The Ashes 2010/11 in Australia
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Topic: The Ashes 2010/11 in Australia
Posted By: milkman
Subject: The Ashes 2010/11 in Australia
Date Posted: 17 August 2010 at 3:32am
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I thought I'd start the thread early so we can discuss news, conditions, form, squads, past performances and other factors affecting the upcoming Ashes! Ponting has already come out and said that Australia have a very good chance of winning, even saying 5-0 is an 'absolute possibility'. While England are sporting their best squad for a couple of decades I dare say. England won the last series, but Australia hasn't lost a test against England in Australia in nearly 10 years. Hauritz and Siddle should be fit for Australia, while a fit Hughes could oust someone like Marcus North. While for England, they are basically playing at full strength at the moment. Form worries: North and Ponting haven't been scoring a lot of runs for Australia. Pietersen and Cook aren't looking convincing either. Will these guys lift come the Ashes this summer? Will Cook or North be dropped? Will the England bowlers get much swing? Going to be a ripper of a series. ------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Replies:
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 17 August 2010 at 4:34am
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I won't say this English squad is the best they've had for the decade, I rate that squad of 2005 much better, due to the fact that Simon Jones, Andrew Flintoff were head and shoulders much better fast bowler than any at present. You also had Hoggard and Harmison who was still bowling well. Swann is a much better spinner than the ones present in 2005.
Trescothick has been a big loss to England since then. A Trescothick 40, compare to a Cook 60 is much better, seeing Trescothick would have set a demoralizing start to the opposition bowlers.. Collingwood, Prior, Swann and a more stable number 3 than Bell is probably what England have better now. They seriously needs KP back in form though!
Had Aussie had the same side from 2005, this England side would easily be steam rolled as far as me concern, that bowling attack would have been battered all around by Hayden and co, no offense to the English fans.
Aussie team though isn't as strong as it was with key players not in best of form like North, Ponting, Johnson and Haddin has been out injured for some games as well. Steven Smith boost the batting but one of England's main nemesis, Shane Warne, is no longer around to threaten them so it makes it all more evenly contested. Aussie still has a pretty good pace attack but as of now, 4th and 5th bowling option aint nothing to boast about as an Aussie.
Form is an issue for both sides but the factor in Aussies favour here is home conditions. Had this been in England, wouldn't have mind betting my house and England claiming the series. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 17 August 2010 at 4:42am
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My prediction is England will win the series.The series scoreline could be like 2-1,3-1,1-0,2-0 in England favor.
------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 17 August 2010 at 6:33am
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England's bowling won't be as potent in Australian conditions, particularly Anderson like I pointed out in another thread and this will be emphasised further if they choose only 4 bowlers. Also, England bat low, but if Pietersen doesn't find form then they are certainly lacking some x-factor in their line up. Clarke and Ponting at 3 and 4, 2 guys who average 50+ in test cricket over many years and playing at home makes a big difference. Hussey does well in Australia and Katich and Watson had brilliant summers last year. I definitely think Australia has a better batting line up. Batting is the key in Australia as India have show in the last couple of series, having a good batting line up can win you matches.
------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 17 August 2010 at 10:17am
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Ponting's talking codswallop - the only person he's kidding is himself. To say that the series is in their own hands was downright stupid - they'll be a few visiting cricketers more than happy to prove that statement wrong. 100 days to go and the tosh has started. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 17 August 2010 at 10:51am
I think he meant that his side's performance is in his hands... if they perform well then they should win at home. He qualified his statements. I think you read into him too much. Nothing suggests that Australia is a far superior side. Perhaps at home they are bookies favourites, but nothing more. Australia can win the series , most definitely . I don't think there's any room for over confidence from Australia, but I highly doubt they'll be complacent. If anything, they'll be working harder and harder. ------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 19 August 2010 at 6:53am
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Ponting grates and has for a number of years. Past Aussie skippers were worth listening to - Taylor , Chappell , even Steve Waugh ! No need to build up this series with guff - tickets are selling like hot cakes. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 24 August 2010 at 7:31pm
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Just one question guys, who all think that Stuart Clark was very foolishly dropped by the Aussies? I for one think so. The only bad series from my recollection that he's had in his test career was that series in India, where apart from Ishant Sharma's average of 27, all other seamers average 41+. The guy took wicket and kept the run rate down. Imagine having him and Douggie keeping things under control and then the strike bowler of Mitchell Johnson taking up wickets. Aussies would surely have a lot more games in control as far as i'm concerned.
I know he was injured but usually when a guy performs so well before, you give him time to fail before moving on, as you already know what he can do. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 25 August 2010 at 9:36am
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I think Hilfenhaus is a more than worthy replacement, if anything he does more with the ball in terms of movement in the air. Certainly he's a touch quicker and has that similar style and action, also bowling close to the stumps. Siddle is also a very economic bowler, he was particularly devastating in South Africa. I wonder how the selectors will go. Siddle could well take Bollinger's spot. A lot of competition for the fast bowlers slots at the moment.
------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 25 August 2010 at 2:18pm
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Siddle taking Douggie spot? Milkman, I think you've had too many stuff to drink overnight haha ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: bladescape
Date Posted: 26 August 2010 at 9:03am
I agree, Dougie for the first test at least. ------------- You know, I'm trying to decide whether to change my siggy or not... |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 26 August 2010 at 3:01pm
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No , Siddle is the favoured bowler - believe me on that.
------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: lethalhughes
Date Posted: 26 August 2010 at 8:20pm
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Bollinger over Siddle surely.The question that must be ask is why hasn't Hughes been put back in the opening position and what is Marcus'' i continuously fail'' North doing in the team.My team :
hughes
katish
Ponting
Clarke
Watson
Hussey
Haddin
Johnson
Huaritz
Hilfenhaus
Bollinger
Its that simple you pick your best 5 batsman, a quality all rounder ( if you have one) a wicket keeper batsman , your best spinner and your best 3 fast bowlers.
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Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 27 August 2010 at 12:33am
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not too sure if Hughes deserves a place in the side. Katich and Watson have formed a very good pair so far. I too can't believe the amount of faith the Aussies have shown in North... surely there must be others knocking on the door. as for bowling Bollinger, Hilfy and Johnson are obvious choices at least for the first test, although Milky is right, even one bad game for Bollinger and Siddle could be in. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 27 August 2010 at 2:27am
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Don't change what is working, no need to push Watson down in North spot just to accomodate Hughes. Watson has been in form and Katich has been in excellent form too - Hughes can well wait the next 2 or 3 years when Katich will be about 38.
I've seen plenty of Douggie and Siddle, Siddle is a very strong and can bowl long and sustain good lengths etc, bowl the heavy ball but Douggie has been one of the excellent find for Aussie to be honest. Only one fella contained Sehwag in recent times and that was Douggie, that says something. Remember Douggie's spell in that ODI against England? All top class stuff. I'd be very surprise if Douggie gets dropped!
Douggie swings the ball, can use reverse swing when it gets old, has pace, bowls attacking, to me it's a no brainer until he losses form. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 27 August 2010 at 2:33am
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Both Johnson and Bollinger were decidely ordinary versus Pakistan in England. Watson and North took the bulk of the wickets if you folks remember, while Hilfenhaus looked alright on his comeback. A lot will depend on this India series and how the fast bowlers play. It will also be Nathan Hauritz's comeback and if he performs poorly then it could well be Steven Smith doing the spin duties for Australia. North does not warrant a spot in the Australian side. Hughes could well back at 5 or 6, if he's the next best batsman then he can bat anywhere. In Australia, the tradition is that the best batsman in the side opens the batting so that he's exposed to the most deliveries. That's probably why Hughes has opened all his life throughout his youth times. ------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 27 August 2010 at 5:21am
Problem with Watson is that he always gets out after a 50 so no need to open he is a perfect choice for no.6 which will be better for Australia.
Khawaja looks very talented why not him? ------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 27 August 2010 at 7:28am
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Hughes is far away better than Khawaja. Khawaja is no where near as consistent or hard working. Hughes should be opening and Watson should bat at no.6. He has 1 ton in 20 tests and 9 50s. That's not a good enough conversion rate for an opener, just compare it to Hayden or Strauss. He needs to bat at 6 also because we need him to take on some of the burden with the old ball. Hughes is a run machine, with the potential of making huge scores. He needs to get first shot and he's a much , much better option than North. Katich and Hughes have batted together before, in tests and also for NSW. I have no problem with those 2 opening. If not, then Katich can come down and Watson can keep opening.
------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 27 August 2010 at 9:00am
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Katich should always open becuz he needs time to get in. Hughes in for North will make side look so much better. ------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |
Posted By: lethalhughes
Date Posted: 27 August 2010 at 11:32am
| As others have pointed out Watson's conversion rate is poor.When you factor in his an all rounder and his body is so fragile why risk Watson at the top of the order when you got a YOUNG sensation in Hughes, a guy who averages 47 in test in Jacques and a run machine in Rogers.Any of those 3 guys can open the batting.I would go with Hughes though.If HUGHES is the best young aussie batsman we have seen since Ponting then he cant be waiting on the sidelines for another 2- 3 years.He needs to be in the team. This Aussie team needs the same spark(hughes) which we saw in the South AFRICAN test series.Hughes being in the side and if he perfroms will lift this Aussie team.Thats what a young sensational batsman can do to a team.I was shocked when he got drop after the second test of the ashes.Poor poor decision.Hughes has a short ball problem like sehwag and just like Sehwag he'll hurt an opposition when set.Good balls fly to the fence and bowlers are left scratching their hands.by the way i think Khawaja is a fine fine player but i would choose Hughes to open the batting ahead of Khawaja everyday of the week and twice on Sunday.Who cares about technique if you can score mountain of runs.Khawaja might be a better technical batsman but Hughes is more damaging and scores more. |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 27 August 2010 at 12:01pm
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Agreed. Watson is a middle order batsman and there are many opportunities at 6, especially for a power stroke maker like him... and also because he doesn't go on to 3 figures, always seems to get out in the 80s and 90s. Anyway, his bowling is pretty useful these days and he bowls at a good pace and swings the old ball reverse. More handy than people give him credit for.
------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: lethalhughes
Date Posted: 27 August 2010 at 6:26pm
| I can remember reading somewhere where Shane Warne says its time for Watson to bat down the order.His better able to provide more value to the team down the order, since his an allrounder.He also doesn't bowl as much as he should since he is opening the batting.With Watson swinging the ball like he has shown not only in England but back in AUSTRALIA he can come and bowl first change at times when it really is swinging big.Thats how much i rate his bowling.North first got selected on the basis that he is an allrounder( batting allrounder).Do we really need a batting all rounder now that we have Watson and an ever improving offie in Hauritz?The changes which are to be made are quite obvious, its not rocket science.Why can't the Aussie selectors realise the obvious?Just like they kept batting Hussey at 4 for quite some time when it was obvious a more inform Clarke should be batting at 4.Thankfully they finally realise that. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 27 August 2010 at 6:51pm
Sehwag gets out the way of short pitch balls, Hughes on the other hand tend to fend at them, there's a big difference in how the end occurs from playing like that.
I agree though that Hughes is a very exciting batsman. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 28 August 2010 at 2:13am
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Too much loyalty in the Australia camp. Hussey could have easily been dropped a long time ago with his poor run of form. I'd like to see some proactive action from the selectors. North has no right to be in the side, especially at age 31, when there's other guys making a shedload more runs than he.
------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: lethalhughes
Date Posted: 28 August 2010 at 7:09am
| With a domestic average of 42 and guys like David HuSSEY, Brad Hodge all averaging over 50 in domestic cricket, the question must be asked why was North even considered in the first place?If NORTH is our future then that future doesn't look very bright.It will be interesting if he fails again in India what would the selectors do.Hilditch have now dug himself a hole and he may very well fall in it come this ashes series. |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 23 September 2010 at 8:36am
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I think Steve Smith will be highly considered for the no.6 spot during the Ashes, he's a proper batsman and if he plays I guess there would be 6 bowlers in the side. Interesting to see if they go down that path. My preference would be to see Watson drop back down to 6, so he can have more of a role with the ball and then Phillip Hughes opening with his NSW skipper, Katich. Obviously that would mean no room for North, which is no big loss. I'd rather the 22 year old Hughes being given a try than the 31 year old North, he's doing nothing of note. Peter Siddle will be vying for a spot and I dare say if Johnson has a poor tour of India it could well be an attack featuring Hilfenhaus, Siddle and Bollinger. There's a shed load of young fast bowling options, certainly Hilfenhaus is the only one who should be considered a hands down certaintly, while Bollinger is marvellous in home conditions. ------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 23 September 2010 at 8:46am
| I dont think they will risk Smith at 6. Hauritz himself is pretty handy with the bat at 8 - they will rather have him and Watson at 6. North I agree has been disappointing. It could be a tough tour for the Aussies and a real confidence dampener prior to the all important Ashes. |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 23 September 2010 at 9:08am
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Australia tend to do better after losing though...
------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: W.G.
Date Posted: 23 September 2010 at 10:50am
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Here we go then ..... eyes down for proper cricket against the old enemy. Always a tough tour and, regardless of form, England will have their work cut out in what looks like being the tightest of series. Much though my heart pulls me, I fear that the Aussies will scrape it unless we have three bowlers firing throughout the series and taking 18+ wickets each. Swann will be up for it big time and I really hope he has the series he deserves. I think Broad will truly come of age with both bat and ball and don't be surprised if he tops 25 wickets and 300 runs, including a good half century or two and maybe another ton. Finn will be the boy to watch. If it all comes together he could be the trump card and destroy the Aussies - if not then it could be two tests and out and a bowling attack slightly under-cooked. Anderson will lead the attack well, but I have a little feeling he may struggle to be a real strike force over there - but if he hits his straps early on then watch out Aussies because to me there is no finer sight than a fired-up Anderson. ------------- When you win the toss - bat. If you are in doubt, think about it - then bat. If you have very big doubts, consult a colleague - then bat. |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 23 September 2010 at 1:00pm
You picked out the three key men for England with the bowling: Finn, Broad and Swann. For mine those 3 are the most important and most suited to the conditions in Australia. Swann gets a lot of revs on the ball and the extra bounce and pace will suit him to a tee. While Broad and Finn can use their height and tendency to bowl somewhat short to garner good bounce. If Anderson doesn't adjust from his fuller length he will struggle as the ball won't swing a hell of a lot. Weakness for England is definitely the batting though. Not due to ability, but mostly form. Collingwood and Pietersen did well last time in Australia, but both are in ordinary nick and someone like Cook you can never really tell if he'll do well or not. He got a ton last time he came down as a younger lad, but he hasn't improved much since then unfortunately. I suppose that makes Strauss the key and it will be interesting to see how Trott and the lower order perform. In terms of batting Australia definitely have something over England, but England's attack is probably better. Thus making the series very evenly matched, because Australia's strength with the bat is matched by England's strength with the ball and vice versa. Money would certainly be on Australia as they are playing at home, but England's best ever chance is now and it will make for a marvellous series. I won't be making any predictions though. If the past is anything to go by, it will either be very close or England get thumped. If England get thumped like in 2006/07 then it will be the biggest disappointment, I'm hoping for an evenly poised series and I think that is very likely. ------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 23 September 2010 at 4:20pm
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The England squad is pretty much as expected, with Bresnan in ahead of Shahzad the only real eyebrow raiser.
Ashes squad Andrew Strauss (capt), Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott,
Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior,
Steve Davies, Stuart Broad, Tim Bresnan, Graeme Swann, James Anderson,
Steven Finn, Chris Tremlett, Monty Panesar Barring injury or someone in truly dreadful form in the warm up games, I would be quite happy to bet a lot on the 1st Test XI being the rather predictable Strauss, Cook, Trott, Pietersen, Collingwood, Bell, Prior, Broad, Swann, Anderson, Finn. Performance squad Jimmy Adams, Jonny Bairstow, Danny Briggs, Michael Carberry, Maurice Chambers, Jade Dernbach, Andrew Gale, James Hildreth, Craig Kieswetter, Adam Lyth, Liam Plunkett, Ajmal Shahzad, Ben Stokes, James Taylor, James Tredwell, Chris Woakes Rashid is apparently being given a winter off, hence no performance squad place for him, whilst Bopara will be playing in South Africa over the winter, and presumably available to be called up if necessary. Good to see Hildreth making his way into the selector's thoughts. |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 23 September 2010 at 4:55pm
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Good to see them take 2 keepers, they did it last time they came and it was rather necessary as Geraint Jones was pathetic. They've gone in with Tremlett as the back up pacer, I think that's a good move to have him there but what's the purpose of Bresnan? I'd much rather have seen a specialist batsman there, I think just having Morgan as your specialist back up is a bit light. Cook, Pietersen and Collingwood have all been in inconsistent form of late. I can certainly envisage Bopara being called up at some stage. The actual XI looks great, bit unsure about the back ups though. Panesar is only needed if Swann is injured, I can't see him being dropped for form and Sydney isn't a raging turner anymore - even so, England's strength is in pace anyway. ------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 23 September 2010 at 6:15pm
| Regarding the back up batting, the performance squad will be in Australia so they can haul someone out of that at short notice if required, which is probably a better solution than having an extra guy mope around on the main tour with little chance of getting much cricket. |
Posted By: W.G.
Date Posted: 23 September 2010 at 7:05pm
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And, of course, Morgan is gold dust just waiting to be sprinkled ..... now if only he could lose that accent! ------------- When you win the toss - bat. If you are in doubt, think about it - then bat. If you have very big doubts, consult a colleague - then bat. |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 24 September 2010 at 7:15am
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I thought that performance squad was going to SA, but I think it's Queensland so you're right on that one Clobber. Big group of players they are sending down, a lot of expenditure for the ECB but I suppose there's some purpose behind it. When Australia goes to England they tend to have quite a few players already playing County Cricket and we've seen selections for tour matches and even tests come out of those overseas players. Morgan is a good back-up batsman though, I think the squad indicates order of preference, thus Morgan is the first batsman to get a go if say Collingwood has two bad tests in a row or there is an injury. Wonder how he will fair in this series. I still think Bopara wouldn't have been a bad option in the Aussie conditions. Another Irishman, Ed Joyce made a lovely ODI ton in Australia last time around, could be Morgan's turn. ------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 24 September 2010 at 6:35pm
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Just a word on Swann, I have rarely seen anyone bowl as good as Swann has done in the series against Pakistan. He is just brilliant and is improving day by day. The two deliveries to Yousuf and Fawad in the final ODI were just unplayable. Swann could well become one of the best spinners of all time. I'd love to see him operate against Indian players in India, that will be one hell of a contest. As for the Ashes, I think surely AUS will win, it won't be a whitewash this time but a 3-1 or 3-0 scoreline is very much possible. Personally I would love to see AUS win this 5-0. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: flipper
Date Posted: 24 September 2010 at 10:55pm
Good comments but I have to disagree with your last bit. The pace boys back up our strike bowler Swann!!  ------------- Warwickshire County Cricket, Edgbaston Birmingham England. County Champions 2012 |
Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 12:11am
bitter much? |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 3:11am
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I can't really see any team losing every single match. England lost 5-0 last time, but before that they'd tend to win at least a match. In 02/03 they won in Sydney and in 98/99 they won one game and drew another I believe. I mean realistically any team playing at home and after just losing in the away Ashes is going to be slight favourites. Our pacers are much better at home than away and that's fact. But England are playing their best XI in 20 years I reckon ; top notch spinner, very good pace attack and a long batting line up - backed up with a decent fielding setting, something England have somewhat lacked in the past. A well rounded side, KP is really the only player with that 'x-factor' now that Freddy is gone, but I dare say Swann has created for himself a happy knack for taking Warne-esque hauls and for mine that's a big, big plus for any touring team. We've seen India do well in Australia where Kumble has played, only difference is that England also has a couple of good pacers to back Swann up. A punter would put money on Australia, but I for one won't rule England out and I'm hoping for a top notch series. The anti climax after England lost 5-0 was the worst! If 4 players from Australia did not retire then I think the series would have been rather forgettable. ------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 4:42am
I would surely love 5-0 win England, but that is asking too much.
Mark my words , England cannot lose this series.The Aussies can either lose or draw the series at best.
------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: abubakar52
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 4:46am
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Yes Raj, I would have to agree with you. Also their series against India should also give us an indication of the form they will carry into the Ashes.
I also expect a close series with England coming on top. |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 5:16am
Absolutely, the fact is Aussies are not the team they were few years back. They have lost grip on longer format of the game.
------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 6:34am
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There is a sheer lack of objectivity in your statements, something I find rather strange considering your neutrality should render you unbiased. Clearly not. Much like the Indians brandishing Australians as racist because the Commonwealth Games being held in Delhi is a complete sham. Probably run by people with the same mindset as you Raj. To say Australia will not win a single match in some of your predictions is an absolute joke. Australia won a test and narrowly drew one against in England only last year AWAY from home. England won that series literally by a matter of a few overs. To say Australia are that bad that they can't even win a test as per some of your predictions and that England will somehow, after having never done so in the past 15 years, win a series in Australia is far fetched and fanciful. England could win, but it will not be by more than a 1 test margin, just like in 2005 or 2009 (which for your information were both series played in England). England's record in their past 10 tests in Australia is 9 lost, 1 won. Australia has only lost 1 series in the last 10 years at home and that was against SA. They failed to defend 400 and a freak partnership lost us the game in Melbourne. So they won't thrashed by all means. Funnily enough, they smashed SA in SA only a couple of months after. As far as I can see it, Australia has not lost it's grip on this format. Just look at India, they are no.1 yet they struggled clearly against SL. They never had their grip on the test format at all. Getting a bit fed up with the anti-Australia bias. Probably because India has nothing to show. Can't even organise the Commonwealth Games. Wonder how this next World Cup will pan out. ------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 8:14am
I have even told it could be a scoreline like 1-0,2-1,3-2,3-0 etc but in favour or England.
2. What is all this in your quote ?
- brandishing Australians as racist
- Probably run by people with the same mindset as you Raj.
- Getting a bit fed up with the anti-Australia bias.Probably because India has nothing to show. Can't even organise the Commonwealth Games. Wonder how this next World Cup will pan out.
My post was my expression about what I feel about current England and Australian team.By no means I have shown any disrespect to any Country,Team or an Individual. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 9:28am
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Everyone of your posts brandishes this anti-Australian rubbish. And none of your statements are justified, the number of draws in Australia are almost negligible, there's too much good weather here and the wickets are not 600 v 600 wickets like in Sri Lanka. ------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 10:42am
------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 11:12am
I agree.
India as no.1 is a joke a team which cant beat SL should not be no.1.
Milk the only reason India is safe becuz of money if you take out money than there is no different between Pakistan and India. ------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 11:16am
Even on flat pitches India struggle to post over 350 in first test match again SL which clearly shows that they dont deserve to be no.1. ------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |
Posted By: Amal
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 3:21pm
Me too |
Posted By: flipper
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 4:21pm
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Well I was hoping this thread would be a little different from the Eng/Pak match thread, as that one turned into 'Who Shot John' and conspiracy central! There seems some silliness from the get go. Come on Australia and England, lets show how this game should be played, Into the arena stuff with passion, decency ,fair play and share a beer at the end of play. 
------------- Warwickshire County Cricket, Edgbaston Birmingham England. County Champions 2012 |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 4:42pm
Me 3. ------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |
Posted By: flipper
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 4:53pm
Any particular reason, your thoughts, would you care to share? ------------- Warwickshire County Cricket, Edgbaston Birmingham England. County Champions 2012 |
Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 7:18pm
don't worry, there is no way this thread is going to be allowed to descend into the ludicrousness that the other one became |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 7:45pm
I just want Australia to win 5-0 but i think it will be 3-1 or 2-1 and the simple reason for that is that Australia at home are very strong as most teams are plus England's batting lineup might look strong on paper but apart from Strauss others are out of form and their bowling is not that great apart from Swann who is excellent others are just decent. I think before anyone predicts the result we should wait till Aus/India series finish. ------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |
Posted By: flipper
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 9:38pm
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Fair enough thats your view but Trott was the leading run scorer in the Pakistan series and by some distance, so I call that pretty much in form. Bell was finding form before he broke his toe and worked his socks off to make the last two odi's. Collingwood and KP are out of nick everyone knows that. Prior has done nothing wrong and looks steady. Cook's the one I have a problem with but always gets a ton when he's in last chance saloon, so to speak. I'm sure he's picked to shine the ball most series. Can't see much wrong with Englands pace attack in all honesty, I reckon it stands up quite well to anything elsewhere in the world right now. For me, its a team that will compete. ------------- Warwickshire County Cricket, Edgbaston Birmingham England. County Champions 2012 |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 26 September 2010 at 12:11am
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Oh sorry Flipper i forgot about Trott he is in superb form and the problem with England's pace attack is that if Anderson struggles the whole bowling lineup looks ordinary. ------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |
Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 26 September 2010 at 12:20am
| Form right now doesn't really matter for a series that starts in December |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 26 September 2010 at 7:40am
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KP is the x-factor , like I said. If he can re-find some of his brilliance then it will make a big difference. He has 2 months to work on his game and I hear he is going to SA to play provincial cricket. The wickets there should be pretty quick, so it will be a good workout for him.
------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: Amal
Date Posted: 26 September 2010 at 3:13pm
No mate nobody wants to go into that stuff again. For the love of cricket i also want to watch some really good cricket 
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Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 27 September 2010 at 2:53pm
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My two cents worth is that I think it would be quite silly to bet against Aussie not winning in their own backyard, nevermind if this squad is McGrath and Warne less. Aussies still have the best pace attack in the world (nevermind not the best new ball pair in my view). Anderson when balls aren't swinging is not much of a threat, a lot will rely on Broad and Swann with the ball.
One reason why I think the Aussies will win is because England away from home (as is the case with most sporting sides) is that they are not as good as they are at home. Remember them coming to the West Indies and losing 1-0? That was unbelievable!! ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 27 September 2010 at 4:30pm
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Australia's pace bowling depth is phenomenal. We have at least 5 or 6 left armers who can bowler above 140kph constantly (Nannes, Bollinger, Johnson, Starc, Walter, Putland) and about 5 or 6 really fantastic right armers (Hazelwood, George, Siddle, Hilfenhaus, Harris, etc). That's not including guys like Bracken, Lee, Tait and Stuart Clark. A lot of depth in the fast bowling ranks, not matched by any other nation at the moment. It's a real shame that all the spinners being produced seem to be spin bowling all rounders (Smith, O'Brien, O'Keefe, Heal, etc).
------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 28 September 2010 at 9:41am
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My views based on some of the comments made 1) Apart from Swann, none of the other england bowlers are threatening, Anderson is good only in England and in places where we see a lot of swing, I do not think he will do well in Australia. 2) Aus have indded won 9 of the last 10 tests between the two countries in Australia. Can't see them losing all of a sudden now! 3) England are a completely different side when they play at home, but not so mstrong playing away from home. Guyz just two years agao they lost every game they played on their tour to India. (except I think 1 draw) 4) to say that this this is the best England side in last 20 years or so is a complete joke, just what is the basis for this statement? ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 28 September 2010 at 9:46am
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Name me a side since 1990 that was better than this one. Perhaps there were a couple of better batsmen, Gatting and Smith come to mind... but that's about it. The bowling attack now is much more consistent with more variation. Gough, Malcolm, CaddiŁk was a good attack, add Fraser into the mix, but Fraser was constantly injured and Malcolm was inconsistent. In terms of spinners, Tufnell or Croft can't compare to Swann. The best England side would have Trescothick and Simon Jones back, and Flintoff out of retirement. However, this is not the case. So in reality, this is probably one of the best sides in 20 years, saying it is the best is a bit far fetched, but it's up there. ------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 28 September 2010 at 10:27am
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oh! so it was Milky who said this! 2005-2006, Jones, in form Harmison, Hoggard, Giles. Trescothick, Strauss, KP, Bell, Freddie and an inform Geraint Jones. That side was much better and it was not reliant on any one individual, this side is heavily dependent on Swann and in batting I don't know who. their batting scores against Pakistan were pretty ordinary. Remembering Simon Jones, ah! what a fine bowler he was, one of the best talents to have been wasted because of injuries! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 28 September 2010 at 11:30am
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Strauss, Bell and KP are still there. Giles and Jones are absolute rubbish, particularly the latter. Hoggard and Harmison were good, but I think they have been replaced adequately. ------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: kahmad
Date Posted: 28 September 2010 at 1:21pm
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England will definetly compete with Australia. I think Australia have the weakest team for the last 20 years but it is still one of the best in the world. Even Pakistan could win some matches in Australia last summer. Englandd is a much better side and i am sure this will be a good series. The start will be important. England might struggle to get 20 australian wickets but they have good batting line-up. In my opinion it will be a close series. Because of the home advantage it might be 3-2 or 2-1 for Australia. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 28 September 2010 at 1:21pm
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The English side of 2005 was for me the best English side of my time. This current one bowling, with the exception of Swann, isn't close to the one of 2005. Collingwood and Trott have been good inclusion to the batting though, along with Prior. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 28 September 2010 at 1:50pm
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Pakistan lost 3-0 in the tests and 5-0 in the ODIs Kahmed in OZ.
------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: kahmad
Date Posted: 28 September 2010 at 2:06pm
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i know the results of that series. There were plenty of sessions which Pakistan won. Pakistan have the habbit to loose a test match in just 1 session even if they win more sessions than the opposition. England is a much better side and most important a much better fielding side. Ponting wont get to his 200+ if his catch catch will be held on 0. Do you know how many catches pakistan dropped in that series. We all know how it came to 3-0. Australia isn't that dominant but still one of the best sides in the world. Both sides are consistant and this will be a very close series, i guess. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 28 September 2010 at 2:28pm
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Kahmad, the reason Pakistan came anywhere close to troubling Aussies was because of their bowlers, people might call me nuts here but I don't see the English attack as good as the Pakistan one, with the exception of Swann. Broad is getting into a nice bowler continually, i'll admit that but still feel that he's not as good as Amir and Asif. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: kahmad
Date Posted: 28 September 2010 at 3:13pm
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sw you are right but a good fielding side can back their bowlers well. Comparisons Batting: Both equal good (1-1) Fielding: Both equal good (2-2) Bowling: Advantage Australia (3-2) Result: 3-2 for Australia |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 28 September 2010 at 3:17pm
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I think Australia's batting is definitely better. Watson is turning into somewhat of a run machine and scored runs in England when he opened (3 x 50s in 4 innings) and even more runs when he plays at home. Plus made a brutal ODI ton in the Champions Trophy v England. I think he's got what it takes to take on England. Add to that the ever consistent Katich, Ponting and Clarke in the middle and Hussey also. I think Hughes should play ahead of North and that will strengthen the line up.
------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: kahmad
Date Posted: 28 September 2010 at 3:24pm
| it is really a very strong batting line up but Englands Batting is also very strong with an inform Strauss, Trott, Morgan, Prior. And if KP, Collinwood and Cook find the form they can trouble the aussie bowlers |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 28 September 2010 at 3:27pm
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My thing here why i'll give ah way bigger edge to Aussie and Sam made the point too is that England away from home is far off from the England at home and I agree completely with that. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 28 September 2010 at 3:39pm
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And add to that there 2 best batsmen last time in 06/07 were Colly and KP and both can't find runs at the moment. ------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 28 September 2010 at 3:44pm
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That is negated by the loss of Hayden, Gilchrist, Warne, McGrath haha Aussies have a huger loss. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 28 September 2010 at 3:56pm
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Well for mine it's important that seasoned, proven batsmen do well. Colly and KP are proven performers downunder, and their form is even more pivotal than anyone elses.
------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 28 September 2010 at 4:58pm
The problem is apart from KP there is no game changing player Morgan might not play so even if they do well it might not be all lost for Australia the only thing Australia need to do well is to keep KP down and they will win the Ashes easy. ------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |
Posted By: Amal
Date Posted: 28 September 2010 at 5:28pm
| To me both the teams look equally balanced but Aussies still have an edge on home ground. England will definitely look towards one man and that is Swann and with KP and Wood their middle order also looks very fragile. For the results I will make my prediction during Aus tour to India or after that. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 28 September 2010 at 6:55pm
... and I totally agree with you Spinny, just who else except for Swann do England have to challenge the Aussies with the ball? Yes, Broad is developing very nicely but I think this Ashes has come a bit too early for him. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 29 September 2010 at 2:12pm
None of them are threatening apart from Swann?? Sam , get over what's happened in England and face reality - England will give Australia a real go in the series. They might not win the series , but Australia will have to work very hard to get those Ashes back! Swann might well be England's top wicket taker , but it won't be by a huge margin. I wonder if any of the Aussie batsmen think the rest , after Swann , are completely useless? I think not , afterall they did lose last time out. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 29 September 2010 at 2:15pm
Maybe not SW , but his career will last a lot longer than theirs and his figures will be better as well! ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 29 September 2010 at 2:32pm
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Swann is the key, off spinners tend to do well against the Aussies. Broad is the most important fast bowler. He gets swing with the new ball, and has enough pace and bounce, at the right length, to threaten with the older ball. If he can bowl like he did in the last 2 Ashes tests in 2009 then he will be a major threat. If he bowls like he did in the first 3 tests then he will be dispatched. He's a better bowler, so I'm expecting big things. I do underrate Anderson's value somewhat in Australia, but he is a maturing cricketer and has played downunder in two test series already. He shouldn't perform badly by all means, while young Finn will enjoy the conditions. Sledger is right, England will give Australia a top challenge, but still may not win. A close series, who ever wins, is always most enjoyable. Although Australia, at home, are slight favourites. ------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 29 September 2010 at 4:22pm
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England's bowling lineup is over-rated apart from Swann i dont see anyone else doing well against Australia. ------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |
Posted By: kahmad
Date Posted: 29 September 2010 at 4:49pm
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do you have any reason for that? Maybe they have only Swann as a star in their bowling department but their bowling unit did well in the last year. They bowled well in all formats. They won consistantly T20s, ODIs and Test matches. Without a good bowling attack they cant be that consistent. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 29 September 2010 at 4:54pm
  Quite correct though, in a scenario like this, I'd rather be a Broad than an Asif. Broad has the potential to do plenty damage down under, the Aussie decks suits his style of bowling, bouncing balls back of a length and he can get leg cutter type movement which will always trouble right handers. The only thing is he's a bit like Jerome Taylor, off target one day then the next, he runs through a batting line up.
I wonder what a team prefers, A Taylor/Broad type bowler or a Freddie Flintoff, one who's always there keeping things steady with the odd wicket here and there. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 29 September 2010 at 8:55pm
Reason is simple Anderson has never done well against Australia and if you look at his stats he has struggle against good teams away from home and Broad is just over rated we all know how good Pakistani batsman are even North took 5 or 6 wickets that does not make him a good bowler and Finn is new he might not play the 2nd test. ------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |
Posted By: flipper
Date Posted: 29 September 2010 at 9:19pm
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Broad is just over rated, how so? I'm sure he'd get in most sides and is still pretty young. I really think Australia could be the making of him.
------------- Warwickshire County Cricket, Edgbaston Birmingham England. County Champions 2012 |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 29 September 2010 at 11:34pm
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Lets wait till the Ashes than we will see how good he is. ------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 30 September 2010 at 3:21am
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I think Broad is overrrated with the bat, they tout him as the next Flintoff. He's got a hell of a long way to go before he is good enough to bat at 7. With the ball, everyone knows he is inconsistent, like Johnson, but when he's on song he's brilliant.
------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 30 September 2010 at 6:24am
| Broad is pretty good. He wasn't when he started but has been on a consistent improvement. I expect him to be England's leading wicket taker and not Swann. Australia themselves have a lot to answer in their batting line. We have seen they can collapse in a session - Ponting is not going to get better. A lot will depend on Katich and Clarke. It is going to be one hell of a series. Could be anybody's series. |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 30 September 2010 at 7:58am
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Phillip Hughes must play. North is far too inconsistent, you have to make contributions between hundreds, which he doesn't. Watson, Katich, Clarke are the key batsmen, while I feel Hussey is a waning force. I certainly think Hussey and North have a lot to answer for, and there positions should be questioned. Callum Ferguson for mine is an improving batsman who could do a good job. Young Usman Khawaja is a very good batsman as well. Hughes is the best batsman in Australia not in the test XI, that's fact. ------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 30 September 2010 at 8:23am
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I wouldn't go that far milky - but yes he should play ahead of North and Watson should drop to six. But it is a dilemma as Watson has been so good opening the innings. Dont think they can fix in Hughes at six. Ferguson should be in the test team come the next Ashes. I really like his approach to the game.
Hilfenhaus remaining fit throughout the series will boost Australia's chances. Dont think Bolli and Johnson will be as effective. England also have a huge advantage in the spin department. There are clearly no favourites - which makes me wait for The Ashes to come soon. |
Posted By: flipper
Date Posted: 30 September 2010 at 9:17am
When you say 'They tout him as the next flintoff' who are they? I remermber when he first broke into the England team as a young lad and certain people were asking the question could we have another flintoff in the making?? but to this day I know of no one who touts him as the next freddie. Personally I've only seen him have one good knock with the bat and that was in his last match. Infact up till this point he's been really poor with the bat as everyone knows, so to overrate first you have to rate and he's never done that in the first place. ------------- Warwickshire County Cricket, Edgbaston Birmingham England. County Champions 2012 |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 30 September 2010 at 9:57am
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Bollinger, in Australia, is probably the best option. Johnson always does better in Australia and I think Harris could play a role.
------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 30 September 2010 at 10:00am
The easy fix is if Ponting goes down the order. He's not the force he once was at 3. I'd bat Ponting at 5, like where Waugh used to bat, and have Katich or Hughes at 3. ------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 30 September 2010 at 10:43am
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Ponting will never agree to go down the order. I think in future when Hussey goes Smith should also come in so it makes the team balance.
My lineup would be:
Katich
Hughes
Ponting
Clarke
Watson
Haddin
Smith
Hauritz
Johnson
Bollinger
Hillfenhaus ------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 30 September 2010 at 11:14am
| Hussey whenever he goes, will not go alone. Punter will be along. |
Posted By: milkman
Date Posted: 30 September 2010 at 11:30am
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Sachin had a lean patch worse than Pontings for 17 tests, with only 1 ton. Ponting is making runs in ODI cricket and has looked decent in tests, but with only moderate returns. Don't right him off just yet. I'd play it like this: 1. Watson 2. Hughes 3. Ponting 4. Clarke 5. Katich 6. Hussey 7. Haddin 8. Johnson 9. Hauritz 10. Harris/Bollinger 11. Hilfenhaus 12. Siddle ------------- Ideal cricketer: Bowl like Warne, bat like Tendulkar, field like Jonty!! |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 30 September 2010 at 12:01pm
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I think Katich at 5 is too low becuz he is the one who can score big and he takes his time so it wont be a good move and i agree with Milky Ponting will play alot more test matches but he might lose his captaincy if Australia lose Ashes. ------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |