Australian seniors/U19 prepare for seasonal reappearance

The Australian ODI squads arrived at Heathrow last night in preparation for tonight's opening games of the new season - with great anticipation for the newly-formed U19 squad announced by khilden on The Pavilion Sunday evening.

As far as the National Senior squad is concerned, the importance of opening the account for the World Cup season is significant, especially against the dangerous English side.

Six losses, including a double-header failure against Sri Lanka were all part of coach Madman's efforts to mould a side worthy of achieving the long overdue World Cup honours. A fatigued Terry Elsegood was of little benefit to the squad but he is scheduled to re-join the team later in the season, alongside a new inclusion to be made within the next few weeks.

When Australia last graced the stunning Lords ground, awesome success on a Hard And Fast pitch eventuated. David Tapp snared 4/26 and a 146-run partnership between Francis Tait and Shaun Swanton carried the baggy greens toward a morale-boosting victory for their new coach.

Alas, returning to local territory was no advantage - England sharing the points at the end of the double-header to win by 8 runs.

Since these two cricket titans clashed in late February, the changes have flowed in as preparations kick into full swing for the World Cup, held in New Zealand for this season.

For the English, wicketkeeper Francis Daniell and fast bowler Graeme Poutney have both been relieved of their contracts for Andy Stonebridge and Len Mellor.

Stonebridge represents the highly respected IV side 2nd Chance, with their opening batsmen and wicketkeeper responsible for the major success of his club and their Sensational top order. Performing above-standard in his stint in the U19 side last season, he scored 399 runs at an average of 49.88, or 30.69 when counting out the NOs which is above standard.

Len Mellor will debut in an English guernsey as a heavily-experienced strike bowler. Bowling only 55 overs this season for an incredible 42 scalps at 2.69, he could become the key to targeting the early wickets which bypass the bowling attack on many occasions for England.

Depending on the effort coach Madman decides to put into his side for tonight, there is no doubting the rocklike approach of the Australian batsmen. It is difficult to penetrate the openers and even then does the middle order hold the fort with brilliance, headed by Niall Spiller.

*****

The Oval will grace 22 unknown teenagers in the opening match of the International U19 Season between England and Australia.

With an undeniable bias towards the Australians as I have assisted in the production and formation of the U19 side, there is no doubting that if the 11 players of the U19 side become a network and a team, that they will pursue towards victory faster than most other coaches have been able to achieve for their squad.

We know all too well about the Australian U19s - the England U19 are supported greatly by 18YOs and it could serve well for success this season, but quite possibly not the following and most important World Cup season.

The English may have more player opportunities but with fitness becoming one of the most significant keys to success in Battrick, the Australian U19 side have the upper hand. This could hold true when the two sides hit the pitch later tonight.

The recent expulsion of the England U19 coach before the first game may lead the squad into disarray but with little knowledge needed to obtain this coaching position prior to any gametime, temporary coach GM-Smiley_Neil should have no problem in forming a superior XI for competition as elections take place.