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The men from Down Under
20 May 2009Ricky Ponting (c)
Age: 34 Tests: 131
Combination of natural talent and steely nerve make him arguably the world's best batsman.
Michael Clarke (vc)
Age: 28 Tests: 47
Has matured greatly since first Ashes tour four years ago and will be a key player.
Age: 29 Tests: 2
Scored 117 on his Test debut in South Africa in February and can also bowl useful off-spin.
Age: 27 Tests: 4
The flame-haired all-rounder is a shock choice ahead of Andrew Symonds.
Graham Manou (WKT)
Age: 30 Tests: 0
The South Australian has yet to play a Test match but strong domestic form means he travels.
Age: 32 Tests: 76
At his best he can destroy any team, but doubts remain about his fitness.
Age: 33 Tests: 38
Another survivor of the 2005 tour, the left-hander will open the batting with Hughes.
Age: 27 Tests: 21
Left-armer who came of age in South Africa, taking 16 wickets in three Tests.
Age: 33 Tests 22
Mastery of seam and swing bowling make him ideally suited to English conditions.
Brad Haddin (WKT)
Age: 31 Tests: 15
Under pressure to prove he is up to the task of replacing the legendary Adam Gilchrist.
Age: 27 Tests: 4
Sole spinner in the squad was recalled for the tour of South Africa after a fine domestic season.
Age: 26 Tests: 3
Took seven wickets in South Africa but could be restricted to a bit-part role in England.
Age: 20 Tests: 3
The rookie opener is the Aussies' great hope. Hit two tons in South Africa in only his second Test.
Age: 33 Tests: 37
Has scored just two centuries in 18 matches but this left-hander remains a class act.
Age: 27 Tests: 8
Reliable with both bat and ball, but is currently recovering from a minor groin injury.
Age: 24 Tests: 7
This promising young quickie picked up 12 wickets at 22.5 in South Africa.
Reader views (1)
Watson averages under 20 with the bat and almost 40 with the ball so I think it's slightly incorrect to call him "Reliable with both bat and ball". Reliably poor, perhaps.
- St, London, 21/05/2009 07:06
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