Waiting in the wings

So that's it then, the era of Warne, McGrath, Langer and Martyn is over.

Only Gilchrist and Hayden remain of Australia's Ashes-winning veterans, so the make-up of the 2009 squad for the re-match in England is certain to be markedly different.

Of the class of 2005, captain Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey, Michael Clarke, Brett Lee and Stuart Clark are the only players certain to be in the reckoning for a Test berth.

But who will be joining them?We have seem some of the likely contenders.

BATSMEN
Chris Rogers (Western Australia, 29)
A determined left-hander, Rogers is a strong tip to make his international debut in 2007. He has scored a stack of runs in domestic cricket this season and also boasts a double century against Australia, scored for Leicestershire in 2005.
Phil Jaques (New South Wales, 27)
Jaques has played two Test matches and was fancied to force his way back into the team this winter. The left-hander scores runs quickly, has a history of big scores and is a probable future opener for Australia.
Travis Birt (Tasmania, 25)
Another hard-hitting left-hander, Birt has spent time at the Australian academy as well as representing the U19 team. Was in the top-three run-scorers for the 2005-06 Pura Cup season and also has the highest one-day score (145) for his state.
Mark Cosgrove (South Australia, 22)
Cosgrove has played one-day cricket for Australia and is seen as a real talent. Dubbed 'Little Boof' for his remarkable likeness, in appearance and batting style, to Darren Lehmann, but suffers from a weight problem and has been told to address it.

Adam Voges (Western Australia, 27)
Selectors obviously rate Voges as he was included in Australia's squad for the third Test after Damien Martyn's retirement. The right-hander is a quick and stylish run-scorer who has a 62-ball domestic ton to his name.
Shaun Marsh (Western Australia, 23)
Marsh is the son of former Australia opening batsman and coach, Geoff. A left-hander who bats in the middle-order, he is developing into a fine batsman and could well emulate his father in playing for Australia.

ALL-ROUNDERS
Shane Watson (Queensland, 25)
Watson looked a certainty to play in this year's Ashes but a hamstring injury put paid to his chances. Does suffer a lot from injuries, but as a pace-bowling all-rounder will be given a chance to cement a spot at number six.
Cameron White (Victoria, 23)
Originally a specialist leg-spinner, White has developed his batting to such an extent that he is now regarded a batting all-rounder. Captains his state and thought to be a possible future skipper of Australia.
WICKET-KEEPERS

Brad Haddin (New South Wales, 29)
Haddin is a fine gloveman and highly capable batsman in the Adam Gilchrist mould. However, with Gilchrist still playing time seems to be passing him by and will be 32 in 2009.

Tim Paine (Tasmania, 22)
Paine is the next big thing in Australian wicket-keeping ranks. A former captain of the national U19 side, Paine is a safe stumper with the requisite batting ability to make a name for himself at the top level.

PACE BOWLERS
Nathan Bracken (New South Wales, 29)
A fringe player for the last few seasons, left-armer Bracken already has Test experience and is a regular wicket-taker in Australian domestic cricket. Should be entering the peak period of his career.


Mitchell Johnson (Queensland, 25)
Australia's regular 12th man this Ashes, Johnson will get his chance in the team proper this year. Boasts impressive one-day form and like Bracken offers something different as a speedy left-armer.

Shaun Tait (South Australia, 23)
Tait replaced Jason Gillespie for the last two Test of the 2005 Ashes series, but a back injury held him back for most of 2006. Remains Australia's most exciting pace prospect and is a genuine strike bowler.

Ben Hilfenhaus (Tasmania, 23)
A strapping young right-armer capable of generating decent pace and swing, Hilfenhaus has made giant strides in a short period of time in domestic cricket. Has played for the 'A' team and can be expected to take the next step.
SPINNERS

Dan Cullen (South Australia, 22)
Cullen is a hugely promising young off-spinner under the tutelage of Shane Warne's mentor Terry Jenner. Jenner has high hopes for his protégé and he will get his chance to add to his sole Test appearance against Bangladesh last year.

Cullen Bailey (South Australia, 21)
Another under the care of Jenner, Bailey is a leg-spinner with a bright future. The youngster is still a little raw but can turn the ball and is working on his variety.