Giant fast bowler Chris Tremlett and his pace team mates will stay with the rest of the England squad. Source: News Limited ENGLAND has abandoned their successful ploy of sending an advance bowling contingent to Brisbane - because they are still clueless about their best XI for the Gabba Test.
Three years ago, the Poms flew their Test attack and bowling coach David Saker to Brisbane a week early for a private mini-camp which helped the bowlers acclimatise to the unique local conditions.
They left their second stringers Chris Tremlett, Tim Bresnan, Ajmal Shahzad and Monty Panesar in chilly Hobart to play in a who-cares game against an Australia A side captained by Cameron White.
Meanwhile Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad, Steve Finn and Graeme Swann were sweating it out in the nets in Brisbane in a week of heavy-duty practice as they were given extra time to get used to the local conditions.
Saker, the former Victorian paceman, said recently that the Brisbane camp in 2010-11 was a big moment in getting to know the England bowlers and earn their trust.
But this time, England team management have insisted the squad stays together in Sydney for this week's four-day game against an Australian Invitational XI featuring some of Australia's best Sheffield Shield players.
An England team spokesperson confirmed there were no plans to travel early to Brisbane and the squad would fly north on Sunday, the day after the tour game ends in Sydney.
The Courier-Mail has been told the main reason for not sending an advance party to Brisbane is the Poms remain uncertain what their best Test side is for the Ashes.
They want to keep the entire squad together as they are having major headaches deciding who should fill their third fast bowling slot behind certainties Anderson and Broad.
Tall timber Tremlett appears to be just in front of Finn and Boyd Rankin, but the final fast bowling spot is far from being set in stone and performances this week could yet be the deciding factor.
Big runs from Michael Carberry on tour so far may have sealed his opening batting spot, with Joe Root pushed down to No.6, but that is not yet a fait accompli.
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