With the first test starting tomorrow morning, your XI is hopefully locked in, and now it is time to pick who will be your captain, and score you double points for the test match.
A batsman might be your choice, someone that is going to get out there and make some big runs to score you the big points. Michael Clarke had a lean last Ashes by his standards, but his last 2 Australian summers have been magnificent, with double hundreds galore. Maybe the dashing David Warner will be your go, who is in amazing domestic form and is smashing the ball to all places in recent times.
Ian Bell was the bets Brit bat in the Winter, notching up several 100s, while Alistair Cook will also be looking to again enjoy the pitches of Australia. Maybe someone who bowls a bit and has a chance of picking up a wicket is your go, with someone like a Joe Root.
All-Rounders also make very good captaincy options, as they score the runs and take the wickets. Shane Watson looks like he will bat at 3 and bowl, but he will be restricted, so he would be a very risky option. Steve Smith also might not bowl too much. Menace Stuart Broad is also an option, but can you really bring yourself to put the big C next to his name? I didn't think so.
Wicket-Keepers are usually ones to avoid for the captaincy, especially when they are a couple of older players who have not enjoyed lots of success with the bat recently. Brad Haddin or Matt Prior, who looks like he will play despite being underdone, would both be risky choices.
Or you could go with a bowler as your skipper. Ryan Harris looks fighting fit and ready to knock over more Englishmen. Peter Siddle is as fearless as ever, and Monday, the 5th day, is his birthday. Who could forget last Ashes opening day birthday hattrick? Or maybe the erratic Mitchell Johnson will be your go, with that left arm pace, being backed up by a powerful hitting ability. Definitely the biggest risk you could take all summer, putting him as your captain.
James Anderson should again do well in Australia, and he should find some swing up at the Gabba. Graeme Swann, however, does not have great figures at the Gabba, and with only 2 left handers in the Aussie team which Swanny loves oh so much, don't expect the best figures from him first up. He will have to wait for Adelaide for a real chance.
Here is my final XI
STAR WAUGHS XI
Michael Clarke
David Warner
Ian Bell
Alistair Cook
Kevin Pietersen
Shane Watson (C)
Brad Haddin
Ryan Harris
Peter Siddle
James Anderson
Graeme Swann
So there you have it, tomorrow the first Ashes test of the 2013/14 season begins at 11am ADST. The weather forecast is good for the first day, but possible showers and thunderstorms are forecast for the 4 days after that, so it will be interesting to see if the weather can hold off for long enough for us to get a result.
If you are thinking about making a team, it is not too late! Get online to http://cricketdreamteam.sportal.com.au to make your team and join the SuperCoachHQ league. Our league code is 502963.
A batsman might be your choice, someone that is going to get out there and make some big runs to score you the big points. Michael Clarke had a lean last Ashes by his standards, but his last 2 Australian summers have been magnificent, with double hundreds galore. Maybe the dashing David Warner will be your go, who is in amazing domestic form and is smashing the ball to all places in recent times.
Ian Bell was the bets Brit bat in the Winter, notching up several 100s, while Alistair Cook will also be looking to again enjoy the pitches of Australia. Maybe someone who bowls a bit and has a chance of picking up a wicket is your go, with someone like a Joe Root.
All-Rounders also make very good captaincy options, as they score the runs and take the wickets. Shane Watson looks like he will bat at 3 and bowl, but he will be restricted, so he would be a very risky option. Steve Smith also might not bowl too much. Menace Stuart Broad is also an option, but can you really bring yourself to put the big C next to his name? I didn't think so.
Wicket-Keepers are usually ones to avoid for the captaincy, especially when they are a couple of older players who have not enjoyed lots of success with the bat recently. Brad Haddin or Matt Prior, who looks like he will play despite being underdone, would both be risky choices.
Or you could go with a bowler as your skipper. Ryan Harris looks fighting fit and ready to knock over more Englishmen. Peter Siddle is as fearless as ever, and Monday, the 5th day, is his birthday. Who could forget last Ashes opening day birthday hattrick? Or maybe the erratic Mitchell Johnson will be your go, with that left arm pace, being backed up by a powerful hitting ability. Definitely the biggest risk you could take all summer, putting him as your captain.
James Anderson should again do well in Australia, and he should find some swing up at the Gabba. Graeme Swann, however, does not have great figures at the Gabba, and with only 2 left handers in the Aussie team which Swanny loves oh so much, don't expect the best figures from him first up. He will have to wait for Adelaide for a real chance.
Here is my final XI
STAR WAUGHS XI
Michael Clarke
David Warner
Ian Bell
Alistair Cook
Kevin Pietersen
Shane Watson (C)
Brad Haddin
Ryan Harris
Peter Siddle
James Anderson
Graeme Swann
So there you have it, tomorrow the first Ashes test of the 2013/14 season begins at 11am ADST. The weather forecast is good for the first day, but possible showers and thunderstorms are forecast for the 4 days after that, so it will be interesting to see if the weather can hold off for long enough for us to get a result.
If you are thinking about making a team, it is not too late! Get online to http://cricketdreamteam.sportal.com.au to make your team and join the SuperCoachHQ league. Our league code is 502963.