“The Cricketer”
by Kate Birrell
We’re still six weeks out from the First Test of the 2021/22 Ashes series to be played at the Gabba from December 8 but that hasn’t stopped some from getting in early to name their Australian XI for the first clash.
Cheyne from Brisbane gets first dibs. This is his selection although he’s pretty sure the official selectors will see things differently. In batting order, Cheyne’s team is:
Cameron Green, Shaun Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Tim Paine ©, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
The obvious omission is David Warner (‘his Test career should be over’), the ‘blast from the past’ is the inclusion of Shaun Marsh, Travis Head gets another shot at cementing a place, and the ‘interesting’ pick is Moises Henriques. Cheyne’s ‘bolter’ is Usman Khawaja while his ‘watch this bloke for the future’ is Bryce Street.
Here at the editor’s desk, I’m thinking that Warner will be selected and he’ll be partnered at the top of the order by Marcus Harris. Will Pucovski is the other possible opener but his issues with concussion remain a concern. Perhaps we’ll see him later in the series. In other changes, expect to see Cameron Green at No. 6 with Marsh and Henriques dropping out. 12th man – Michael Neser.
How about the rest of you out there in Almanac-land? Anyone brave enough to provide a list?
We’ll do our best to publish two books in the lead-up to Christmas 2021. The Tigers (Covid) Almanac 2020 and the 2021 edition to celebrate the Dees’ magnificent premiership season(title is up for discussion at the moment!). These books will have all the usual features – a game by game account of the Tigers and Demons season – and will also include some of the best Almanac writing from these two Covid winters. Enquiries HERE
To return to our Footy Almanac home page click HERE.
Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.
Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?
And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help things keep ticking over please consider making your own contribution.
Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE.
One-off financial contribution – CLICK HERE.
Regular financial contribution (monthly EFT) – CLICK HERE.
Interesting batting line-up. I wonder what the logic/reasoning is behind Green opening.