*Official* Tour Matches

[Woodster]

I'm actually looking forward to watching the England v Aussie 'A' tonight for numerous reasons. Firstly to have a look at how the Test starters for England are coming along, and to see how the back-up players go against a reasonably strong line-up. It's a chance to look at the depths of both squads, for England can Tremlett and Morgan put pressure on the men in the probable starting XI, will Bresnan demonstrate he can be effective on these Aussie tracks and be a viable option should England need to go into a Test with five bowlers, can Panesar hit some form and show that going in with two spinners is a good alternative.

I also like to watch back-up players from another country, much is being made of Callum Ferguson on here, I've seen him in the one-dayers but not in a longer format, and can Usman Khawaja strengthen his case further and put more pressure on Hussey and North. I watched Peter George against India and thought he looked very raw, but tonight he'll be back on Aussie tracks and inevitably more at home.

 

[Howe_zat]

I was thinking the same thing Woodster, it's effectively an audition match for both sides. There's going to be some real forum fuel go over.

 

[pup11]

Well just came to know that the Australia v England game is gonna be live on telly here as well, which is awesome!!
Now, looking forward in particular to see how likes of Cameron, George, O'Keffe and Smith bowl to the English batsman.

 

[Spark]

Yeah that's pretty cool. Is GEM an HD channel?

 

[NUFAN]

Which players are we all tipping/wanting to go well in the match tomorrow.

I think for aus a George will be the pick of the bowlers, his spells at Bellrieve Oval are likely the reason why he's played for Australia already. Batting wise I'm expecting Khawaja to show that he's a class above the other A batsman.

 

[Woodster]

From an English perspective, it'd be nice to see most of the Test regulars enjoy some form in this game, Cook to continue his new-found form, KP to play an aggressive hand, while Trott gets one or two away off the middle of the bat.

I'm also hoping/expecting that Tremlett and Morgan exert some pressure on the Test team.

 

[vic_orthdox]

Which batsman will be missing out?

 

[Woodster]

Which batsman will be missing out?

There was speculation Collingwood would be sitting it out, but that as far as I know is unconfirmed. Flower has said he's interested in ensuring the Test XI are best prepared so he may go with the Test top 7, but as I say there is a strong rumour Morgan will get a go.

 

[Howe_zat]

I would think Colly would be likely rested for the game, he's hit some runs on the tour and, with the greatest respect, could probably do with the break more than Bell.

I'd really like Tremlett and Monty to get something out of it, Trem because I'm convinced he'll be playing by the end of the series and Monty just because I like him.

 

[GIMH]

Is this on Sky Sports?

Won't be able to watch tonight but can watch a bit in the morning before I leave the house?

Is it in HD?

 

[King Pietersen]

Yep, coverage starts at 11 on SS1 and HD1. Looking forward to giving it a watch.

 

[Nate]

Heading to the SCG again. Living there would be easier atm.

What's this about the 'A' game being shown on GEM? I thought it was on 9? ...or is Gem in HD?

 

[pup11]

Which players are we all tipping/wanting to go well in the match tomorrow.

I think for aus a George will be the pick of the bowlers, his spells at Bellrieve Oval are likely the reason why he's played for Australia already. Batting wise I'm expecting Khawaja to show that he's a class above the other A batsman.

George and Cameron to do most of the damage on the bowling front, and Hughes and Ferguson are most likely to shine with the bat IMO.
Though as I said before, are the batting performances from the Australia A batters going to hold any weight considering its a second string English attack they are gonna be up against.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

I would think Colly would be likely rested for the game, he's hit some runs on the tour and, with the greatest respect, could probably do with the break more than Bell.

I'd really like Tremlett and Monty to get something out of it, Trem because I'm convinced he'll be playing by the end of the series and Monty just because I like him.

They could rest Strauss too and open with Davies and he and Prior can share glove duties to keep both with their eye in.

I'd go Cook,Davies,Trott,KP,Bell,Morgan,Prior,Bresnan,Shahzad,Tremlett and Panesar.

Then it means all players have had time in the middle should we get a late injury/illness before the test.

 

[NasserFan207]

Morgan to hit a double and replace Bell plz.

 

[Howe_zat]

Morgan to hit a double and replace Bell plz.

Dammit, why didn't the rest of us just think of saying please?

 

[marc71178]

Replace the best performing middle order batsman why exactly?

 

[Themer]

Especially when you're going to replacing him with a very inexperienced Morgan who only had one decent knock against Pakistan and couldn't get a score for the rest of that series. Seems a silly suggestion.

 

[Howe_zat]

Especially when you're going to replacing him with a very inexperienced Morgan who only had one decent knock against Pakistan and couldn't get a score for the rest of that series. Seems a silly suggestion.

To be fair to him, it was a very low scoring series and just about no-one save Trott scored consistently. Morgan didn't react very well to the top bowling, granted, but also produced one of the innings of the series.

 

[NasserFan207]

I am somewhat biased. Still, Asif and Aamer are better than any Australian quickie, with the possible exception of Johnson on his day.

Is Bell really the best performing middle order batsman though? Surprising.