Rachael,

I am surprised you are so dismissive of Johnson, as to my knowledge (and I am probably wrong) he is much more of an 85MPH man than a 90+ man...

You could be right about Clark, but I think any attack needs to have variety, and I feel that having two bowlers who are so similar can play into the hands of the batting side, as they can get used to the pace and bounce. (so it may prodice early wickets, but if two batters dig in, it can become difficult to dislodge)

If you are right that the wicket will be quick, it may mean that Clark and McGrath's deliveries come onto the bat at a good speed for the batter, some batsman like to feel the ball come on, and it could make England's job easier not harder.

Not at all. He strikes me as a very bright prospect indeed, and if I were in Ponting's shoes I'd want Johnson playing alongside Clark and McGrath: I like the fact that he's a left arm over bowler and it sounds as if he's got a good action, gets and nice seam position and can movement in the air - and I'm always going to sit up and take note when someone impressed Lillee!

Sadly, Lee looks likely to make the cut instead... which strikes me as a more negative move on the part of the Aussies than ANY move Fletcher has ever made: the guy is no better a bowler than Giles... and emerged from the 2005 Ashes with more plaudits for his (admirable) beligerance with the bat than for (very ordinary) bowling

Like Giles, he's a great guy... but Ashes first XI? I'd rather have Ashley.

Does not sound like an Ashes winning attack though - does it?, even if Warne is included, starting without Lee is IMO unthinkable.
Yes Lillee was a good judge, he also said the same about Botham, he also said of Botham "coach him and you will ruin him" - Lillee saw Botham as a natural.[/quote]

__________________
Ern

Which in essence is what Chris Broad is saying Shine is trying to do with his son:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/6166422.stm

Certainly a interesting piece by Chris, seems that he would prefer Stuart to have a natural action, which could cause an injury, rather than an unnatural action, which could lead to him not taking as many wickets!!

Lee has improved since 2005.
He finaly figured out that a good line & length is better than trying to bowl at 160kph.
He did get preferential treatment.
If he had brown hair,a plain face,bowled at 135kph & played for Tasmania he would have been dumped years ago.(If he got a chance at all).
Alot of media here worship him for some reason.I think he record in O.D.I.s cloud their thinking.
He has a test average of 31.45 compared to 22.45 in O.D.I.s.

__________________
" You don't want the truth,you can't handle the truth."

Bell is back.

__________________

I'm absolutely certain that Bell will be 'fit' to play and will play. As to whether the 'injury' will inhibit him in any shape or form remains to be seen. Many players have played because they are 'fit' but their performance is clearly affected.

This said, I will be happy to see Bell play.