The SquizLog

But will he get on the pitch? I suspect if the great texter stays fit and doesn't call too many young ladies on his mobile phone then our Stuart will spend a lot of time staring at dressing room walls.

More importantly will Steve Harmison find his form again?

Yes, there's a good chance that Stuey won't play a Test. But, if Warnie does sustain an injury or if a pitch warrants the selection of two spinners, then Australia should have the option of choosing their second best spinner. Thankfully that will be the case and we won't have a repeat of the selection of Hauritz in India.

Harmison? He'll be bowling against a hardened batting lineup this time. I doubt if they'll allow him to dominate.

Of more interest will be the performance of Kevin Pieterson.

Fair point, although the chances of Australia picking two spinners are about zero.

Harmison was pretty good at home against India in 2003 and they have the odd good batsman.

Kevin Pieterson probably won't get to play a test this year. Which, now I've said it means he will get picked for every one ;-)

Although I'd like to qualify my assertion by saying the only reason he will get a game is if Graham Thorpe and Mark Butcher retire or get injured.

All interesting speculation. Let's hope that the contest will be as closely fought as many observers are expecting.

Or, we could just revert to traditional English doom and gloom. For instance, take a look at this week's Guardian 'The Spin' column;

http://sport.guardian.co.uk/thespin