Australia squad for 1st test

Michael Clarke(c)
Brad Haddin (vc)
Chris Rogers
David Warner
Shane Watson
Steve Smith
George Bailey
James Faulkner
Mitchell Johnson
Peter Siddle
Ryan Harris
Nathan Lyon

no real suprise in the squad there...IMO Faulkner will be the one to miss out at the Gabba.

between Faulkner and Bailey you'd think for the final spot. Might depend on whether Watson is fit to bowl or not as we know Aus like that extra bowling option. No real surprises in the squad as you say.

Don't think they've brought Bailey in to carry drinks. Faulkner is unlikely to play unless Watson pulls out.

One might argue that if Watson can't bowl Faulkner might be a better choice anyway , but I don't expect them to take that view.

Interestingly Australia have selected more right handers to nullify Swann.

Apart from the openers 3-7 will all be right handed. In particular Clarke, Smith and Bailey are excellent players of spin.

Good to see Bailey in there.
If Watson can't bowl, then he shouldn't play. Watson isn't good enough to make it as batsman only. Either a fully fit Watson plays as an all-rounder, bats at 3 and offers 10 overs a day or they should move the batting order around a little bit, Clarke at 3, Bailey at 4, Smith at 5 and Haddin at 6 with James Faulkner coming in at 7. Anyways the Australian batting lineup begins at 7 or 8.......!

Can't see them dropping Watson after his ton at the Oval, whether he's fit to bowl or not. No. 3 has been a bit of a problem position for the Aussies since Ponting retired, so I'm sure they'll want to give Watson a few games there to see whether that Oval match was just a flash in the pan, or whether Watson has finally found his true position in the batting order.

Hoggy_Bear wrote:Can't see them dropping Watson after his ton at the Oval, whether he's fit to bowl or not. No. 3 has been a bit of a problem position for the Aussies since Ponting retired, so I'm sure they'll want to give Watson a few games there to see whether that Oval match was just a flash in the pan, or whether Watson has finally found his true position in the batting order.

If the Australian thinking is on those lines, then I think Faulkner is in with at least an equal chance as with Bailey. If Watson doesn't bowl. then they certainly need Faulkner's 5th bowling option. Johnson's not the one for long spells, Harris as we all know is rather fragile and far too precious. There is a school of thought that suggests that Siddle's at his best with a less newish ball. Pattinson, Starc, Bird and Cummins aren't available with injuries as well, and they can ill-afford another injury at this stage. All in all, they need that 5th bowling option, either Watson or Faulkner.

its a big series for Warner..he needs to prove to the selectors that he has sorted out his disclplinary issues..also that he can actually hack test cricket.

Mitchell is back. Good news for England and good news for their fans. Yes, he won the Perth Test for his side in the last Ashes series, but I'm sure England will be delighted he's in.
I still recall with great pleasure his going for 11 boundaries BEFORE LUNCH in the 2009 Lord's Test. "He bowls it to the left, he bowls it to the right....."