The fact that he's not in the A squad is really inconsequential because it's only for players not in the ODI team. Not saying Sayers isn't ahead of him but I don't think the A squad is really a pointer to that.MJ isn't even in the A squad (but he will probably be in the champions trophy team at the time) so I would say Chadd Sayers is ahead of him in the que
What is the state of play over Cummins?The fact that he's not in the A squad is really inconsequential because it's only for players not in the ODI team. Not saying Sayers isn't ahead of him but I don't think the A squad is really a pointer to that.
If that means batting Haddin @ 6 I strongly dislike that idea.The Ashes 2013 : Faulkner prepared for extra batting responsibility | Cricket News | Australia in England - The Ashes | ESPN Cricinfo
Faulkner certainly seems to have a good technique and his temperament seems OK too, I'd love to see him succeed at 7 which allows us to play 4 frontline seamers along with a spinner.
I've got more beef with the idea of Faulkner batting 7 itself than Haddin at 6.If that means batting Haddin @ 6 I strongly dislike that idea.
Pretty sure Hilf is injured.like i said before, I don't get the point of Faulkner's selection. McDonald, Agar or Hilf would have made more sense. Faulkner batting @ 7 in an attack with 5 bowlers does not make sense
I don't think Lyon is far ahead of anyone, although his international stats are decent and he plays well against non sub-continent teams he didn't make an impact at FC level last season at all. I think both Agar and O'Keeffe are really close to him, and Ahmed has the potential to be much more dangerous. Our spin bowling stocks aren't as bare as everyone says, our selectors simply got it horribly wrong in India and Agar/Ahmed are a little lacking in experience.Faulkner there as the 2nd left armer. You know you have to play a left armer for variety, when Strac gets injured.
I think non selection of a 2nd spinner was good and bold move. Basically stating no one is good enough outside Ahmed. But they miss a trick when they selected a 2nd all rounder for the sake it. When none have been good enough with both bat and bowl. I say Faulkner not far off with the ball..
Surely the fact that we have to rush Ahmed's citizenship process speaks volumes about how bare our spin stocks really are.I don't think Lyon is far ahead of anyone, although his international stats are decent and he plays well against non sub-continent teams he didn't make an impact at FC level last season at all. I think both Agar and O'Keeffe are really close to him, and Ahmed has the potential to be much more dangerous. Our spin bowling stocks aren't as bare as everyone says, our selectors simply got it horribly wrong in India and Agar/Ahmed are a little lacking in experience.
That discussion will come once the side is selected for the NZ series.Lots of discussion about Oz but not much about England yet
Anyway, some good and some bad for them
The good is that Tremlett and Bresnan are back playing
Whilst I dont really rate Bresnan, Tremlett is IMO the second best English pace bowler when fit so this will come as a huge boost
Bad is that KP is out of the CT and there must be question marks as to whether he will be ready for the first test
His absence/lack of match fitness could cause big problems as the potential replacements arent a patch on him at this stage
I don't think Lyon that far ahead of rest, personally would have O'Keefe ahead of him. But the spinners are a long way behind the Aussie quicks. It really just a case of one spinner or none.I don't think Lyon is far ahead of anyone, although his international stats are decent and he plays well against non sub-continent teams he didn't make an impact at FC level last season at all. I think both Agar and O'Keeffe are really close to him, and Ahmed has the potential to be much more dangerous. Our spin bowling stocks aren't as bare as everyone says, our selectors simply got it horribly wrong in India and Agar/Ahmed are a little lacking in experience.
I think it actually speaks volumes of how good Ahmed is, and yes I agree that Agar shouldn't be playing tests, he needs 2 more domestic seasons I fancy.Surely the fact that we have to rush Ahmed's citizenship process speaks volumes about how bare our spin stocks really are.
And Agar should not play a Test yet. No way.