Ashes in Australia 2013/14

[Rallo]

We are a week away from the cricket commencing so I thought it time to start a new thread and let discussions begin for the upcoming series.

Fo what it's worth I believe Australia can win but we to start well at the Gabba and for Ian Bell to have a quiet series.

 

[JohnK]

It is a sad reflection of the state of Australian cricket if Johnson is back in the team. In saying that he will probably prove me wrong and be man of the series.

I will stick to my original prediction of England 2-1 and retain the Ashes.

 

[Rallo]

I was impressed with the way he bolwed in India though John , my concern with Australian cricket is that we are unable to bring younger players in , Bailey is a prime example although I do like the way he carries himself.

 

[JohnK]

Does one-day form mean much for 5 day cricket? I think he is way too expensive and only ever takes 2-3 wickets these days.

Perhaps what the selectors should have done is pick 2-3 young batsmen and leave them in for the entire series. Sacrifice the Ashes but try and blood some batsmen for the future. I am not convinced Khawaja, Hughes are the future of Australian cricket.

The worst thing that can happen is losing the Ashes with all the old(er) cricketers in the team. We will not achieve anything that way.

 

[Rallo]

I thought that is what we could have done last series , there is a bowler for SA Sayers who has taken 80 wickets at an average of 20 yet he cannot get a look in .
I f Johnson is expensive in the first test then he may not last long although they seem to think the wicket will be a green top , we will have get LW's expert opinion on that

 

[JohnK]

And if England wins the toss and bowls first Australia will be in some trouble.

I am in 2 minds about this series again. If Australia wins then it will give them a false sense of achievement. As you say a young bowler averaging 20 should get a look in this side. Harris is 34 and injury prone. Watson is hit and miss and Haddin is now 35-36? Clarke is not getting younger either. In 18 months-2 years Australia may be forced into a very young side ala 1984.

 

[Rallo]

We just need to win,three losing series in a row is enough .

 

[TomVexille]

Perhaps what the selectors should have done is pick 2-3 young batsmen and leave them in for the entire series. Sacrifice the Ashes but try and blood some batsmen for the future. I am not convinced Khawaja, Hughes are the future of Australian cricket.

I completely agree with this. The side changes too much for them to be able to build into a team that wins consistantly.

 

[samh004]

When I heard they'd called up a 31-year old the other day it really sunk in that they're in trouble, regardless of winning or losing, you should be giving younger players a chance and developing them, not older ones who might not survive long anyway.

We've got tickets to the first test, 2 first day, 4 second and third day, 2 fourth day.

Happy to meet any AFFers at the German Club for lunch

 

[JohnK]

At 32 is Johnson a long term prospect?

What would it take for the selectors to realise they have made a mistake? A loss?

 

[NM]

Re: First Ashes Test - live TR

All done for the day at 8/273. We used to always say that 400 in the first innings and you "should" not lose a test. Well, looks like we could be considerably short of that mark, so its anyone's game. Less than 300 in the first dig and unless weather intervenes there is a very good chance of a result - one way of they other.

 

[anat0l]

Re: First Ashes Test - live TR

The tail will have to either support Haddin or put on some brilliant batting. Considering the English bowling attack that's like trying to swim across the cold North Atlantic.

Still, I guess one could concede that the Australians could've been bundled up far more cheaply.

 

[Pushka]

Re: First Ashes Test - live TR

All done for the day at 8/273. We used to always say that 400 in the first innings and you "should" not lose a test. Well, looks like we could be considerably short of that mark, so its anyone's game. Less than 300 in the first dig and unless weather intervenes there is a very good chance of a result - one way of they other.

The bats are made completely differently these days so old standards don't apply much anymore.

 

[JohnK]

Re: First Ashes Test - live TR

I think we have seen the pattern for the rest of the Ashes.

Australia as usual was all talk. The bowlers are going to have to do a mountain of work on an unresponsive pitch.

By the way I thought arrogance was only appropriate if you could follow up the talk with actions.

 

[a330j]

Re: First Ashes Test - live TR

I think we have seen the pattern for the rest of the Ashes.

Australia as usual was all talk. The bowlers are going to have to do a mountain of work on an unresponsive pitch.

By the way I thought arrogance was only appropriate if you could follow up the talk with actions.

Yes sadly it looks like the form of the recent ashes tour has returned (or never left depending on how you look at it). Looks like being a long summer for the Australian cricketers and their supporters.

 

[kpc]

Re: First Ashes Test - live TR

Don't want to be a pessimist, but unless the bowlers perform a miracle, another test match is starting to slip from our grasp. I cannot see the current Australian team regaining the Ashes but would be happy to be proven wrong!

 

[Pushka]

Re: First Ashes Test - live TR

And the Brisbane Test is a Litmus one - when we lose Brisbane, we lose the rest apparently (Ashes).

Looks like a great day - any sign of storms?

Cook is like an older version of my son - they could be brothers; scarily so. Both are icemen!

Really looking forward to our Adelaide test at the (almost finished) Adelaide Oval in early December. It looks stunning. Especially from the Members.

 

[JohnK]

Re: First Ashes Test - live TR

Don't want to be a pessimist, but unless the bowlers perform a miracle, another test match is starting to slip from our grasp. I cannot see the current Australian team regaining the Ashes but would be happy to be proven wrong!

Slipping from our grasp? Are we watching the same test?

 

[NM]

Re: First Ashes Test - live TR

Second England scalp just before lunch, so a similar situation to the Aussies yesterday.

 

[markis10]

Re: First Ashes Test - live TR

Second England scalp just before lunch, so a similar situation to the Aussies yesterday.

I think we will have a different afternoon, especially by 2.30 or 3 PM, there are signs of activity at Dalby.