The Ashes

[nrich102]

ABC Grandstand ‏@abcgrandstand

Steve Smith has gotten a call-up to Australia's #Ashes squad as Fawad Ahmed misses out http://bit.ly/11HnCrW  #cricket

Fawad Ahmed :( I hope racists like Bob Katter had nothing to do with that.

[Nige]

There are a couple of idiots around here that don't like Fawad Ahmed and are Bob Katter-like in their thinking, his story is great, his work ethic is awesome and his skill is good. I suppose they don't wank to take a 'risk' with Fawad, and at least Steve Smith gives them an all-rounder of sorts too, even though they're saying they've brought Smith him in as an extra batsman. I'd like to like to see more than just Lyon in the team as far as spinners go, I reckon they'll need a second full-time spinner at some stage, which is why I guess they'll take Fawad or Ashton Agar from Australia A if needed. 

[Cicjose]

for the good of australian cricket a 10-0 whitewash is required

[SydneyRox]

We are going to get hammered and humiliated....  :'(

[henry]

We are going to get hammered and humiliated....  :'(

Unfortunately. At least we'll see who has guts and can do well in trying conditions, and get rid of those not willing to work hard. There's no way Katter had anything to  do with Ahmed's not making the squad yet, fairly ridiculous suggestion imo. He has stuff he has to sort out with his citizenship still as James Sutherland said, they wanted another batsman in the squad. I'd love Fawad to play but he hasn't shown enough yet in the tour matches to show he can play for Australia. There is a spot open for him for the second test and beyond though.

[BB67th]

Fawad is a good guy, have met him before. Wouldn't be surprised if you see him playing around Boxing Day time. Could go well in Australia conditions.

Agar, however is staying on as a development player with the squad, similar to what Pat Cummins was in South Africa, so you could see him get a test or two.

[its me lads]

Good chance to have a win now that we've got a new coach.

Still think Steve Smith is a spud and would have loved seeing Fawad Ahmed get a run. Bob Katter was a disgrace when he spoke about it.

[Cicjose]

if Khawaja, Doolan and Burns all get a look in the team for a restructured batting lineup then i will be happy

http://www.espncricinfo.com/the-ashes-2013/engine/current/match/566928.html

In the tour match Somerset were 2/304 at one stage before their top scorer was dismissed
then they crumbled to be all out for 310 including a spell of 6/0

[PowerBug]

I think Australia will go surprisingly ok in this tour. My money is on Ricky Ponting getting a call up.

[its me lads]

I think Australia will go surprisingly ok in this tour. My money is on Ricky Ponting getting a call up.

Along with Gilly, Warnie and McGrath  ;D

[T Dog]

Get around big Maxie Walker and Lenny Pascoe.. ;D

[Nige]

So apparently it's been confirmed that Bucky (Chris Rogers) will open the batting! ;D

[BB67th]

Things looking better and better for the Aussies! Khawaja is not playing tonight's final warm up match though, so does that means that either Khawaja or Cowan will take first drop, looking like Cowan at this stage unfortunately. I think if Usman gets a run, he will do well in this series and average around 45. So the XI for the first test is shaping as this.

1. Watson
2. Rogers
3. Cowan/Khawaja
4. Clarke (C)
5. Hughes
6. Warner
7. Haddin
8. Starc
9. Pattinson
10. Harris/Bird (Probably whoever does better in the match tonight, as long as Harris doesn't breakdown)
11. Lyon

Siddle probably pushed out for now, but will be back when the others get injured,

[Hawka]

Yes Stevey!!! :D
Lehamnn in to coach
Rogers and Watto opening in the first test, our chances are a little better
The team for the first test should be

1. Rogers
2. Watson
3.Hughes/ Khawaja
4.Clarke
5.Smith (go on laugh)
6.Warner
7.Haddin
8.Pattinson
9.Harris
10.Siddle
11. Lyon or Bird

[Spinking]

Lehmann talking the right language at this stage. No more rotations thank goodness. Best team on the park, earn your spot, know where you stand.

Like that Rogers was picked based on volume of runs. Seems so simple, but just hasn't happened in recent years....