I'm perplexed that the Aussie selectors think that Cummins, Starc, Lyon, et al, are getting good preparation  for the Ashes by playing Mickey Mouse cricket in India. They only bowl 4 over defensive spells!

The Shield has started with domestic cricketers using the Duke ball.

There has been a lot of discussion in local press led by erudite former Tassie and Aussie ODI fast bowler, Brett Geeves, about Matt Wade and Jackson Bird being overlooked, despite consistent FC performances over time.

Bird had one poor game on an unresponsive MCG pitch last year for Aus, whilst Hazlewood and a poor year, with poor figures and performances. Conversely, Bird has 34 wickets from 9 tests.

Geeves claims Bird isn't perceived as fast enough, bowling 130 kph, and, Wade has perceived issues over  his feisty attitude on the pitch.