@howzdat blowing-up @ The Ashes 2017

[howzdat]

So, here we are on the verge of action in a cricketing rivalry that sets the hearts of respective fans ticking nine to the dozen with equal amounts of trepidation and anticipation. As for me, I confess that while waiting for West Indies test cricketing fortunes to turn the corner, the only vested interest I have in this series is the hope the the cricket will be very, very good.

While it is the hope that the coverage on these pages will entertain the writer even if tending to skirt the verges of reality freely like a Joey - talking of which is nuff greetings and respect to my aboriginal brethren.
In keeping with modern tendencies sledging albeit of the good natured variety will also put in an appearance whenever deemed appropriate.

A lot of the pre series hype focussed on whether or not England's, Christchurch, New Zealand born Ben Stokes will play any part in the series. As Ben is a very talented cricketer and a particular favourite of West Indian supporters I have been doing a lot of research dreaming-up imaginary headlines fit for the Aussie tabloid press if it comes to pass that he will play.

Australia 1st & 2nd Test Squad: Steven Smith(c), David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Jackson Bird, Chadd Sayers, Glenn Maxwell

England Squad: Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, Joe Root(c), Dawid Malan, Gary Ballance, James Vince, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Mason Crane, Ben Foakes, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Jake Ball, Craig Overton, Tom Curran