My guesses - Burns probably has one spot, but I literally have no idea on the other two. Ballance might be there if not blacklisted, Denly might have done enough in the West Indies to survive, and maybe someone like Duckett? Clarke?
Dominic Sibley
Sibley has zero track record before this season, don't think England would go for him. Northeast maybe but even he hasn't done much before this season, at least not at Division 1.
He'll definitely play imo. Looks very much suited to the long form. Curran will probably get the flick.
Yes it's inevitable in my opinion that he starts in the first Test . England have been mostly short of a yard of pace for years . All our genuine quicks since Harmison have been fleeting , a good series here and there , then a marked decline or injury . It frees us up to manage Broad and Anderson's twilight years .We can bring in fast medium hopefuls without looking toothless . Sam Curran looks like he might be a fixture going forward . I fancy Tom Curran too . With Archer and possibly Wood (injury prone at Test level) , providing a bit of pace we've got a potentially better balanced attack than we've had for donkeys years . Might even be able to go on tour and win a few
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I hope England opens with Roy because it is a completely stupid idea, like Australia trying to open with Finch, it will not work. Maybe he could be a middle order batsman but that is doubtful as well.
I do too, but admittedly their options aren't great. And in a low scoring series a quickfire 30 might do more damage than it otherwise would.
I think much will depend on Warner and Hazelwood tbh. Smith and Cummins will be terrific, Starc will be up and down like always. So I think how Haze bowls and Warner bats will be crucial. Haze disappointed last away Ashes imo, and Warner made a lot of 50s without really going on. He needs to do that if Australia is to win, and Haze needs to be at something approaching his best.Yes it's inevitable in my opinion that he starts in the first Test . England have been mostly short of a yard of pace for years . All our genuine quicks since Harmison have been fleeting , a good series here and there , then a marked decline or injury . It frees us up to manage Broad and Anderson's twilight years .We can bring in fast medium hopefuls without looking toothless . Sam Curran looks like he might be a fixture going forward . I fancy Tom Curran too . With Archer and possibly Wood (injury prone at Test level) , providing a bit of pace we've got a potentially better balanced attack than we've had for donkeys years . Might even be able to go on tour and win a few
So far as openers goes , I haven't a clue . Neither does England . We got wicketkeepers coming out of our arses but quality opening bats are in short supply .
I think Aus have got their best chance in years to turn over England at home . We are coming into this series with very little Test cricket under our belts. Last couple of years have been ODI heavy in preparation for the World Cup .
Both sides batting is their weak spot.
. We can't afford to pay him though .