Monday, September 11, 2006
Sixteen Tons - what do you get?
Tomorrow, the England cricket team squad for this years Ashes series will be announced. I'm not an expert, simply a fan, but I thought it would be entertaining to see if I can name the squad before it is announced. So here's my guess on the sixteen names that will tour Australia starting this autumn...
The Captain
This is fairly easy - Michael Vaughan is not going to be fit, so it will be either Andrew Flintoff, or Andrew Strauss. Flintoff took over from Vaughan on tour last winter, but then got injured. Strauss took over from Flintoff. If Flintoff is fit, he will be skipper; if not, it will be Strauss.
The Batters
Having a settled side over recent times has its benefits, but also causes problems if the need to change is required. The openers used to be solid and settled; Marcus Trescothick and Andy Strauss should be OK, that is if Tresco gets over his "virus" worry. Alistair Cook will definitely go, and probably bat at three. While Kevin Peitersen is also a certainty at four. Ian Bell will also count himself unlucky if he misses out, especially after his form this summer. One extra batsmen is needed, and I'd go for Ed Joyce, who can open or bat in the middle if need be.
The Bowlers - fast
Matthew Hoggard and Steve Harmison are both shoed-in, but injuries have opened the door for others. Simon Jones is almost certainly out, and Darren Gough is too old now. Liam Plunkett was doing OK, but he is now injured and may miss out. The other bowlers who have been tested this summer, and have just finished in the one-day squad are all in with a chance - Sajid Mahmoud is in pole position currently, but will Jonathan Lewis or Stuart Broad travel? I like the look of 20-eyar old Broad, and think he could be a handful on pitches down under; He's tall, and will get good carry. I'd pick him instead of Lewis - who may struggle to swing the Kookaburra ball after the first ten overs - and also in front of Plunkett if he is fit.
The Bowlers - slow
Monty Panesar is a cert; I doubt Ashley Giles can be considered as he has been injured all year, so that leaves Jamie Dalrymple almost unopposed. The Middlesex man can bat too, and will prove to be a useful tourist.
The Keepers
This is the easy bit; Geraint Jones and Chris Read will tour, but don't ask me who will play in the first test at Brisbane...that's too close to call!
The All-Rounders
Flintoff falls into this category, so England probably only need one other; Paul Collingwood may be more a batter than an allrounder these days, but I'll stick him in this category. If Freddie doesn't make it, we have a problem! Do we go for Rickie Clarke, who could be rubbish down under, or pick another batter who can bowl a bit? If only Chris Lewis was still playing...
So that's my sixteen to tour, and hopefully retain the Ashes (we haven't said that for a while!!!); tomorrow, we'll see how close I got to naming the entire squad. If you disagree with my selections, let me know via the comments section.
The Captain
This is fairly easy - Michael Vaughan is not going to be fit, so it will be either Andrew Flintoff, or Andrew Strauss. Flintoff took over from Vaughan on tour last winter, but then got injured. Strauss took over from Flintoff. If Flintoff is fit, he will be skipper; if not, it will be Strauss.
The Batters
Having a settled side over recent times has its benefits, but also causes problems if the need to change is required. The openers used to be solid and settled; Marcus Trescothick and Andy Strauss should be OK, that is if Tresco gets over his "virus" worry. Alistair Cook will definitely go, and probably bat at three. While Kevin Peitersen is also a certainty at four. Ian Bell will also count himself unlucky if he misses out, especially after his form this summer. One extra batsmen is needed, and I'd go for Ed Joyce, who can open or bat in the middle if need be.
The Bowlers - fast
Matthew Hoggard and Steve Harmison are both shoed-in, but injuries have opened the door for others. Simon Jones is almost certainly out, and Darren Gough is too old now. Liam Plunkett was doing OK, but he is now injured and may miss out. The other bowlers who have been tested this summer, and have just finished in the one-day squad are all in with a chance - Sajid Mahmoud is in pole position currently, but will Jonathan Lewis or Stuart Broad travel? I like the look of 20-eyar old Broad, and think he could be a handful on pitches down under; He's tall, and will get good carry. I'd pick him instead of Lewis - who may struggle to swing the Kookaburra ball after the first ten overs - and also in front of Plunkett if he is fit.
The Bowlers - slow
Monty Panesar is a cert; I doubt Ashley Giles can be considered as he has been injured all year, so that leaves Jamie Dalrymple almost unopposed. The Middlesex man can bat too, and will prove to be a useful tourist.
The Keepers
This is the easy bit; Geraint Jones and Chris Read will tour, but don't ask me who will play in the first test at Brisbane...that's too close to call!
The All-Rounders
Flintoff falls into this category, so England probably only need one other; Paul Collingwood may be more a batter than an allrounder these days, but I'll stick him in this category. If Freddie doesn't make it, we have a problem! Do we go for Rickie Clarke, who could be rubbish down under, or pick another batter who can bowl a bit? If only Chris Lewis was still playing...
So that's my sixteen to tour, and hopefully retain the Ashes (we haven't said that for a while!!!); tomorrow, we'll see how close I got to naming the entire squad. If you disagree with my selections, let me know via the comments section.
