Highlander999
ICC President
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2006
- Location
- London
It is that time again. The Ashes are here.
So it is time again. The Ashes. Strange how such a little urn can stir such emotions in fully grown men. Last summer the English snatched The Ashes back from the Australians after such a long wait. Now it is time again for the Australians to have their revenge. Images like this are still bitter for many Australians.
Many said Ponting should go, after losing The Ashes, however he is still here. Australia are ranked Number 1 in the World and with right to. They have recently beaten South Africa, India and Pakistan, however now the Australian Cricket Machine is eyeing up tiny England.
Should he have kept his job?
Australia are going to be without the legendary Glenn McGrath after he broke his ankle in a car accident. However Shane Warne, the man who almost saved Australia last time will be playing, and he will want revenge.
Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff the two men who were pivotal in England's win last summer will be playing. Questions have been asked about Flintoff's ankle. it has been advised by doctor's for Flintoff to take it easy during the warm-up games.
The Dream Team
The Squads:
Both sides have announced their squads, with a few surprises in both. England have decided to go with Philip Mustard as the wicket-keeper after Geriant Jones has been suffering from poor form. Ian Bell is unable go on the Tour due to a strained hamstring. There are a few surprise inclusion including Luke Wright, Dimitry Mascarenhas, Darren Maddy, Ravi Bopara and Owais Shah. Here is the full squad:
A few Surprise Inclusions
Australia had a real blow not being able to have Glenn McGrath, however this is still a very strong batting line up. Justin langer has retired now, which gives Jacques and Maher a chance to shine. A very strong bowling attack with warne, Lee, Clark and Tait, which is backed up by some fine batsmen like Ponting, Hayden, Hussey and Clarke. Here is the Australian Squad.
The first match for England is a 50 Over Match against The Chairman's XI.
Here is the pitch. A scortcher of a day out here, but the pitch is as flat as a pancake. Vaughan has won the toss and has elected to bat first.
Here are the two teams. The opening pair of Strauss and Cook have appeared. Both will be hoping to get some nice early runs, to make a good start to the Tour. It is a very strong team England have put out, with out any exclusions of major players.
So it is time for the First Ball to be bowled. Stay tuned for this Opening Tour Match between Chairman's XI and England.
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