Story Englands Journey to the Ashes and beyond.

[dan_anderson]

The England and Wales cricket board have today announced that the new head coach of the English cricket team would be Michael Vaughan.

Vaughan lead England to the Ashes in 2005 and was one of the most successful captains of England, he retired at the start of this season due to an on-going knee injury.

Vaughan will lead England in 3 Tests, 1 T20 and 5 ODI's against New Zealand before facing the biggest test of the summer - 4 Tests, 1 T20 and 5 ODI's against South Africa.

The Winter will see England go to India to play 3 Tests and 3 ODI's and then onto the West Indies for 4 Tests and 5 ODI's.

Vaughan had this to say - "This really is a massive honour to be appointed as coach of my country. I did a good job as captain and i'm confident i'll be able to do as good a job as captain. Our ultimate aim over this summer and winter is to build a team that will win the Ashes next summer."



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Squad for the 1st Test vs NZ

Andrews Strauss (C)
Paul Collingwood (VC)
Alistair Cook
Ravi Bopara
Kevin Pietersen
Matt Prior
Andrew Flintoff
Graeme Swann
Stuart Broad
Ryan Sidebottom
James Anderson
Steve Harmison

Michael Vaughan hasn't sprung many surprises in this squad, although some are questioning the choice to have Ravi Bopara at 3 ahead of Ian Bell, Owais Shah and Rob Key. Graeme Swann has beaten Monty Panesar into the squad as the spinner.

The man believed to miss out on a place in the team for the 1st test is Steve Harmison.

 

[Pakistani Army]

Not that much of a shock in seeing former captain Michael Vaughan taking up the vacant space as the coach. Looking at the fixtures, I feel that New Zealand will not be that much of a test however the South Africans will have no remorse and thats where Michael Vaughan's squad will be tested.

Looking at the 13 Man Squad, I feel giving Bopara the number 3 spot ahead of Bell, Shah and Key is a good move due to the fact that Vaughan may test his squads by using them against the Kiwis (An inferior opposition to the South Africans) The same applies to Steve Harmison. He will be under pressure to perform and cement his spot before the South Africans.

Regarding the presentation, a very good effort so far baring in mind it is your first story on the forums. I wish you the best of luck with this mate.