**PRESS RELEASE*** England's 2006 Ashes Cricket Squad

I realise this is a bit pre-emptive, but after some serious discussion, consideration of the current fitness and predicted weather prospects for this year's defense of the little urn, we feel now is the right time to release the touring party for this winter to Australia.
The Auzzies will rightly be expecting a tough task, and the selection team (Mr Anthony Davies and myself - see our successful rowing below) feel that this squad is more than capable of whitewashing them in their own backyard. It combines power, flare, a depth of batting that hasnt been known to English cricket for sometime, and with an opening partnership that should leave McGrath and Lee floundering, the sky really is the limit for these boys.

So, in the expected batting order, although this is always subject to slight variation dependant on match conditions here is our team, which takes a slight inspiration from the enlightened Dominic Cork:
1) Steve Harmison (with his bowling an added bonus, the obvious batting talent here cannot be ignored)
2) Devon Malcolm (A welcome recall for Big-Dev who will launch a terrifying opening partnership)
3) Robert Key (Who else but the "Key-osaurus Rex" could lend such fear into Australian hearts at the drop of the first wicket.
4) Ian Bell (DING DONG indeed! No bunny ears needed here for the finest batsman in the world. 8000 test runs... pah... he'll get that many on this tour!)
5 & 6) Ronnie Irani & Mark Ealham. (Two for the price of one with these middle order stars who will also stabilise the bowling if it were needed.)
7) Jack Russell (Of course, the recent debates about Reed vs Jones have left out one crucial concept... this man and his outstanding works of art and eating habits. Every squad needs an ecentric and superstitious gloveman)
8) Robert Croft (Crofty has recently laid down the Glamorgan captaincy to re-join the international fold and skipper our triumphant side).
9) Matthew Hoggard (After that glorious cover drive at Trent Bridge against Brett Lee, "the Hog" moves up in the order, and his bowling is just irresistable)
10) Monty Panesar (The second of our "Spin-Twins" and his left armers will compliment Crofty's off breaks in a devilish partnership)
11) Martin McCague (His legendary strike bowler status is sure to be maintained here.)

With Garry Pratt performing a vital role as 12th man (he will be coming straight onto the field as soon as Ricky Ponting enters it, and will happily escort him back to the dressing room on his way off) we dont feel the need for any additional squad members, thereby saving the ECB money on unnecessary flights and hotel rooms, and allowing the team to fully bond together without any one individual feeling particularly left out.

If you have any questions, both selectors will be available at their regular selection meetings down the Heathcock pub on a Friday lunchtime!