Australia v England: First Test Discussion Thread

Khawaja, who struggled against England's second string bowlers gets the call to replace Clarke - if neccessary. Why was Steven Smith originally in the squad? The guy performed last week with the bat, he could easily slot into fourth.

Obviously Smith won't be selected for the first test.

Another mistake from the selectors and if Clarke doesn't play, I'm unloading on England to win the first test and the series because Khawaja will not score big at all.

Steve Smith is out of the first test. Fuck I hope Clarke doesn't pull up.

Imagine the middle order of Khawaja, Hussey, Haddin and North. Fuck me blind. Australia would go from 2 for to suddenly 6 for in the blink of an eye. Khawaja won't score more than 20 runs combined for the match. He is someone they have plucked out because he has a decent record for NSW but is nowhere near ready for an international match.

They would have been better off selecting Hodge. But he's done something to miss off the selectors.

The selectors should have forgetten what Hodge did to piss them off (whatever that was) and select him to get them out of trouble. He is the only Australian batsman at the moment that looks capable of making a big score.  

Because Ponting will have an earpiece tucked away in his ear and the TAB will be sending him instructions on what deliveries his bowlers need to send down and what his batters need to do?

Or will the whole Aussie team be miked up?

Thnking  draw at the Gabba.

Overall I think Trott, Broad and Swann are the standouts for the Poms. The weather up here is a bit like Pommy gloom, instead of the HOT days usually reserved for Ashes.

Not sure on Aussie standouts yet.....................but................. Watson may may may just shake off the " man of glass " tag and become a man of steel. MAY ??? Ponting generally has a good one first up but that's about all I can see at the moment. Wished Harris was playing!!!!!!!

Nervous and anxious. Can't wait.

BOL to all