Interesting - would have expected Rehan Ahmed if we took 2 spinners, and Brook being made VC makes me think they're considering dropping Pope for Bethell.
Would make sense . Pope has been disappointment the last 18 months and I’m not sure his decision making in the field is up to scratch when he took over as captain. They also have big plans for Bethell as well .
Other option is they could be thinking Smith at 3, Pope keeping?
Would be surprised. I did hear on the grapevine that they wouldn't be taking another keeper and that Pope would be the back up with the gloves but I think they are desperate to get Bethell in there somewhere. Jacks, despite him not being a red ball spinner of any note, might play in one of the Tests if they really think that it will offer nothing for Bashir and specifically the day/night match. That would strengthen the batting for a game that traditionally doesn't last many days.
If it's a non spinning pitch, I'd rather have Sam Curran than Jacks.
It'd an odd one. Not one I'd have done but trying to see some logic to it. Are they thinking along the lines of - spin has played less and less of a part I'm Aus over the last couple years. So adding something with the bat is important. It's too early for Rehan the bowler and the Ausdies would likely go after leg spin. Left armers get destroyed in Aus so that rules out Dawson. So picking on "attributes" they like Bashir because he is tall and creates the right angles with his off spin. Jacks has similar "attributes". He is also an above exceptional fielder so a bonus as sub in the squad who is unlikely to play. If he does play it's potentially in the place of Stokes if he gets injured. They're thinking he cam bowl a lot of overs whilst adding something with the bat and in the field.
Not a selection I'd have made but that's the justification I'm guessing.
I'd have taken a bigger squad but have some with the lions at various points.
Rehan and Dawson around as the spinners. A proper backup keeper (Cox maybe?). Olly Stone as a wildcard quick - I think we are one quick short given the fragility of Wood, Archer and Stokes.
I rate the Potts decision. He is another who can bowl a lot of overs allowing you to rotate the quicker bowlers at the other end. Expect him to do well in the pink ball test.
Jacks is a surprise tbh - wonder what the thinking is there? Would have expected Rehan, but he presumably is going with Lions?, so would expect him to be called up at some point. Its obvious with the Pope demotion that they are thinking along the lines of Bethell potentially at 3. Pope has shown too many demons in his batting since his amazing innings in India.
Interesting - would have expected Rehan Ahmed if we took 2 spinners, and Brook being made VC makes me think they're considering dropping Pope for Bethell.
Would make sense . Pope has been disappointment the last 18 months and I’m not sure his decision making in the field is up to scratch when he took over as captain. They also have big plans for Bethell as well .
Other option is they could be thinking Smith at 3, Pope keeping?
Would be surprised. I did hear on the grapevine that they wouldn't be taking another keeper and that Pope would be the back up with the gloves but I think they are desperate to get Bethell in there somewhere. Jacks, despite him not being a red ball spinner of any note, might play in one of the Tests if they really think that it will offer nothing for Bashir and specifically the day/night match. That would strengthen the batting for a game that traditionally doesn't last many days.
If it's a non spinning pitch, I'd rather have Sam Curran than Jacks.
Not good enough with bat or ball in tests . Not sure Jacks is either , admittedly . I’m not sure why we are considering a spinner - I’d play 4 seamers in all 5 games and rotate a little .
Interesting - would have expected Rehan Ahmed if we took 2 spinners, and Brook being made VC makes me think they're considering dropping Pope for Bethell.
Would make sense . Pope has been disappointment the last 18 months and I’m not sure his decision making in the field is up to scratch when he took over as captain. They also have big plans for Bethell as well .
Other option is they could be thinking Smith at 3, Pope keeping?
Would be surprised. I did hear on the grapevine that they wouldn't be taking another keeper and that Pope would be the back up with the gloves but I think they are desperate to get Bethell in there somewhere. Jacks, despite him not being a red ball spinner of any note, might play in one of the Tests if they really think that it will offer nothing for Bashir and specifically the day/night match. That would strengthen the batting for a game that traditionally doesn't last many days.
If it's a non spinning pitch, I'd rather have Sam Curran than Jacks.
Not good enough with bat or ball in tests . Not sure Jacks is either , admittedly . I’m not sure why we are considering a spinner - I’d play 4 seamers in all 5 games and rotate a little .
Sam is a very different player to when he last played test cricket. He is more of a batter than bowler now. Batting 6 and being the 4th seamer role in the absence of stokes would be perfect for him.
Interesting - would have expected Rehan Ahmed if we took 2 spinners, and Brook being made VC makes me think they're considering dropping Pope for Bethell.
Would make sense . Pope has been disappointment the last 18 months and I’m not sure his decision making in the field is up to scratch when he took over as captain. They also have big plans for Bethell as well .
Other option is they could be thinking Smith at 3, Pope keeping?
Would be surprised. I did hear on the grapevine that they wouldn't be taking another keeper and that Pope would be the back up with the gloves but I think they are desperate to get Bethell in there somewhere. Jacks, despite him not being a red ball spinner of any note, might play in one of the Tests if they really think that it will offer nothing for Bashir and specifically the day/night match. That would strengthen the batting for a game that traditionally doesn't last many days.
If it's a non spinning pitch, I'd rather have Sam Curran than Jacks.
Not good enough with bat or ball in tests . Not sure Jacks is either , admittedly . I’m not sure why we are considering a spinner - I’d play 4 seamers in all 5 games and rotate a little .
Sam is a very different player to when he last played test cricket. He is more of a batter than bowler now. Batting 6 and being the 4th seamer role in the absence of stokes would be perfect for him.
Another ton yesterday for James Coles. Past 1000 runs for the season in Championship too which for a 21yr old is outstanding. Should be part of the Lions squad too although trying to work out a squad for that is proving more and more difficult. Depends on how many experienced players you want there if it's really a shadow squad.
Interesting - would have expected Rehan Ahmed if we took 2 spinners, and Brook being made VC makes me think they're considering dropping Pope for Bethell.
Would make sense . Pope has been disappointment the last 18 months and I’m not sure his decision making in the field is up to scratch when he took over as captain. They also have big plans for Bethell as well .
Other option is they could be thinking Smith at 3, Pope keeping?
Would be surprised. I did hear on the grapevine that they wouldn't be taking another keeper and that Pope would be the back up with the gloves but I think they are desperate to get Bethell in there somewhere. Jacks, despite him not being a red ball spinner of any note, might play in one of the Tests if they really think that it will offer nothing for Bashir and specifically the day/night match. That would strengthen the batting for a game that traditionally doesn't last many days.
If it's a non spinning pitch, I'd rather have Sam Curran than Jacks.
Not good enough with bat or ball in tests . Not sure Jacks is either , admittedly . I’m not sure why we are considering a spinner - I’d play 4 seamers in all 5 games and rotate a little .
Sam is a very different player to when he last played test cricket. He is more of a batter than bowler now. Batting 6 and being the 4th seamer role in the absence of stokes would be perfect for him.
... not good enough with bat or ball.
Not sure we can say that based on his previous test appearances when he was a teenager or just turned 20. Very different perspect now. Really think he is worth a bit of a go when Stokes body can no longer take it.
Interesting - would have expected Rehan Ahmed if we took 2 spinners, and Brook being made VC makes me think they're considering dropping Pope for Bethell.
Would make sense . Pope has been disappointment the last 18 months and I’m not sure his decision making in the field is up to scratch when he took over as captain. They also have big plans for Bethell as well .
Other option is they could be thinking Smith at 3, Pope keeping?
Would be surprised. I did hear on the grapevine that they wouldn't be taking another keeper and that Pope would be the back up with the gloves but I think they are desperate to get Bethell in there somewhere. Jacks, despite him not being a red ball spinner of any note, might play in one of the Tests if they really think that it will offer nothing for Bashir and specifically the day/night match. That would strengthen the batting for a game that traditionally doesn't last many days.
If it's a non spinning pitch, I'd rather have Sam Curran than Jacks.
Not good enough with bat or ball in tests . Not sure Jacks is either , admittedly . I’m not sure why we are considering a spinner - I’d play 4 seamers in all 5 games and rotate a little .
Sam is a very different player to when he last played test cricket. He is more of a batter than bowler now. Batting 6 and being the 4th seamer role in the absence of stokes would be perfect for him.
... not good enough with bat or ball.
Not sure we can say that based on his previous test appearances when he was a teenager or just turned 20. Very different perspect now. Really think he is worth a bit of a go when Stokes body can no longer take it.
Agree, think he is a much better player now than when he had his last Test appearance. As Alec Stewart said when Sam first burst onto the scene, that he thought he would become a batting all-rounder instead of a bowling all-rounder , and that has been proven over past few seasons.
Ultimately I think Jacks only plays if Stokes is unavailable. If Bashir gets injured I think it’s more likely we go without a spinner and rely on someone durable like Potts and a few overs from Root. If it’s a dead rubber we might get someone from the Lions but that seems unlikely
Ultimately I think Jacks only plays if Stokes is unavailable. If Bashir gets injured I think it’s more likely we go without a seamer and rely on someone durable like Potts and a few overs from Root. If it’s a dead rubber we might get someone from the Lions but that seems unlikely
If Bashir is injured and we go without a seamer, we'll be in real trouble.
Ultimately I think Jacks only plays if Stokes is unavailable. If Bashir gets injured I think it’s more likely we go without a seamer and rely on someone durable like Potts and a few overs from Root. If it’s a dead rubber we might get someone from the Lions but that seems unlikely
I reckon they'd call Ahmed over from the Lions if Bashir gets injured.
Ultimately I think Jacks only plays if Stokes is unavailable. If Bashir gets injured I think it’s more likely we go without a seamer and rely on someone durable like Potts and a few overs from Root. If it’s a dead rubber we might get someone from the Lions but that seems unlikely
If Bashir is injured and we go without a seamer, we'll be in real trouble.
First time for many years that i feel we have a quicker/livelier pace attack than OZ - with us having a perm any 4 from Wood,Archer,Tongue,Carse,Atkinson (Tongue has really impressed me recently) - however, you have the usual triumvirate of Cummins,Starc and Hazlewood with the backup of Boland, who i would suggest are better bowlers but also in their twilight Ashes tour methinks. Dont see them (with the exception of Cummins) along with Lyon in a Ashes tour again Also believe we have a better batting unit than Oz for once One thing is for sure, its gonna be a fascinating series.Roll on 21st November.
It'd an odd one. Not one I'd have done but trying to see some logic to it. Are they thinking along the lines of - spin has played less and less of a part I'm Aus over the last couple years. So adding something with the bat is important. It's too early for Rehan the bowler and the Ausdies would likely go after leg spin. Left armers get destroyed in Aus so that rules out Dawson. So picking on "attributes" they like Bashir because he is tall and creates the right angles with his off spin. Jacks has similar "attributes". He is also an above exceptional fielder so a bonus as sub in the squad who is unlikely to play. If he does play it's potentially in the place of Stokes if he gets injured. They're thinking he cam bowl a lot of overs whilst adding something with the bat and in the field.
Not a selection I'd have made but that's the justification I'm guessing.
The late, great Derek Underwood didn't do badly in Australia and even the likes of Phils Edmonds and Tufnell had their moments.
It'd an odd one. Not one I'd have done but trying to see some logic to it. Are they thinking along the lines of - spin has played less and less of a part I'm Aus over the last couple years. So adding something with the bat is important. It's too early for Rehan the bowler and the Ausdies would likely go after leg spin. Left armers get destroyed in Aus so that rules out Dawson. So picking on "attributes" they like Bashir because he is tall and creates the right angles with his off spin. Jacks has similar "attributes". He is also an above exceptional fielder so a bonus as sub in the squad who is unlikely to play. If he does play it's potentially in the place of Stokes if he gets injured. They're thinking he cam bowl a lot of overs whilst adding something with the bat and in the field.
Not a selection I'd have made but that's the justification I'm guessing.
The late, great Derek Underwood didn't do badly in Australia and even the likes of Phils Edmonds and Tufnell had their moments.
Yeah but you have to go back quite far to get to those names!
It'd an odd one. Not one I'd have done but trying to see some logic to it. Are they thinking along the lines of - spin has played less and less of a part I'm Aus over the last couple years. So adding something with the bat is important. It's too early for Rehan the bowler and the Ausdies would likely go after leg spin. Left armers get destroyed in Aus so that rules out Dawson. So picking on "attributes" they like Bashir because he is tall and creates the right angles with his off spin. Jacks has similar "attributes". He is also an above exceptional fielder so a bonus as sub in the squad who is unlikely to play. If he does play it's potentially in the place of Stokes if he gets injured. They're thinking he cam bowl a lot of overs whilst adding something with the bat and in the field.
Not a selection I'd have made but that's the justification I'm guessing.
The late, great Derek Underwood didn't do badly in Australia and even the likes of Phils Edmonds and Tufnell had their moments.
Yeah but you have to go back quite far to get to those names!
True but I'm really looking at the general point made. Jack Leach is another possible left armer we could have taken but I take the point about adding something with the bat. That could apply to the quickies as well though given England's historic propensity to collapse when batting.
First time for many years that i feel we have a quicker/livelier pace attack than OZ - with us having a perm any 4 from Wood,Archer,Tongue,Carse,Atkinson (Tongue has really impressed me recently) - however, you have the usual triumvirate of Cummins,Starc and Hazlewood with the backup of Boland, who i would suggest are better bowlers but also in their twilight Ashes tour methinks. Dont see them (with the exception of Cummins) along with Lyon in a Ashes tour again Also believe we have a better batting unit than Oz for once One thing is for sure, its gonna be a fascinating series.Roll on 21st November.
You're far more optimistic than me!
I think the Aussies have a very good lineup who know how to bowl on those pitches - agreed it'll be their last Ashes together.
I think we're missing genuine class even though we have more pace. Broad was slower than Tongue, for example, but I know who I'd rather have.
Tufnell took 19 wickets at 41.42 in Australia but, more to the point, his ER was 2.26. I'd take that from Bashir if that meant giving the quicks a meaningful rest.
It'd an odd one. Not one I'd have done but trying to see some logic to it. Are they thinking along the lines of - spin has played less and less of a part I'm Aus over the last couple years. So adding something with the bat is important. It's too early for Rehan the bowler and the Ausdies would likely go after leg spin. Left armers get destroyed in Aus so that rules out Dawson. So picking on "attributes" they like Bashir because he is tall and creates the right angles with his off spin. Jacks has similar "attributes". He is also an above exceptional fielder so a bonus as sub in the squad who is unlikely to play. If he does play it's potentially in the place of Stokes if he gets injured. They're thinking he cam bowl a lot of overs whilst adding something with the bat and in the field.
Not a selection I'd have made but that's the justification I'm guessing.
The late, great Derek Underwood didn't do badly in Australia and even the likes of Phils Edmonds and Tufnell had their moments.
Yeah but you have to go back quite far to get to those names!
True but I'm really looking at the general point made. Jack Leach is another possible left armer we could have taken but I take the point about adding something with the bat. That could apply to the quickies as well though given England's historic propensity to collapse when batting.
I’d say apart from Tongue the selected seamers are decent with the bat, if Bashir doesn’t play for any reason we have a fairly decent tail
First time for many years that i feel we have a quicker/livelier pace attack than OZ - with us having a perm any 4 from Wood,Archer,Tongue,Carse,Atkinson (Tongue has really impressed me recently) - however, you have the usual triumvirate of Cummins,Starc and Hazlewood with the backup of Boland, who i would suggest are better bowlers but also in their twilight Ashes tour methinks. Dont see them (with the exception of Cummins) along with Lyon in a Ashes tour again Also believe we have a better batting unit than Oz for once One thing is for sure, its gonna be a fascinating series.Roll on 21st November.
Cummins is suffering from a lumbar bone stress injury sustained earlier this year and has been ruled out of Australia's white-ball series against New Zealand and India in October. Starc had scans following some rib and side pain during the fourth Test against India in January. He's been cleared to play since then. Hazlewood is recovering from a shoulder injury. He plans to play a Sheffield Shield match next month to assess and prove his fitness. Boland is recovering from a knee problem and is likely to play in the Sheffield Shield next month. They have a combined age of almost 150 years.
In addition, Lance Morris has been ruled out of the series. Spencer Johnson has a back injury which will rule him out until at least December. Ben Dwarshuis has dodgy hammies.
For once, we're entering an Ashes series where England has - arguably - the faster, fitter, fresher, younger pace attack than the Aussies, and a greater depth of options, should they get injured.
It'd an odd one. Not one I'd have done but trying to see some logic to it. Are they thinking along the lines of - spin has played less and less of a part I'm Aus over the last couple years. So adding something with the bat is important. It's too early for Rehan the bowler and the Ausdies would likely go after leg spin. Left armers get destroyed in Aus so that rules out Dawson. So picking on "attributes" they like Bashir because he is tall and creates the right angles with his off spin. Jacks has similar "attributes". He is also an above exceptional fielder so a bonus as sub in the squad who is unlikely to play. If he does play it's potentially in the place of Stokes if he gets injured. They're thinking he cam bowl a lot of overs whilst adding something with the bat and in the field.
Not a selection I'd have made but that's the justification I'm guessing.
The late, great Derek Underwood didn't do badly in Australia and even the likes of Phils Edmonds and Tufnell had their moments.
Doesn’t mean any of them would be successful in 2025
First time for many years that i feel we have a quicker/livelier pace attack than OZ - with us having a perm any 4 from Wood,Archer,Tongue,Carse,Atkinson (Tongue has really impressed me recently) - however, you have the usual triumvirate of Cummins,Starc and Hazlewood with the backup of Boland, who i would suggest are better bowlers but also in their twilight Ashes tour methinks. Dont see them (with the exception of Cummins) along with Lyon in a Ashes tour again Also believe we have a better batting unit than Oz for once One thing is for sure, its gonna be a fascinating series.Roll on 21st November.
If (and it's a big if) we perform I think it could be us ending some careers for once on a tour down under.
So many of their side are 30+ and too many 35+. Khawaja is done but only there as they haven't found another opener to replace Warner. Smith can't go on forever and is showing signs he's not the player he once was. Marnus has lost it. They are mis-using Green at 3. Their bowlers are all the wrong side of 35 and the back ups are the same. I'd be amazed if the 4 quicks last the 5 games back to back with no real rest periods.
The flip side is if we are terrible and implode it's very possible we lose Stokes Root and Wood as a minimum.
Comments
Not a selection I'd have made but that's the justification I'm guessing.
Rehan and Dawson around as the spinners. A proper backup keeper (Cox maybe?). Olly Stone as a wildcard quick - I think we are one quick short given the fragility of Wood, Archer and Stokes.
I rate the Potts decision. He is another who can bowl a lot of overs allowing you to rotate the quicker bowlers at the other end. Expect him to do well in the pink ball test.
Would have expected Rehan, but he presumably is going with Lions?, so would expect him to be called up at some point.
Its obvious with the Pope demotion that they are thinking along the lines of Bethell potentially at 3. Pope has shown too many demons in his batting since his amazing innings in India.
;-)
Also believe we have a better batting unit than Oz for once
One thing is for sure, its gonna be a fascinating series.Roll on 21st November.
I think the Aussies have a very good lineup who know how to bowl on those pitches - agreed it'll be their last Ashes together.
I think we're missing genuine class even though we have more pace. Broad was slower than Tongue, for example, but I know who I'd rather have.
Personally think we'll win one Test at best.
Hopefully you're right and I'm wrong!!
In addition, Lance Morris has been ruled out of the series. Spencer Johnson has a back injury which will rule him out until at least December. Ben Dwarshuis has dodgy hammies.
For once, we're entering an Ashes series where England has - arguably - the faster, fitter, fresher, younger pace attack than the Aussies, and a greater depth of options, should they get injured.
So many of their side are 30+ and too many 35+. Khawaja is done but only there as they haven't found another opener to replace Warner. Smith can't go on forever and is showing signs he's not the player he once was. Marnus has lost it. They are mis-using Green at 3. Their bowlers are all the wrong side of 35 and the back ups are the same. I'd be amazed if the 4 quicks last the 5 games back to back with no real rest periods.
The flip side is if we are terrible and implode it's very possible we lose Stokes Root and Wood as a minimum.
Australia - 1.59
England - 3.55
Draw - 10.50