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[Nickauger]

I'd say England are far from being in form!! The humbling series draw in NZ was a massive wake up call, England are a long way from being where they need to be.

Whats more worrying for Aus is that the last time they did poorly in a series they should have won (PAk in UAE), they won in India. Wake up calls seem to work for this squad, not that they should have to mind!

[SOULMAN1012]

I'm with Gerry and Manormanic on this, you don't pick a guy out of the blue like Rogers without intending to play him!

I almost agree with this. I think there is the thought process that they are worries about the top order being knocked over easily by the swinging ball. By having Rogers in the squad if Warner, Cowan etc are not in great form or say the top get blown away in the first test then Rogers who has played here for a while slots in to try and patch the top order up. The Aussie top order don't seem to like leaving the swinging ball and seem to go after things that players that have played in our conditions for a while know to leave alone.

Just my thought anyway.

[Gerry SA]

Cowan doesn't give his wicket away, thats the best thing about him.

And facepalming at whoever said after watching some IPL... hahah.

His run range on test matches is generally between 20-70.

So he gets in and never goes on to get the match winning score.

[siridurrani]

As much as I love Shaun Marsh, I don't think he will get into the team unless someone gets injured or loses form! He couldn't buy a run and has struggled of late, very weird pick imo

[Tail Ender]

Assuming everyone is fit, this is the side I would like to see going into the first test:

Cowan
Watson
Rogers
Hughes
Clarke
Warner
Haddin
Pattinson
Harris
Lyon
Bird

Watson has always looked best as an opener for me, but having him there or at first drop with Rogers opening, seems the best option. Cowan provides some stability and metal remaining at opener. Rogers is in the squad to play; he won't have been picked just as a backup. Great record in county cricket, experienced and knows the conditions. At three or opening he provides a bit of steel. That allows Hughes, Clarke and Warner to bat where they should be (4, 5 and 6).

In English conditions, Pattinson, Harris and Bird should be the quicks for me. I love Siddle, but when Harris is fit he's a massive asset and a quality bowler. 98 wickets in two seasons playing for Tasmania in similar conditions suggests Jackson Bird should thrive. And Pattison is a must. If Harris breaks down or Bird doesn't work, bring in Siddle or Starc.

I'm not brave enough to say whether I think that team could claim a series win, but it should be able to give it a good shake. That said, England are still the better team by a long way, and I think I'll be fairly pleased if we manage to win a test or two and still lose the series. It'll be progress.

[El Nino]

As much as I love Shaun Marsh, I don't think he will get into the team unless someone gets injured or loses form! He couldn't buy a run and has struggled of late, very weird pick imo

He wasn't picked.

[siridurrani]

He wasn't picked.

Ahh my bad!!

[Beaup123]

Warner
Watson
Cowan
Hughes
Clarke
Watson
Rogers
Haddin
Bird
Pattinson
Harris

Assuming Watson can bowl a fair amount of overs this would be my team

[El Nino]

Warner
Watson
Cowan
Hughes
Clarke
Watson
Rogers
Haddin
Bird
Pattinson
Harris

Assuming Watson can bowl a fair amount of overs this would be my team

Surely we all know by now he cant! Watson so good he gets to bat twice?

[siridurrani]

Whats more worrying for Aus is that the last time they did poorly in a series they should have won (PAk in UAE), they won in India. Wake up calls seem to work for this squad, not that they should have to mind!

You've also gotta remember that the tracks in NZ were absolute roads, esp the game Fulton got tons!! Will be so different over here

[400notout]

Also there is no way in your side that Rogers would bat anywhere other than the top 3. Putting him at 7 does no one any benefit.

[Beaup123]

Surely we all know by now he cant! Watson so good he gets to bat twice?

sorry the last place must go to either lyon or starc

[400notout]

I'd like to see Starc get a run in swinging conditions!

[Number4]

Jackson Bird will be a match winner

[DiscoStu]

A few questions:

Do Australia need a 5th recognised bowler? If so does that mean Faulkner or Watson plays as an all-rounder?
If they go for 4 bowlers, does that mean Lyon is more or less likely to be picked?
How much will the ability to bat count when picking the bowlers?

Answers on my desk by end of school and please show your working.