The Cricket Thread

[mightyrooster]

Any thoughts on which batsmen will make the Aussie team for the Ashes, especially opener as I really don’t think Konstas is ready. It’s going to be tough without Cummins as well.

[Michael Jones]

Possible Australian Ashes Squad

1. Usman Khawaja - Batter
2. Sam Konstas - Batter
3. Marnus Labushange - Batter
4. Steven Smith - Batter
5. Travis Head - Battier
6. Alex Carey - WK/Batter
7. Josh Ingls\ - WK/Batter
8. Cameron Green - Allrounder
9. Beau Webster - Allrounder
10. Pat Cummins -Bowler - fast medium
11. Josh Hazelwood - Bowler - - fast medium
12. Scott Boland - Bowler - fast medium
13. Mitchell Starc - Bowler - fast medium
14. Lance Morris - Bowler- fast medium
15. Michael Nesser - Bowler - fast medium
16. Nathan Lyon - Bowler - Off Spin
17. Todd Murphy - Bowler - Off Spin

[mightyrooster]

Possible Australian Ashes Squad

1. Usman Khawaja - Batter
2. Sam Konstas - Batter
3. Marnus Labushange - Batter
4. Steven Smith - Batter
5. Travis Head - Battier
6. Alex Carey - WK/Batter
7. Josh Ingls\ - WK/Batter
8. Cameron Green - Allrounder
9. Beau Webster - Allrounder
10. Pat Cummins -Bowler - fast medium
11. Josh Hazelwood - Bowler - - fast medium
12. Scott Boland - Bowler - fast medium
13. Mitchell Starc - Bowler - fast medium
14. Lance Morris - Bowler- fast medium
15. Michael Nesser - Bowler - fast medium
16. Nathan Lyon - Bowler - Off Spin
17. Todd Murphy - Bowler - Off Spin

Yes I get that Mike, but I was asking for opinions from members. Who do you think the selectors will pick and who would you pick? The opening position and number 3 is a real concern. Probably Marnus will have to return. We have some depth in Inglis, McSweeney, Patterson, Marsh but none strike me as an opener or No 3. I don’t really rate Bancroft or Harris and Konstas is just not ready and has too many flaws in his technique.

[Michael Jones]

Sheffield Shield Matches Notable Scorers so far- places up for grabs so the Sheffield Shield form will be taken into account for certain.

Matt Renshaw - 128
Marcus Labuschangne - 160
Usman Khawaja - 69
Jordan Silk - 104 - unlikely to be in the mix for selection

My 12 for the first test in Perth if Pat Cummins is not fit to play - Optus Stadium 21 - 25 November 2025

1. Matt Renshaw
2. Usman Khawaja
3. Marcus Labuschagne
4. Steve Smith
5. Travis Head
6. Cameron Green
7. Beau Webster
8. Alex Carey
9. Mitchell Stark
10. Scott Boland
11. Josh Hazelwood
12. Nathan Lyon

[mightyrooster]

Possible Australian Ashes Squad

1. Usman Khawaja - Batter
2. Sam Konstas - Batter
3. Marnus Labushange - Batter
4. Steven Smith - Batter
5. Travis Head - Battier
6. Alex Carey - WK/Batter
7. Josh Ingls\ - WK/Batter
8. Cameron Green - Allrounder
9. Beau Webster - Allrounder
10. Pat Cummins -Bowler - fast medium
11. Josh Hazelwood - Bowler - - fast medium
12. Scott Boland - Bowler - fast medium
13. Mitchell Starc - Bowler - fast medium
14. Lance Morris - Bowler- fast medium
15. Michael Nesser - Bowler - fast medium
16. Nathan Lyon - Bowler - Off Spin
17. Todd Murphy - Bowler - Off Spin

I forgot about Renshaw. He has his limitations too but better than Bancroft and Harris.

My first test team given Cummins will be missing will probably be as follows. Still not sure on the best opening combo though.

Uzzy
?? Renshaw / ??
Marnus
Smith
Green
Webster
Carey
Starc
Lyon
Boland
Hazelwood

[Michael Jones]

Brendon Doggett and Sean Abbot are also bowling options and possible Jhye Richardson who is expected back mid series.

I don't think the bowling will be the concern whereas the batting could well be. Need to get off to a good start so the openers will be key in laying a foundation.

You don't want to be 2 down for not many.

England no doubt will bring their Bazaball game with them as already sprouting that just saying the word "winds up" the Aussies.

I think England feel they should have won the last Ashes Series - ended 2-2 - The 3rd Test 5th day abandoned due to rain - England 592 - Australia 317 and 5/214 - still 69 runs behind