Andrew Symonds
Chapter 1.
I’ve been “behind enemy lines” for 2 years now, but only now is it starting to get dangerous. If I had followed my original life plan, I would have timed it nicely to return to England in time for the 2009 Ashes. But then when I made that plan, I didn’t envisage Australia being this much fun! So instead I must prepare myself for the constant banter and ribbing that will no doubt come my way should Australia win this Ashes series. But I’m not complaining, it didn’t rain today.
To business then. You’ve probably all read that Australia have selected their Ashes squad for the trip to England, and there were certainly some surprises. The biggest shock was no doubt the omission of big-hitting all-rounder Andrew Symonds. It seems that the Australian selectors have had enough of his errant ways and lack of commitment and it is now difficult to see a way back for him. I have always been of the opinion that he is slightly over-rated anyway (with Shane Watson being the better player in my book) so, in a twisted kind of way, I thought it was a shame that he wasn’t selected.
The Australian public seem divided on the topic, with most merely questioning the selection of all-rounder Andrew McDonald. I think the fact that the selectors didn’t pick Roy is more about making a statement then anything else.
So what do the Aussies have in store for us?
In all probability, the starting XI is most likely to be something like this:
Hughes, Katich, Ponting*, Hussey, Clarke, Watson, Haddin+, Hauritz, Lee, Johnson, Clark.
There are not too many players there we haven’t seen before. The Daily Mail’s claim that this side is ‘inexperienced’ is clearly well wide of the mark (to those of us with a modicum of intelligence at least), with the only relative new comers being Hughes and Hauritz. My personal hope is that Australia make a classic English mistake and pick experience over form. Both Clark and Lee are coming out of injury and will both be short of match practice. There is a clear case that some of Australia’s younger bowlers might be a better bet. I’m thinking of Siddle or Hilfenhaus in particular, I never rated Hilfenhaus at home in Australian conditions, but his ability to swing the ball may mean he would excel in English conditions, so too Peter Siddle.
Granted there are 3 glaring holes in the Australian line up (made by the retirements of Messes Warne, McGrath and Gilchrist) and this obviously has ‘weakened’ the Australians somewhat. No longer will Ponting be able to turn to Warne and McGrath when he needs wickets. No longer will Gilchrist rescue them from a poor batting start (nor smash 100’s in 50 balls). However, the new men are just as capable of filling their shoes. Haddin is looking extremely useful in the middle order and Johnson has proved he is one of the worlds top bowlers. Question marks still remain over Hauritz though, and the English top order will breath a sign of relief that Warney isn’t back to torment them again.
Philip Hughes is an interesting prospect, although dismissed for a duck on debut, he has responded with some impressive hundreds. What’s more, he’s already in England getting used to the conditions. He could be a real threat. He will rely heavily on confidence though, and if England were to get him out early in the first few innings’, he might start to waver. England should target him, but not publicly so, quietly and on the sly, so that hopefully he doesn’t realise it. I don’t go in for these public target declarations.
The banter and sledging has already started, and I am preparing myself for a heap of abuse leading up to this so I hope you guys back in Blighty will appreciate my efforts to keep you up to date from the Australian end. The press here are pretty confident of an Aussie win. Granted the recent indifferent form (with a home loss to South Africa and a poor showing in India) has meant that a bit of their arrogance has been lost, but they have still (correctly) installed themselves as favorites, and are currently smirking at the new-found English confidence after the mauling of the Windies.
About 18 months ago, I boldly predicted at England 3-0 win. But that was before PietersenMooresgate. Although England have regained some momentum and confidence, they will have to be at the top of their game to stand a chance. The signs are encouraging however that a few players are hitting form at the right time. Preparation will be the key. Australia are not devoid of weaknesses however, and they too will need to perform well if they are to deliver the victory the Australian public expects. So now, I’m not sure where my bets will go. I’ve highlighted the key battle areas below to help:
| Andrew Strauss In decent batting form and his captaincy is solid, if a little unimaginative. Seems to have regained order in the dressing room and his style works well with coach Andy Flower. |
7 | v | 9 | Ricky Ponting Still a world class player and captain. If he gets it right with the bat he can steer Australia to victory. |
| Alastair Cook One of England’s more experienced players now and still only 24. Made the opening position his own now but will need to make sure he gets his head down. A good start to the innings will be vital for England. |
7 | v | 7 | Phillip Hughes Australia’s great hope and a raising star. If he gets a good start will go on to dominate the series. If not….well we’ll see. |
| Ravi Bopara England’s new number 3 and only the 5th player to score 3 consecutive 100’s for England. Yet to prove it in the big time, but looks promising. |
7 | v | 8 | Simon Katich One of the old guard. Re-born as an opener and always provides a solid start. Will be crucial England get him early. |
| Kevin Pieterson Match winner and loves the big occasion. Will want nothing more then scoring big runs against the old enemy. A little short of form at the moment, but will raise his game. |
9 | v | 7 | Michael Hussey Mr Cricket is not in the greatest form at the moment and could be the weak spot in the top 4. Don’t write him off though. Still capable of big runs. |
| Paul Collingwood I like Colly. Gritty and determined and a Geordie. Every team needs one. A top fielder to boot. Could contribute vital runs when needed |
7 | v | 8 | Michael Clarke Vice captain and a top player. Often been Australia’s rescuer over the last year. A real talent and a threat in a number 5. |
| Andrew Flintoff An injury ravaged Freddie is still an awesome prospect. Has lost a little batting form, but his bowling will remain hostile. Australia’s nemesis. May drop to 7 with Prior’s batting looking good. |
8 | v | 7 | Shane Watson When fit, he’s a class act. Can bat and bowl and will always give 100%. Yet to really excel at test level though. This is his big chance to silence his doubters. |
| Matt Prior Looks in good touch. His keeping is solid if not spectacular and his batting is very useful indeed. Capable of being a thorn in Australia’s side. |
8 | v | 8 | Brad Haddin Much the same as Prior really. Looked good at the top of the order in the one day format and is more then capable behind the stumps. |
| Graeme Swann England’s new spinner and the new Gilo. Bowls a much more attacking line and is capable of wickets. Pretty handy with the bat too. |
7 | v | 7 | Nathan Hauritz A bit unknown, took a pile of wickets on debut, but yet to repeat that feat. Not to be underestimated however |
| Stuart Broad Promising player for England. His bowling is improving by the game and his hostile line and length will be useful. Always contributes with the bat, has the potential to really come into his own during this series. |
7 | v | 8 |
Brett Lee Another Old Guard. Although a little short of form and match fitness he’s still an awesome competitor and match winner. It’s crucial for Australia that he gets back into things quickly. |
| James Anderson In the form of his life and must grab this opportunity with both hands. Can swing the ball both ways and a real danger in the right conditions. Has a habit of disappearing if things don’t go his way though. |
8 | v | 8 | Mitchell Johnson Also in good form and carried the Australian attack in the absence of Clark and Lee. A potent weapon. |
| Graham Onions New kid on the block and a good metronomic style. Must use his confidence to excel in the first few games or he might fade. Still a bit of an unknown. |
7 | v | 7 | Stuart Clark Returning from injury, may also be short of match fitness. Bowls a niggling, consistent line and length and can take wickets. Lack of cricket is a concern though. Siddle or Hilfenhaus are waiting in the wings. |
| Total | 82 | v | 84 | Total |
On paper things look good for Australia. But in the right conditions England may excel. If England’s top order can play responsibly it will make life difficult for the Aussie attack. Australia’s top order are very strong however, and England’s bowlers will need to be at their best. (Preparation!) I can’t see there being many draws as both sides will ruthlessly pursue the win. I genuinely think England have a chance though, but it may be a bridge too far.
2-2. With Australia retaining the Urn.
You heard it here first.
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