New Ashes thread

[Scrads]

I think the return series opener at this stage will hopefully be a similar side. Faulkner obviously the least secure (hate to say that haha) but I think Warner and Siddle might be nervous too. The rest SHOULD be reasonably secure.

[Cicjose]

too much emphasis on young guys at shield level as well, even if they do impress, they haven't developed sufficient experience/character/temperament to cope with the intensity of test cricket when introduced to the test arena at young ages ... and its actually hurting them even more by playing them because they get smashed and develop long lasting mental scars thus consigning them to a career of unfulfilled potential

there should be a much greater focus on the long form in general, pay them more to start with, but realistically can't see it happening while the dollars/t20 shower is all the decision makers care about

This generation has already been consigned to that reality

because if an Australian side with no new fresh batsmen being used to try and combat the obvious weakness in the side

loses every game and they cant get in when the team is losing how the hell would they ever get in "IF" the team ever does well again

[PowerBug]

There is a nice long article on cricinfo stating how every other country has had no problems at all with the introduction of T20 to the world and how it's taking over cricket (e.g. Chris Gayles test average has risen by 4 since IPL started) but Australia have gone significantly backwards since.

Australia are getting better, the key is to give the young ones long stints in the side, much like England have done with Joe Root, and let thwm get experience.

It just sucks that every Australian sporting team is going down the toilet right now.

[me]

too much emphasis on young guys at shield level as well, even if they do impress, they haven't developed sufficient experience/character/temperament to cope with the intensity of test cricket when introduced to the test arena at young ages ... and its actually hurting them even more by playing them because they get smashed and develop long lasting mental scars thus consigning them to a career of unfulfilled potential

there should be a much greater focus on the long form in general, pay them more to start with, but realistically can't see it happening while the dollars/t20 shower is all the decision makers care about

This generation has already been consigned to that reality

because if an Australian side with no new fresh batsmen being used to try and combat the obvious weakness in the side

loses every game and they cant get in when the team is losing how the hell would they ever get in "IF" the team ever does well again

Yeah the game is so mental, even when we get into positions to win we can't because England have the mental edge. Of course it could be broken in a watershed moment, and in the last couple tests it looked like some players were overcoming some mental hurdles such as Watson and smith while it looks like Hughes and khawaja just don't have what it takes ... When they come into bat they almost look like they're just waiting to get out with a sense of inevitability. That's just how it appears to me, either way, physically Australia can compete, but mentally they need to turn the corner and break through and believe they belong and can thrive at the level. I guess it calls for hard work, application and seizing the opportunities to succeed instead of fail. I do believe the wheels have started to turn though based on this ashes series.

[T Dog]

Boof says we need a stronger batting line up next series...thats why he is on the big bucks.. 8)

[RobertSperry]

Jacques Kallis is the best cricketer in the world of the past 15 years at least.

How could you not see his value already?

I agree..He is one of the best cricketer on the face of this earth..I am just truly influenced by his persona..He is really flabbergast..Luckily he also like industrie as I do...
:D :D

[Jukes]

Jacques Kallis is the best cricketer in the world of the past 15 years at least.

How could you not see his value already?

I agree..He is one of the best cricketer on the face of this earth..I am just truly influenced by his persona..He is really flabbergast..Luckily he also like industrie as I do...
:D :D

hahahahaha

[PowerBug]

Not really Ashes related, but Ballance is playing for England for the first time tonight vs Ireland in an ODI. Can't contain my excitement right now! :D :D Hopefully he plays well enough to get included into the England squad to tour Australia this summer. :D

[Jay]

Not really Ashes related, but Ballance is playing for England for the first time tonight vs Ireland in an ODI. Can't contain my excitement right now! :D :D Hopefully he plays well enough to get included into the England squad to tour Australia this summer. :D

Good on him for getting a game. Not so good the fact he didn't register a single run... Quack quack quack

[Bill Manspeaker]

no rain!! England won the toss and will bowl first

[Bill Manspeaker]

Marsh goes in the first over. 1-0

[henry]

Marsh goes in the first over. 1-0

And Watto lucky not to join him in the first over too. Hopefully finch goes big again, love him  :)

[Jukes]

Nice drs cheating there watto

[Jukes]

Why didn't you walk Watson? Biggest cheat in the game.

(I'm being ironic about the Broad incident if you couldn't tell already)

[Jay]

Why didn't you walk Watson? Biggest cheat in the game.

(I'm being ironic about the Broad incident if you couldn't tell already)

Seriously? You cant compare those 2 incidents. There was 100% conclusive evidence that Broad hit it, that wasn't the same for Watto - hot spot showed nothing!