After much debate, at home, in the office, on this blog and on twitter I am finally prepared to nail my colours to the mast and name my Australia XII for the first test. I am naming twelve players here because I have no clue about how the Trent Bridge wicket is going to look when M Clarke goes out for the toss of the coin.

In batting order:

Watson

Rogers

Cowan

Clarke

Khawaja

Smith

Haddin

Starc

Pattinson

Harris

Lyon

Faulkner (12th man)

I have written earlier about why I think Cowan should be selected (https://shumpty77.com/2013/07/04/the-ashes-we-know-who-the-openers-are-but-who-bats-number-3-for-australia/ ), why I think Nathan Lyon is a must for the team (https://shumpty77.com/2013/06/13/the-nathan-lyon-conundrum-the-second-inning-fallacy/ ) and why I think Peter Siddle must not be in the side (see my twitter feed). Smith has proved himself both in India and on tour to date and has earned his spot. Haddin replaces Wade: this should have occurred as soon he was available and Australia needs his experience in the team.

Faulkner is a player of the future and if there is a green top then I would like to have his ability with the willow in at number 8 and in that scenario Lyon will miss out.

I wait with bated breathe for the naming of the team. Only one sleep to go!

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