The lead up to the Ashes has been a little underwhelming so far for me. The stupid tour to India arranged at the last minute has not helped either. I guess other than the Stokes incident there has been little Ashes coverage. Perhaps this is Warner pushed by CA trying to inject a bit of urgency into the marketing?
From the Australia perspective there have been some interesting comments from M Waugh and positions 6 and 7 for Australia. Paine has been mentioned as keeper which i would be happy to see. There is a slight problem though, and that is that Wade has moved to Tasmania, and will probably take Paines Shield spot.
I can not see how Australia can start this Ashes series with Wade, whos keeping has improved a lot, but whos ability to make runs seems to have deserted him. Back to Neville?
Waugh also mentioned Stonis for the number 6 position. The way it is looking at present it seems to be a 3 way fight between Maxwell, Cartwright and now Stonis. The last test at Chittagong was basically a shoot out between Glen and Hilton for the number 6 spot, and neither made a compelling case for selection at the gabba. Personally I think Head is also in the mix, being one of Australias most consitant one day players of late. But in that view I am in a minority of 1.
Australis other big problem at present is at the top of the order. Renshaw looks one for the future, but recently has not put the scores on the board. His position is in question and there is talk of Finch getting a test cap. Will be interesting to see how he does in Brisbane. Usman will bat at three and should have no problems making runs as he is back in Australia. unless the Sub Continent tour has left some lasting scars. Already scoring heavily in Australia, he will start in Brisbane, and Smith will bat 4 and Handscomb in at 5. At home i think Warner, Usman, Smith and Handscomb positions are all certain picks for the first few tests.
Bowling wise Australia has plenty of options, and can even cover a few injuries and still have a formidable line up. Starc, Hazelwood and Cummings will be the quicks in Brisbane. Siddle has returned from injury, Bird is still their usually carrying the drinks, and maybe Behrendorff might well get the opportunity to carry the drinks as well. Lyon has silenced all of his crictics now (even shanky), and now there is no credible alternative any way. Keefe has burnt his bridges and was not as good anyway, Zampa is a long way from test class at present and Agar though handy with the bat is not even close to Lyon yet. Of all of Australias bowlers, Lyon is now the hardest to replace. Funny what a winter in the sub continent can do for a player.
Well thats my thoughts anyway.