My Australia XI for the 1st Test

Dave Henderson

The first Test is only a few days away, so perhaps is a good time to turn out thoughts to who will be in the Australian XI.

SLATER - Poor form of late, but always plays well against the Poms and can always rises for big games. Position safe for at least the first 2 Tests.

HAYDEN - I hate the pretender. (www.worstaussies.8m.com) Great form in India will see him guaranteed for the first 3 Tests, but if he fails again look out. If he had made a mess in India he would not be in the Ashes squad.

LANGER - Big question mark here. The least-talented of Australia's top 6 batsman, but a real fighter. He has not done much for a while, and may miss out. MARTYN has done nothing wrong, and must be due. If JL is selected, I cannot see him playing at Lords if he fails in the first Test. KATICH will be looking for his spot as well.

M.WAUGH - Funny to think that hacks like Crash Craddock were calling for him to quit in October last year. A certainty.

S.WAUGH - The man is a GOD. Man of the series.

PONTING - If I could bat like anybody in the world, it would be Punter. A certainty to play all 5 Tests, due to his recent outstanding form and staggering fielding skills.

GILCHRIST - He is no Ian Healy, but having him bat at #7 is a godsend. Will play all 5

B. LEE - Must play if fit. sure he is fast, but he is also a smart bowler. Can be a bit expensive at times. He also extends the batting order a great deal, could make an excellent all-rounder. But we said that about McDermott as well.

WARNE - Not once what he was, but still world-class. Psychological value alone must be amazing. Also in fine form with the bat. Will play all 5 Tests, sorry Funky.

Gillespie - Outstanding bowler. So much variation, and possibly the worlds best #10 batsman. 5 Tests.

McGRATH - If you had to pick a world XI he would be the first player
you would choose. It will be a sad day for world cricket when he returnes to
Narromine. Batting has improved a lot as well. 5 Tests and 2 man-of-the match
awards.


Perhaps if JL is dropped Katich may bat at 6 with Punter moving to 3.
Marto is good, but he is no spring chicken.

FUNKY - Love your work mate, I really do - hard to see you playing in a Test unless a quickie is injured or we play on a real turner.

NOFFKE - Lets hope he doesn't turn out like some recent Queensland fast bowlers like Muller, Bichel and Kaspro. Only there because Buchannan is boss man.




ENGLAND - who cares, they are all a bunch of clueless tellytubbies who are scared of Steve Waugh. With the exception of Goughie, they should all be strung up with piano wire then fed to some otters.