Australia will again rise like a Phoenix from the Ashes

[Ab Fan]

Yes, you heard it here first. A team and a cricket nation as proud as Australia may have been put into submission in their own backyard by the greatest team of this era, India, but this is not the end. This is not a team that will lose the grip and go down from here.

With the return of the modern-day Bradman, Steven Smith, and destructive David Warner, this will again become a team hard to be beaten not just at home but anywhere in the world. I predict with the return of the duo, this team will not just humiliate other teams across different parts of the world but also play fire with fire against the ultimate team of this generation, ie, India. Remember last time in India, they were by far the most competitive team compared to any other to have toured in India. This is the pinnacle now and big nations always set their focus for the pinnacles.

Its high time, now, England, the first of all, for the Ashes this year as this is going to be a tough game, better gird your loins and get down to it. Pakistan boys have already been given a taste of it previous year in their own backyard by Tim Paine and Usman Khwaja. None will be spared now.

Steven Smith, David Warner, Usman Khwaja, Tim Paine and the quartet of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon are coming.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Yeah, they'll actually be much improved than when they left.

 

[Ab Fan]

Mark my words. If there is one team that can challenge India for the top spot in next few years, that will still be Australia.

England, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan are just passing showers. With return of Bradman, the stage is set. The two biggest aim is these two pinnacles- this year, Ashes in England and next year, a test series in India. Bring on the heat!

 

[The Viper]

Mark my words. If there is one team that can challenge India for the top spot in next few years, that will still be Australia.

England, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan are just passing showers. With return of Bradman, the stage is set. The two biggest aim is these two pinnacles- this year, Ashes in England and next year, a test series in India. Bring on the heat!

They will struggle in Asia even with Smith. They did have a competitive series last time in India but Smith was in epic touch. Smith can't win a series alone.

 

[TM Riddle]

Phoenix is a mythical bird.

 

[Ab Fan]

Phoenix is a mythical bird.

Not a mythical bird, but an unique bird who always rises from the Ashes with a renewed youth for another circle.

 

[TM Riddle]

Not a mythical bird, but an unique bird who always rises from the Ashes with a renewed youth for another circle.

You know it would have been so cool had you replied along the lines of "Didn't seem so mythical when it helped destroyed your basilisk and horcrux, eh Voldemort"?

Khair leave it. Of course I know what Phoenix is and the legend associated with it.

 

[Ab Fan]

They will struggle in Asia even with Smith. They did have a competitive series last time in India but Smith was in epic touch. Smith can't win a series alone.

This time, things will change my brother! Mitchell Starc will reverse it without sandpaper, Pat Cummins will rip through the lineup and Lyon will show the world, why he is the best spinner in the world. Renshaw, Khwaja and Paine have shown characters as well in Asia. No one will be spared now. Another cycle of dominance will begin again. India be afraid, the Bradman will be back with a bang.

 

[Ab Fan]

You know it would have been so cool had you replied along the lines of "Didn't seem so mythical when it helped destroyed your basilisk and horcrux, eh Voldemort"?

Khair leave it. Of course I know what Phoenix is and the legend associated with it.

Alright. Noted, Tom Riddle!

 

[Rana]

It’s a matter of when not if. Australia would not have lost if Smith and Warner were playing. They will be back for sure.

 

[MMHS]

They'll definitely come back strong. AUS cricket was rocked harder than any time in history for the sandpaper gate and they haven't recovered yet. But, they'll come back after the house keeping job is completed.

AND, I still believe whoever has to win the WC 2019, they'll have to beat AUS en route.

 

[TheSensible]

It’s a matter of when not if. Australia would not have lost if Smith and Warner were playing. They will be back for sure.

You should post a picture of your wager once they come back. Betting your house would be the least you can give up with the kind of certainty you propose.

 

[Ashmal]

Smith and Warner returning will certainly help but for long term success especially away from home they really need to find a couple of good young batsmen and get rid of duds like Marsh brothers, Finch, etc.

Unfortunately, there is no one in Shield cricket who's knocking the doors and that has been the case for some time now.

 

[todfod 11]

its all down hill for Australia.. They will never come back back on top. They dont have any good players in domestic anymore. Also cricket is not as big in Austrlia as use to be.

 

[Hasan123]

I have said it for months they will be back. The most mentally tough tough to play this beautiful game. I hope they win the ashes and I back them to make the semis at the WC.

Smith and Warner will be super motivated to do well.

 

[Ed_]

Of course they will be back at the top. They are no mental midgets like few teams who don't know how to update themselves. This is just a phase and they will be back in the reckoning pretty soon. Top 3 awaits the return of the Aussies.

 

[Saksham]

Since the time I have started watching Cricket Australia is going through its worst phase both in terms of performance and mental state . Steve Smith and David Warner can script a epic comeback by winning the 2019 World Cup although which looks difficult but not impossible . I still believe Australia will reach the Semi Finals . Winning Ashes in England is extremely tough because to counter Anderson, Broad, Woakes, Curran and Stokes in English conditions is a massive challenge for any team in the world . This batting unit without Smith and Warner is an absolute joke . This batting unit in the absence of Smith and Warner tells me that these players are still mentally affected by the ball tampering scandal which is the biggest reason why Khawaja and Marsh Brothers have not been able to take responsibility as senior batsmen . When Smith and Warner return these guys will perform much better because nobody will expect much from them as they are expecting now . The bowling attack is still top class but still something is missing right now . Apart from batting with the return of Smith and Warner Australia will be a much better team tactically . !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sugumarrising]

My 2019 world cup favourites are India & Australia, when it comes to 50 over world cup Australia is a gun team, England's batting is excellent but they may struggle due to their bowling I think.

 

[KP From India]

Ind will be lucky to win 1 test match in a series in Ind against this team.

 

[Rishta Aunty]

Australia have just come up against a fantastic Indian team that had some sustained bad luck with tosses in SA/England. It all came to head in this tour, and they are nowhere close to as bad as they've been made out to be. They will be back.

 

[shah_1]

They have batsmen averaging in mids 30 in FC to play for Australia. They are simply not producing quality cricketers right now.


Marcus Harris 35.20
Labuschagn 33.17
Shaun Marsh(test match average of 34 something)
Travis Head 36.80
Handscomb 38.50
Tim Paine 29.87
Mitch Marsh 31
Finch 35


These are FC averages apart from Shaun Marsh. What has really happened to this great cricket nation that they aren't producing batsmen averaging 40+. It's a real sad story.

They aren't rising like a Phoenix. Bringing back Warner and Smith is only a painkiller, not a solution. Is cricket not popular anymore in Australia?

 

[Shandarchowka]

The return of the batting leaders will definitely strengthen their line up but mediocre is mediocre. Can't change it. The likes of Head, Marsh bros, Khawaja are all of low quality. And a big lol @ greatest team of this era.. losing 2 back to back series against South Africa and England.

 

[Wasim_Waqar]

I’m sorry it’s not that easy to come back against top international teams and turn the runs on. Warner and Smith will be targeted by the opposition in the World Cup and the Ashes. Before their ban, I had them down as World Cup winners. Not now. Won’t make the semi-finals in my opinion.

 

[jeetu]

They will struggle in Asia even with Smith. They did have a competitive series last time in India but Smith was in epic touch. Smith can't win a series alone.

Smith was exceptional in that series.
Massive gap between Smith and rest.
[table=width: 500, class: grid, align: center]
[tr][td]Player [/td][td]Mat [/td][td]Runs [/td][td]Ave [/td][td]SR [/td][td]100 [/td][td]50 [/td][/tr]
[tr][td]SPD Smith [/td][td]4 [/td][td]499 [/td][td]71.28 [/td][td]49.21 [/td][td]3 [/td][td]0 [/td][/tr]
[tr][td]MT Renshaw [/td][td]4 [/td][td]232 [/td][td]29 [/td][td]38.28 [/td][td]0 [/td][td]2 [/td][/tr]
[tr][td]PSP Handscomb [/td][td]4 [/td][td]198 [/td][td]28.28 [/td][td]40.24 [/td][td]0 [/td][td]1 [/td][/tr]
[tr][td]MS Wade [/td][td]4 [/td][td]196 [/td][td]32.66 [/td][td]42.51 [/td][td]0 [/td][td]1 [/td][/tr]
[tr][td]DA Warner [/td][td]4 [/td][td]193 [/td][td]24.12 [/td][td]62.45 [/td][td]0 [/td][td]1 [/td][/tr]
[tr][td]GJ Maxwell [/td][td]2 [/td][td]159 [/td][td]39.75 [/td][td]57.4 [/td][td]1 [/td][td]0 [/td][/tr]
[tr][td]SE Marsh [/td][td]4 [/td][td]151 [/td][td]18.87 [/td][td]29.2 [/td][td]0 [/td][td]2 [/td][/tr]
[tr][td]MA Starc [/td][td]2 [/td][td]118 [/td][td]29.5 [/td][td]77.63 [/td][td]0 [/td][td]1 [/td][/tr]
[tr][td]MR Marsh [/td][td]2 [/td][td]48 [/td][td]12 [/td][td]39.66 [/td][td]0 [/td][td]0 [/td][/tr]
[tr][td]SNJ O'Keefe [/td][td]4 [/td][td]45 [/td][td]7.5 [/td][td]26.78 [/td][td]0 [/td][td]0 [/td][/tr]
[tr][td]PJ Cummins [/td][td]2 [/td][td]33 [/td][td]11 [/td][td]36.26 [/td][td]0 [/td][td]0 [/td][/tr]
[tr][td]NM Lyon [/td][td]4 [/td][td]31 [/td][td]3.87 [/td][td]45.58 [/td][td]0 [/td][td]0 [/td][/tr]
[tr][td]JR Hazlewood [/td][td]4 [/td][td]6 [/td][td]2 [/td][td]10.16 [/td][td]0 [/td][td]0 [/td][/tr]
[/table]

 

[Ab Fan]

Bump! During the course of next two years finally, we will have a team to challenge the current undisputed world no.1 ranked team.

With Smith and Warner back, Australia are set for tough duels ahead. The youngsters have gone through the hard yards and battled out during this 1 year phase and now with the top players back in the team, Australia will be the team to watch in coming time.

 

[jnaveen1980]

On flat pitches they will be very good. May not match England. But can match everyone else.

 

[Usman Chadda]

England thrashed India at home recently. They will comfortably out-match any Australian resistance.

 

[MP2011]

England thrashed India at home recently. They will comfortably out-match any Australian resistance.

In ODIs?

If yes, then losing 2-1 after being 1-0 up is hardly a thrashing.

PS: Bumrah didn't play any of these 3 games. Not an excuse but a fact nonetheless.

 

[Usman Chadda]

In ODIs?

If yes, then losing 2-1 after being 1-0 up is hardly a thrashing.

PS: Bumrah didn't play any of these 3 games. Not an excuse but a fact nonetheless.

I was under the impression that this thread was about the Ashes, which is played in the Test format.

 

[MP2011]

I was under the impression that this thread was about the Ashes, which is played in the Test format.

Not when India was mentioned.

As for the Ashes, easy victory for England unless Aus bowlers come to party.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Not when India was mentioned.

As for the Ashes, easy victory for England unless Aus bowlers come to party.

The point was that England had recently thrashed a better Test side than Australia at home.

 

[Hasan123]

The disrespect for Australia is a disgrace. They will be back. Already showing signs of coming back with this series win. I don’t think any other team would have chased down that 358 in the 4th game. That shows the mental strength and talent is there.

 

[giri26]

World Cup and Ashes Bowling Coaches Appointed Cricket Australia has appointed the bowling coaches for the upcoming Men’s ICC Cricket World Cup and Ashes series.

Adam Griffith has been appointed Bupa Support Team Assistant Coach for the World Cup, and Troy Cooley has been appointed the Bupa Support Team Assistant Coach for the Ashes Series in England.

Griffith has worked his way up the coaching ranks since retiring as a player in 2011. He was appointed the Head Coach of Tasmania in 2017, and has experience working with the Australian Team having previously been an Assistant Coach on the 2016 tour of the West Indies.

Previously, Griffith held the position of bowling coach for the Western Warriors, working under Mickey Arthur, before taking on the Assistant Coaching role under Justin Langer.

Bupa National Cricket Centre Head Coach, Troy Cooley, will take on the role during the away Ashes series.

Cooley was appointed the bowling coach for the Qantas Tour of India and the Qantas Tour of the UAE. He is no stranger to the conditions the team will face in England, having previously worked as England’s bowling coach.

Cricket Australia Interim Executive General Manager, Team Performance, Belinda Clark said Adam and Troy would bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Australian Men’s Teams.

“We are pleased to announce Adam and Troy have been appointed Bupa Support Team Assistant Coaches for the World Cup and Ashes Series respectively,” Clark said.

“We reached out to the coaches working in Australian Cricket and received expressions of interest from a strong field of candidates and through the process Adam and Troy emerged as the clear standouts for these secondments.

“Adam and Troy have extensive coaching experience, which we believe will help support our players to best prepare and perform in the upcoming campaigns. We would like to thank Cricket Tasmania for releasing Adam for this period.

“At the completion of the World Cup and Ashes Series we’ll review the overall coaching structure and assess the best path moving forward based on the upcoming schedule, player needs and team direction under Justin."

Bupa Support Team Head Coach, Justin Langer, said Troy and Adam are wonderful additions to the Australian Men’s Team.

“We are fortunate to have Adam join us for the World Cup, and Troy continuing with us for the Ashes Series in England,” Langer said.

“I’ve worked with Adam in the past at the WACA and been pleased with how hard he’s worked to establish himself as one of the best young coaches in Australia.

“While his primary focus will be on preparing our fast bowling group for the physical and mental demands of a World Cup in England, he’ll also be a great educator and mentor for our entire squad.

“Troy has been with us for our successful tour of India and the current tour of UAE. He’s been a fantastic addition to our coaching team, and brings a great wealth of knowledge, experience and success having coached Australian and England teams in England. His focus will be to prepare our Test bowlers for what’s shaping as an exciting Ashes Series in tough English conditions.”

Griffith and Cooley will officially commence their secondments at the World Cup training camp in May.

 

[Robert]

The resourceful and robust Australian cricket system is never down for very long.

 

[Robert]

As for the Ashes, easy victory for England unless Aus bowlers come to party.

I wonder. The England top three is their weakest in history, which puts more pressure on Root who is already handicapped by captaincy.

 

[Gilly]

I wonder. The England top three is their weakest in history, which puts more pressure on Root who is already handicapped by captaincy.

Most great players relished the role of captaincy, why is it such a handicap for Root.

 

[Greenstorm]

Australia cannot win the WC without Smith and Warner.

 

[Ab Fan]

Here we go.

As always, OP never fails to impress with his predictions and was spot on with the thread which was made when Australia were all under the sea and looked like had no hopes to stand up again.

 

[Ab Fan]

Mark my words. If there is one team that can challenge India for the top spot in next few years, that will still be Australia.

England, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan are just passing showers. With return of Bradman, the stage is set. The two biggest aim is these two pinnacles- this year, Ashes in England and next year, a test series in India. Bring on the heat!

If any team can challenge India, then it is visible now a lot more than earlier.

 

[Ab Fan]

Cough cough cough...!!!

 

[sweep_shot]

Aussies may win this Ashes but I am still not convinced about their team. They seem too reliant on Smith.

Take away Smith and Aussies could've lost the Ashes 0-5.

 

[Ab Fan]

So, the prediction holds true

 

[tyron_woodley]

Aussies may win this Ashes but I am still not convinced about their team. They seem too reliant on Smith.

Take away Smith and Aussies could've lost the Ashes 0-5.

no they wouldn't. labuschagne would have stepped up in that case.

 

[andy0204]

no they wouldn't. labuschagne would have stepped up in that case.

Labuschagne was nobody until smith got concussion but thanks to archer.

 

[Rayyman]

And they've done it with Starc and Pattinson yet to hit their strides.

Aussies are about to destroy us. Hope we can somehow not lose in all matches.