Ashes Squad

[ossie85]

17 man squad announced

Ricky Ponting (c)
Michael Clarke (vc)
Doug Bollinger
Xavier Doherty
Callum Ferguson
Brad Haddin
Ryan Harris
Nathan Hauritz
Ben Hilfenhaus
Mike Hussey
Mitchell Johnson
Simon Katich
Usman Khawaja
Marcus North
Peter Siddle
Steve Smith
Shane Watson


well, it doesn't really tell us that much! The only other player that is somewhat likely to play in the Ashes is probably Tim Paine, but can't select two wicketkeepers for a home tour :)

The most interesting thing is that clearly the selectors don't have absolute faith in Nathan Hauritz with Xavier Doherty's selection. Also two extra batsmen is a rarity so watch out North, Hussey and Clarke

[Boomz]

Would've liked to have seen Paine get a go over Haddin as he has been in good form & is a superior keeper imo but Haddin has the experience I suppose... I get the feeling the side is going to look exactly like the last ashes. Not a bad thing if they perform but if they don't, half of them will be on their last legs.

[Alex7089]

Looks pretty standard to me. No risks as expected :(
Hopefully Smith gets a go :D

[valkorum]

Picking 3 spinners for the squad?  Smith, Doherty and Hauritz.  SCG is about the only ground where you want more than 1.

[Boomz]

Makes u think they don't trust Hauritz though... Smith should be in before Doherty though.

[valkorum]

Makes u think they don't trust Hauritz though... Smith should be in before Doherty though.

If they dont trust him then dont pick him in the squad. 

[Boomz]

Agreed. He seems to get a lot of chances for someone that has never really performed.

[Hawka]

they  will cut the squad to 12/13 wen the shefield shield matches are done
1 fast bowler will be cut
1spinner will be cut
1batter will be cut
and 1 of any 1 else

[reesbr]

Where is Phillip Hughes?

[Boomz]

In the wilderness still coz of his technique I'd assume...

[reesbr]

Yeah and the Poms have him worked out

[Alex7089]

Agreed. He seems to get a lot of chances for someone that has never really performed.

Well that is completely untrue. He performed in the match-fixed game V Pakistan did he not?

[ossie85]

Where is Phillip Hughes?

Poor form. But surprised he didn't get in just because he plays for NSW

[ossie85]

Hauritz dropped for Doherty!

13 man squad: Ponting (c), Clarke (vc), Katich, Watson, Hussey, North, Haddin, Smith, Johnson, Doherty, Hilfenhaus, Siddle, Bollinger

[Boomz]

Yep... would prefer smith to play but he's not as good a bowler yet. Looks very similar to the last ashes.