Australian Ashes Squad Announced: Every Player Rated
Normally you read player ratings AFTER a match or series. Well, we thought we'd flip things round a little.
This is the Aussie squad for the 2019 Ashes series, and here's who we think will struggle, and who'll dominate England.
THE OPENERS
David Warner
The leftie has to defeat two foes in this series -- the England cricket team, and the English crowds. He'll own both.
Cameron Bancroft
Forced his way into the squad with strong performance in final trial match. Has a meagre average of 30 from his first eight Tests (0 centuries) and while he no doubt has a huge future, we're not confident the 26-year-old is the man for this occasion, if he even makes the XI.
Marcus Harris
The leftie opener has made a lot of 20s and 30s in his Test career to date. He needs big scores, but we're not super confident. The second opener spot is a definite weakness in the Aussie lineup.
THE MIDDLE ORDER
Usman Khawaja
Ussie, Ussie, Ussie, Oi. Oi. Oi. We've just got a feeling this will be his series. He's a class number three, and if fully fit, could be a surprise trump card for the Aussies.
Steve Smith
Smith scored a whopping 687 runs in the most recent Ashes in 2017/18. He's away from home now, but has been prolific in England in the past. Expect big things again.
Travis Head
Hasn't looked great in practice matches, but the South Australian leftie is averaging 51 in his eight-Test career. We are long-term believers in our heart, but our "head" is a little worried about this series if you'll excuse the pun.
Marnus Labuschagne
He's been doing great things in English county cricket, averaging 60+ with the bat and taking wickets with his leggies. The new Warney? Nope, not by a long way, but we feel he'll be a surprise hit as an all-rounder for the Aussies.
Matthew Wade
The former keeper/batsman has made the transition to specialist batsman, making runs against everyone, everywhere in the last 21 months. Having said that, he's been disappointing with the bat in recent Tests and we're not confident that will change against the quality England seamers.
Mitchell Marsh
Marsh comes into the side as an all-rounder, having played well enough in the intra-squad match to cement his spot.
WICKET KEEPER
Tim Paine (captain)
BOWLERS
Mitchell Starc
He'll concede a few runs, as ever, but will smash England like guitars, and it's going to be 17 different kinds of fun to watch.
Pat Cummins
The top wicket-taker on either side with 23 scalps in the last Ashes, big Pat will continue the form which has seen him become the number one Test bowler in the world, in recent rankings.
Josh Hazlewood
Oh how we missed his unerring line and length in the recent One Day World Cup. Never mind. He's back now. Having said that, he'd better perform, because James Pattinson is breathing down his neck for the third pace spot. We're sure he'll bowl well, but will it be well enough to hold a spot?
James Pattinson
For years, he's been the guy who is going to do damage in an Ashes in England, if only he could be fit. Well hes fit. And if he gets a game or five, we'll definitely see why everyone was talking him up.
Peter Siddle
Will only play if there are injuries. If so, Sidds will do the job, like the 64-Test vegan veteran always has.
Nathan Lyon
Garry will have the Poms in a spin, as he always does, and we can't wait to watch.
Michael Neser
This bolter has caused a selection headache with his recent form. But he's done enough in this week's intra-squad match to earn his place, coming in as a right-arm medium bowler.
