You are only allowed one keeper and one all-rounder and usually these are the positions given the least amount of thought. But they can be what makes or breaks your side and require careful consideration.
Wicket-Keepers
You don't get a whole range of choice here, with only 3 players being listed as a wicket-keeper. Let's look at each of them.
Brad Haddin was by far the best performed keeper of last Ashes. 2 50s in the series may have been a bit of a disappointment with the bat, but he did break the record for most wicket-keeper dismissals in a test series, with a whopping 29 catches throughout the 5 test matches. A safe pair of hands if there ever was one, Haddin has a safe spot in the team for the Summer, and is probably the best choice for keeper.
It was not a great Ashes series for Matt Prior last time around, scoring only 133 runs across the 5 tests, with a top score of 47. This went with 18 catches, well below Haddin's 29. He is also under an injury cloud for the first test and may not even play. He is probably one to stay away from for the start of the summer, maybe bring him in if Haddin performs badly.
Matt Wade didn't get a chance in the tests in the Winter, and I don't really see him getting any opportunities here. He is a slight possibility to come in later in the series as a batsman, but this is unlikely. Avoid him.
Those are the only 3 keepers named, strange that Johnny Bairstow is named as a batsman instead, as he could well end up keeping wicket in the first test if Prior doesn't get up from his calf injury.
All-Rounders
There is a bit more choice when it comes to All-Rounders with several quality players available to choose from.
Shane Watson has the number 3 positions inked in after his huge 176 at The Oval in the last test match. He ended as Australia's top run scorer for the tour after that score, so he definitely has some runs in him coming into the match. His bowling was very economical over in England, yet he only took 4 wickets over the series, stats that are not so good in Sportal Cricket. He also won't bowl for the Brisbane test.
Not having Watson available as a 4th seam bowler on a green Gabba deck might cause the Australians to pick James Faulkner. Solid on his test debut, picking up match figures of 6/98 as well as 45 runs with the bat. He may get a chance to play if the Aussies choose 4 quicks over Nathan Lyon, and could get another opportunity to play in Perth. He is a big risk to play in your team, because you most likely won't know whether he will play or not until the toss of the coin on game day. I'd go with someone more likely to play.
One man who has his place cemented is Steve Smith. After a breakthrough 138* at The Oval, he has been in fine form in the local Ryobi Cup and Sheffield Shield, smashing hundreds and fifties regularly. He only picked up 4 wickets in the Ashes though, all in the second test and won't be bowled as much as Faulkner or Watson will.
For the English, Stuart Broad is again named as an all-rounder. A genuine bowler, Broad is also very handy with the bat, shown by his impressive showings in England (including that time he didn't walk. Remember that?) He terrorised Australia in the 4th test with his reverse swing and is a very nice option for your team.
Ben Stokes is the final all-rounder available. He is probably last in the English pecking order to get a game this tour, so I really wouldn't worry about him and go pick someone else instead.
So those are the all-rounders and keepers available this Summer. Personally, I have gone with Brad Haddin and Steve Smith. Tell us who you are going to choose in the comments below!
Also be on the lookout for our batsmen article which will be posted in the next few days!
Wicket-Keepers
You don't get a whole range of choice here, with only 3 players being listed as a wicket-keeper. Let's look at each of them.
Brad Haddin was by far the best performed keeper of last Ashes. 2 50s in the series may have been a bit of a disappointment with the bat, but he did break the record for most wicket-keeper dismissals in a test series, with a whopping 29 catches throughout the 5 test matches. A safe pair of hands if there ever was one, Haddin has a safe spot in the team for the Summer, and is probably the best choice for keeper.
It was not a great Ashes series for Matt Prior last time around, scoring only 133 runs across the 5 tests, with a top score of 47. This went with 18 catches, well below Haddin's 29. He is also under an injury cloud for the first test and may not even play. He is probably one to stay away from for the start of the summer, maybe bring him in if Haddin performs badly.
Matt Wade didn't get a chance in the tests in the Winter, and I don't really see him getting any opportunities here. He is a slight possibility to come in later in the series as a batsman, but this is unlikely. Avoid him.
Those are the only 3 keepers named, strange that Johnny Bairstow is named as a batsman instead, as he could well end up keeping wicket in the first test if Prior doesn't get up from his calf injury.
All-Rounders
There is a bit more choice when it comes to All-Rounders with several quality players available to choose from.
Shane Watson has the number 3 positions inked in after his huge 176 at The Oval in the last test match. He ended as Australia's top run scorer for the tour after that score, so he definitely has some runs in him coming into the match. His bowling was very economical over in England, yet he only took 4 wickets over the series, stats that are not so good in Sportal Cricket. He also won't bowl for the Brisbane test.
Not having Watson available as a 4th seam bowler on a green Gabba deck might cause the Australians to pick James Faulkner. Solid on his test debut, picking up match figures of 6/98 as well as 45 runs with the bat. He may get a chance to play if the Aussies choose 4 quicks over Nathan Lyon, and could get another opportunity to play in Perth. He is a big risk to play in your team, because you most likely won't know whether he will play or not until the toss of the coin on game day. I'd go with someone more likely to play.
One man who has his place cemented is Steve Smith. After a breakthrough 138* at The Oval, he has been in fine form in the local Ryobi Cup and Sheffield Shield, smashing hundreds and fifties regularly. He only picked up 4 wickets in the Ashes though, all in the second test and won't be bowled as much as Faulkner or Watson will.
For the English, Stuart Broad is again named as an all-rounder. A genuine bowler, Broad is also very handy with the bat, shown by his impressive showings in England (including that time he didn't walk. Remember that?) He terrorised Australia in the 4th test with his reverse swing and is a very nice option for your team.
Ben Stokes is the final all-rounder available. He is probably last in the English pecking order to get a game this tour, so I really wouldn't worry about him and go pick someone else instead.
So those are the all-rounders and keepers available this Summer. Personally, I have gone with Brad Haddin and Steve Smith. Tell us who you are going to choose in the comments below!
Also be on the lookout for our batsmen article which will be posted in the next few days!