Australia will lean heavily upon Glenn McGrath and must hope that Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee can lend a hand. If these fellows are fit the Aussies will win anyhow. They are a formidable trio. Damien Fleming is a fine swing bowler and should take wickets. And a place had to be found for Shane Warne.
Understandably selectors are reluctant to leave out any cricketer with a formidable record.
Moreover, Warne has taken wickets in England, catches well at slip, scores a few runs and remains a superb competitor. It's hard to be as confident about the prospects of Colin Miller and Nathan Bracken, notwithstanding the younger man's excellent showing last month. Miller enjoyed himself against the West Indian left-handers but he was not accurate or skilful enough to worry the Indians. Doubtless selectors wanted to take a finger spinner, not least because England have two lefties in their top four. Over the years I've defended the selectors against many attacks.