Predict Australia's 17 man squad for the first test in Australia

[Hooksey]

We can tangle ourselves up in semantics or talk cricket. I prefer the latter.

I think Shane Watson will bat at number 3 at the Gabba, and after that, like most others, his position will be reassessed.

 

[Tangles]

The more interesting discussion is on who will be the 6th batter, the batting cover and how many all rounders in the squad. Hopefully they don't draft Maxwell into the squad if Watson and Faulkner are in it.

 

[Hooksey]

The more interesting discussion is on who will be the 6th batter, the batting cover and how many all rounders in the squad. Hopefully they don't draft Maxwell into the squad if Watson and Faulkner are in it.

Number 6 is the quandary for the selectors. The other 5 batsmen choose themselves for the 1st test. If someone was running a book on it I'd say Phil Hughes would be favourite. While Mattinson and Faulkner could surpass him if they make big early season runs. I'm hoping they go with Mattinson myself.

 

[Maximas]

stop calling him Mattinson

 

[Hooksey]

stop calling him Mattinson

Thanks for the correction mate. Can't promise I won't spell it wrong again though.

 

[wiff]

Silk/Hughes
Rogers
Watson
Clarke
Smith
Warner
Haddin
Starc
Harris
Siddle
Lyon

Wade
Zampa
Faulkner
Bird
Johnson

I think this list has enough surprise/astonishment factor to be up there crazily.

 

[Maximas]

Thanks for the correction mate. Can't promise I won't spell it wrong again though.

take a guess lad! It's Maddinson btw if you're still wondering

 

[Hooksey]

Mitchell Johnson has been the forgotten man of Australian cricket, and he seems destined to be joined by Ed Cowan.

Cowan's first ball duck and 14 in the first test seem likely to be his last. They did give him the honour of leading the side against Sussex where he made an unbeaten 77, but it looks like Boof might stamp his file. If he hasn't already.

 

[Maximas]

Cowan has shown everyone he simply isn't international standard, he doesn't capitalise anywhere near enough

 

[Hooksey]

Cowan has shown everyone he simply isn't international standard, he doesn't capitalise anywhere near enough

No argument from me. What I did like about him though is he values his wicket. But he's never really put up the numbers to ensure his continuity in the team long-term.

 

[wiff]

Mitchell Johnson has been the forgotten man of Australian cricket

Never was a big fan, but his form in the last year has been hot. Besides he can break fingers.

 

[Hooksey]

Never was a big fan, but his form in the last year has been hot. Besides he can break fingers.

Johnson put a case for inclusion in the touring party with his late season form. At his best he is knocking on the door for inclusion. But his best is a rarity. The guy can be more than useful with bat as he's proved on a number of occasions, including the test 100 he made.

 

[Maximas]

Starceh is a better, younger version of Johnson who can actually swing the ball, no reason to include Johnson in the team/squad with Starc around IMO

 

[Tangles]

Are Patto and Bird back by Brisbane? If not then Harris, Siddle Starc will play not sure they would bring in as cover though. MJ a chance probably.

 

[Hooksey]

Are Patto and Bird back by Brisbane? If not then Harris, Siddle Starc will play not sure they would bring in as cover though. MJ a chance probably.

Harris will have at best an interrupted preparation - heading in for a scan on the hamstring he injured in the final test.

 

[Maximas]

Harris will have at best an interrupted preparation - heading in for a scan on the hamstring he injured in the final test.

meh, that guy could walk out of the hospital and still take a 5for

 

[The Battlers Prince]

Starceh is a better, younger version of Johnson who can actually swing the ball, no reason to include Johnson in the team/squad with Starc around IMO

It's very obvious to see the similarities between Johnson and Starceh, the big difference is one bowls 140-145k the other bowls 145-150k and that could make a big difference on some Aussie wickets

 

[Hooksey]

It's very obvious to see the similarities between Johnson and Starceh, the big difference is one bowls 140-145k the other bowls 145-150k and that could make a big difference on some Aussie wickets

Starc and Bird will be better bowlers in Australia where they will be assisted by steeper bounce, than they were in England. Because he has disappointed and been banished a number of time previously, Johnson is probably in a position where he has to do clearly more than anyone else to even be considered.

 

[Tangles]

The risk that MJ has an off day and bowls trash is too big with the team we have. We can't afford days where he bowls fast half trackers.

 

[wiff]

After seeing him bowl the first over tonight, all the reasons you mentioned came flooding back. Doesn't mean they won't select him though.