Paul Moon looks at the exclusion of Andrew Symonds, the selection of Andrew McDonald, the technique of Phil Hughes and problems in the spin bowling department in an Australian squad that Andrew Strauss won't be having slepless nights over.

The Australians have just announced their 16-man squad for the Ashes series and it's delightful news for England! Rank bad errors concerning selection have undermined the Aussie's bid to retain the Ashes. Latest Betfair prices has not reflected that point yet: England [3.55] Australia [1.73] Draw [6.6].

Controversially and unexpectedly, the 33-year-old Andrew Symonds has been left out of the squad. Had he not been eulogised then recalled to the national team, the decision would be easier to understand. The Aussies are weaker without him. They have lost his proven track record, presence, fielding and bowling variation. He was a terrific world class Test all-rounder!

This contentious decision has literally ended his colourful 26-match Test career. One senses that we have witnessed a dramatic U-turn and there must be an additional piece of information not in the public domain. My colleague Jamie Pacheco expands on this issue.

Shane Watson was preferred for the all-rounder spot although his injury-laden credentials disqualifies him from the role and title. He faces yet another fitness test before the tour starts. He did score runs in Abu Dhabi but it is hard to believe that this low-key cricket tipped the balance in his favour.

The Australians have also made a huge mistake in the slow bowling department. There will be early and excessive turn at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff where if England are bold they will play two spinners! It will also spin at Lords and offer something at The Oval.

Going into an Ashes series with just the mediocre Nathan Hauritz is ill-advised. Though economical, he hardly spins the ball in a manner reminiscent of Ashley Giles. His was a 'last man standing' selection. Michael Clarke and Marcus North are neither worthy alternatives nor do they offer real support.

The fact that Australian spinning stocks are at an all time low does not negate the need for having someone able to turn the ball for this series. It was a prerequisite! The selection of medium pacer Andrew McDonald (who has yet to show he can bat in the top six) over Brad Hodge worsens the predicament! History will prove the gravity of this flawed thinking!

Fitness is a concern with the fast bowlers. Has age caught up with Brett Lee so should he have been selected at all? Stuart Clark's rehabilitation from an elbow injury seems to have gone well and his unerring accuracy and ability to hit the seam will make him a stand out alongside the brilliant Mitchell Johnson. The strong Peter Siddle and away swinger Ben Hilfenhaus are very decent bowlers and fully deserved their places. Lee and Clark apart, this core look certain to get better and will learn much on this tour.

There will be 11 players making their first Ashes tour and it remains to be seen how the new bowlers cope with English conditions so when Ponting talks about a blend of experience and youth, I dispute that! Where is the experience exactly and in what department?

One player who was always certain to feature in the squad was left-handed opener 20-year old Phillip Hughes. He is different. Good openers like to cover the top of off stump but his ultra bizarre leg-side stance does not allow this. The English analysts have already dissected his game and it is more than possible that he will be found out early in proceedings with both the swinging and cramped delivery.

Once the Aussies have locked themselves in by playing four pace bowlers it becomes critical that the top six score runs and apart from the Hughes issue, the form of Michael Hussey is a worry, making the selection points raised more of a concern!

Of course the Australian squad still has a transitional look with a total match experience of just 418 Tests compared to the 796 of the 2005 squad and the 666 of the party that toured in 2001. Ponting has made no secret that the one outstanding ambition he has left to realise in his brilliant career is captaining a winning Ashes side in England. He may still achieve it but it is less likely with this squad!

Comments (2)

1. Richie Cunningham | 21 May 2009

   Ricky Ponting Will achieve his lasting ambition and I will predict the Aussies will win the Ashes on English Soil.
   We can analyse and be critical of the Aussies selection of players , but one thing you cannot deny them is that they always suprise us with new talent and Phil Hughes and Mitchell Johnson being no exception.
   Bret Lee even at his age is still good enough to cause England Problems if he is fit enough to play.
   I know there will be quite a few players making their first Ashes tour but believe they will be still too good for England .
   England also have injury problems and we are no World beaters and we have a side only to let us down time and time again .We dont really know if Straus should be Captain as he got the job by default .
   Can he lead us to a ashes win , dont think so / get on the Aussies albeit 1.73 on betfair. I'm on .

2. Paul | 23 May 2009

   Richie

   Prior to the squad being selected I was convinced that Australia would retain the Ashes with a bit to spare. I think they will still retain them but they have not helped themselves.
   The ommission of Symonds was a real clanger and surely Hodge should be in the squad?
   Wait till you see Hauritz, he does not spin it at all so the burden is on Clark (coming back from injury) and Johnson.
   The stance of Hughes is not that of an international cricketer and unless he alters it he could be in trouble early. The top two are not gauranteed to score runs. Hussey is also struggling at the moment.
   I think you must agree this side bears no resemblance to previous Aussie sides that have toured here, dare I say it is the weakest I can remember? Lots of guys are on their first Ashes tour so not the finished article.
   Of course they will compete and be hard to beat.
   Our trump card is spin. Swann is confident and if Panesar can add a bit of variation we could cause them real problems.
   Thanks for your comments...
   Paul

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