No runs equals Rogers and out

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CHRIS Rogers is one of few colour-blind batsman to play Test cricket but he can see well enough to know his Test career will fade to black if he fails to fire against England this summer.

Rogers learned of his eyesight condition as a child and while he cannot see a pink ball for quids, the traditional red one can also pose problems, particularly at the Gabba.

With its multi-coloured concourse, Rogers has been known to lose the ball in the maroon Gabba seats during his long periods in the middle batting for Victoria.

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The gritty left-hander can only hope a similar fate does not befall him against an England side plotting to terminate his baggy green career.

"I have always known I am colour blind,'' Rogers said. "It's something you have to adapt to as you go along, but there's no pink-ball cricket for me, that's for sure.

"I would never play with a pink ball again. I played one game and didn't see the ball at all so it was a bit pointless.

"Thankfully, I will be long gone before day-night cricket comes along."

For now, Rogers' prime concern is whether he gets his eye in and converts starts into tons.

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At 36, Rogers is playing only his seventh Test. It has been a long road to the baggy green and he is acutely aware that time offers him no latitude for failure.

Former opener Simon Katich was axed from the Test side at 35 after averaging 50 in the previous calendar year. Rogers is averaging 35.09 and admits he must consolidate this summer or risk a permanent return to domestic duties.

"You see the younger guys performing (and) there is always going to be a push for the next big thing," said Rogers, who hit 110, his maiden Test ton, in the recent Ashes in England after making his debut against India in 2008.

"As an older player, your spot is on the line, but that is the challenge I have had to face throughout my whole career.

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"It's nothing different. I will enjoy it for what it is and not worry about it too much."

Rogers, who has plundered 20,795 first-class runs with 63 centuries, says he has come to grips with the dark years when he struggled to appear on the national selection radar.

"When you feel you are outperforming a lot of other guys who were younger, that was hard to take but I'm over that," he said.

"I now enjoy it for what it is and a chance to play for Australia.

"Everything is still quite new for me. There probably won't be too many opportunities for me so I will enjoy the new experience of playing the first Test of an Ashes series at the Gabba.''

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Punter tells Watto time to fire up

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FORMER Test skipper Ricky Ponting has challenged Shane Watson to step up as an Ashes matchwinner, saying he is more important to Australia's batting success than Michael Clarke.

Boasting a Test average of 52.08, Clarke is unquestionably Australia's best batsman and will carry the side's Ashes hopes - starting today in the first Test at the Gabba.

But Ponting instead nominated Watson as the batsman who must deliver for Australia to have any hope of averting the ignominy of a fourth consecutive Ashes series defeat.

The allrounder has pushed Australian selectors' patience to breaking point with form fluctuations that saw him go almost three years without a Test century.

But after he cracked a career-best 176 in his most recent Test against England in August, Australia are hoping it is the career-defining knock that turns Watson into a Test batting force.

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Ponting championed Watson's abilities throughout his tenure as national captain and says it is time the injury-prone allrounder won a series with consistently dominant batting.

"I think Shane Watson is the most important batsman," Ponting said as Australia and England yesterday wrapped-up preparations for the Gabba opener.

"If he can play at (No.3) the way he finished the last series then that will help Australia a lot.

"It's got to be at the start of this series rather than at the end."

While Watson has been a revelation as a one-day batsman, he has struggled to dominate in the longer form, having compiled 2998 Test runs at 36.12 with three tons in 46 Tests.

The 32-year-old has endured the heartbreak of several near misses. He has been dismissed four times in the 90s and admits his Test record could look more ominous had he converted good starts into mammoth scores.

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"You can't change things," he said.

"I've always done my best with the bat. In a perfect world I would have averaged 50 in Test cricket and 40 in one-day cricket, but life has never been perfect.

"I've given 100 per cent. I'm still happy with what I have achieved."

But Ponting has no doubt Watson can produce more this summer. In a further boost for the Australians, Watson is expected to bowl in the first Test after initial fears a hamstring injury would restrict him to batting duties.

Clarke isn't about to bowl Watson into the ground but indicated yesterday the allrounder will be called into the attack to make a difference.

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"I don't think he will be at 100 per cent in bowling 25 overs in the first innings of a Test match, but Watto has improved every single day," he said.

"I'm confident he will be able to bat at his best and do a job with the ball for us," he said.

Ponting, who ascended to greatness in the No.3 slot, says the Australian batting line-up has a solid look with Watson at first drop and Clarke at No.4.

"I'm a big believer that your best batsman should bat as high as possible," he said.

"It's no good Michael coming in at 3-30. He has to be in there stopping them getting to 3-30. You can't expect lesser skilled players to do a harder job than you. I'm glad he's moved up to four."

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Now or never for Pup's players

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Australia must put England to the sword in the first Test at the Gabba, beginning today, or the Ashes will be gone for another series.

Fortress Gabba has been Australia's bastion for most of the past 80 years but failure to strike in Brisbane has usually meant failure around the country.

Even drawn Tests have often meant that Australia has failed to win the series and win it they must if they are to regain the Ashes after losing three series on the trot.

Only once has Australia come back from losing in Brisbane to claim the little urn, during 1936-37 when Don Bradman was captain.

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Captain Michael Clarke knows the size of the task ahead for him and his team. His tense mood yesterday suggested the time for talking was over.

"There's been a lot said about the build-up to this series, speculation about players, how Australia are going to turn it around," he said after training.

"I'm not going to sit here and promise the world, tell you everything is going to be different.

"Our job is to perform at our best, and hope the result will take care of itself.

"I think the belief is there, and I hope we'll show that over the next five Test matches."

England captain Alastair Cook made it clear that his side was acutely aware of Fortress Gabba, although the 235 not out he made there last time turned a certain Australian victory into a draw before England went on to claim the series.

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"We've spoken about their record here, not losing for 25 years is a good achievement," Cook said.

"We spoke about something like this at Lord's 2009, when we played them. We hadn't beaten them for 70-odd years at Lord's and we made a real conscious effort to try to change that.

"This side has done that a number of times, when there have been specific challenges ahead of us, we've delivered.

"Whether we can do that this game will depend on how well we play, but the start of the series, and especially at such a ground where they have a lot of confidence, would do us the world of good."

Clarke appeared to confirm that spinner Nathan Lyon would play ahead of all-rounder James Faulkner, although the team will not be announced until today.

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"The wicket looks fantastic, it will offer pace and bounce for the bowlers and that includes spin," said Clarke.

"Spin has had success at the Gabba because of the bounce more than the spin.

"The Gabba is one of the best Test wickets in the world because it offers good pace and bounce so your bowlers are always interested."

Clarke also confirmed that Shane Watson was likely to bowl after recovering sufficiently from a hamstring strain.

"I don't think he will be at 100 per cent in bowling 25 overs in the first innings of a Test match, but Watto has improved every single day and I'm confident he will be able to bat at his best and do a job with the ball for us," said Clarke.

CAN AUSTRALIA TAKE BACK THE ASHES WITHOUT WINNING IN BRISBANE? HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW.

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Broad targeted for 'cheating' to a T

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ENGLAND paceman Stuart Broad has officially become Public Enemy No. 1 with Australian cricket fans issuing a $10,000 backhander to the "cheating Pom".

Ahead of the first Test starting today at the Gabba, Australian supporters have seized upon T-shirts condemning Broad for refusing to walk during the recent Ashes series in England.

Melbourne academic Googan Djerra has unveiled a range of T-shirts protesting against Broad, accompanied by the slogan: "Never forgive. Never forget."

The English quick stood his ground in the first Test in July despite replays showing he edged an Ashton Agar delivery which deflected off wicketkeeper Brad Haddin to Michael Clarke at first slip.

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Djerra said Broad's actions were a clear breach of the spirit of cricket and his anti-Broad shirts have been snapped up in their hundreds by the Australian public.

"Basically, it's a protest against England and Stuart Broad being the cheating Pom that he is," Djerra said.

"He has openly admitted to cheating, he has been quoted around the globe saying he hit the ball but refused to walk.

"It's meant to be a gentleman's game and Stuart's actions were against the spirit of the game.

"On the internet I'm getting hundreds of hits a day. I actually started out with shirts protesting against Japanese whaling and now I am protesting against Stuart Broad.

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"His abject cheek was so great it inspired me to want to do something.

"I am now selling them in bundles of four because the demand has been so great."

Broad is bracing for brickbats from Australian fans throughout the summer, saying recently: "You don't want the Aussies loving you because it probably means you're rubbish."

In an interview with English media last week, the 27-year-old said he had no regrets over his decision not to walk, taking aim at the actions of Australian rival Haddin.

"I'm not really bothered what people think on that side of things. There were 19 or 20 instances of England or Australia players not walking in the Ashes series," he said.

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"Nobody mentions Brad Haddin not walking at the end of that match with 10 to win. So I think I was made an example of.

"I've never been a walker, 99 per cent of professional cricketers are not walkers.

"It's the umpires' decision. If Wayne Rooney (Manchester United soccer star) jumped into a two-footed tackle in a Premier League game against Liverpool and the ref gave him a yellow card, would he go, 'You know what, ref, we're one-nil down but I'm going to walk off ... come on, send me off'"

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Heavyweight battle Kiwis and Poms

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SUNDAY morning's World Cup semi-final between England and New Zealand is being billed as a battle of the heavyweights and it's an appropriate description when you consider the relative size of the forwards packs each side will put out.

The Kiwis have arguably the most formidable pack in the tournament, with the likes of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Ben Matulino and Sonny Bill Williams.

It's one with power and skill and a large part of New Zealand's game plan is based around forward dominance.

But England won't be intimidated. They have the Burgess clan - Sam and Tom are the lightest of the three at 116kg - and workhorse front-rower James Graham.

In fact, England's starting pack in their quarter-final against France was slightly heavier than New Zealand's at 625kg to the Kiwis' 620kg and they also brought George Burgess and his 120kg frame off the bench.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves of New Zealand during the Rugby League World Cup Quarter Final match between New Zealand and Scotland at Headingley Carnegie Stadium on November 15, 2013 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

England and New Zealand have taken a different approach to Australia, who have opted for a more mobile pack, and it's helped by the slow play-the-balls seen so far at this World Cup and 12 interchanges allowed in the international game.

There will be a number of intriguing match-ups on Sunday, not least of all the one between Williams and Sam Burgess. Williams will play on the right side, Burgess on the left.

Williams leads the tournament in offloads with 13 (Burgess has five) while Burgess is third among forwards for tackle breaks with 16 (Williams has 14).

"They have a lot of big boys but we should be able to match them," Matulino said.

"They are going alright in the tournament and so are we.

"Sam Burgess is in the top three forwards in the game at the moment. You know what he's going to bring because he brings it every week in the NRL. He's going to come out and hit hard and run hard.

"James Graham is a workhorse. He tackles and runs all day. We have a little bit of insight but our track record against them in England isn't too good so we are the underdogs."

Sam Moa (C) of New Zealand acknowledges the crowds applause on a lap of honour after his sides victory during the Rugby League World Cup Quarter Final match between New Zealand and Scotland at Headingley Carnegie Stadium on November 15, 2013 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

The Kiwis haven't beaten England in the UK since 2005 and Matulino has been involved in the last two tours.

He debuted in the unsuccessful 2009 Four Nations, when the Kiwis won only one game against France, and returned for their poor 2011 campaign when their only win was against Wales.

He had a great season in 2012, when he was Warriors' Player of the Year, but his form dipped in 2013.

"I think I'm playing a bit better [at the World Cup] than what I was in the NRL," he said.

"I'm a lot more confident playing alongside these boys.

"Everyone is driving each other in this team. Sonny is probably leading the way. When he does stuff, people tend to copy and it rubs off on the others."

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney said last week's side against Scotland was close to his favoured 17 but there's still a question mark around the fourth front-rower with Sam Kasiano and Sam Moa going head-to-head.

Moa was preferred last week over Kasiano, who had previously played in all three games on tour and was said to be in need of a rest.

If Kasiano was to play, his 1.96m and 122kg frame - it's closer to 130kg - would only add to what is already a weighty match.

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Rabbitohs and Wanderers unite

Coach Michael Maguire during South Sydney rugby league training at Redfern Oval, Sydney. Pic Brett Costello Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

THEY are successful Sydney sporting clubs with virtually nothing in common.

One has won 20 premierships over 103 years and is run by a glamorous Hollywood actor.

The other is not two years old from battling western Sydney.

Now though, the famous South Sydney Rabbitohs and A-League's Western Sydney Wanderers have united at the highest level.

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire and Wanderers coach Tony Popovic have struck up an unlikely friendship. They share ideas and ideals.

Maguire was at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday night watching the Wanderrs beat Melbourne Victory 1-0. He ended up in the victorious dressing room.

The Bunnies coach spent a portion of last week with Popovic inside the Wanderers organisation.

Popovic now has plans to visit South Sydney's Redfern headquarters when Maguire returns from a trip to Arizona.

The cross-code relationship just may help the Wanderers to A-League glory and Souths to an elusive NRL premiership.

Coach Michael Maguire and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Sydney Domestic Airport after returning from Townsville Source: News Limited

"He (Popovic) is a great fella," Maguire said from America.

"I can see why they are having success.

"He is a very smart coach."

Asked did they share ideas, Maguire said: "He is very similar to me, always learning."

Maguire was so keen to watch the action on Saturday night he was spotted sitting in the rain.

"The match against Victory was a good opportunity to bring Michael in to see how we do things at the Wanderers," Popovic said.

"I look forward to taking some time to visit Redfern oval in the coming months."

Andy Paschalidis, Sky Sports Radio football commentator and Wanderers ground announcer, watched Maguire and Popvic mingle on Saturday evening.

"I was pleasantly surprised to see Michael at the game. I first noticed him talking to some of the Wanderers backroom staff at the dressing room entrance before the game," Paschalidis said.

Tony Popovic during the Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne Victory A League game at Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta. pic mark evans Source: News Limited

"Then I bumped into him in the Premier's Lounge where he would have been the guest of (Wanderers executive chairman) Lyall Gorman. It was an engaging conversation with 'Madge' stating that both he and Tony Popovic are very similar in many ways and that he was very keen to forge a long-term friendship.

"Michael was enthralled by the match day spectacle on the back of spending time with 'Poppa' and the team in midweek.

"Like many who make it to 'Wanderland' for the first time he couldn't believe how such a franchise could have developed so quickly, reached such great heights on the pitch and drawn a strong supporter base.

"Despite the rain he decided to head outside and take in the atmosphere during the second half; no doubt impressed that the majority of the Wanderers fans didn't move from their seats for the entire match."

Maguire's Rabbioths fell one game short of the 2013 grand final, Popovic's Wanderers were beaten in the A-League grand final earlier this year.

Popovic visited Wayne Bennett several years ago when he coached the St George Illawarra Dragons.

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Dogs pounce on fullback Hoffman

Ben Barba and Josh Hoffman. . The Brisbane Broncos vs the Canterbury Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Pic Peter Wallis Source: Peter Wallis / News Limited

THE Bulldogs are preparing to pounce on disgruntled Broncos fullback Josh Hoffman as payback for stealing their Dally M superstar Ben Barba.

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler is aware the Kiwi World Cup star is unhappy in Brisbane and is working feverishly behind the scenes to get him to Belmore.

Canterbury has four players in the New Zealand tour party - Sam Kasiano, Frank Pritchard, Krisnan Inu and Greg Eastwood - who are quietly encouraging the blockbusting fullback to move to Sydney.

Hoffman has been out of sorts since Barba signed at the Broncos amid speculation he would be shunted to the wing.

"We're aware of Canterbury's interest," said one senior Broncos official.

"They're all over him.

"When you're on tour in another country for so long you build a bond with your team mates and the Canterbury boys have been working on him.

"But at this stage we don't want to release him."

Broncos Training at Red Hill. Justin Hoffman. Pic Mark Calleja Source: News Limited

Still, the Broncos based their entire campaign to sign Barba on the fact he was unhappy in Sydney and wanted out from Canterbury.

It would be hard for them to stand in the way of one of their own players who clearly doesn't want to be there, just like Barba at the Bulldogs.

Since the end of the season, the Dogs have tried but failed to lure Parramatta's Jarryd Hayne and William Hopoate to Belmore to replace Barba.

They even went big-time for Wallaby star Israel Folau who eventually decided to stay with the Waratahs.

When those negotiations fell over, Hasler turned his attention to the blockbusting Broncos player.

Working in Canterbury's favour is the fact the Broncos need to free up cash to finalise their record bid for Australia's Test captain Cameron Smith.

Paying Hoffman $400,000-a-season to play on the wing is seen as too much money spread across the salary cap.

Josh Hoffman after Brisbane's loss during the round 24 rugby league game between Penrith and Brisbane at Centrebet Stadium in Penrith, Sydney. Source: News Limited

Aside from the Bulldogs, other NRL clubs are aware of Hoffman's situation and have spoken to his agent in recent weeks.

However they don't have as much money as Canterbury have to play with under the salary cap.

Before Barba signed in Brisbane, 25-year-old Hoffman was just beginning talks with the Broncos about extending his contract.

But he has made it clear he wants to wear the No 1 jersey.

Barba can play in the halves but has made his home at fullback in recent seasons from where he became the 2012 Dally M champion.

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Socceroos Report Card

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"It's a starting point and we want to get better".

Ange Postecoglou might not have been doing cartwheels, but he was certainly a satisfied man after the Socceroos opened his account as coach with a 1-0 win over Costa Rica.

There was evidence of what the side worked on at training, signs of a renewed spirit and energy, the return of a structure and organised set-up and glimpses in attack to bury the memories of a torrid few months for the green and gold.

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It's only a step forward and the 1-0 win against an underwhelming Costa Rica is nothing to get carried away over. As Mark Bosnich noted on Fox Sports after the match, there's a long way to go just to be competitive in Brazil next year, but it's a hell of an improvement.

We run the rule over the first performance in the Postecoglou era.

OVERALL/TACTICS

The pride in the green and gold returned, and they are starting to remember what it's like to play with the ball again.

It was fascinating hearing veteran Mark Bresciano elaborate on the difference over the past week: "(It was) different (under Ange). I think you can see the boys are enjoying their football again, we showed that tonight - keeping possession, looking to play ... We got our enthusiasm back."

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The Socceroos pressed the Costa Rican midfield well for the majority of the 90 minutes, which went a long way to winning the midfield battle, and retrieving the ball promptly if we did happen to turn it over.

If that high tempo, energised style is to become a hallmark under Postecoglou, then we're going to see a return to a type of character that once again befits our national side.

Postecoglou is making no secrets of his approach. Mat Ryan was preferred because of his comfort with the ball at his feet; the coach singled out his full-backs for their energetic performances, and even in the dying moments of the match, you could hear the coach barking "keep the ball, keep the ball".

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A confidence returned to the side on the ball and there were more forward passes played than in a long time. Sure, the opponents didn't put a great deal of pressure on the Socceroos this time around, but the signs of the work in progress are promising.

There was always pace available in midfield - and in stark contrast to some of the recent performances under Holger Osieck, there was mobility and structure that helped support Bresciano, Neill and co, and build towards the clean sheet.

Was there cohesion for 90 minutes? Not at all; even Postecoglou said it was far from the fluency he would like. But it was certainly a step in the right direction - in attitude, demeanour and performance.

Mark : B+

MATCH REPORT: ANGE ERA OFF TO WINNING START

ANALYSIS: PLENTY OF POSITIVES FOR ANGE

TIRADE: NEILL: 'WHY ARE YOU F***IN BOOING?'

AS IT HAPPENED: RE-LIVE OUR INTERACTIVE BLOG

PLAYER RATING: WHO SHONE FOR THE SOCCEROOS?

DEFENCE

All the talk in the days leading into the game were that Mitchell Langerak would get the nod between the sticks, but game time for Club Brugge and his ability to sweep off his line and distribute saw Ryan get the nod. Barring two nervous miscommunications with Jason Davidson and Lucas Neill in the first-half, the former Central Coast Mariners stopper had little to worry about.

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That had a lot to do with a terrific performance from the back-four. Ivan Franjic is arguably the epitome of the type of player Postecoglou wants in his side, and he did not look out of place at this level, feeding Kruse cleanly all night, was on the money defensively at right back and often the man scrambling back to defuse dangerous situations.

Davidson, playing with Hercules in the Dutch first division, enjoyed his best 90 minute display for the Socceroos - recovering well after almost enduring a horror start when he headed past Ryan and scoring another international own goal. With the country craving a genuine left-back to step up to the plate, he now finds himself in the box seat, and was lavished with praise from Postecoglou after the match.

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A lot of focus was on captain Lucas Neill at the back, but alongside Rhys Williams, then Ryan McGowan, they were hardly troubled. Australia drifted a bit too deep midway through the first-half, but the back-four returned to squeezing further up the field in the second term, and Neill was quick to pressure Joel Campbell or Jonathan McDonald when they had their back to goal.

It's hard to remember Ryan having to make a save of note, so it was a job well done by the back-four.

"I thought he (Neill) marshalled the defence really well," Postecoglou said. "He kept us nice and compact.

"Rhys has been fantastic all week - he tweaked his groin yesterday, so to get through 60 minutes was (great)."

Mark: B

MIDFIELD

What an encouraging performance from Mark Milligan and Mile Jedinak playing alongside each other as the screening 'two' in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

"It's the first time I've played with him (Mile) at international level ... and when one was going, one was sitting," Milligan said after the game.

Indeed, the balance was solid as Australia dominated midfield and possession. Jedinak's work-rate was outstanding, but what was particularly impressive was his distribution - after a wobbly start, it was one of his sharpest displays in green and gold. Alongside Milligan, they consistently broke down Costa Rica's attack and it's a combination that looks promising going forward.

Further down the pitch, the more we see Robbie Kruse on the ball, the better. The Bayer Leverkusen man is a menace and a vital outlet. He almost put one on a platter for Matthew Leckie in the first-half, and his pace, movement and footwork are a treat to watch. He lures an incredible amount of fouls on him, which can put Australia into valuable set-piece territory, and also makes some incisive darts through the heart of the defence.

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It makes such a difference to Milligan and Jedinak to have pace to hit out wide, and if need be, a shrewd ballplayer in front of them. To start with, it was Mark Bresciano. It wasn't his most dangerous or consistent display in green and gold, but he put a tough week behind him to show signs of his importance - although it must be said, Costa Rica weren't putting a great deal of pressure on the Aussies on the ball.

The veteran, though, was arguably upstaged by Tom Rogic's cameo. In his stint, we saw glimpses of his surreal talent as he burst through the heart of midfield. The Celtic man needs more game time at club level, and if he develops that killer instinct, he will be the vital cog in the Roos XI.

Tommy Oar added another dimension when he replaced Dario Vidosic, who was involved in some nice interplay but probably didn't grab his opening with both hands. Oar was a slippery customer on the left.

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Can the midfield move the ball quicker, press more consistently and provide more incisive goal scoring opportunities? Of course. But as flat as Costa Rica were, a lot of it had a to do with the energy resonating from the Socceroos' engine room.

It was a hell of an improvement on recent outings and the intent was there.

Mark: B

UP FRONT

The more things change, the more they stay the same. You can throw all the analysis out the window, because at the end of the day, it was Australia's talisman who scored the way he has so many times for the national side - soaring above the pack with his head off a set piece.

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Cahill certainly provided an excellent focal point when he came on, but credit has to go to Mathew Leckie for his first big outing at international level. Alone up front, he drifted into space, was able to hold the ball up and link with the oncoming midfielders. On another day, would have had a goal.

We didn't see a lot of Cahill and Kennedy together, but there mere fact they were on together is another sign that there is a new coach in charge, prepared to try things.

Mark: B

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Watson still hoping to bowl in Test

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SHANE Watson managed six gentle deliveries at training yesterday, raising hopes that he may be able to bowl in the first Test, beginning at Brisbane's Gabba on Thursday.

However, his contribution with the ball will be so limited because of his latest hamstring drama, if it happens at all, spinner Nathan Lyon may be forced to sacrifice his own game and tie up an end.

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That Lyon is in the side at all is a show of faith from the selectors, which has not always been forthcoming given he was omitted at stages during Australia's most recent series in India and England this year.

Australian physiotherapist Alex Kountouris claimed that Watson was going well with his rehab.

"He did a little bit of bowling today, so that's in the infancy, but he's going well at the moment," Kountouris said.

"Obviously the Test is a long game, so we're building him up to bowl whenever he's ready to go.

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"So if it's this Test, that's great. If it's a bit longer, then that's how it's going to be."

Michael Clarke is an attacking captain who likes to use his spinners in that vein.

However, Lyon can see occasions where that may not be possible.

"If it's turning a lot I'll be a more attacking bowling, but if it's not turning as much and if it's seaming I might be thrown the ball to do a containing-and-holding role so we can rotate our fast men for the other end and try to create some pressure," Lyon said.

"I'm happy to do whatever role it takes for Australia to win a Test match. I'm all for the team, I don't care who's taking the wickets.

"If Ryan Harris takes five and six wickets, I take none for the game and we win the Test match, I'm over the moon. I'm happy with whatever role Michael Clarke comes up with, and hopefully I'll be able to take that and help get wickets from both ends."

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While all the talk at the Gabba is of fast bowlers, Lyon has a good record there, claiming 11 wickets in two Tests at just 24 apiece.

He is one of just three off-spinners who have taken more than eight wickets at the ground in their career.

The others are former West Indian world record wickets holder Lance Gibbs (14) and former Australian captain Ian Johnson (12).

"I really enjoy bowling at the Gabba, you are able to get a lot more bounce compared to other pitches around the country," Lyon said.

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Johnno, Corbin and their fast balls

Patrick Corbin: "My friends just said, 'Dude, you have a pretty good arm. Why don't you just go out there and give it a shot?" Source: Jared Wickerham / Supplied

PATRICK Corbin threw his first fastball wearing jeans.

Back then, the Arizona Diamondback was still in his teens. A junior at North Syracuse High.

A first pitch towards what would eventually be deliveries challenging those of Australian cricket speedster, Mitchell Johnson.

Now starring in the Major Leagues, Corbin will today join LA Dodgers catcher AJ Ellis at the Sydney Opera House as the hype surrounding the 2014 MLB season opener, to be held at the SCG next March, gathers momentum.

Despite being famed for his slider, Corbin still has a fastball that travels at 153km/hr. In comparison, Johnson, who starts his Ashes campaign on Thursday, recently had his own fastball clocked at 154.6km/hr.

Mitchell Johnson has recently been clocked bowling at 154.6km/hr as the Ashes loom. Source: Getty Images

Yet in a recent interview, Arizona superstar Corbin admitted he never even considered a baseball career until high school.

After being dragged along to tryouts by his friends, the coach asked if he could hit. 'No,' came the reply. 'Okay, I guess we better see if you can throw then'.

"I didn't really know what the heck was going on," Corbin recalled. "My friends just said, 'Dude, you have a pretty good arm. Why don't you just go out there and give it a shot?'

"I was good friends with all of them and was like, 'What the heck?' "

"I remember walking up to pitch with jeans on."

Ironically, it was a similar story of discovery for Johnson who, at 17 and bowling in his father's golf shoes, shocked Queensland cricket officials by recording the fastest delivery in the state.

Off the field, both speedsters are also considered shy, modest and incredibly respectful.

With his signing bonus, Corbin bought a used car instead of a new one. He also still lived at home with his parent's until earlier this year and, during the offseason, officiates youth basketball games.

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