The Starc truth for the Aussies

It is a tricky one Adot. First thing I would do is move Clarke to four. Hughes is still a concern - Finn and Broad peppering him? Cowan is steady. I don't have much knowledge on Warner. Watson, I feel injuries have halted his development. On his day, he is a great batsman. They could do with Khawaja taking his chance.

I'd like to see this team line up in the first test:

Cowan
Warner
Watson
Clarke
Hughes
Smith
Haddin
SIddle
Pattinson
Hilfenhaus
Lyon

I doubt Harris will play again for Australia which is a great shame.

If Bird is fit, I think the Australian management will select him ahead of Hilfenhaus. Other changes might include Wade in for Haddin (please god no) or Khawaja for Hughes.

Hilfenhaus got what was it, seven wickets for over 50 in the last Ashes series? You have to convince me he is going to be better than that next time, its ok taking wickets against average sides, lets see what he does in England.
(Actually i don't know why i am arguing this one, pick him!!)

He was the leading wickets taker with the lowest average in the 2009 Ashes.

He was Australia's best bowler in the period just after the greats retired, he is just amazingly unlucky, call him the Australian Sidebottom/Tremlett.

He bowled to short in the last Ashes and was not at full fitness. As an out and out swing bowler he is Australia's best bowler in English conditions.

Unfortunately it looks unlikely he will be picked.

I still have no idea how Australia managed to lose that series.

Hilfenhaus has 99 wickets at the age of 30, whilst Anderson has just short of 300 at the same age. Sorry but unlucky or not I have seen Starc and i believe he will get a bagful more wickets in the future

Hilfenhaus is good in English conditions. A steady, if not spectacular bowler.

I think Pattinson is the shoe in. Siddle is a grafter. Then one of Johnson, Hilfenhaus or Starc.

Starc still has a lot to.learn in the Test environment. I would be tempted to go with Hilfenhaus.

Hilffenhaus didn't start for Australia until he was 26/27 and injury has plagued his career. He's only been playing tests for 3 years.

Siddle and Pattinson have to play, I'd love to see Hilfy or Harris in the team but I think the selectors have forgotten them or think they are too old. Starc is definitely one for the future but he looks somewhat one dimensional in tests. The reason he does so well in limited overs is because he is hard to get away.

Pattinson will be the top bowler for Australia I reckon. Watch out for Pat Cummins, he's got all the right attributes, we'll see how he develops. Starc adds good variety, now all Australia need is a spinner and some batsmen.