The Ashes 2009

[The Todd]

Seeing as there are quite a few Aussies on this board, I thought I'd open a thread about this years series.

Now, in 2005 it was hailed as the clash of the two best teams in the world, and after one of the most entertaining series ever, England finally reclaimed the Ashes. This brought about mass optimism in England fans and the belief we had the best side in the world.

Fast forward two years, and nothing could be further from the truth. A 5-0 hammering from the Aussies in 2007 brought reality back. We missed Trescothick and Simon Jones, two key players from 2005, whilst the series was a farewell Ashes series for legends Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Justin langer and Adam Gilchrist.

The Aussies were going through a rough patch of their own this year, a resounding beating by South Africa on home turf ruined their dominance.

Now, England are struggling to beat a stuggling West Indies side whilst Australia are gaining revenge on the Saffers.

On current form, Australia dominate the series. Their batsmen are too good for England's poor bowlers, whilst the new found form of Mitchell Johnson is a boost for the Aussies, especially against an inconsistent England.

So what are your predictions? An easy series for the Aussies? Or home advantage working for the English again?

 

[Downward Spiral]

The Aussies were going through a rough patch of their own this year, a resounding beating by South Africa on home turf ruined their dominance.

"Resounding" is a bit much. I'd say we were just outperformed, but managed to hold our own for extended periods of time in matches, but were just let down by very poor patches.

Now, England are struggling to beat a stuggling West Indies side whilst Australia are gaining revenge on the Saffers.

To be fair, the Windies have greatly improved the last year or so. Their bowling attack is still toothless, but their batsmen are getting runs.

On current form, Australia dominate the series. Their batsmen are too good for England's poor bowlers, whilst the new found form of Mitchell Johnson is a boost for the Aussies, especially against an inconsistent England.

One injury can change anything, though. If and when Johnson gets completely worn out, the Australian 'attack' is going to go for 400 each day. Australia are relying on him far too much, and so I think it's more crucial that other bowlers improve, rather than Johnson maintaining his form.

I'm going to lean towards Australia in this series. England always bring out what little good they have in their team when they're on home soil against the Aussies, so it's going to be one hell of a contest. The Australians won't want to rest on the laurels of that 5-0 victory, because that was an age ago. England have had plenty of time to stew over that thumping, and I believe that will give them the mental edge here. Australia are still finding their feet in the rebuilding stage, and so this is England's chance to get them again.

However, I believe Australia are far too strong. England really have no depth in bowling attack, and their batting is far too inconsistent. It's a youth battle here, and I think the Aussies have the talent.

But, as was evident in 2005, an absolute f'ing miracle can happen. It won't, though.

 

[The Todd]

I think you're right there. I feel we'll put up a much better showing than we did against SA in the summer, and than we currently are in the caribbean, but you will have too much.

I just want to see good, attacking cricket ala 2005 again. Especially the borefest this current series is turning into. I remember Edgbaston in 2005, we were all out on day one but managed to hit 400+. This surrent Test after day one we were two wickets down but only hit 250. Slow over rate and too cautious batting ruined it.

Hopefully Freddie will be fighting fit this summer, cos he seems to be the only wicket taker we currently have. But if Brett Lee also re-finds his form it will cancel Freddie's influence out.

 

[AFC1986]

We have been affected by off the field problems between Pietersen and Moores, we got bowled out for 51 against the West Indies which resulted in a loss of an innings and 23 runs. Unless our preperation for the Ashes is spot on and not stupid like it was for the 2006/2007 series, I can only see another win for Australia

 

[Hip2bsquare]

Should be a really interesting series I reckon. Earlier in the year I would of said that the Ausssies were looking a bit shaky to retain the Ashes in Englad, but my confidence in them has been renewed on the recent tour of South Africa.

The key again will be the English bowlers. Will they be able to be the reverse swing that was so damaging to the Australian batsman in 2005. Austrakai ahas since taken their bowling coach Troy Cooley, Simon Jones ,who was so good in that series, can't get on the park and perhaps the England team wont cheat like Trescothick said they did in his book.

Freddie Flintoff will be a key, and if he isnt fit I dont give the English a hope in hell. Though Pietersen will most likely make a lot of runs, though I will be hoping he gets out first ball each and everytime.

I think Australia is well placed. With the numerous injuries to the Australian pace bowlers this year, it has given the chance to guys like Siddle and Hilf to get a taste of international cricket and both have shown some good signs. One worry for the Australaians is the lack of an international standard spinner. Hauritz, Krejza and McGain are definately not up to it.

 

[The Todd]

Oh. My. Word. England's bowlers have given more runs away in extras in this innings than the runs England scored in the first test! Bowling like this against the Aussies will not do!

Another point for the series, in 2005 it was broadcasted on national television, the public got caught up in it, cricket fever gripped the nation and we cheered our boys on to success. That, though, was the last series transmitted live on terrestrial tv. Viewing figures are down and interest is lost by many. The same fever will not grip the nation as many will not be able to see it anymore. Without the fan backing we enjoyed last time, the same atmosphere won't be created.

With each day passing, I am actually getting more and more pessimistic, to the point now where one test victory will be a bonus.

 

[Leeds Guy]

Im Getting more and more scared about the ashes from an english standpoint. We at the moment are stuggling to bowl out the windies who granted, have improved alot. I could blame the flat pitch or the stupid referal system but im not gonna. Our bowling just has not been good enough.

Compare that with the aussies who seem to be back to their winning ways. They look like they have a good opening batsman in Hughes who will only get better before the ashes and still have the best batsman in the world in Ponting. Still there new bowlers seem inexperianced which could work for us but then again so do we.

I Dont think they will whitewash us, not on our own turf. But England need to improve especially the bowling end, Andersons good on home soil, Broads looking good but isn't a massive wicket taker, Panesar and Swann seem to be expensive but Swann seems to be gettin the wickets. Hopefully Flintoff will be fit but we cant count on him to do it all. What happened to Simon Jones after his injury? Why is he not back in the team?

 

[Hip2bsquare]

I think the English have a lot of things to look at and issues to fix with their team if they are going to seriously think about regaining the Ashes as things currently stand.

The firs is their batting lineup. Cook and Strauss are a good opening pair so they dont need changing. Though it would be beneficial for England if Cook could start converting some of his starts into big scores. Number 3 is the key and the problem currenly for England IMO. KP has to bat at 3. He is the best batsman in the team by a country mile, so I htink its time for him to put his ego aside (if possible) and start doing whats best for the team and to me thats for him to put his hand up to bat at 3. He also has to put his head down more, too many times he gets out to absoulte braindead shots, I saw a few in the West Indies that just made me shake my head. Number 4 should be Shah, it was about time the selectors brought him in for Bell, who is an absolute hack, Collinngwood at 5 is solid if not spectacular.

Number 6 is interesting. A batsman? An all rounder?? Prior to bat at 6 to allow 5 bowlers?? Well if Flintoff can get back to his 2005 form with the willow he automatically slots back into the number 6 postion. However if he continues with the batting form he has shown since that series having him at 6 is a liability. Personally I wouldnt mind England batting Bopara at 6 as I dont mind the look of him.

The wicketkeeper is a problem as well. Prior can bat, of that there isnt much doubt. But the bloke cant keep to save his own life. What was it over 50 byes in the 5th test? That is a disgrace. Surely there is someone on the county scene that can keep better than this bloke? His batting does benefit Englad. But if he cant do what he is picked in the team for, thats to wicketkeep then you would have to wonder whats he doing playing.

The bowling attack is also a worry. Once and for all give Harmison the flick he was great for about a year and has been trash either side of that. Anderson can be ok but is too inconsistentbut if the ball is swinging he can be a handful. I rate Sidebottom and his injury has left a huge dent in the English ranks, he has a bit of mongrel in him and I am hoping he is back fit for the Ashes. Broad has potential but while he has shown glimpses has been consitent enough with his performance. I rate Monty as the spinner, despite his over appealing. But he has really stunted and gone nowhere over the last few years. Because of that I think Swann will be the spinner for the Ashes, at least at first. Even though I dont rate him.

Team I wouldnt mind seeing England play for the Ashes

Strauss
Cook
KP
Shah
Collingwood
Bopara
Flintoff
Broad
Wicketkeeper (lack of knowledge of County scene means I only know Jones, Ambrose and Prior none of those 3)
Sidebottom
Anderson

Plenty of bowling there. Though the lack of a spinner maybe a bit of a worry.

What I think they will do

Cook
Strauss
Shah
KP
Collingwood
Prior
Flintoff
Broad
Swann
Anderson
Sidebottom.

 

[The Todd]

Interesting selections. Prior has certainly shown he can bat thi series, whilst Ambrose hasn't disrgaced himself in either position. THe rumour doing the rounds currently is, if England go with four bowlers with Collingwood as a bit part bowler, Prior can play as a batsman and Ambrose can keep. However, I would not be a fan of this.

Definitely have Strauss and Cook as openers, and I would pay special attention to Rob Key and Michael Vaughan during the opening to the county season. If either shows form bang them in at number three. KP at four, COllingwood at five then either Bopara or Bell (he is better down the order) at six, then Freddie and Ambrose at seven and eight, leaving three bowlers to go with Freddie, Collingwood and Bopara. At the moment I would go with Swann over Monty then it is two opening bowlers to pick between Anderson, Sidebottom and Broad. At the moment I'd go with Anderson and Sidebottom, with Broad replacing Bopara/Bell if we needed extra bowlers.

To be fair though, no matter what team we put out, Johnson and Siddle look like they will clean us up, whilst Ponting and new sensation Hughes will be banging on the runs against us. Basically, unless we show dramatic signs of improvement against WI in May, we're screwed.

 

[Hip2bsquare]

I find it interesting that two guys that will be trying to come back from injury and force their way back into the Aussie team ,in Lee and Clark, are taking completely different roads there.

Lee is going to play the hit and giggle stuff that is the IPL. Not sure what that will prove. Maximum of 4 overs to be bowled and he will be slapped around as most bowlers are in 20/20. Really think he needs more cricket than this to try and show he is fit and firing on all cylinders to get on the Ashes tour.


Whilst you have Stuey Clark who is going over to play with Kent. Much to the chagrin of the ECB i might add. I think this is the way to go to force ones way back in. PLay decent cricket with the ability for Clark to bowl long spells to show the selectors that he is in fact over his elbow injury. Also will allow him to get used to the English conditions and Dukes ball.

 

[Hip2bsquare]

Well I have done a quick run down of the English team, tie to do the same with the Aussies.

A few days ago the Aussies were on top of the world but a bad loss in the third test in South Africa has again thrown up a few questions.

The opening situation for the Aussies is set in stone. Hughes the new wonderkid of world cricket will be one half of the tandew. Still 20 his 415 runs at 70 in South Africa was a great start to his career. Hope that he adapts well to English conditions. His partner at the top will be his NSW captain Simon Kaitch. Kaitch has improved greatly over the last 18 months. He has transformed himself from a middle order batsman to an opener and had a good tour of SA.

The captain Ricky Ponting is the number 3. He is one of the best batsman in the world even though he had a poor tour of SA. He looked tired in the last couple of tests and I believe the break between know and the first test in Cardiff will be good for him. I can see the Aussie skipper really having a super Ashes series. Having lost the 2005 Ashes in England as captain he would be loathe for it to happen again espcially after the flak he copped from the media.

The middle order is interesting for Australai and currently can be seen as a slight weakness. After a stunning beginning to his career Mike Hussey has had a very rough last couple of years. Only averagain 37.5 in 2008 and 29 so far in 2009. To bring his career average back to a mortal 55. So is it a form slump for Mr Cricket or the start of the end? As one of my favourite players I am hoping its just a slump and he hits back hard in the English conditions that he knows so well. At 5 we have the Vice Captain Michael Clarke. He had apoor tour of SA and looked to be restricted by his back complaint that keeps flaring up. Hopefully the rest will do him good as well as we need him performing in the middle order. At 6 imo will be Marcus North. He showed some good signs in his two tests averaging 40. His absence in the 3rd test was a big blow imo. He bowls handy if not spectacular offspin which will help balance the team out.

At 7 will be the keeper batsman Brad Haddin. His keeping has been disappointing and sloppy imo. His battign has at times been solid mixed up with some brain explosions when the team needs him the most. I would think his postion is not as secure as some would have you believe. But then who would be a replacement? Wade? Paine? Manou? Hartley? While some of these guys could be good options, Haddin still deserves his place. However he would want improve his keeping and bat more sensibly.

The bowling attack is where real questions need to be addressed. Do the play an allrounder? A spinner?? Or do they go with a 4 man pace attack? To me it will depend on the pitches that are prepared. But you should always play your 4 best bowlers. If that doesnt include a spinner, then a spinner shouldnt be picked. I think that is where Australia find themselves. They have no spinner that is up to International standard. McGain should never play for Australia again, Krejza has potential but needs work, Hauritz is a good defensive spinner but is he a better option than North or Clarke? I dont think so. So imo they should go with their four best bowlers.

Mitch Johnson is the first one picked his batting as well basically makes him an allrounder. Siddle has stepped up to be a very good pace bowler. He has a huge heart, charges in an is not afraid to mix it up with the batsman. He has a bit of mongrel in him which is very good to see. He never gives in and has quickly become an important part of the attack. When fit Stuey Clark slides back into the side. He is a good holding bowler that can still get wickets and I think English condtions will suit him. Rounding out the attack to me is Ben Hilfenhaus. He had an ok tour of SA but has still not done enough to cement his place in the side and will be looking over his shoulder at the the form of Brett Lee. But I think the Hilf will keep his spot at least for the first couple of tests. He is a genuine swing bowler and should be able to swing the dukes ball which will be a key in the ashes series.

My Aussie team for the first test

Hughes
Kaitch
Ponting
M Hussey
Clarke
North
Haddin
Johnson
Siddle
Clark
Hilfenhaus.

With guys like Watson/McDonald/Lee/Krejza/Ferguson/D Hussey all chances to be in the tour party.

 

[The Todd]

Very interesting stuff fella. Seeing as you're an Aussie, I'll firstly admit you'll have a better idea of your team, and seen more of him lately, but an on form Brett Lee is still one of the world's best bowlers. If he finds his form again, he will do more damage than Hilfenhaus, and adds more depth to the batting order. Australia can realistically bat til 9, England hardly past 6. Johnson hit a century the other day in defiance of South Africa, Lee is a big run scorer, and England struggled to remove the West Indies tail.

If you compare the teams head to head:

Hughes vs Strauss. Exciting new batsmen versus experienced, reliable opener. Have to give the edge to Strauss.

Katich vs Cook. Katich has surprised me how good he is as an opener, but Cook is very good. He may not have a great 50 into a 100 conversion rate, but he is a solid opener. Probably a draw here.

Shah/Key/Vaughan vs Ponting. It doesn't matter who England pick at three, Ponting is the best batsmen in the world. Poor in the last test, but always dependable when it matters. Ponting

Pietersen vs M Hussey. You have an over exuberant flair batsman up against mr. cricket himself. Hussey loves the English surfaces, he was awesome for my Durham when he captained us. Hussey.]

Collingwood vs Clarke. Both reliable batsmen again, hard to seperate. Another draw.

North vs Bell - I would pick Bell, as he has talent down the order, but North looks supremely good. Rookie, but a possible game turner. North

Haddin vs Ambrose - Ambrose is a better keeper than Prior, but can't score runs. Haddin is superior, but he is no Gilchrist. Haddin

Johnson vs Flintoff - Johnson IS the future of Australian pace bowling, but Freddie on his day is the worlds best strike bowler. Flintoff.

Siddle vs Anderson - Anderson is too inconsistent. Siddle did more against the South Africans in the last two series' than Anderson did in the summer. Siddle
Lee vs Broad - Broad one day will be a very good bowler, but Lee is still superior, even with his wayward form. Lee

Clark vs Panesar/Swann/Sidebottom - Bit unfair comparing a pace bowler to a spinner, but looking at impact in the game Clark will have much more than all three. Clark

So there is not much in it with the openers and the top of the middle order, but the lower order gives the Aussies the edge, and they clean sweep the bowling department. England need to score big before losing their first wicket to stand a chance. But the bowlers let us down, in 2005 our bowling won us it, with Trescothick's aggressive opening setting it up. This year we will have an over reliance on Freddie. Our only hope is to get Simon Jones fit and reverse swinging again.

This little exercise has depressed me even more, as now I can't see us winning a test, never mind the series.

 

[Hip2bsquare]

Yeah I agree if Lee was fit and firing he would most certainly get a game before Hilf. However Bing has had the problems of extremely poor series in India and at home against NZ and SA, to go along with a illness picked up in India, a foot injury and breaking up with his wife. If he was sound of mind and body I would nearly think he would be the first one picked in the bowling department along with Mitch. However he only has the IPL to prove his fitness and I am not sure that will be enough to break his way into the side he may struggle to get into the touring party. As well Hilf is a player the selectors have been keeping an eye on with regard to taking him to Englad, thinking that he will be able to swing the dukes ball and play an important role, which I think he will. He bowled better than taking 7 wickets at 51 in SA and was a little unlucky.

Comparing teams ona player by player basis is always difficult and something I try not to do. Do you go on recent form? Past form? What they are capable of? Their potential?? I will give it a shot.

I think with openeers it would be better to compare the two experienced guys, Kaitch and Strauss, and the two young guns, Hughes and Cook. Either way I think that the two English openers ahve the edge either way you go. Strauss is a good batsman and captain and if Cook could start to make some of his starts into big scores he can become one of the better openers in the world. Kaitch has improved out of sight in the last 18 months and Hughes has made a great start to his career. But how will they go under English conditions? Advantage England.

I agree with what you said about Ponting beating whoever is at number 3 for England. I personally think that KP should bat at 3, Ponting still beats him but it would be closer. I think Shah is the man for nnumber three if KP doesnt. If Robert Key plays and bats at 3 I might die of laughter.

I disagree with your thoughts on M Hussey vs KP. I hate KP, loathe the egomaniac, but cant deny that he is a wonderful batsman and one of the best in the world when on song and not having brain explosions. A couple of years ago I would have Huss close, but recently his form has really declined and it is a worry for the Aussies. If he doesnt make some scores early in the series his place could be in jeopardy. But playing in the familiar conditions in England, where he has scored a boat load of runs, may help his return to form. But I give KP this one.

If Clarkes back is ok I think he has it all over Collingwood. Collingwood is a great figher and a man that I think gets the most out of the talent that he has. But fit and firing Clarke is a far far bettter batsman. But the question is will he be fit? Will he handle the swinging ball? Will Pup get his head together and not get out just before a break or close of play, which he has seemed to do a lot recently.

I agree with all of the rest of your assumptions bar one.

Flintoff and Johnson. Yes Freddie is a terrific player, and my favourite English one. Yes the man has in the past been a superstar with both bat and ball. If he could hit that form then he has it all over Mitch. But the question is can he? To me since the 2005 Ashes Freddie hasnt been the same. Injured a lot, not making runs and while his bowling still is top class I dont think he looks as dangerous as he did in 04 and 05. His batting has gotten so bad to me that he needs to be picked as just a bolwer, and that hurts England no end.

Mitch is the young bull. With better averages with both bat and ball than Freddie. However Flintoff has played many more tests. Johnsons workload has been huge but with Siddle stepping up and possibly Clark and Lee coming back he will get the support he needs with the ball. His batting his great 100 and 95 not out against probably the best pace attack in nthe world is trstament to that. If he worked on it could even get better.

So to me if they both play as good as we know they can I pick Freddie. But if recent form tells me anything is that Flintoff is not the Flintoff that he was 4 years ago and Johnson has improved in leaps and bounds and has been in career best form.

 

[The Todd]

Freddie is inconsistent with the bat now. He has had a lot of poor scores, including a pair at one point, but now and again he shows his class with some big scores. His bowling is by far and away the best in the whole England attack. Without him we have no chance.

I wasn't taking anything away from Johnson at all. He is one of the most exciting players in Test cricket and will go on to possibly become a great all rounder in the 2005 Flintoff mould. I gave Freddie the edge as he is still one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket. Look at his price tag in the IPL, and considering his batting is poor, it is a lot to pay for a bowler when they tend to get crashed around the park all game long. He doesn't give any easy runs away,he always troubles batsmen and can be relied on for wickets in every game.

Johnson could well become that player very soon, in fact he could steal the spotlight in the series, but in his first Ashes series in England he could have problems. I say that, but he'll probably introduce himself to the British public the way Warney did with the ball of the century.

That one aside, we pretty much agree the openers of each side are solid, the middle order is slightly in the Aussies favour, and the ball is where the Aussies gain complete control. Cook and Strauss are going to have a series average of over a 100 each at this rate!

 

[Hip2bsquare]

Bit of a bump to get this thread back onto the first page.

Also to ask the question how will the injury that Freddie Flintoff picked up in the IPL affect the English build up and their chances of regaining the Ashes overall?

It is only a 3 to 5 week injury but is surely not what the English wanted to happen to arguably their most important player before the Ashes. Apparently he will miss the West Indies visit so that will be a blow for that series for the English. Especially seeing as they will want to hit back from the debacle that was their tour of the carribean.

 

[The Todd]

If the injury was more long term it would be a huge blow. Freddie IS the England team. His batting may be poor nowadays, but he is our main strike bowler. His injury concerns are becoming too frequent for my liking. Just seems everytime England proclaims a new national hero they go and get injured. First Wilkinson and now Freddie.

Although we were beaten by the Windies in the Caribbean, I fully expect us to beat them over here, even without Freddie. And hopefully when he's fit he will slot back into the team in time for the Ashes. Just hope another new injury doesn't crop up before the start of the series.

 

[Hip2bsquare]

Yeah Freddies injuries are a big concern for the English. Despite the fact I htink that England can beat the Aussies if Flintoff is up and firing for the Ashes, I do hope that Freddies is ready to go. As he is one of the best players in the world when onsong. Seeing as I intend to spend many sleepless nights watchin the Test matches, I want to being watching the best of both teams.

Its not a long term injury but I think it will affect the English somewhat. I am sure they will be wanting to get their best team in order and lsoing Flintoff may make it hard for them to get the balance and personal right before the Ashes.

I agree the West Indies may have improved, but wont have groundsmen preparing roads when in England. The conditions will favour the English more especially their bowlers and I beleive they can take the series. If the dont win and win well, the blowtorch may be applied before the Ashes.

 

[The Todd]

England beat the Indies by 10 wickets! We're going to win the Ashes!!

Maybe not, but it's a good start to the summer.

Positives:
Graeme Swann - He is taking wickets and he put in a very handy knock. He is now definitely the number one spinner, he is close to being an all rounder. Monty needs more variation and improve his batting and fielding to get back in.

Graham Onions - He plays for my county, and I have to be honest I didn't think he'd be the first from Durham to make the England side, but what a debut! A five-for on his debut at Lords. He reaches 90mph and can be a very decent bowler. If he carries on this form he gets the nod for the Ashes.

Ravi Bopara - Played at three and did very well, beautiful century. However, as Geoffrey Boycott is just explaining, he needs to prove it over a period of time, and against a good bowler (Mitchell Johnson was mentioned). Hopefully another great knock in Durham in the second test will make the selectors go with him.

Negatives
Kevin Pietersen. I may be nit-picking here as he didn't get a second chance, but he hasn't been in form for a while now. He needs to get himself motivated now. Obviously he won't be dropped, and he should raise his game for the Ashes, but it doesn't hurt to do it now!

There's no need to get excited though. The West Indies are a poor side and one we should be beating comfortably. But it is a start, it is nice to see new players getting the chance and I hope they get their chance against the Aussies too.

 

[Hip2bsquare]

Well good result for England even though its only thee West Indies, though you still have to win them.

Agree with the positives you have put Pebble.

Bopara is the big one for me. The guy has talent thats for sure had has impressed me in some of the ODI's he has played. But it was a terrific effort making his first hundred at Lords, at number 3, when the team was 1 for not many. Hopefully now he an get some consistent form and ontinue on. Will cement nu,ber 3 for the English and give them a strong middle order.

Dont rate Swann. Never have, never will. Handy batsman I guess, but nothing more of a ploder off spinner to me. Monty has the tools to be a far superior bowler but yet isnt. But you ant question Swann's results especiually against the West Indies, and he sure has made Devon Smith his bunny.

Onions, well hadnt seen him before and IO thought he looked good. Hopefully will get a long run in the team.

Not sure KP is a negative atm. His form has been down, but he got a pearler from Fidel Edwards that would of got most if not all batsman out around the world. But the English will still need him to step up.

Id put a negative down of bringing Bell bak into the squad, madness.

 

[The Todd]

I don't mind Bell being in the team. He is awful at number three, but if he has performed down the order in the past. If we went with an extra batter he could slot in at 5 or 6. Let's face it, Bresnan wasn't needed in the first test, so Bell could play in the second one. Obviously it won't be permanent as that is Freddie's place in the team.

I obviously knew a lot about Onions, but I was surprised at his call up. He's good, but I felt Mark Davies was better. I just hope Onions turns into the next Harmison, circa 2004-2005, not the next Liam Plunkett.

Yes the ball KP got bowled was a peach, but he has not performed brilliantly for a while now. He needs a big innings to get him back in the groove. It shouldn't be a problem when you Aussies come as he will have hunger for that.

I just like how we are finally looking to the future by getting in some new players and seeing how they fare. I don't think we have a chance in hell of regaining the Ashes, but we can put up a fight.

 

[Hip2bsquare]

Good series win by the English against the West Indies. Had some pretty impressive performances.

By watching the commentators talking afterwards has astounded me. David Gower, David Lloyd, Nasser Hussain and Ian Botham all believe that the English are now suddenly favorites for the Ashes. They also all believe and have picked a series win for the English, a couple of them in Lloyd and Botham in convincing fashion.

Are you kidding me? Dont get me wrong I believe the Ashes will be a very good series, and who knows perhaps England can squeak a win. But how in the blue hell can they be favorites? They have beaten the West Indies 2-0 at home after losing 1-0 away to the same team. Thats the West Indies who have not beaten anyone of any note for years and years and years. So the English beat one of the poorer international sides going around at home and are favorites over an Australian team who just beat the number one ranked South Africans in South Africa.

Again I'm not saying that the English have no hope, I believe it will be a good series. What gets me is the English press and media talking up the England cricket team after even the most mediocre performances

Oh Nasser Hussain says that the Ashes in the past have been close. 2005 was a great series yes and close with some great results. Dont remember 06-07 in Australia 5-0 anyone? 02/03 4-1 yeah that was close, 2001 4-1 again,98-99 3-1 again. Sad that Hussain has lost his memory has he was involved in some of those 'close series'.

I also liked how they say about Ponting not having the ability to throw the ball to Warne and McGrath anymore. Great players but newsflash..... Punter has been unable to do that for 2 years. Im sure if he hadnt got used to that now, he never will. Im confident in how the new brigade in Siddle and Johnson will go.

 

[The Todd]

Yeah the media over here really are a mess. There's no way we are favourites. In 2005 we warmed up with two innings victories over Bangladesh, yet got thumped in the first test. This time we have slaughtered a quite poor West Indies side. It doesn't prepare us for what still is the biggest test match series in the world.

Don't get me wrong, we have come along way from these two tests. Anderson has took wickets, we have discovered Onions and Bresnan who had decent outings, Broad looked dangerous, Swann has shown he can be an only spin bolwer, Cook has had his best score, KP looked in decent touch, Bopara can fill the number three slot and Collingwood can solve the wicket keeper problem! Okay, maybe not the last one.

However, it doesn't make us favourites at all. Hell, Onions and Bresnan probably won't even play in the Ashes. We still need to get Freddie fit and back into the groove. We have got out warm up act out the way, the players just need practice and keep healthy and we can get going in what I hope will be a cracking series.

 

[Hip2bsquare]

I think England would, and should be very pleased with the West Indies series as a lead up to the Ashes. You are right Pebble they have found some things in Boparra at 3, Onions looking a good commodity and Bresnan as a possible backup or inclusion for Freddie.

Its what they needed to get a god win, even against a mediocre opponent. If they had lost or drawn this series... well imagine the press then.

England going in the right direction? Yes.. favorites? Hell No.

BTW Australias Ashes squad is named tomorrow, will post it when I see it. Big rumour doing the rounds is that Symonds was in the squad 3 weeks ago.

 

[Hip2bsquare]

Well all in readiness for the Aussie Ashes squad, still rumours doing the rounds. So here we go:

Ponting
M Clarke
S Clark
Haddin
Hauritz
Hilfenhaus
Hughes
M Hussey
Johnson
Kaitch
Lee
Manou
McDonald
North
Siddle
Watson (if fit)

So no Symonds and no real surprises.

 

[The Todd]

Wait, it's done? BBC says an announcement is expected at 0300 our time (still another 50 minutes). So, as you say, no real surprises and the non-inclusion of Symonds is the headline. Everyone that was expected to travel is doing so. All this does then is raise the anticipation levels.