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[Jacky]

I think they will have to bring in Bird for the next test, he should do well, he reminds me of Glen McGrath

A good debut but hasn't been select much since then:

2nd Test v SL - Jackson Bird's Debut

[langer17]

He was injured for a while and is on the comeback.

[Jacky]

He was injured for a while and is on the comeback.

Oh ok, I wasn't aware of that. Lets hope he's fighting fit now!

[smokem]

Personally, I think he should have been playing already. The English conditions really suits him and he will keep things tight. Which makes him a really good foil for the spinner as well.

But top order is the really worry...

[Jacky]

The Australian selectors just need to sick with them for a while. They're obviously under great pressure from the general public, and not knowing if they are going to retain their position would just add to this amount of pressure.

My Australian line up for the next test would be:

1. Watson, 2. Rogers, 3. Hughes, 4. Clarke, 5. Khawaja, 6. Smith, 7. Haddin, 8. Siddle, 9. Harris, 10. Ahmed, 11. Bird

[tim2000s]

Warning, very bad Ashes related Royal Baby jokes follow....

Apparently the royal baby is being called Stuart, at least until he learns to walk....

And Shane Watson had heard about the baby, but wanted a review to check it was out...

[smokem]

They are pretty bad jokes Tim.........

In terms of the Aussie batting lineup, a lot will depend of the next Aus A game which starts tomorrow. Personally I'd like to see Alex Doolan get the nod. Doolan had a good start to the domestic season and was unfortunate not to be selected during the season. He also appears to have the temperament that is lacking in the current side.

Hughes would make way for Doolan and Smith stays. I don't mind Smith uneven if he looks a bit unconventional at times. Smith can play spin much better than Hughes and there's not much in it when it comes to playing swing. Smith is also a much better fielder and a handy partnership breaker.

[ajmw89]

Warning, very bad Ashes related Royal Baby jokes follow....

Apparently the royal baby is being called Stuart, at least until he learns to walk....

And Shane Watson had heard about the baby, but wanted a review to check it was out...

And while the baby was taking it's time coming out:
"You can tell the baby isn't australian, as it would be out by now!"

[Buzz]

Sounds to me like it was a pretty quick birth.

regardless - this is interesting from Michael Vaughan

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/theashes/10196326/Ashes-2013-Australia-may-have-to-discard-players-haunted-by-England-failures.html

typically i would say that Vaughan and Warne spout equal amounts of B.S. but in this case I think Vaughan has a point.

Watson's technique could be sorted out in two bowling machine sessions. It is staggering that he hasn't sorted it out in 5 or 6 years.

[ajmw89]

I like listening to Vaughan even less than Boycott on commentary, but he speaks sense.  England, particularly the bowlers, are all in the heads of the Aussies and they are there to stay.  You can see it in their approach and body language.  They look rattled, scared almost, when they have to face Anderson, Swann et al.

[stevat]

Sounds to me like it was a pretty quick birth.

regardless - this is interesting from Michael Vaughan

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/theashes/10196326/Ashes-2013-Australia-may-have-to-discard-players-haunted-by-England-failures.html

typically i would say that Vaughan and Warne spout equal amounts of B.S. but in this case I think Vaughan has a point.

Watson's technique could be sorted out in two bowling machine sessions. It is staggering that he hasn't sorted it out in 5 or 6 years.

Buzz, always like hearing your training tips etc, what would you do in that session?  I'm not his coach btw.

Also, none of you boys fans of George Bailey?  He seems a more stoic and gritty batter than what we've seen thus far, knows the conditions and obviously knows the squad.

[joeljonno]

Watson's technique could be sorted out in two bowling machine sessions. It is staggering that he hasn't sorted it out in 5 or 6 years.

I think it more down to concentration or conditioning. He looses his shape/technique when he has been in a while.

[Buzz]

Buzz, always like hearing your training tips etc, what would you do in that session?  I'm not his coach btw.

Change his weight distribution in his stance
Work on his head movement towards the ball to help his front leg position
Work on shortening his front foot stride.

His issues - much like "Gooch LBW Alderman" are partly mental now, but the underlying technical flaw really wouldn't take much to change.

[Vic Nicholas]

Agar stumping at Trent Bridge?
Trott's LBW at Trent Bridge?

And I still haven't seen the footage, but have heard that Root's decision in the 1st innings at Lord's was contentious too.

All three of those were out.

Only Agar was fortunate.

[Buzz]

All three of those were out.

Only Agar was fortunate.

No Trott hit his and the on field umpire was correct to give him not out, the TV umpire made the mistake.

Agar was fortunate - but his batting has covered up the bowling - which has worked to Eng's advantage.

I take it Clarke and Lyon aren't particularly close...