In a challenge modelled on the ‘Thinking Tackle’ trailer, former cricketers Michael Vaughan and Glenn McGrath attempted to select a joint Ashes XI. They really put on their best show from all over England and Australia. That selection process served to overemphasize the early successes of each actor. It further ignited debate and discussion on how certain cricketers fare when they come to play in Australian conditions.
Joe Root, England’s captain and one of the world’s best batsmen in recent years, has never come to terms with Australia. For all of his immense talent, he has yet to score a Test century on Australian soil. This reality is remarkable, especially given that he’s warming up to an auditioning-statement finale series that will be observing his every move.
On the mound for the Australian side, Steve Smith is in exemplary form. As a result, he is quickly becoming one of the best modern-era batsmen in cricket history. He has a career batting average of 60 in Australia, underlining his dominance in many Australian conditions. When he plays captain, that average jumps up to a whopping 72%. The results of Smith’s batting brilliance have been clear. Vaughan and McGrath were right to stress that most of his best figures, like that pearly 562 Test wickets, are linked to bowlers like Pat Cummins. Cummins now has 309 wickets in 71 Tests. He remains one of the most important players in the Australian roster.
His availability for the first Test in Perth grows ever more in doubt with injury woes continuing to plague him. His omission would be a huge blow to Australia’s bowling attack. At the same time, players such as Mitchell Starc are still being lauded for their outstanding abilities. McGrath has already talked up Starc’s talents, likening him to the great Wasim Akram. That places Starc among the very best bowlers in the long history of the game.
Ben Stokes, England’s all-rounder, continues to be a pivotal figure in the team’s lineup. He is considered one of the greatest cricketers England has ever produced. Most recently, he won a landslide victory in a winner-take-all matchup against fellow candidate Beau Webster, winning an incredible 98% of the vote. Stokes’ all-around proficiency with both bat and ball to do the knockdown on England’s forthcoming opponents earns him the precious asset designation.
Another player generating excitement is Harry Brook. Widely touted as a once-in-a-generation talent, Brook is currently without a Test cap on Australian soil. His talent and past play indicate he should be able to catch on when he gets a shot to be a difference maker.
Nathan Lyon, Australia’s long term spin bowler, is in many ways the absolute legend of his position. His experience and maturity have turned him into a key member of the Australian pace attack. In a parallel, Josh Hazlewood is considered one of the finest bowlers in world cricket. In different ways, both Vaughan and Tufnell have made the case for Hazlewood and stressed that he is critical to the team.
Top order batsman Travis Head has become one of Australia’s best players over the last two years. His steady play has been key to their run of recent success. Cameron Green was victorious to Ollie Pope in a side-by-side matchup. He did it very convincingly, winning 66% of all the votes cast to earn his place in our combined XI.
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