Australia’s new all-round direction

Australia’s Ashes squad is locked in and Chloe Saltau, writing in the Age, says it reflects the modern infatuation with allrounders.

It may not be an adventurous touring party, but the decision to stick with the core of the team that did the job in South Africa two months ago is a commendable one given the need to build on that success after a period of intense upheaval. There are still some tough decisions to be made before the first ball is bowled in Cardiff on July 8, not least which of the quicks will bowl it, but the selectors have made some clear statements about their priorities.

In the Herald Sun Ron Reed writes Ricky Ponting has plenty of reasons to be nervous.

Not the least is that he is in danger of becoming the first captain not once but twice to arrive in England in possession of the famous little urn, and then surrender it. That alone puts him under plenty of pressure and he is acutely aware of it.

On FoxSports Allan Border says the side can get the job done in England and in the Age Greg Baum talks to Dean Jones about making and missing an Ashes tour. Christian Ryan's comment on the squad is here.

Over in England, Mike Selvey says in the Guardian Ponting's team looks to be a good one but it carries no aura.

Be honest about it for a second: cut away the hype and there is little physical or technical beyond the normal with which England, on their game, should not be able to cope. Which leaves the mind games. Steve Waugh's "mental disintegration" was part of his process, if not to everyone's taste, but there were exceptional players to back it up. This team will be feisty – that is their nature – but they will have to tread more warily.

In the Times Patrick Kidd writes there are few terrors in this line-up while the Independent’s Stephen Brenkley says the Australians of 2009 are not the Australians of 1993, 1997, 2001 or even of 2005. “They will probably win but they can be beaten. They know it.”