Quote Originally Posted by Burney View Post
Not true. Fitness permitting, I think Wood and Archer have the potential to do well down there. Broad does OK in Australia and Stokes actually bowls very well with the old Kookaburra. The mistake would be to take someone like Woakes, who just has no business playing abroad. As to spinners, we've had about two decent spinners in 30 years, so a paucity in that department is no new thing.
And actually, it isn't our bowling that loses us Ashes series, it's our batting. I'd say there's hopeful signs there if the likes of Pope and Crawley keep developing, Root remembers how to get hundreds and Stokes carries on looking like one of the best bats in the world. If we could find an opener without a spasticated batting style (Christ knows what they're teaching them at Whitgift these days), I'd say we've an even chance.
Rash needs to play down under. Might as well just play Root as your spinner if picking Bess - Maybe you play Bess and Rashid at Sydney.

If Anderson is fit he goes to Aus. He's been getting better and better in recent years and I recall him bowling in India when we won there off about 5 paces (i.e. he can adapt). He's also been hovering around the 84/85mph mark in this series and he'll always be on the money. May not play in all 5 tests but certainly an asset to have.