Aussies v. Poms - The Ashes.

[Donny]

There are 3 Shield games before the first Ashes Test.

As things stand, the likely XI is:

Warner
Renshaw
Khawaja*
Smith
Handscomb
Maxwell*
Wade*
Starc
Cummins
Lyon
Hazlewood

However, injuries are always a cloud over the quicks. The three I named pick themselves but Pattinson (under an injury cloud, atm), Behrendorff, Coulter-Nile and even the evergreen Sids are all thereabouts, if any of the frontline cops an injury.

*Khawaja, Maxy and Wade will be looking for good SS form, with Shaun Marsh, Cartwright, Head, Henriques, Stoinis and Nevill all lurking. Even Tim Paine's name has cropped up as a possible 'keeper.

[KenH]

I am going over to Adelaide for the second test! I hope it is a cracker!

[ronrat]

I am going over to Adelaide for the second test! I hope it is a cracker!

The Adelaide cricket fan is far more sophisticated than the bogans who follow footy. The old oval was a great place to watch but now don't know. The beauty is if you are staying in the city is you can walk to the ground.

There used to be some good spots in Hindley Street late at night but haven't been in a decade or so.

[Donny]

23 November. First Test.

Gabba. 10:00 AM Local Time

-----------------------

2 December. Second Test.

Adelaide Oval. 2:00 PM Local Time

---------------------

Dec. 14. Third Test.

WACA. 10:30 AM Local Time

-----------------------

26 December. Fourth Test. Boxing Day Test.

MCG. 10:30 AM Local Time

----------------------

4 January. Fifth Test.

SCG. 10:30 AM Local Time

[KenH]

I am going over to Adelaide for the second test! I hope it is a cracker!

The Adelaide cricket fan is far more sophisticated than the bogans who follow footy. The old oval was a great place to watch but now don't know. The beauty is if you are staying in the city is you can walk to the ground.

There used to be some good spots in Hindley Street late at night but haven't been in a decade or so.

Never seen cricket in Adelaide before but have been to the footy a few times. I think that it is a great venue!
Can't wait!

[Donny]

Progress report on Test hopefuls:

Khawaja improved his chances for the #3 spot for Brisbane, with 40 & 122.

With Hazlewood and Pattinson injured, Copeland put his hand up with 6/24 against SA.

With the #6 spot up for grabs, Maxwell disappointed, with 14 & 20 against Q'land. Cartwright scored 61 & 38, Stoinis 9 & 32 and M Marsh 36 & 4 against Tasmania.

[Donny]

If Chris Tremain is in the reckoning, at all, he took 4/36 & 3/61 against Q'land.

He also hit 20 & 47 with the bat.

[Donny]

James Pattinson ruled out of the Ashes series. He's to undergo spinal surgery.

Josh Hazlewood comes back from injury, in NSW's next Shield match.

[Donny]

And Haz is on fire.

Skittled WA's top order, claiming both Marshes and Cartwright for a total of 2 runs.

Maxy hit a patient 60 for Victoria, from 113 balls.

Renshaw failed again but no other opener is knocking the door down.

None of the 3 keepers, being mentioned for the Ashes Tests, scored 40 or more.

[Donny]

The Oz bowling attack is warming up well.

In the current match, against WA, Starc took a hat-trick. He & Hazlewood took 7/80, between them.

[Donny]

Dave Warner's a 'first pick' for the Test team but needs runs.

Scored just 10 in his 2 innings, against WA.

[Donny]

His Test opening partner, Matt Renshaw scored 1 & 19, against Tasmania.

[Donny]

Don't know if Jake Lehmann is in the running, but 103 & 93 against Victoria brings him under notice for the #6 spot.

As does Callum Ferguson's 140 n.o.

[Donny]

If Shaun Marsh and Cam Bancroft are still in the selectors thoughts - Marsh 2 & 91 and Bancroft 76* & 86.

Fergo hit 182 n.o.

Maxy - 60 & 62 at first drop for Victoria.

[Donny]

Mitch Marsh - 0 & 6.