*Official* Road to the 2025-26 Ashes

[kevinw]

Pat Brown had a good day but I don't think there is much pretence he's going to be anywhere near Test level but Cook bowling tightly and picking up wickets shows that this idea he won't cut it at this level doesn't fly (just pick him, if he fails, then fine).

 

[Qlder]

Pat Brown had a good day but I don't think there is much pretence he's going to be anywhere near Test level but Cook bowling tightly and picking up wickets shows that this idea he won't cut it at this level doesn't fly (just pick him, if he fails, then fine).

When you say cut it at this level, none of the CA bats are anywhere near the Test team. Tim Ward is the only one picked in the upcoming A game

 

[kevinw]

When you say cut it at this level, none of the CA bats are anywhere near the Test team. Tim Ward is the only one picked in the upcoming A game

I partly meant in Australia. Cook averages less than 20 in FC cricket for what is the second best county side and far, far lesser bowlers have been selected ahead of him because of a perception that he's not quick enough. You only know if a guy is good enough if you pick him.

 

[Qlder]

Tom Whitney stepping up when Lions were cruising at 2-134. Whitney then took 3/1 in 7 balls, including Davies and Rew, the 2 bats most likely to be on the Ashes tour

 

[Qlder]

16 year old Rocky Flintoff on 55*. This guy should be pretty good by the 2029/30 Ashes

Edt: Flintoff ended up with 108. Pretty impressive really as Bell, Elliott and Whitney are pretty decent Shield bowlers for a 16 year old to face

 

[Qlder]

Tim Ward not doing his Ashes chances any harm with 115* in first CA game and now 62* so far in this one. If he does well in the A game could he be a shout for the Windies tour in July?

 

[morgieb]

Tim Ward not doing his Ashes chances any harm with 115* in first CA game and now 62* so far in this one. If he does well in the A game could he be a shout for the Windies tour in July?

Has clearly improved a lot this year. If he can start turning those 70-80's to tons then there'll definitely be interest once Usman retires.

 

[Qlder]

I can't see Khawaja making the Ashes. If he fails in 2 tests in SL and then the WTC his spot should really be under huge scrutiny for the 3 tests in West Indies before the Ashes

Pretty sad effort from the Australian openers since Warner retired

Smith: 4 tests, 171 runs @ 28.50, 1 50
Konstas: 2 tests, 113 runs @ 28.25, 1 50
Khawaja: 9 tests, 411 runs @ 25.68, 2 50's
McSweeney: 3 tests, 72 runs @ 14.40, 0 50's