The Ashes - The Summer Sport Thread

[Bee_Forever]

So with a few weeks to go until the Bees kick a ball in Anger (football season does not officially start until 9th August in my view) there is time for us to contemplate the joy which is a battle between England (and Wales) and out Antipodean rivals for the treasured Urn.

Although Australia are the hot favourites England have been pretty competitive in recent weeks, and as long as we find a way to deal with Starc the rest of the Aussie bowling lineup holds few fears.

With England's famously conservative approach to test team selection, some of the top performers from the recent ODI team are unlikely to be able to force themselves in to England's newish look set up, with Rashid, Hales and Taylor missing out again from the pre-Ashes training/holiday squad. Based on the same team starting as finished vs the Kiwis the England Team looks like this.

Lyth
Cook
Ballance
Bell
Root
Stokes
Buttler
Ali
Broad
Wood
Anderson

Lyth and Ali are the obvious concerns, with a lack of penetration from the bowlers being a worry also, although Wood is promising, and Broad seems to be getting some of his zip back.
Starting to get nervous already.

[jerroll]

Wait til Foxy comes on here with his Glenn McGrath 5-0 prediction!!
Hopefully Graham Stack can put on a training session with tefflon Buttler to improve his catching!!

[rudebwoyben]

I'm going to be there at Lords on July 18th!

[foxy]

Yay, an Ashes thread!!!!!

Don't think it will be quite 5-0 but Aussies to win in a low scoring contest!! Think the bowling will be too good from both sides

[JWTBee]

I will be at Lords from July 16th onwards!

[pgbee]

Sunday - if we last that long....

[letchbee94]

August the 9th Cranners? Don't Orient away count then?

[Tuesds]

...as long as we find a way to deal with Starc the rest of the Aussie bowling lineup holds few fears.

I know the pitches are unlikely to be quite as hard and bouncy, but sadly I can't help but think that the bloke who took 37 wickets at less than 14 last time out might just have the psychological edge over our batting line-up at the moment!

[John_c]

Stupid game.

I've got tickets for a day at The Oval test though

[Davoc]

3-1 Australia. I think all games will be close though, no innings wins/losses...

IMO Starting 11 for the 1st test:

Rogers
Warner
Smith
Clarke
Voges
Watson
Haddin
Johnson
Harris
Hazlewood
Lyon

Starc a bit harsh not to be picked, but got to play the returning Harris and have to play Hazlewood.

[ShankBee]

Can't see Starc not starting?

[Davoc]

IMO Starc will only be in if Harris (or obviously someone else is injured).

They could potentially play all 4 quicks (Johnson, Harris, Starc and Hazlewood) and play Haddin at 6, but that will be risky.

There are actually a lot of options and thats a good problem to have.

[let_it_bee]

Australia will win for sure, but I think it'll be closer and more competetive than most are expecting. The real concern for me is Ballance at number 3 - really not sure he's up to it at this level, but will be delighted if I'm proved wrong. And Ali really isn't a top class spinner as things stand, but I guess he's the best we have. Can't see him getting very many wickets though.
There must be some encouragement to be gained from the recent sensational one day performances though. Ok, I know it's different players, but maybe the likes of Morgan, Willey, Hales and that other Asian spinner (what's'isname) will be knocking on the door of the test side if those in possession don't perform.

[hoppy]

The Ashes. ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA. The greatest cricket competition ever.
First Test starts very soon, venue.......WALES!!???!!!!

[jerroll]

The Ashes. ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA. The greatest cricket competition ever.
First Test starts very soon, venue.......WALES!!???!!!!

ECB stands for England and Wales cricket board.