Katich (46) eventually fell to Graeme Swann England ‘spinner but Watson got 62 at the close with his wicket intact. His innings had included 10 fours, with his captain Ricky Ponting on 17. All did not go Australia’s way however, their wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, named in the side at the toss, was an early loss when he sustained a finger injury in practice without taking to the fields. The Australians’s had to ask the permission of England to replace him with Manou.

Flintoff, Anderson and Onions rarely threatened the Aussie batsmen and England’s captain Strauss, brought Swann into the attack and he immediately rewarded him as he struck in his first over, trapping Katich lbw for 46.

It looks like the English weather will continue to have a major impact on the 2009 Ashes – let’s hope we can enjoy a full day’s play tomorrow, although somehow I have my doubts

The loss of his wicket  brought the Aussie  back-up batsman Watson, to the crease and he was quickly off the mark against a Northamptonshire side missing its top five cricketers. Despite the continual interuption from the rain, Watson on his return from injury, hit 15 fours. He and Simon Katich (25) moved the score along to 48 before losing his wicket to David Willey, edging the ball to be caught behind. He is considered to be the first choice replacement if Hughes form does not improve. However, Watson is not without his critics, he opened for Queensland during the 2007-08 season and it was a disaster, scoring  just 28 in six inings.

Another outside possability for opening bat is Hussey who started his Test career as an opener and is very familiar with the position. Australia were 3-231 at close of play  on a rain-affected day one with acting skipper Mike Hussey (75no) and Marcus North (32no) unbeaten. At the moment this tour match has asked more questions than it has answered. With the weather expected to improve over the next couple of days, the Aussie selectors will hope that at the end they will be able to select their team for the next test at Edgbaston capable of restoring them to parity with the England who are 1-0 up in the series.

Rumour has it from Australia that the Australian touring side has a bit of a pedestrian look about it with no great stars to match the likes of Shane Warne that coloured the squad in the past.

Phillip Hughes –Could be considered a great prospect with a Hayden look about him. He had a pretty good series in South Africa, and he has done well in the County Championship but the Ashes are a different prospect and his inexperience is likely to show when facing a strong England bowling attack.

Simon Katich – Should be considered more of an anchor for the team will provide a stolid innings but unlikely to set the world alight and propel the Australian team to greatness

Ricky Ponting Likely to be the old man’s last Ashes series and he will want to go out in some style with a win. He is absolutely crucial to the team and will need every little bit of his past experience. The real question will be can he take the pressure. This and the fact that his form with the bat has suffered of late may play into England’s hands. Make no bones about it if he does not perform Austalia’s cricket tem does not perform.

Mike Hussey – Many pundits believe that he is lucky to be on the tour at all considering the number of run out’s that have peppered his recent innings. Similarly to Simon Kaitch solid but unremarkable. Balances the out and out run merchants.

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Shane Watson – Watson still has a long way to go but the only real choice as an attacking all rounder. He could prove to be an inspired pick and make the innings by both bat and ball but failure could see him drop into obscurity.

Brad Haddin – Considered to be one of the better performing Australian cricketer players of recent times.He has managed to replace his able forbearer as wicket keeper and good with the bat to boot. Can be trusted to see the team out of trouble.

Mitch Johnson – Is the current Wow factor for the Australian team. A strong Mitch is a strong Australia winning or losing the 2009 Ashes series could be down to how he performs.

Nathan ‘Hurricane’ Hauritz – There is some thought amongst the Australian cricket fraternity that a specialist spinner will not be played in the first test, choosing instead Marcus North. That would probably be unwise even though he is not the most exciting bowler. Remember England are likely to produce pitches that turn to assist Graeme Swann ,Monty Panesar and Adil Rashid.

Ben Hilfenhaus – The must have to pick for the Australian 2009 Ashes squad. A swinger is required for England and although untested youth must have its chance and if the gamble does not pay off they can always revert to the more experienced bowling attack.

Stuart Clark – Ponting is a great admirer of Clark and although he did not get his way with Symonds , he has a good track record and will be used with Hauritz to stem the run rate – expect them to bowl a lot of overs. that didn’t get Andrew Symonds on the tour, it will get Clark picked. He’s got a proven track record, and never really fell out of form. He and Hauritz wil bowl a lot of overs with Ponting rotating in the more attacking Hilfenhaus and Johnson from the other end.

Marcus North – Will be there if they need to bowl four quicks. He also gives a spinning option. Also he is able to bat in the case of any injuries but not likely to be frontline pick.

Peter Siddle – An extremely able back up. It is probably the case of either him or Clark although England pitchesare probably not going to suit him like the one’s in Australia and South Africa.

Graham Manou – The Back up wicket keeper-

Andrew McDonald – McDonald is well liked as a player but is a reflection of the safe pair of hands the Australian selectors have opted for on this Ashes series very similar to North competent but not outstanding.

Brett Lee – The popular Australian cricket fans first pick but it is very hard to see what he brings to the party that other players don’t .Won’t worry England’s top order batsmen unduly.

So there we have it – a look over the squad gives a glimpse of some very sturdy and steady players but no real game makers and game breakers It looks like the Australian 2009 Ashes Squad are more relying on the English cricket team to slip up than actually themselves to go out and win it. Only a few more days and we will know the truth of it.