With the battle for the Ashes now in full swing, it's time to decide what stock exchange stalwarts have the qualities required to thrash the poms and give Australia a world-beating cricket team again. So here's a Motley Fool's handpicked Ashes XI.
You need some your of your best men to open up the batting and there's none better than bourse heavyweight BHP Billiton (ASX: BHP). A front-foot stroke maker, experienced and intimidatory, this run machine will anchor the innings.
Joining BHP at number two is the mercurial Fortescue Metals Group (ASX: FMG). Having been on a sticky wicket at times, it's a true fighter and doesn't know the meaning of surrender. Sure to adopt an extrovert approach, this one's a born entertainer.
Captaincy honours go to Australian icon Qantas (ASX: QAN). Form has been a bit patchy of late but class they say is permanent. With chief executive Alan Joyce in charge of the sledging, the English will be looking for a flight home soon enough. This selection may just be for the cricket field though!
In at four is another Australian great, Woolworths (ASX WOW). It has an impressive average built on a solid technique of smashing the opposition for six. A flat track bully, Woolworths tends to pile on the runs without breaking sweat, just what's needed in the middle order.
Number five requires a dashing stroke maker and none better than the stock exchange's answer to Michael Clarke, Macquarie Group (ASX: MQG). This business is sure to impress in the right environment, always looking for new ways to score, the silver donut can be explosive on its day and looks a potential match winner.
An all rounder is required at six and none better than all-round entertainer Telstra (ASX: TLS). This business has Australia covered when it comes to multi-tasking, a reliable income payer with potential to bowl the opposition out as well.
Keeping wicket and almost as legendary as Adam Gilchrist himself, is blood products maker CSL (ASX: CSL). With safe hands and a straight bat it has has achieved wonderful things. A class act that deservedly makes this Fool's XI.
There's little doubt that spin-king Shane Warne would approve of Domino's Pizza's (ASX: DMP) selection for the spinner's role. Its own demon deliveries have been bowling out the opposition almost as fast as Warney lately. It's been expanding into Japan and with all those varieties fits the bill for a top-class spinner.
Filling the seamer's spot at number nine are line and length retail merchants Kathmandu (ASX: KMD). This company has what it takes to reach the top and that's this team's goal. This business is on a roll and may be a future star to watch out for.
Appropriate use of the decision review system can be crucial to the outcome of matches. That's why legal eagles Slater & Gordon (ASX: SGH) have been hired to do the fast bowling and more complex thinking. Anything up for review will be theirs to challenge, and with an impressive track record and growing revenues this business won't let the side down.
With some saying Twenty20 cricket and the fried chicken Big Bash league have not helped Test cricket in Australia, the shock call up of Kentucky Fried Chicken operator Collins Food Limited (ASX: CKF) may be controversial. Blistering pace is its strength though, and a share price climb means it may have a shot at redemption yet.
Foolish takeaway
Now all that's left is to sit back and see how this team performs. It's certainly a multi-talented bunch with potential for some high-performance. There's certain to be some short-term dramas but ride those out and glorious victory may be on the horizon.
