steve Smith's debut, who took 3 years to justify his place himself, Usman Khawaja failed, Shaun Marsh failed, Ed Cowan failed.... Wade, Quiney, Maxwell, Henriques,Bailey, Doolan, Burns...... 10 players and only Dave Warner to show for it. Voges and M.Marsh still have things to prove, so you cant judge them yet.

I still cant get over the fact Australia just capped a bloke who turns 36 very soon. If Smith isn't the best batsman in the world still in 4 years, Australia could be in a really bad place.

[sussexpob]

I guess to Australia's benefit they do have bowling stocks that are better then anywhere else, but they need those bowling stocks to stay fit. Cummins, for instance, never seems to be fit more than a day or two between injuries.

[hopeforthebest]

I see Stokes has been let loose. Apparently after one win it's revenge for 2013-14. When you become a sporting icon do you become an idiot, or is it a birth defect in his case.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Isn't it that Australian cricket was being scrutinised from the bottom upwards four years ago, but they made a few changes and turned it around. There are a few bats that have been around for a few years that will get a chance. Maddinson, Burns, Lynn etc. Pretty sure Stands has a wonderkid on the go. Khawaja may return.

Unless they go for Cameron White!

[hopeforthebest]

It's the Oz bowlers who are principally responsible for their success, the batting has always been fragile. If England continue to bowl with the same discipline as they showed at Cardiff the ashes should return to England.

[sussexpob]

Isn't it that Australian cricket was being scrutinised from the bottom upwards four years ago, but they made a few changes and turned it around. There are a few bats that have been around for a few years that will get a chance. Maddinson, Burns, Lynn etc. Pretty sure Stands has a wonderkid on the go. Khawaja may return.

Unless they go for Cameron White!

Khawaja is not a test player, weakness in technique and mindset. Burns is already on the "been dropped, not good enough" list too..... pretty sure Maddinson has hinted that his future lies in T20 specialist roles. Chris Lynn has an exceptional FC record, cant see why he isn't in the team now instead of Voges.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Given the situation Braddin is in, I suppose another keeper might be called up.

I forgot about Burns playing. Didn't he get a ton?

[Arthur Crabtree]

No but two fifties in four innings.

[sussexpob]

No but two fifties in four innings.

50's didn't mean much, the first he was coming in at 450-500ish for 4 on a flat pitch, a tired attack waiting for a declaration, and a bowling attack that was poor at its best. The second was a T20 innings with Australia slogging to set a declaration.

On a decent bowlers pitch in the first test he failed twice.

Not saying that his dropping wasn't extremely harsh mind, but the selectors obviously didn't like what they saw.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Matt Wade maybe for keeper if Haddin drops out.

[sussexpob]

Oh... and of course

Burns has been outclassed at Middlesex this year.... no hundred in 10 matches. Average in the 20's

[Aidan11]

Have I heard right that Mitch M could be in for Watto tomorrow?

[yorker_129-7]

Is this the price you pay for having a stronger franchise T20 competition as people who I don't agree with want to introduce in England? All the players want to play T20 instead of test cricket? India seem to have a similar issue. The West Indies could be an interesting one to keep an eye on in that case.