As we all wait with baited breath for the Selectors to pick their elevens to take into Ashes battle, Paul Moon is given free reign to pick his team from both squads.

Looking at the individual abilities of both squads for the forthcoming 2009 Ashes it's evident that this particular crop isn't a patch on previous squads locking horns in previous battles. Would our readers agree this constitutes the best eleven: Katich, Bopara, Ponting, Pietersen (if fit), Hussey, Haddin, Johnson, Swann, Siddle, Anderson, and Clark?

Although not top class, the tenacious anchorman Katich is a must. If it were not for his age, he would be "next Australian captain" material. He is of course very much a batsman rather than an all-rounder but that said, it's astonishing that his left arm spin has not been used more as he genuine spins it and regularly gets bounce. I suspect we will see him bowl this series.

Of course Bopara is not a text book opener (nor has he ever opened in Test cricket for that matter) but he has so much potential. Technique is fine but scoring runs is finer. His massive confidence is aiding rapid improvement and I am duty bound to find him a place in the team.

Whilst Alistair Cook is articulate in his post-match interviews, showing an array of vocabulary, his scoring shots are limited, meaning I prefer the battle-hardened Katich and stroke play of Bopara. It was a close call and plenty will disagree with my choice. Phillip Hughes has it all to prove and remains just a prospect at this stage.

Ponting is currently the best batsman in the world. He has scored 37 centuries (only five behind world leader Sachin Tendulkar) with 46 fifties at an average of 56.20. He is the only cricketer to have twice scored more than 1500 Test runs in a calendar year. He is a true great! At [4.1] he represents a decent wager for Top Australian Series Batsman and [5.8] to be Top Series Bat, though I know my esteemed colleague Ed Hawkins feels otherwise.

Pietersen has exceptional talent and everything needed to become a great, though English fans would prefer it if he removed some of the premeditation from his game and played each ball on its merits.

Michael Hussey (excellent on English pitches) pips Michael Clarke for the number five spot while Paul Collingwood's reliance on sheer grit rather than class makes him fall just short. And in any case, batting five is at least one place too high.

I am from the Jack Russell School of wicket-keeping, unless that is, you have a Gilchrist or a Sangakkara in your squad. I believe selectors are mistaken when compromising keeping skills. There is little to choose between Haddin and Prior when it comes to scoring runs and both do so with a healthy strike-rate. Haddin is by far the better keeper and with dropped catches synonymous with losing matches, this was an easy selection.

Dangerous left arm paceman Mitchell Johnson is currently the best all-rounder in the world. Bowling at 150km/h he can hurt batsmen first before eventually getting them out. His crippling back injuries are behind him and he is now absolutely world class! His clean hitting at number eight has been a revelation and he is improving almost daily! I have so much faith in his willow-wielding abilities these days that I'm actually going to promote him up the order by one spot and bat him at seven! He and Ponting could be the difference between the two sides.

By default, the decent Graham Swann gets the spin slot and bats at number eight. Panesar's stubborn refusal to hone a variation and Hauritz, the worst Australian Test spinner in my memory, gift him the slot on a platter.

Anderson has come of age and more importantly, he realises it. He is now confident and aggressive. Only Johnson is bowling better in world cricket. With Johnson a shade short at [3.7] to be Top Series Bowler, Anderson looks fabulous value at [9.4]. I can't see beyond these two to take the most wickets so get on!

The hostile Peter Siddle is bowling well and getting better by the day. Although he's playing the pantomime villain role that once belonged to Merv Hughes, it would be dangerous to underestimate him. Stuart Clark is on the comeback trail from injury but his nagging accuracy and length is something every team needs. He completes the side.

Improving Stewart Broad is unlucky to miss out while Brett Lee looks gone. Flintoff cannot be trusted and Strauss, Watson, North, Hilfenhaus, Onions, Bresnan, Sidebottom were not considered. Latest Betfair prices on the first Test in Cardiff next week are: England [3.8] Australia [2.54] Draw [2.8].

Comments (5)

1. ray evans | 02 July 2009

   nice article ! dont think england will beat the aussies unless they put in inform players not just names,i prefer the 20-20 game myself.

2. Peter Jones | 03 July 2009

   Good article Mr Moon.I like the odds on Australia,might have a little flutter on them!

3. Michael ton machine | 04 July 2009

   Totally disagree with your team mate.
   Cookie has got tobe in the team over Bopara.
   How can you leave Strausy out.
   What about Michale Clarke.
   I have backed England with or withut spinners and if Petersen says he is fit then he is fit.
   All this negative tosh is no good, cheer up mate.
   I will drop you a line after the match and again after the series.
   Top batsman will be King Kev

4. Paul | 05 July 2009

   Michael

   Thanks for comments.

   I do accept Cook is a recognised opener, has scores in the book and he is decent. I have always been a big admirer of Bopara though and feel he could be special as opposed to decent.

   Left Strauss out of my team because had to find two openers with Ponting and Pietersen coming in behind. Once again he has done OK as an opening bat but do feel he is not the real McCoy! Certainly have never considered him captain material. He is definitely not the best man for that job!

   Michael Clarke is excellent but Mike Hussey is absolutely superb in English conditions. I have tipped Ponting to score the most runs this series but would not be surprised if he scores loads.

   We must not kid ourselves that Pietersen's injury is minor - it is a biggie! He could break down anytime. I want to be wrong on this occasion because I want a good competitive series with England winning. I think the Aussies will win by one Test, possibly 2-1. If no rain then maybe 3-1.

   Pietersen can only be top scorer if he plays in all the matches, he will not unfortunately!

   I genuinely believe that if England play two spinners at Cardiff it will give them a real chance to win that Test. Australia could be caught cold in that department, especially early on.

   Do not mean to be negative just calling it as it the way I see it and it is all about opinions so you could well be right, doubtful but you never know.

   In any case I hope you enjoy the Ashes win lose or draw as much as I do! Please continue to read the Ashes column in Betting at Betfair as some of the writers agree with your version and not mine.

   Cannot wait for it to start, have booked the television for the week and given the wife shopping money!

   Paul

5. Smart Alec | 05 July 2009

   Take it from Me and Get your money on Australia to win the ashes .
   England have not beat anyone within the last 3 years while the Aussie's has just been to South Africa and beat them .
   England dont seem to have a settled team , they have too many players either out of form Peitersen & Strauss Collingwood and some unreliable and carrying injuries like Flintoff.
   We dont even have the best wicket keeper playing in my opinion James foster should be in to replace Matt Prior .
   I think we have our best chance of winning the first test at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff , which has left the Ausssie's a bit suprised thinking it would be at Lords , if we cannot win that one , well say noe more .

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