Australia in the first test- Peter Siddle hat trick gets the poms out for 260, Michael Hussey and Brad Haddin put on 307 runs to have Australia all out for 481 and a lead of 221. Then the real problem comes to the surface, it has hurt the team for the last 2 years and the Aussie attack can only take 11 of the required 20 wickets to win a test match. England fight back in the second dig and finish 1/518 declared thus setting up a draw which works as 1-0 for the english side who currently hold the ashes urn.
Is Ricky Ponting past his prime as the captain of the team? Should Mitchell Johnson be cut from the team? Has Hilfenhaus been harshly treated? Does Hauritz have a future in the team? Should Marcus North be dropped?
In my opinion, Ponting is the only man capable of captaining the side at the moment- Michael Clarke isnt ready.
Johnson needs to go and find what makes him tick in the domestic competition or grade cricket in Perth. He needs to find it quick as he is a vital cog to the success of the team.
Haurtiz in my view is the best off spinner in the country, he is in a similar position to Mitchell Johnson. Hauritz just needs to discover his form that had him as a regular in the team and also like Johnson, he is very important with the bat. he proved this with two half centuries in the Australian test match summer last season.
As for North, there is no option but to drop him from the teamand bring Callum Ferguson into the number 6 position. North can bowl some left arm orthodox but lets be honest, if you are picked at number 6 for Australia your job is to score runs. Ferguson has performed will in his limited opportunities for the ODI team and has been more then consistent for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield competition. Probably a better option in the long run, Ferguson has a good 8-10 year run left in him with injury permitting.
The second test will be a very interesting affair. I think Harris will come in for Hilfenhaus as he can offer more with the older ball. Hilfenhaus hasnt bowled badly, it will be a decision purely made for the best interest for the team so Hilfenhaus shouldnt be worried about his form and can maybe feel a little harshly done by. Bollinger will also come into the team to replace Johnson meaning that Doherty will possibly bat at number 8, Harris at 9, Siddle at 10 and Bollinger at 11.
Leave your thoughts, would be great to hear
