China tones down rhetoric, urges patience as incursion row escalates.....

Beijing: Toning down its rhetoric on incursion, China on Thursday counselled patience saying favourable conditions should be created for the two countries to solve the issue through friendly consolations. 

At separate media briefings, both the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Defence Ministry maintained that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) had not intruded into India and had not caused any "provocation". 

Urging the media to be patient, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "We also believe that the two sides continue to solve the issue in a friendly manner and we will not let the issue affect border peace and security and normal development of China-India relations". "We hope relevant media can keep patience and create favourable conditions for the two countries to solve this issue through friendly consultations", she said. 

The Chinese Defence Ministry too refuted reports that it troops and aircraft trespassed the LAC. 

Denying any violations, a Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said that media reports on Chinese border troops, military planes and helicopters crossing the line of actual control are "not true". 

Yang told the local media here that Chinese and Indian border troops are maintaining communications through existing channels to resolve the issue. 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, "I do not agree with your allegation that it is the Chinese side that has caused the provocation between the border troops". 

"China's troops have never crossed the (LAC) line. China and India are neighbours and the boundary is not demarcated yet. 

"It is inevitable for problems to prop up in border areas. When there is a problem it should be resolved through friendly consultations though existing mechanisms and channels", she said. 

"We believe this incident can also be handled and will not affect the peace and stability of the border areas as well as the normal development of China and India relations", she said. 

She was replying to questions about the intrusion of Chinese troops at the Depsang Valley in Ladakh. 

India to increase troops if China does so in Ladakh......

New Delhi: India will increase the number of its troops if the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) enhances the strength of its soldiers in the Indian territory of Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) sector in eastern Ladakh, government sources said Thursday. 

All the formations of the Army from the Leh-based 14 Corps to the 3 Corps in Northeast deployed along the China border are also on alert to check any attempt by the PLA troops to enter Indian territory, they said. 

A platoon of Chinese troops had intruded into the Indian territory on April 15 and erected its tents there claiming that they are well within their area after which India also stationed a small military camp of Army and ITBP troops near their location. 

At the moment, the Army has been told to keep an eye on the movement of Chineese troops and adopt a "non-aggressive approach" in the area but if the PLA increases its troops size, the force will also increase its numbers there, the sources said. 

Around 30 Chinese troops are based in two locations including a tented area and another place where the soldiers of the two sides are facing each other with banners in their hands, they said. 

The sources said the Chinese troops are from the Border Defence Regiment of the PLA which is located 25 kms north of the location where they have erected their tents.The Chinese side, they said, is believed to be getting its supplies from its parent unit through the Raki Nala which flows from Chinese side into the Indian side. 

The Chinese troops are armed with assault rifles and no heavy weapon has been seen so far with them. They also have two small vehicles for supporting their movement, the sources said.

They said the Indian side may seek a flag meeting with the Chinese but so far it has not been decided. 

The two sides have already had two rounds of flag meetings without any success as the Chinese troops have not yet left from there. 

No evidence that Narendra Modi incited rioters or pressured police: SIT......

Ahmedabad: The lawyer of the Supreme Court-appointed SIT, which has given a clean chit to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in 2002 post-Godhra riots case after investigating complaint filed by Zakia Jafri, on Thursday said that "Modi has never said that go and kill people". 

Opposing the protest petition filed by Jafri against SIT's closure report, its lawyer R S Jamuar said, "(social activist) Teesta Setalvad and others have falsified the complaint targeting Chief Minister who had never said that go and kill people." 
During the second day of arguments, SIT lawyer targeted Setalvad, who has taken up the cause of riot victims, and who is helping Zakia, whose husband, Congress MP Ehsan Jafri, was killed in the riots. 

Dubbing Setalvad as the sole "writer" of "fictitious" complaint against Modi and others, advocate Jamuar said: "The so-called incident of CM giving instructions to high-level police officers not to take action against the rioters is a sole creation of Teesta Setalvad. There is no evidence." 

Zakia's petition demands filing of chargesheet against Modi and 58 others who she had named in her complaint filed before the Supreme Court. She has also sought further investigations by an independent agency other than SIT. 

"On Teesta's instruction a citizens' tribunal was formed under the leadership of Justice (retired) V R Krishna Iyyer... after collecting evidence (it) published a report in which it was claimed that Modi has, in a meeting at his residence on February 27, 2002, gave so-called instructions," said Jamuar.

"When SIT member A K Malhotra examined the members of tribunal, they said the then state minister Haren Pandya told them. But they never had any evidence, no recording of testimony, nothing and still they came up with such conclusion," Jamuar said. 

What a innings....

Hollow ice tubes in polar seas provide clues to origin of life.....

Washington: Scientists believe life on Earth may have originated not in warm tropical seas, but with weird tubes of ice - called 'brinicles' or ' sea stalactites' - that grow downward into cold seawater near the Earth's poles. 

Bruno Escribano and colleagues explained that scientists know surprisingly little about brinicles, which are hollow tubes of ice that can grow to several yards in length around streamers of cold seawater under pack ice. That's because brinicles are difficult to study. The scientists set out to gather more information on the topic with an analysis of the growth process of brinicles. 

They are shown to be analogous to a "chemical garden," a standby demonstration in chemistry classes and children's chemistry sets, in which tubes grow upward from metal salts dropped into silicate solution. But brinicles grow downward from the bottom of the ice pack. 

The analysis concluded that brinicles provide an environment that could well have fostered the emergence of life on Earth billions of years ago, and could have done so on other planets. 

"Beyond Earth, the brinicle formation mechanism may be important in the context of planets and moons with ice-covered oceans," their reported stated, citing in particular two moons of Jupiter named Ganymede and Callisto. 

Their article on these " brinicles" appeared in ACS' journal Langmuir. 

Graham Bell's voice heard for 1st time in 128 yrs......

Washington: Hear my voice, I'm Graham Bell! 

Telephone pioneer Alexander Graham Bell's voice has been identified for the first time on a wax disc recording from 1885, researchers claim. 

Bell's voice was recorded on to the disc on April 15, 1885 at his Volta laboratory in Washington. 

On the wax-disc recording, the inventor of the telephone says: "Hear my voice, Alexander Graham Bell." 

The inventions of Bell - most famously the telephone but also methods of recording sound - have allowed people to hear each other's voices for more than 130 years. 

Until now, no one knew what the inventor himself sounded like. The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, through a collaborative project with the Library of Congress and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, has identified Bell's voice for the first time. 

In the museum's collection from Bell's Washington, Volta laboratory, which includes 200 of the earliest audio recordings ever made, was a loose piece of paper discovered by researchers to be a transcript of a recording. 

The transcript, signed and dated by Bell and ending with "in witness whereof, hear my voice, Alexander Graham Bell," was matched with a recently identified wax-on-binder-board disc that carries the initials "AGB" and the same date April 15, 1885. 

The disc was submitted to the noninvasive optical sound recovery process on Library of Congress equipment developed by the Berkeley Lab, allowing for the contents of the recording to be audibly matched to the transcript and for the positive identification of Bell's voice. 

"Identifying the voice of Alexander Graham Bell the man who brought us everyone else's voice is a major moment in the study of history," said John Gray, director of the museum. 

"Not only will this discovery allow us to further identify recordings in our collection, it enriches what we know about the late 1800s who spoke, what they said, how they said it and this formative period for experimentation in sound," Gray said. 

Bell was born on March 3, 1847 in Edinburgh, UK, and died in 1922.

Untouchability continuing in politics: Narendra Modi.......

Thiruvananthapuram: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi regretted 'untouchability' was increasing in politics, apparently alluding to the protest by CPI(M) and resentment by Congress over his visit to Sree Narayana Mutt at nearby Sivagiri. 

"Political untouchability is increasing in society though this great evil had been eradicated in social life to a great extent by works of spiritual leaders and reformers," Modi said inaugurating the golden Jubilee of Sree Narayana Dharma Meemamsa Parishad at Sivagiri Mutt at Varkala, 30 kms from here. 

Though he did not mention any party or leader, Modi apparently had in mind attacks by the Left on the Mutt for inviting him to the function and eyebrows raised by Congress leaders over Labour Minister Shibu Baby John of its partner RSP(B) meeting him recently. In an apparent reference to discussions John held with him on skill development for youth, Modi said Gujarat had been recognised as the most advanced state in this area by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. 

Modi devoted most of his speech to the role played by spiritual leaders like Sree Narayana Guru in preparing the ground for the national movement and freedom struggle, saying if their ideals had been fully carried out, many problems faced by the country now could have been resolved. 

Stating that India today is a 'youthful' country where 65 per cent of the population is aged under 35, he said this factor is the nation's biggest asset for it to forge ahead. 

However, uplift of women, depressed and suppressed classes and skill development are some vital areas that needed greater attention to achieve the goals before the nation. 

He described Sree Narayana Guru as one who had been a far-sighted spiritual leader, saying his message of "one caste, one religion and one God for men" would provide a solution to problems faced by the present day world, including the scourge of terrorism and global warming. 

Modi said he was proud of his RSS background since his childhood and it was during these times that he learnt about the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru. 

He said the works and messages of sages like Sree Narayana Guru and Swami Vivekananda had greatly influenced his life. 

Earlier, Sree Narayana Dharma Sanmgham Tust member Swamy Sachithananda said the political controversy over the invitation to Modi was unwarranted as the Mutt had no politics. 

Modi's speech in Hindi was translated into Malayalam by BJP state president V Muraleedharan. 

Mars Rover draws penis on Red planet....

Melbourne: Like any bored schoolboy, the Mars Rover is now passing the hours by drawing crude pictures of the male anatomy. A photo of Curiosity 's track patterns has sent millions into a titter for its likeness to a penis, News.com.au reported.

The photo went viral after it was posted on Reddit with the caption " Mars Rover = $800M, Team to Operate = $1B. Drawing a penis on the surface of another planet = Priceless." 

The original picture is available on NASA's website 

Advance booking period for train tickets reduced to 60 days.......

New Delhi: Railways has reduced advance booking period from four months to two months from May 1 as part of its efforts to prevent touts from cornering bulk of tickets. 

The advance reservation period (ARP) for booking reserved train tickets will be reduced from existing 120 days to 60 days (excluding the date of journey) from May 1, according to a Railway notification issued today. However, all the bookings done up to April 30 under the existing ARP of 120 days will remain intact. 

"The reduction of advance reservation period to 60 days will be a deterrent for touts who book bulk tickets in advance. We hope the reduction of booking period will help genuine travellers," a senior Railways official said. 

"It has been found that passengers generally book their tickets two months in advance before the journey," the official said. 

Cancellation of the booking made beyond the ARP of 60 days will, however, be permitted. There will be no change in the case of ARP limit of 360 days for foreign tourists. 

Currently, tatkal tickets are issued only on the production of self-attested photocopy of a valid identity proof. No agents are allowed to book tatkal tickets from 10 AM to 12 PM over the internet. 

Railways conduct regular raids at rail stations to keep a check on tout menace. 

Gwyneth Paltrow is world’s most beautiful woman ........

New Delhi: The most-hated celeb and now named the world’s most beautiful woman for 2013 by People magazine, Gwyneth Paltrow is getting bestowed with contradictory titles these days.

Gywneth, who is married with two kids to Coldplay singer Chris Martin, has replaced the R&B singer Beyonce Knowles from the top slot to become the most beautiful woman across the globe.

This is for the fourth time that the Oscar award winning actress has been voted the most beautiful by the magazine but the first time she has featured on the popular magazines’ cover page as the most beautiful woman.

Paltrow has joined the league of the People magazine’s most beautiful women that boasts of names like Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, Halle Berry and Jennifer Aniston.

The actress will reprise the role of Pepper Potts in ‘Iron Man 3’ which is going to release soon.

We didn't provoke, says China.....

Beijing: Sticking to its stand that Chinese troops have not caused any "provocation" by violating the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, China on Thursday said the incident will not affect bilateral ties or disrupt peace at the borders as both sides are trying to resolve it in a friendly manner. 

"I do not agree with your allegation that it is the Chinese side that has caused the provocation between the border troops" Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying replying to questions about the intrusion of Chinese troops at the Depsang Valley in Ladakh. 

"China's troops have never crossed the (LAC) line. China and India are neighbours and the boundary is not demarcated yet. 

"It is inevitable for problems to prop up in border areas. When there is a problem it should be resolved through friendly consultations though existing mechanisms and channels", she said. "We believe this incident can also be handled and will not affect the peace and stability of the border areas as well as the normal development of China and India relations", she said. 

Urging the media to be patient, she said, "We also believe that the two sides continue to solve the issue in a friendly manner and we will not let the issue affect border peace and security and normal development of China-India relations". 

"We hope relevant media can keep patience and create favourable conditions for the two countries to solve this issue through friendly consultations", she said. 

The spokesperson said the situation on the Sino-Indian border is peaceful and stable. 

"Just want to tell you that the current situation in the border area is peaceful and stable. Both China and India have the willingness to solve the dispute through peaceful negotiations and consultations. 

"In the past three days I have repeatedly stressed China's point and now I would like to reiterate that Chinese troops have always acted in strict compliance to relevant treaty and protocol between the two countries regarding the protection of security of the areas around the LAC", she said. 

China is committed to peace and security of the border areas as well as the negotiated settlement of the boundary issue left over from history, she said. 

Asked about reports that the Chinese troops were insisting on Indian army to remove certain fortifications in that area, she said "since I am not in the frontier, so I do not know the latest development of the situation...Both China and India have the willingness to solve the dispute through peaceful negotiations and consultations". 

She acknowledged that the two countries are holding talks through existing mechanisms. 

"The two countries had set up the consultation mechanism last year and have maintained simultaneous communication over relevant issues", she said. 

AMAZING-TRY THIS AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS.....

BRAIN DAMAGING HABITS....

1. No Breakfast

People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level.

This leads to an insufficient

supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.

2 . Overeating

It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.

3. Smoking

It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.

4. High Sugar consumption

Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing

malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.

5. Air Pollution

The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air

decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain

efficiency.

6 . Sleep Deprivation

Sleep allows our brain to rest.. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate

the death of brain cells..

7. Head covered while sleeping

Sleeping with the head covered increases the concentration of carbon dioxide

and decrease concentration of

oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.

8. Working your brain during illness

Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness

of

the brain as well as damage the brain.

9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts

Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts

may cause brain shrinkage.

10. Talking Rarely

Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain

SAFETY......

A boy & a girl were stopped by the police on d road without Driving License. The boy was told 2 bring d license & d girl was asked 2 come 2 d police station. d girl was taken 2 an isolated place where she was raped. Most of us don't know d LAW which clearly states that- btwn 6 pm-6 am, a woman has RIGHT 2 refuse 2 go 2 the police station EVEN IF THERE IS AN ARREST WARRANT. So its a humble request 2 Plz 4ward dis 2 all d girls u know 2 make them aware, even 2 boys who care 4 their sister , friends .
NOTE:
Photograph is not of the VICTIM, just showing the acts of the Police Personnel.

Kohli reminds me of myself: Richards.......

Legendary batsman, Sir Vivian Richards has hailed Virat Kohli and stated that the flamboyant Indian batsman reminded him of his own batting. "I love watching Virat Kohli bat. He looks to me like an individual of my own heart. I love his aggression and serious passion that I used to have. He reminds me of myself," Richards said. 

"He is an individual who doesn't back off from confrontation. Someone who can stand his ground under pressure. I love that as you can't teach these instinctive aspects," stated the West Indian legend. 

The 61-year-old Richards, regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the game's history, said that even while fielding, Kohli is a lot like him. "Just like me, he loves the ball to come to him. He wants to dive, stop the runs. He is a livewire unlike some fielders, who would just dig a hole and dive in it rather than dive to stop the ball," added Richards. 

When asked about Kohli stepping into Sachin Tendulkar's shoes, Richards was optimistic. "I believe till the Master of Shaolin (Tendulkar) is there, you need to give him respect. Obviously, once Sachin retires, you can bank on Kohli as he is young enough and has a lot of time on his side. He will only improve and continue to get better," he explained. 

Richards admires Mahendra Singh Dhoni's cool and calm approach but also stressed the need for India to win in overseas conditions consistently. "What a way to come back against the Aussies (in the recent Test series at home). But for me, the determining factor of how good you are is when you win anywhere. You don't have to wait until you play at home to beat your opponent. I agree that it's vital to defend home turf but it's crucial to win outside. For me, it used to give me immense pride to perform away from home. Look at Steve Waugh's team or Ricky Ponting's team till a certain point of time. They were great teams because they won in all conditions. That I believe was the essence of 'Fire in Babylon'(Documentary on West Indies cricket)," quoted Richards. 

Richards also added that India's tour of South Africa at the end of the year would be a challenging and tough proposition. "It's going to be tough. South Africa are the best Test nation in the world at the moment with the most successful and aggressive bowling attack (Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander). You saw what happened to Pakistan a few months back. It will be the ultimate test," he said.

"But Dhoni is one of the coolest individual and I liked the way he got his job done during the recent Australia series. But having won 4-0, people may expect more in South Africa, which is a huge ask. But if they can collectively work together, they can keep hopes alive," he added. 

Asked what would have been his auction price had he been playing in the T20-League, Richards jokingly said "may be one Pound!" 

source:Cricbuzz

Clark does a Sobers; joins illustrious club.......

Jordan Clark joined an illustrious group when he became the fifth batsmen in cricketing history to hit six sixes in an over. Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary West Indian all-rounder was the first to achieve the feat when he hammered Malcolm Nash for six maximums in an over playing for Nottinghamshire in 1968. 

Ravi Shastri, Herschelle Gibbs and Yuvraj Singh have since repeated this extraordinary feat. Clark's onslaught came in a second XI match against Yorkshire at Scarborough. The unlucky bowler was Gurman Randhawa who had, until the fateful over, enjoyed a tidy spell of two wickets for 15 off 12 overs. 

The left-arm bowler was helpless as he saw Clark hammer all the six deliveries over the midwicket boundary at the picturesque Yorkshire ground. A humble Clark stated: "The wicket wasn't a massive turner. I thought I needed to step it up a little bit" 

"I put them all the same way, over leg. I thought he was going to try to mix it up, especially the last two balls but they just landed in the same spot," he told the BBC. 

Wouldn't dare ask Tendulkar to retire: Richards.......

West Indian batting great Vivian Richards believes it should be Sachin Tendulkar's call on when he wants to call time on his career. 

Tendulkar is in the middle of a poor run of form and ended up with a highest score of 81 against the visiting Australians who played India in a four-Test series while the younger batsmen piled up big scores. Despite the slump, Richards said Tendulkar should be treated with respect after his immense contributions to the game. 

"When Sachin wants to retire is his call. It's completely an individual call. He alone should decide. I would never dare to walk up to Sachin and tell him that 'You go tomorrow'," Richards said. 

Richards, considered to be one of the greatest batsmen ever said Tendulkar can go on for another 10 years if he wanted to because even after 24 years in international cricket, the Little Master did not look out of place. 

"Everyone knows that I am a fan of Sachin. He is still a class-act and doesn't look out of place even in T20s which is a modern day game. Let him go to 50 and I would still like to watch him," Richards, who is in an advisory role with Delhi, told. 

Richards reckoned the younger crop can learn a lot from how Tendulkar prepares himself before a match and pick up things that could remain with them forever. 

"Having Sachin is a wonderful indicator about how one prepares for a match," he said. 

Richards had a word of advice for Virender Sehwag, whose poor form resulted in the selectors dropping him half way through the Test series against Australia. Shikhar Dhawan, who replaced the Delhi veteran, made the most of it, virtually blocking Sehwag out for a while but the former West Indian batsman believed Sehwag could deliver again. 

"We all know that Sehwag is a magnificent player. What has happened to him can happen to the best players but I will always have him in my team," he pointed out. 

"Viru can take a cue from Gayle's approach. When I mean you bluff the opposition, it's about changing your approach a little bit. Gayle loves to hit sixes from the first ball but there are times when he waits for a certain period of time before attacking. 

"I want Viru to do that. Take a few singles and stay there. Because when players like Gayle and Sehwag stay for a longer period of time, the bowling side starts sweating a little," Richards explained. 

"It's like driving. When you see the red light, you have got to stop and wait. Again when you see the green light, you set your foot on the pedal and accelerate", Richards pointed out.

Ashes Squad: Answering ten curly questions reverberating in cyberspace......

In the aftermath of Chris Gayle's mission to single-handedly convert T20s harshest critics, the cricket focus fleetingly reverted back to the red ball format. Australia's long-awaited Ashes tour squad has been revealed, leading to a flurry of critiques by the mainstream media, blogosphere and on social media. 

Here's an attempt to unfurl ten curly questions reverberating in cyberspace. 

Is this squad a mismatched collection of cricketers? 

It's hard to stereotype this squad. Despite the selections of Brad Haddin and Chris Rogers, it's not exactly Dad's Army. Nor does it have the essence of Australia's '89 underdog squad, which triumphed because persistence with a new batch of cricketers had been rewarded. 

It's an unbalanced side on paper, with Haddin and Rogers being resurrected because of an alarming dearth of experience and leadership. 

The side hasn't formed an identity. It's not a squad brimming with battle hardened and mature cricketers. On the flip side, it's not an exuberant team with an abundance of precocious players. 

Right now, only Michael Clarke and perhaps James Pattinson can be considered guaranteed selections. 

The question remains. Can this team form a persona during their English journey? 

Has Australia been having Ashes tryouts since November? 

Yes. The dirty little secret is that the Ashes is basically viewed as cricket's championship. Beating the Old Enemy is what matters. Sure, it's nice to knock off India or South Africa but the Ashes is cricket's holy grail. 

Under the guise of rotations, selections have been essentially tryouts for the Ashes. The mishmash of players during the Australian summer and Indian tour was arguably demeaning to the Baggygreen, as some probably weren't deserved selections. 

But, previous calamities will be forgotten if Australia reclaims the fragile urn. 

How has Haddin usurped Wade? 

I have to confess. I detest Haddin being made vice-captain. As I wrote previously, I don't believe Australia should have selected a mere stopgap deputy. 

I don't like selectors juggling confidence in their shaky hands. This is what they are inflicting on Wade, who even a few days ago appeared a candidate for the vice captaincy. It's been a merciless slap on the face. 

But, if the Ashes is the ultimate, and winning takes precedence over future development, then Haddin is a logical inclusion. Two of his three Test tons have been against England and he has an average of 44.5 in nine Ashes matches - nine runs more than his career average in the whites. 

And it's hard to argue that Haddin isn't the more reliable keeper right now. More importantly, it appears Clarke isn't comfortable playing a one-man band. He needs a confidant. He trusts Haddin. They are long-time mates. 

Due to his good Ashes record, the English fans fear Haddin. They have been hoping Wade gets the nod. That has to count in Haddin's favour, right? Australia isn't seeping with players possessing an aura of intimidation. 

Haddin with the gloves is Australia's best chance of celebrating Ashes glory. But will it compromise Australia's long-term prospects? 

Why isn't Steve Smith playing? 

Smith has a devoted following. Perhaps swayed by his deeds in the coloured clothing or maybe influenced by his decent performance amid the carnage in India, a chorus of surprise from the Smith bandwagon echoed after his Ashes non-selection. 

Smith is a spare parts cricketer. He's handy with the bat and is capable of snaring wickets with his tweakers. But not being especially competent with either bat or ball isn't the recipe for a successful Test career, which demands specialists. 

His cricket career is destined to be consigned to the white ball formats. 

Are the Test careers of Mitchell Johnson and Shaun Marsh over? 

Due to the fickleness of the Aussie selectors, one can't consign a cricketer to the scrapheap (insert Chris Rogers). 

But one feels Johnson's schizophrenic Test career is indeed finished. His Test career was surprisingly resurrected during the Australian summer thanks to the selectors' penchant to trial everybody. 

Some of Johnson's most infamous moments came at the mirth of the Barmy Army. His bid to put the ghost of Ashes past to rest has been futile. The apparitions of wayward Johnson being rattled by the Barmy Army tunes were enough to convince selectors to punt with emerging all-rounder James Faulkner, who showcased his big-game prowess with stellar bat and ball efforts during Tasmania's Sheffield Shield final win. 

As a long-suffering WA Warriors supporter, my head still aches after years of banging my head in frustration over Shaun Marsh's continuing struggles. He's a limited overs wonder but in the longer format, Marsh's inability to cope with pressure has negated his prodigious talents. 

At 30, and after more than a decade of first class cricket, Marsh may frustratingly be destined to never reach his vast potential. 

Why has Chris Rogers been selected? 

The 35-year-old is insurance for a top order that is more unpredictable than the stock markets. Warner may become Anderson's bunny. Cowan's run of mediocrity could continue. Hughes could become fodder for England's slips. 

No-one would be shocked if Australia's top order is more wobbly than an inebriated David Boon. It smacks of desperation that Australia has reverted to Rogers - the same player they red stamped five years ago after twin failures in his only Test against India in Perth five years ago. 

Rogers has scored a plethora of runs in the first class ranks, especially in England. There's a good chance his experience will be tested during the Ashes. 

Where is George Bailey? 

Australia's T20 captain is the enigma in Australian cricket. He oozes with leadership and would have been an inspired choice for the deputy position. 

Cricket is a sport that is consumed with statistics, so enamoured that I believe it skews judgement on players. Every time I watch Bailey bat, no matter the format, I'm impressed. I love his grit. He's like an old fashioned Aussie battler, who'll fight to ensure his wicket is intact. 

Unfortunately, the stats tell a different tale. He has a first class record under 40 and had a horrendous Sheffield Shield season. 

Perhaps he doesn't have the class to succeed in Test cricket. That's what the selectors believe. 

One spinner was selected. Wait, what? 

Rightly, Australia is backing their quicks to deliver the bulk of the wickets. A bevy of talented pacemen ensures this is not Australia's weakest squad to England. And the brigade has a chance of scything a shaky English line-up and delivering an upset series victory. 

There will probably be Tests where Australia goes retro West Indian and fields an all-out pace attack. 

Nathan Lyon is serviceable but will never be a match-winner. The Xavier Doherty experience will never again be repeated. Fawad Ahmed has been deemed the best spinner in the Sheffield Shield but is still waiting on the Federal Government granting citizenship. 

The pace attack is the one redeeming feature of Aussie cricket. 

Graeme Swann is salivating at the prospect of bowling to a plethora of lefties, right? 

Swann should be licking his lips. Australia could field four or five top order lefties. But England shouldn't be burdening their offie too much, with Swann recuperating from shoulder surgery. 

Australia has been Swann's kryptonite, evidenced by 29 wickets (40avg) in 10 Ashes Tests. Expectations shouldn't be too high for a big Swann series. 

What is Australia's First Test line-up? 

Warner, Cowan, Hughes, Clarke, Khawaja, Watson, Haddin, Pattinson, Harris, Bird, Lyon/Siddle (depending on conditions).