Official Thread : Ashes 2005 Options

[Anil4]

Hi Cricket Lovers

Ashes 2005 has been underway for about an hour now. Harmison is bowling with such aggression that he hit Langer in the elbow with his second ball, and cut Ponting on the cheekbone with blood flowing, about 5 minutes ago.

He's bowling like an Australian!

Stay tuned. Its all good stuff, with Hoggard having got an early wicket.


Anil

[Akhtar]

Seems as if England are feeling very generous indeed....


England squad recall for Anderson
James Anderson
Anderson has played 12 Tests for England
Fast bowler James Anderson and all-rounder Paul Collingwood have been named in a 13-man England squad for the final Ashes Test at The Oval.

Chris Tremlett, who has been the 12th squad member all summer, has been dropped because of a lack of form.

Paceman Simon Jones, who is having intensive treatment on a troublesome ankle, is also named.

He will be re-assessed by the medical team on Tuesday ahead of Thursday's decider, England leading Australia 2-1.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney said the news was encouraging about Jones, who has taken 18 wickets so far in four Ashes Tests.

James Anderson has big match experience with England
David Graveney

He told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "It's encouraging I haven't been told by our medical staff to write him off because he won't be fit.

"It's not a precise science and in the end it's only the individual that knows what he can and cannot do, but I know Michael (Vaughan) and Duncan (Fletcher) will give him the maximum amount of time."

He added: "As Simon Jones is continuing to receive treatment on his injured ankle, we have decided to include both Paul Collingwood and James Anderson in the squad.

"This will enable us to cover all available options in terms of the balance of our final XI.

"Simon is continuing to make progress in his recovery from injury and we will give him as much time as he needs in order to prove his fitness.

"He will continue to receive treatment over the next 48 hours and be re-assessed by the medical team at practice on Tuesday."

Hampshire bowler Tremlett had been named in the squad for the previous four Tests only to be released back to his county.

He has struggled for form, grabbing four wickets in the matches against Sussex, Gloucestershire and Kent and two in the C&G Trophy final on Saturday.

Graveney said: "Chris Tremlett will be disappointed not to be included in the squad having been named in the XII for the first four Test matches.

"His involvement with the Test squad has meant limited opportunities for him with Hampshire in recent weeks and as a consequence we feel that he is not at the top of his game at present."

Collingwood was brought into the squad for the second Test at Edgbaston for 48 hours while conditions were assessed, before being released back to Durham.

He has played two Tests for England and performed well in the one-day series against Australia this summer.

Anderson has 12 Tests under his belt and has taken 51 wickets in the County Championship this season, at an average of 31.8.

Graveney said: "James Anderson has big-match experience with England and we feel that his inclusion in the squad will give the captain and coach another bowling option in the event of Simon Jones being unfit to play."

England need a draw or better to regain the Ashes for the first time since 1986.

The Oval is renowned for its batting-friendly pitch which could see England picking all-rounder Collingwood instead of Anderson if Jones is ruled out.

England have not gone through an Ashes series with an unchanged XI since 1884-85.