After wide speculation that seems to have lasted for months rather than weeks, the Australian Board of Control (ACB) announced that the touring 15 would be in fact 16. After a heavy schedule the temptation to limit the number was huge but following a long-standing tradition the ACB agreed with the masses and named the maximum number allowed.

 

However on reflection the squad appears to be rather unbalanced with only two reserve middle order batsmen; no third opener and one wicketkeeper (Vice Captain Gillchrist). Only time will tell if the selectors were right as Australia aim to produce a sixth consecutive Ashes series win over England this summer.

 

For the first time in twenty-four years, the Australians have chosen to select just two specialist opening batsmen in a squad bound for England, a decision made all the more surprising by the faltering form of the team's upper order in recent times.

 

Although Michael Slater and Justin Langer's recent form has left a lot to be desired their inclusion is seen as a strong vote of confidence and their ability to perform under pressure in English conditions will certainly be tested this summer. This tour will be Slater's last chance to impress after his fall in consistency over the last six months - he has scored only one century from his last twenty-nine Test innings. Similarirly, Langer has also shown recent signs of vulnerability. The left hander has averaged less than thirty in his past two series and has struggled against both pace and spin attacks.

 

For the first time in Ashes history since 1961; the Australians will not be taking a second specialist wicketkeeper with them overseas. This could prove an unwelcome burden for the Vice Captain as he would be required to stand in 5 Test matches and all the One Day matches. In the event that Gilchrist needs to be rested, it is widely speculated that New South Wales wicketkeeper Brad Haddin will be recruited from league cricket in England to fill his shoes. This is more likely to happen during the One Day series rather than the more important Test series, unless Adam picks up an injury.

 

Tasmanian Captain Jamie Cox must be feeling a little left out and left wondering what he has to do to secure his place in the Australian side. After narrowly missing out for the touring party in 1997 he has once again been ignored by the selectors, and that after he was named as Pura Cup player of the year for 2000/1 and scoring well over 1000 runs in the season. Three other players that will feel hard done by are Jimmy Maher, Martin love and Greg Blewett. However along with Cox, all four will be playing County Cricket this summer and as the ACB have already stated they will call on back up from County playing players and not fly anyone in from home. This means that Glamorgan choice Maher has to be favourite to become an Australian Test player due to his being a left handed player and confident batting style. Glamorgan fans will be praying for an Australian injury free tour !!

 

Leg Spinner Shane Warne has retained his place and despite a poor tour in India earlier this year his place was never in doubt. He has never enjoyed great success in india, and following this recent tour it would have been surprising if the ACB had chosen the Victorian as their scapegoat. Warne has always enjoyed playing in and against England and will feel a lot more confident in surroundings that are far more favourable to him. Joining Warne is Colin 'Funky' Miller, the 37 year old with a panchant for blue hair ! Stuart McGill will be devastated at missing his berth on the tour and will now have to fight harder than ever to regain favour with Hohns and Border.