The Ashes - Australia's tour of England 2019 Thread

[MenInG]

David Warner and Steve Smith's transitions back to ODI cricket were smoother than a crisp white Kookaburra ball and coach Justin Langer is bullish it will be the same when they make their returns against the Dukes.

Australia's World Cup campaign ended in disappointment but the pair, subject to incessant heckling from boisterous British crowds that will only get rowdier for the upcoming Ashes, played major roles in helping them reach the final four.

Smith posted crucial half-centuries to lift Australia out of trouble against England in the semi-final on Thursday and West Indies earlier in the tournament after they'd been 4-38, but it was Warner who put in one of the most prolific Cup campaigns ever by an Australian batsman.

Only Rohit Sharma topped his 647 runs at 71.88 for the tournament, including three centuries, with the left-hander making an emphatic statement that he'd lost none of his touch during his 12-month ban.

The upcoming Ashes will however be a different beast altogether.

Warner is expected to return to his preferred opening spot, while Smith, who was the No.1 Test batsman in the world at the time of his ban, will be back in the middle-order.

The duo were relied upon – perhaps too heavily – to carry the run-scoring load of the Test team before their sanctions and it would be a huge ask for them to resume that weight in a country

Australian batters have struggled in while they're still reacquainting themselves with international cricket.

Play Video
Finch reacts to crushing semi-final defeat
But Langer is optimistic they can re-familiarise themselves swiftly.

"Hopefully they get up to speed like they did with the white ball," said Langer.

"They're both absolute professionals, they're very talented, they're great players.

"They'll get back into that. Regardless of the colour of the ball, they'll both be fine."

The Ashes squad won't be announced until after an Australia v Australia A game in Southampton that concludes only six days out from the Ashes series opener at Edgbaston on August 1.

The make-up of the top order, as it invariably has been in recent years, is under the microscope and Langer says the unprecedented clash at the Rose Bowl will help selectors settle on its composition.

Play Video
Australia A round out comprehensive victory
The coach expects Usman Khawaja to regain full fitness after his World Cup was cut short by a hamstring strain.

Incumbents Marcus Harris, Kurtis Patterson, Joe Burns and Travis Head, recent Test players Marnus Labuschagne, Peter Handscomb, Mitch Marsh and the domestic season's standout batter Matthew Wade are all among the contenders for a few top-order berths.

"There's going to be some real competition," Langer told reporters after Australia were knocked out of the World Cup by England.

"That's why we want to play the two Australian teams.

"What we've known for so long in Australian cricket there has been such cut-throat competition and that has increased our depth.

"To be able to play a game like that – we won't select the Ashes until a day after that game.

"There is going to be a good opportunity for guys opening and batting in the top six. And the top bowlers as well."


That lower-half of Australia's XI is more settled, with Test captain Tim Paine a lock behind the stumps and the quartet of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon emerging as the side's most bankable performers.

Breakout performances from Jhye Richardson (currently on the mend from shoulder surgery) last summer, James Pattinson regaining fitness after a luckless few years, plus the veteran know-how of Peter Siddle all present tantalising cases for selection.

Only five fast bowlers are likely to make the squad.

"It's nice to have them all fit," Langer continued. "For the Ashes, we have a number of very good players who are up and running which is good.

"Jhye Richardson, who is a very exciting talent, he'll come back into the fold at some stage. We've got lots of bowling talent in Australia.

"They key is to keep them fit and healthy, and if we do that we'll always be competitive."

2019 Qantas Ashes Tour of England

Tour match: Australia v Australia A, July 23-26

First Test: August 1-5, Edgbaston

Tour match: Australians v Worcestershire, August 7-9

Second Test: August 14-18,Lord's

Third Test: August 22-26, Headingley

Tour match: Australians v Derbyshire, August 29-31

Fourth Test: September 4-8, Old Trafford


https://www.cricket.com.au/news/ste...a-england-red-ball-ashes-world-cup/2019-07-13
Fifth Test: September 12-16, The Oval

 

[Junaids]

To me, it’s all about James Pattinson.

If he plays, Australia wins easily. If he doesn’t, it’s 50-50.

A pace attack of Starc-Hazlewood-Cummins-Pattinson is close to the level of the 1978-1992 West Indies.

 

[shaz619]

To me, it’s all about James Pattinson.

If he plays, Australia wins easily. If he doesn’t, it’s 50-50.

A pace attack of Starc-Hazlewood-Cummins-Pattinson is close to the level of the 1978-1992 West Indies.

Are tickets sold out at Edgbaston ?

 

[Robert]

I like the idea of Archer in the England attack. Presumably Anderson will be back for one final Ashes campaign. Broad too. But the top order is a worry.

I would give Roy a go.

Roy
Burns
Denly
Roooooooooooot
Buttler (capt.)
Stokes
Foakes (w)
Moeen
Archer
Broad
Anderson

 

[andy0204]

To me, it’s all about James Pattinson.

If he plays, Australia wins easily. If he doesn’t, it’s 50-50.

A pace attack of Starc-Hazlewood-Cummins-Pattinson is close to the level of the 1978-1992 West Indies.

if pattinson is not playing then jhye richardson should play

 

[sweep_shot]

England are favorites due to the fact they will be playing at home. Archer should play.

 

[andy0204]

England are favorites due to the fact they will be playing at home. Archer should play.

it depends upon the toss,if india never loss the toss then india would have defeated england in england.

 

[Afhan Ali]

Hope England won this World cup

I always support England in ashes

Hope they will smash Aussies 4-1 or 5-0

 

[Markhor]

Both England and Australia's batting lineups are vulnerable against the swinging ball.

The red Dukes ball they're using is the same specification as last year's ball used vs Pakistan and India that swung prodigiously ! It has a slightly more pronounced seam.

So I expect a low scoring series.

 

[hadi123]

England should win this Ashes easily. Ashes is becoming less enjoyable as it's always the home team that wins. It should be 5 tests in England, 5 tests in Australia and then the winner should be who wins overall. I guess a home and away leg

 

[Junaids]

Are tickets sold out at Edgbaston ?

I was there on Thursday! I was hoping I’d recognise a half-West Indian / half-Pakistani legend!

I know hospitality tix are left at £239 per day upwards.

 

[Junaids]

Both England and Australia's batting lineups are vulnerable against the swinging ball.

The red Dukes ball they're using is the same specification as last year's ball used vs Pakistan and India that swung prodigiously ! It has a slightly more pronounced seam.

So I expect a low scoring series.

England should win this Ashes easily. Ashes is becoming less enjoyable as it's always the home team that wins. It should be 5 tests in England, 5 tests in Australia and then the winner should be who wins overall. I guess a home and away leg

Australia used the Dukes ball for half of the domestic season, so apart from Warner and Smith they should all be better with it than usual.

 

[Mamoon]

Would be the usual 3-1 or 3-2 to England. Although I would love to see them put their foot down and go for 4-1 or even 5-0.

My XI for the Ashes:

Roy
Burns
Root (c)
Buttler
Stokes
Bairstow (wk)
Moeen
S. Curran
Broad
Archer
Anderson

Comfortably a better team than Australia for English conditions.

 

[sindhiboy]

so by picking roy, morgan will be the only batsman who does not play in all formats for england.

Broad and Anderson are the only changes in bowling. I feel bad for woakes as he may not play, he definitely deserves to play in all home test matches.

I am actually hoping england look past broad and anderson. There are plenty of young fast bowlers like jamie porter, ben coad, even tom curran and others who have not gotten a chance to represent england despite very good fc records(especially jamie porter)

Moeen has been good in test matches and okay in limited overs. But england should groom youngsters like dominic bess


And who knows if england will ever decide on which batsmen should open the innings?

 

[Torborg]

I fear this Ashes could get ugly when conditions suit the Poms, with one match having the Aussies failing to reach 100 in either innings. 3-1 to England.

 

[shah_1]

Look at the quality of both batting team apart from Root, Warner and Smith. Most of them are averaging in 30s and low 40s.

The batting standard in test cricket has fallen so bad.

 

[ManFan]

Would be the usual 3-1 or 3-2 to England. Although I would love to see them put their foot down and go for 4-1 or even 5-0.

My XI for the Ashes:

Roy
Burns
Root (c)
Buttler
Stokes
Bairstow (wk)
Moeen
S. Curran
Broad
Archer
Anderson

Comfortably a better team than Australia for English conditions.

Drop Moeen Ali for Dom Bess.

He’s been impact less for far too long but he does have the tendency to do well at home during dry summers.

 

[Robert]

Would be the usual 3-1 or 3-2 to England. Although I would love to see them put their foot down and go for 4-1 or even 5-0.

My XI for the Ashes:

Roy
Burns
Root (c)
Buttler
Stokes
Bairstow (wk)
Moeen
S. Curran
Broad
Archer
Anderson

Comfortably a better team than Australia for English conditions.

Curran and Woakes are excellent subs if Anderson and Broad break down.

 

[sweep_shot]

England should definitely play Roy as Test opener. If Warner can succeed in Test format, so can Roy. Roy is technically much better than Warner.

 

[andy0204]

Look at the quality of both batting team apart from Root, Warner and Smith. Most of them are averaging in 30s and low 40s.

The batting standard in test cricket has fallen so bad.

usman khawaja says hi

 

[Mamoon]

Drop Moeen Ali for Dom Bess.

He’s been impact less for far too long but he does have the tendency to do well at home during dry summers.

I think a change of format can bring Moeen back into form. He has been quite good for England in home Tests. I expect him to play a decent part in the Ashes.

 

[shah_1]

usman khawaja says hi

'Low 40s'

 

[Robert]

Drop Moeen Ali for Dom Bess.

He’s been impact less for far too long but he does have the tendency to do well at home during dry summers.

Moeen is a respectable test offie now with a remarkable fourth innings record. If the batters and seamers can do the job for three days, Moeen will finish the opposition off.

 

[sweep_shot]

England hasn't had a proper spinner since Swann retired. Moeen can get the job done but he is not a specialist spinner.

 

[Robert]

England hasn't had a proper spinner since Swann retired. Moeen can get the job done but he is not a specialist spinner.

The available specialists are less good spinners than Moeen.

 

[sweep_shot]

The available specialists are less good spinners than Moeen.

Yeah. I noticed that. Swann left a massive void that hasn't been filled yet. Just like Pakistan hasn't found a replacement for Ajmal.

 

[Mamoon]

Curran and Woakes are excellent subs if Anderson and Broad break down.

T. Curran? He doesn’t look like a Test bowler to me.

 

[Robert]

T. Curran? He doesn’t look like a Test bowler to me.

Averages 23 in England, s/r 43.

 

[Mamoon]

Averages 23 in England, s/r 43.

I believe you are mistaken. He hasn’t played a Test in England yet.

 

[andy0204]

The available specialists are less good spinners than Moeen.

what about jack leach?

 

[Robert]

I believe you are mistaken. He hasn’t played a Test in England yet.

I mean Sam Curran not Tom. Played one test against Pakistan and four against India last Northern summer.

 

[shah_1]

I believe you are mistaken. He hasn’t played a Test in England yet.

Sam Curran I think

 

[Robert]

what about jack leach?

Haven’t seen him much.

 

[Mamoon]

I mean Sam Curran not Tom. Played one test against Pakistan and four against India last Northern summer.

Sam Curran I think

I have him in my team. I think he is a feisty little cricketer with terrific potential.

 

[MenInG]

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes England’s success in their home World Cup may bode ill for Australia’s hopes of retaining the Ashes.

England knocked Australia out of the semi-finals with an emphatic eight-wicket win and another over New Zealand in Sunday’s final will see the hosts head into next month’s five-test Ashes series with significant momentum.

“It probably does, to be honest,” Ponting said, when asked whether England’s 50-over success could spill over.

“The country will be on a bit of a wave and a bit of a high, the players will certainly be on a huge high after that World Cup.

“But who knows if they don’t (win), it might have an adverse effect on their Ashes campaign as well.

“You can take lots of things from different series.

“It’s a completely different series going into an Ashes and there will be quite a few different players in their Test team than will be in this one-day team. They’ll have different captains as well.

“But I’m sure if they happen to win the World Cup, they’ll take as much as they can from it going into the Ashes.”

Australia hold the urn after thrashing England 4-0 on home soil in the 2017-18 Ashes.

The first Ashes test starts at Edgbaston on Aug. 1.

Ponting, hired as an assistant coach to Justin Langer for Australia’s World Cup campaign, watched Aaron Finch’s side fall to South Africa and England in successive matches to bow out of the tournament after they had been the first side to book their place in the semi-finals.

Injuries did not help Australia’s cause and Ponting was not prepared to wear the blame for the side’s tactical preparations.

“Tactically, I think we got things right. Personnel-wise, we picked the best team that we could for every game,” Ponting told Cricket Australia’s website (cricket.com.au).

“Unusually for Australian teams in World Cups, we played our worst cricket in the most critical moments.

“That’ll be the thing that gets spoken about the most and see if there’s any reason behind it.”

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-c...up-high-into-ashes-says-ponting-idUKKCN1U8053

 

[tyron_woodley]

To me, it’s all about James Pattinson.

If he plays, Australia wins easily. If he doesn’t, it’s 50-50.

A pace attack of Starc-Hazlewood-Cummins-Pattinson is close to the level of the 1978-1992 West Indies.

I am Australian and lol Pattinson is average as hell outside home conditions.
starc hazelwood and cummins aren't effective on sub continent pitches.

 

[Mueez]

Can’t wait to see bowlers bowling with the red cherry.

Setting the batsman up for an edge to second slip.

Ashes will be entertaining for sure.

I think it will be Anderson’s last Ashes...

 

[Hasan123]

England and Australia selection dilemmas for The Ashes.

The World Cup was great but it has now finished and it's time to look ahead to the future.

In a couple of weeks Australia and England will go head to head in The Ashes. The most famous test series of them all.

Both teams have sections issues.

Let's start with England.

They are unsure of their top 3 , also who will be the keeper ? Will it be Bairstow or Foakes ? If Bairstow is keeper where will he bat? Also James Anderson suffered a injury in a recent domestic game. He maybe a doubt for the 1st test, if so who may replace him? Even when Anderson is fit , who will be the other seamer with him and Broad?


Australia also have issues . Khawaja is a injury doubt, so who could replace him? Also who will be opening with David Warner ? Australia are not settled at number 6 as well. They could go for Mitch Marsh or a specialist batter such as Handscomb, Wade, or Patterson who made a century versus Sri Lanka. Another decision will be do they risk James Pattinson?

How would you line up if you had the decision for each team ? [MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION] [MENTION=7774]Robert[/MENTION] [MENTION=732]Gilly[/MENTION] [MENTION=132373]Convict[/MENTION]

Discuss....

 

[gazza619]

England need to invest in Roy as their permanent test opener.

Both the teams have nice kind of headaches. Plenty of options...

 

[Hasan123]

[MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION]


This seems like more of your discussion rather than complaining about the WC being irrelevant, let's hear your views on how both teams will line up. Surely England need to get their team right since this is the biggest thing for them in your opinion .

 

[Hasan123]

England need to invest in Roy as their permanent test opener.

Both the teams have nice kind of headaches. Plenty of options...

I think Jason Roy will play. Just a question of who will walk out with him in 1st test.

 

[Mueez]

Where is Haseen Hameed nowadays?

He looked like a good prospect...

I think Roy will be in the Ashes squad along with Archer.

The Ashes will be quite entertaining this time.

 

[Mamoon]

I don’t think England has much of a dilemma. Most of the players pick themselves.

Roy
Burns
Root (c)
Buttler
Stokes
Bairstow (wk)
Moeen
S. Curran
Broad
Archer
Anderson

If Anderson isn’t fit for the first Test, Woakes should play. This side should comfortably beat Australia.

 

[gazza619]

I don’t think England has much of a dilemma. Most of the players pick themselves.

Roy
Burns
Root (c)
Buttler
Stokes
Bairstow (wk)
Moeen
S. Curran
Broad
Archer
Anderson

If Anderson isn’t fit for the first Test, Woakes should play. This side should comfortably beat Australia.

Very thin on batting. Too many allrounders in that eleven. Not sure if Buttler is a test no.4.

 

[Mobashir]

Where is Haseen Hameed nowadays?

He looked like a good prospect...

I think Roy will be in the Ashes squad along with Archer.

The Ashes will be quite entertaining this time.

Hassan Hameed is out of form since his good promising debut in India.

I don't think Roy will be in the playing XI, and even if he is, he isn't going to score much. The good thing for the Australians is whoever the English Openers are, they will most probably not score much.

Opener 1
Opener 2
James Vince
Joe Root
Ben Stokes
Jhony Bairstow (wk)
Moeen Ali
Chris Woakes
Joffra Archer
Stuart Broad
Jimmy Anderson

If you feel there is fasr bowler too many you can replace Archer By Buttler.

 

[Ab Fan]

Roy
Burns
Root
Buttler
Stokes
Bairstow(wkt)
Moeen
Curran
Woakes
Broad
Anderson

The XI for England IMO.

 

[Sam99]

Warner
Opener
Khawaja
Smith
Shaun Marsh
Carey
Mitch Marsh
Pat Cummins
Jhye Richardson/Hazlewood
Starc/Pattinson
Lyon

 

[kingusama92]

Australia's top bowling choices are ridiculously good.

Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood, Pattinson, and Lyon.

 

[szundercover]

My england squad for the ashes

1.)Rory burns
2.)jason roy
3)joe root
4.)johny bairstow
5.)ben stokes
6.)jos butler
7.)moeen ali
8.)chris woakes
9.)Jofra archer
10.)stuart broad
11.)james Anderson

for reserves
12.)Chris woakes
13.)Ben foakes
13.)Matt Parkinson
14.)Tom banton
15.)Sam curran

 

[introvert]

My england squad for the ashes

1.)Rory burns
2.)jason roy
3)joe root
4.)johny bairstow
5.)ben stokes
6.)jos butler
7.)moeen ali
8.)chris woakes
9.)Jofra archer
10.)stuart broad
11.)james Anderson

for reserves
12.)Chris woakes
13.)Ben foakes
13.)Matt Parkinson
14.)Tom banton
15.)Sam curran

Tom banton is inexperienced I would pick Dan Lawrence instead.

 

[szundercover]

Tom banton is inexperienced I would pick Dan Lawrence instead.

This series will be an excellent opportunity for youngsters like banton to polish his skills and be groomed for international cricket,thats why I chose him.

 

[introvert]

This series will be an excellent opportunity for youngsters like banton to polish his skills and be groomed for international cricket,thats why I chose him.

I ununderstand but I think dan Lawrence is better player right now & is on the brink of getting selected in last three seasons. He is wonderful player of spin as well.

 

[szundercover]

My Australian squad for the ashes will be

1.)David warner
2.)Joe burns
3.)Steve smith
4.)Travis head
5.)tim paine (captain and wicket keeper)
6.)Mitchel marsh
7.)Marnus labuschagne
8.)pat cummins
9.)Mitchell starc
10.)Josh hazlewood
11.)Nathan lyon

For reserves

12.)Alex carey
13.)Marcus harris
14.)James Pattinson
15.) Mathew wade

I havent included shaun marsh and usman khawaja cause both are injured and to be honest this Australian test side is the weakest test side I have ever seen and I hope that at least the series will be competive and the aussies give england a good fight.

 

[Savak]

The Aussies being in English conditions for almost 2 months prior to the start of the ashes will definately help them be competitive

 

[James]

We have had most of the rain for this season already - June as we know was horrific - so I am anticipating lots of cloudy, mild and dry weather going into August and September.

Couple this idea with the recent sporting English pitches (hardly any flatties at all), and two mostly average batting lineups - England in their top order, Australia in their middle order - and we may well see five result games here.

I think it will be a thrilling series and could be set to go 3-2 either way. I would give the edge to England at the moment because their momentum is relentless and it feels like their summer.

 

[Brilliance]

My Aussie XI

Warner
Khwaja
Smith
Head
Wade
Paine
M Marsh
Cummins
Starc
Pattinson
Lyon

Ideally I would have Carey instead of Paine at 6 but since Paine is captain he is an automatic selection. Carey at 6 would make Aussies favourites.

 

[Mueez]

Hassan Hameed is out of form since his good promising debut in India.

I don't think Roy will be in the playing XI, and even if he is, he isn't going to score much. The good thing for the Australians is whoever the English Openers are, they will most probably not score much.

Opener 1
Opener 2
James Vince
Joe Root
Ben Stokes
Jhony Bairstow (wk)
Moeen Ali
Chris Woakes
Joffra Archer
Stuart Broad
Jimmy Anderson

If you feel there is fasr bowler too many you can replace Archer By Buttler.

This is actually a very good Test side...

Jennings, Denly, Burns and Roy will be in contention for the openers spot.

 

[Markhor]

Where is Haseen Hameed nowadays?

He looked like a good prospect...

I think Roy will be in the Ashes squad along with Archer.

The Ashes will be quite entertaining this time.

Hameed lost form in county cricket for Lancashire and fell off the radar.

 

[Gilly]

My Aussie XI

Warner
Khwaja
Smith
Head
Wade
Paine
M Marsh
Cummins
Starc
Pattinson
Lyon

Ideally I would have Carey instead of Paine at 6 but since Paine is captain he is an automatic selection. Carey at 6 would make Aussies favourites.

I think you will find Hazelwood in the final team.

 

[Captain caveman]

I think.england should enjoy their world cup success, i don't see them enjoying this ashes series!!

Roy is a great white ball player on flat pitches, but on seaming wickets and a slip.cordon, he will be a turkey!
Apart from root and bairstow, i don't see any englishman scoring many runs. Buttler and stokes are mediocre test players.
This euphoria may go south pretty quickly!!

 

[Mueez]

Hameed lost form in county cricket for Lancashire and fell off the radar.

Oh that’s a shame.

I remember him doing very well in India with a broken finger if I’m not wrong.

 

[Xoib]

addition of Smith and Warner will make Australia strong watch out for Travis Head and Kurtis Patterson is the wild card they will add a lot of strength to Aus batting.

 

[Robert]

I think.england should enjoy their world cup success, i don't see them enjoying this ashes series!!

Roy is a great white ball player on flat pitches, but on seaming wickets and a slip.cordon, he will be a turkey!
Apart from root and bairstow, i don't see any englishman scoring many runs. Buttler and stokes are mediocre test players.
This euphoria may go south pretty quickly!!

There’s no euphoria.

Stokes has six test match hundreds including 250. His WC batting experience has changed him and he will knuckle down now and bat big more often.

Buttler I concur on - I would put Bairstow at #5 well away from the new ball and bring back Foakes behind the sticks.

Whereas the Aussie batting is vulnerable to swing bowling.

I reckon the team should be

Roy
Burns
Denly
Root
Bairstow
Stokes
Foakes (w)
Moeen
Woakes
Archer
Anderson

Broad, Wood and Sam Curran are all pushing too.

 

[Captain caveman]

There’s no euphoria.

Stokes has six test match hundreds including 250. His WC batting experience has changed him and he will knuckle down now and bat big more often.

Buttler I concur on - I would put Bairstow at #5 well away from the new ball and bring back Foakes behind the sticks.

Whereas the Aussie batting is vulnerable to swing bowling.

I reckon the team should be

Roy
Burns
Denly
Root
Bairstow
Stokes
Foakes (w)
Moeen
Woakes
Archer
Anderson

Broad, Wood and Sam Curran are all pushing too.

Stokes is vulnerable to spin and lyons is an excellent test bowler.
Broad and anderson are in the twilight of their fantastic careers.
Haven't seen burns, but have heard good things about him, bob willis rates him, so must be good.
I think the key players for england will be root, bairstow and woakes.

Key players for australia are
Warner, smith, khwaja, starc, hazlewood and lyons.

Just think australia have more top quality players than england .
Lets see what happens, should be a fantastic series whatever happens!!

 

[Gilly]

If the series is a tie whoever bowls the most bouncers wins.

 

[Technics 1210]

I have a feeling Australia with edge a series win.

 

[Robert]

Stokes is vulnerable to spin and lyons is an excellent test bowler.
Broad and anderson are in the twilight of their fantastic careers.
Haven't seen burns, but have heard good things about him, bob willis rates him, so must be good.
I think the key players for england will be root, bairstow and woakes.

Key players for australia are
Warner, smith, khwaja, starc, hazlewood and lyons.

Just think australia have more top quality players than england .
Lets see what happens, should be a fantastic series whatever happens!!

I think Anderson has one more campaign in him, then should retire. In the past the medium pace array has struggled when not on seamers or not with Dukes. But the addition of Archer and perhaps Wood changes the dynamic. Hopefully Stokes will not bowl as much - twelve overs a day perhaps - and bat longer.

England’s problem is still their top three.

 

[shaaik]

England National Cricket Selectors have named a 13-strong squad for the Specsavers Test match against Ireland at Lord’s starting on Wednesday July 24.

England Test squad versus Ireland:
Joe Root (Yorkshire) captain
Moeen Ali (Worcestershire)
Jimmy Anderson (Lancashire)
Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire)
Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)
Rory Burns (Surrey)
Sam Curran (Surrey)
Joe Denly (Kent)
Lewis Gregory (Somerset)
Jack Leach (Somerset)
Jason Roy (Surrey)
Olly Stone (Warwickshire)
Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

Surrey batsman Jason Roy, who has been a mainstay of England’s white ball squad for the past few years, has been called up to the Test squad for the first time.

Somerset bowling all-rounder Lewis Gregory earns his first call-up to the Test squad after impressing for Somerset and the England Lions over the past few seasons. The 27-year-old has been in fine form this campaign taking 44 wickets at an average of 13.88. He is currently captaining the England Lions against Australia XI in a tour match at Canterbury.

Warwickshire seamer Olly Stone, who made his England’s ODI debut last winter in Sri Lanka, earns his second call up to the Test squad. Stone has fully recovered from a back injury, which has kept him out for most of this season. The 25-year-old pace bowler has taken 123 first-class wickets at 25 apiece.

Lancashire’s Jos Buttler and Durham’s Ben Stokes are rested after their exploits in England’s ICC Cricket World Cup final success.
Durham fast bowler Mark Wood (left side strain) and Sussex seamer Jofra Archer (left side strain) were not considered for selection. Wood is expected to be out of action for four to six weeks following the injury he sustained in Sunday’s World Cup final.
Archer, who has yet to make his England debut in Test cricket, will have a period of rest before being considered for selection during the Specsavers Ashes Test Series. He will have a short break in Barbados before returning to the UK later this month.
After playing a pivotal role in England’s ICC Cricket World Cup triumph, Archer has been awarded an increment contract by the ECB for the next 12 months.

A squad of 16 players will attend a pre-Ashes training camp this weekend at St George’s Park, the Football Association’s national football centre based at Burton-Upon-Trent.
Moeen Ali (Worcestershire)
Jimmy Anderson (Lancashire)
Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire)
Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)
Rory Burns (Surrey)
Jos Buttler (Lancashire)
Sam Curran (Surrey)
Joe Denly (Kent)
Lewis Gregory (Somerset)
Jack Leach (Somerset)
Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Jason Roy (Surrey)
Ben Stokes (Durham)
Olly Stone (Warwickshire)
Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)
Mark Wood (Durham)

The final squad for the first Specsavers Ashes Test will be named in due course.

England Specsavers Test Series Schedule:
Specsavers Test, England v Ireland, 24-27 July 2019, Lord’s, London
1st Specsavers Ashes Test match, England v Australia, 1-5 August 2019, Edgbaston, Birmingham
2nd Specsavers Ashes Test match, England v Australia, 14-18 August 2019, Lord’s, London
3rd Specsavers Ashes Test match, England v Australia, 22-26 August 2019, Emerald Headingley, Leeds
4th Specsavers Ashes Test match, England v Australia, 4-8 September 2019, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
5th Specsavers Ashes Test match, England v Australia, 12-16 September 2019, Kia Oval, London

 

[ManFan]

Expect England to win 3-1-1.

 

[Abdullah719]

Usman Khawaja and James Pattinson set for Ashes start; Cameron Bancroft in contention

Usman Khawaja and James Pattinson are set to play for Australia in the Ashes opener, while Cameron Bancroft could also earn a recall.

Khawaja has not played a game since injuring his hamstring against South Africa in the World Cup on July 6 but has been inked in to bat at No 3.

Pattinson, meanwhile, is poised for his first Test appearance since February 2016, with the paceman set to join Pat Cummins, the No-1 ranked bowler in Test cricket, in the pace attack, leaving Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Peter Siddle vying for the final seam-bowling spot.

Bancroft could also play a Test for the first time since the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March 2018, with Australia head coach Justin Langer praising the opener's "extraordinary development".

"Khawaja will definitely be in, he's fit, ready to go, he's playing well," Langer said. "He's a seasoned pro for us, he averages 40-odd in Test cricket and he'll bat No. 3.

"It would be a great story if [Bancroft] comes back into the team. His development after what happened in Cape Town has been extraordinary.

"We know what the reception is going to be. There's nothing we can do about it. We don't know [how he will cope] but we'll find out. He's a good kid and as tough as anyone you could meet.

"To endure the scrutiny of the past 14 months, especially the first part of it, I think he's had a pretty good dress rehearsal."

On Pattinson, who has struggled with injuries in recent years, Langer said: "[He's] just a very, very good bowler. I'm sure [Australia captain Tim Paine] will work out ways of using him.

"It's just nice to see him back. It's a great story, isn't it? Coming back from where he was as a young bowler, the back surgeries, to more than likely being selected for this Test match.

"Then there's probably three to be fair, Starcy, Peter Siddle and Josh Hazlewood, for one spot [in the bowling attack]. All three are great or very, very good bowlers."

Bancroft and Marcus Harris are competing to open alongside David Warner - who is fit to play despite bruising his knee in training on Monday - while Matthew Wade is one of the contenders for a middle-order berth after scoring heavily for Australia A this summer.

"Like in all these selections, there's literally a case for 17 blokes to play," said Langer.

"The opening partnership's going to be really tough, between Cameron and Marcus, really hard. They've both got a really strong case.

"I think Wade's fought his way back into selection because of that tenacity to keep getting better and he's knocked so hard on the door."

https://www.skysports.com/cricket/n...or-ashes-start-cameron-bancroft-in-contention

 

[Markhor]

Bob Willis predicting an Australia win and that he's terrified about England's batting. That doesn't inspire any confidence.

I expect even 300 to be a winning score, especially given they're using the same batch of Dukes balls as last year's that swung prodigiously and kept its shine for longer.

 

[Mueez]

Australia is going to win it!

3-2 for Australia.

 

[Junaids]

I really enjoyed the World Cup but this is a far bigger event: I’ve barely slept for days and I just can’t wait for it to start!

 

[Junaids]

Bob Willis predicting an Australia win and that he's terrified about England's batting. That doesn't inspire any confidence.

I expect even 300 to be a winning score, especially given they're using the same batch of Dukes balls as last year's that swung prodigiously and kept its shine for longer.

RGD Willis is spot on. We’ve only got Joe Root as a red ball batsman.

 

[sweep_shot]

I really enjoyed the World Cup but this is a far bigger event: I’ve barely slept for days and I just can’t wait for it to start!

Surely Ashes can't be bigger than World Cup? I mean World Cup should be #1 thing.

 

[ILcricket]

England vs Australia at Lords , 14/8 - 18/8 , Pre-match Discussion thread .

What kind of pitch should we expect ? It is becoming increasingly obvious that on flattish dry wickets , visitors have the upper hand . Will England opt for a grassy pitch or play safe ?
Squad announced by England , it appears that their bowling attack would be Archer , Broad , Leach , Woakes if fit or Curran & Stokes . Does this attack look good enough to pick 20 cheaply ?
I would like to see Starc , Hazelwood , Cummins & Lyon along with a 5th bowling option but that is not going to happen .
Weather forecast seems okay atm but then it is rather early to be accurate .
Your thoughts on what kind of pitch we will get & the 2 bowling attacks ?

 

[Robert]

What kind of pitch should we expect ? It is becoming increasingly obvious that on flattish dry wickets , visitors have the upper hand . Will England opt for a grassy pitch or play safe ?
Squad announced by England , it appears that their bowling attack would be Archer , Broad , Leach , Woakes if fit or Curran & Stokes . Does this attack look good enough to pick 20 cheaply ?
I would like to see Starc , Hazelwood , Cummins & Lyon along with a 5th bowling option but that is not going to happen .
Weather forecast seems okay atm but then it is rather early to be accurate .
Your thoughts on what kind of pitch we will get & the 2 bowling attacks ?

“England” don’t choose the pitches, the County groundsmen do. Obviously there is pressure to make something where the test will carry on for five days.

The new Lords groundsman made a greentop for the Ireland test instead of the flatly his predecessor served up in his later years, and I hope he has made one where batters can stay in else we will have a three day test.

 

[Sam99]

“England” don’t choose the pitches, the County groundsmen do. Obviously there is pressure to make something where the test will carry on for five days.

The new Lords groundsman made a greentop for the Ireland test instead of the flatly his predecessor served up in his later years, and I hope he has made one where batters can stay in else we will have a three day test.

Last year india's test matches were played on green top and still most matches went till 4th and 5th day except one test (lords)

 

[MenInG]

England fast bowler James Anderson insisted that there was "nothing else we could have done" speaking about his curtailed apperance in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston.

Anderson, who is England's leading wicket-taker in Tests, was only able to bowl four overs in the match before his calf problem flared up. He was on a break a month before the Ashes nursing the injury, which he had picked up while playing for Lancashire in the County Championship.

With Anderson out of action, England's depleted bowling resources meant that they were unable to stop Steve Smith's onslaught in both the innings and ended up losing the Test by 251 runs. The 37-year-old, however, firmly stated that playing in the first Test was not a misguided decision. "There's nothing else we could have done. I did all the rehab - the only thing I didn't do was play a match but there's Twenty20 going on at the minute and there's no games to play," he told on BBC's Tailenders podcast.

"I'm sure if I do manage to come back in this series then I'll have to play some sort of cricket beforehand," he added.

Anderson was included in England's squad for the one-off Test against Ireland in late July but was ruled out before the final XI was announced as a precautionary measure to keep him ready for the Ashes. While he batted in both innings at Edgbaston, the senior bowler did not look comfortable in the middle.

"I missed the Ireland Test as a precaution to make sure I was 100% for the Ashes," he said. "I felt angry having done all the work to get there. All the tests they do on the calf to see if it's okay, it just wasn't playing ball so it was hugely frustrating.

"It settled down a bit when we were batting and I was planning on bowling in the second innings, but when I was batting I pushed off for a run and it didn't feel right."

Anderson has been ruled out of the second Test, which begins on 14 August at Lord's and his participation in the latter stages of the series remains doubtful. "You feel lots of guilt [and you're] generally frustrated but you're trying to help out the lads as much as possible without making them feel worse," he concluded.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1307983

 

[ILcricket]

Day 1 a probable washout & more interruptions on day 3 , 4 & 5 . Forecast changed dramatically . In for a DULL DRAW