Question of the Day: Where to now Australia?

The conclusion of the 4th Ashes Test in Durham saw England win by 74 runs in a game that had great moments of tension, though was decided by a combination of Australia's inability to bat and Englands (specifically Stuart Broads') ability to bowl.


The Australian bowlers mostly bowled well, though the form of Jackson Bird was in no way inspiring and he would be lucky to retain his spot for the next Test at the Oval.  Mitchell Starc, unlucky to be dropped for the Durham Test, would seem a natural inclusion.

The issue here is that, with James Pattinson out injured, there is no back-up for Ryan Harris should he (as expected) not be fit for playing 3 Tests in a row.  Harris has been Australia's best bowler on this tour and is arguably the best bowler playing in the Baggy Green for the last 4 years (when fit). 

If he isn't fit for the Oval Test, or if selectors just want to rest him ahead of the Australian summer, there is no-one left to bring in so a call may need to be made to South Africa where the Australian A side is playing some pyjama cricket.

Nathan Coulter-Nile could be the person with the longest name ever to play for Australia.

Still nothing on this guy

Shane Watsons newly injured hamstring is a bit of a blessing and a curse.  A curse in that he has been a very good bowling all-rounder in this series (nearly 50% of his overs are maidens) and scored a solid 60-odd batting at number 6, so is finally looking like the all-rounder he was originally picked as.

A blessing, though, in that fitting Watson in has been a pre-occupation of the team for the last 2 years with very little reward.  If he is unfit, it's a great opportunity to give young bowling all-rounder Luke Faulkner a go.

The big issue though, is (still) the batting.  The middle order is very much like a sandwich without the jam. 

Yes, as sad as this

While he has had some good innings, Steve Smith has only the 10th best batting average for the Test matches, while Usman Khawaja sits on 12th.  Phillip Hughes, who missed out in Durham, sits on 6th and may be given a go, but there is also some strength in the argument of giving these guys a proper go.

Steve Waugh debuted for Australia in 1985 at the age of 20 and was dropped in 1989 and then again in 1991 (for his brother), which led to a tougher attitude and approach to the game, and the small matter of over 10,000 runs scored.

While I'm not saying that Smith and Khawaja may turn into Steve Waugh, it is probably worth persevering with them until the long-lost and very talented twin brother of one (or both) turns up.