Anyone for cricket?

[45HG 1,539]

Carn the Vics

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

I don't think he is a great communicator, mainly because he hasn't had to communicate negative things in his tenure as skipper. I think he is a bit arrogant and stubborn at times, which impacts on his ability to both bat and captain.

I would have thought the Ashes 2005 was a period where there were a few home truths laid out and 18 months later there was an Ashes whitewash. Skipper's credit????

I dont find arrogance and stubbornness a problem with Ponting. As a batsman he is likely to surpass Tendulkar Test runs record within 2 years. So much for his ability to bat!

Great pick 45HG. A Vic win inside three days at the Gabba. Rare as hen's teeth!

[Rogue 585]

It was always going to come with the retirement of legends of the game in McGrath and Warne. Arguably the best in their respective trades.

Yes, good points once more, titan. With respect to a 'quality spinner', I would put to you Bryce McGain. He would of played had he not injured himself.

So what's your answer, considering you said we needed to get a quality spinner in there?

I don't think there's one available, let alone one on tour.

I agree with McGain.

I'm really surprised Kreza got the call though.

Obviously Casson being overlooked was a bit of a surprise.

Doran seems to have fallen off the radar a bit (while you could argue he was never on it, Kreza was fourth in line at NSW when he left).

Sorry HT, I do tend to get a little defensive when it comes to Brett as I sincerely like the guy......

Deep breath first, then write your replies

[45HG 1,539]

Great pick 45HG. A Vic win inside three days at the Gabba. Rare as hen's teeth!

Would've been great to see it. Good to see Quiney get some runs, and Nannes seems so consistent.

Victorian cricket is very strong at present, though I don't really know how. Is it just part of the motion? Will we drop away again soon? Though haing said that, we seem to be there or thereabouts in at least one form of the game.

Do we have a lot of players that can hold their own against lower attacks, but struggle on the big stage? (Sheffield Shield and One day final last year)

Amazing win though, 8 points from two away games, good start.

Ponting has averaged over 60 since assuming the Captaincy, whatever way you look at it, that's amazing.

And HT, yes i think it's easy to say the problem is there's no Warne and no Mcgrath, but that's precisely the problem. Take two of the best bowlers ever out of any team, of course there will be a let down. Dropping White will not be the answer, though he may not be up to the standard (perhaps another example of the Vics not cutting it on the big stage). We do not have quality turners of the ball. Though from reports Cullen has improved, and Krezja looks alright(comparatively).

Not sure about Mcgain, how can we call an uncapped player anything near a replacement for Warne? No offence to him, but he's only held a Victorian spot for 19 matches, and even that it's only really been for one season (his 37th year). I wouldn't pin my hopes on him

You just cannot underestimate how much we're missing McGrath.

In India, for instance, obviously a place not favourable to Fast Bowlers, he averaged 21.3. 21.3! He would hold an end as good, if not better (which is my opinion) than Warne would. Our attack lacks control, i feel that's the biggest issue.

Too many bowlers that simply don't seem to be able to hit a target consistently enough to force pressure.

As for the batting, I've always felt our middle order to be somewhat suspect, and it's only going to get found out more and more. It could become something of an open gate by the time we arrive home from South Africa. The ridiculously arrogant display put on in the run chase symbolized how I view much of the Australian team. They did not show the opposition enough respect and it turned on them viciously.

The Indian second innings, whilst brisk, was well played against an impotent bowling attack. The Australians should have recognised that and batted within themselves until they felt they had their eyes-in, and built upon their innings' from there.

[H_T 3,047]

Sorry HT, I do tend to get a little defensive when it comes to Brett as I sincerely like the guy......

What we do have a bunch of younger prospects that have to be looked at and worked on. I didn't think Cassen was to bad in the West Indies earlier in the year, despite their pitches doing bugger all for spinners, and I was genuinely surprised that he was left out in favour of Krezja. McGain deserved the nod given his figures, but injury (and his age to a point) may have robbed him of his opportunity. I have never seen White as the answer, which is pretty unfortunate since he could have been a genuine all-rounder if his bowling was more of a threat than it is.

I think the reality is we are all going to have to come to terms with the rough ride we have in front of us, as the national team goes through a massive re-shape and rebuilds itself. You don't lose what we have lost and will continue to lose in the next year or so and simply bounce. It was a tough match in Mohali and one that plenty can be learned from and improved on and hopefully we will see that improvement in the next test.

But I wouldn't be making knee jerk changes to the team, they just need to do everything better!!!

Lee will bounce back QueenC, you watch. After being beaten in just about every aspect of the second test, The Aussies will make sure they're ready to rumble in the 3rd Test after being humiliated.

Carn the Vics

Yes!! Great start to the season....again.

So what's your answer, considering you said we needed to get a quality spinner in there?

I did say that didn't I? I also said that it appears the "cupboard is bare" of quality spinners. They need someone to consistently bowl at one end, and dry up the runs, especially against the likes of India to increase pressure on the opposition. ie. Whether that is Beau Cassen, Krezja, Cullen or McGain - or someone we are yet to find, it remains to be seen. On Indian pitches, you need to turn the ball and take wickets much like Harbajan has in the series to date. IMO McGain is currently the best of these in terms of consistency.

And HT, yes i think it's easy to say the problem is there's no Warne and no Mcgrath, but that's precisely the problem. Take two of the best bowlers ever out of any team, of course there will be a let down.

Effectively we agree on this 45hotgod.

Dropping White will not be the answer, though he may not be up to the standard (perhaps another example of the Vics not cutting it on the big stage). We do not have quality turners of the ball. Though from reports Cullen has improved, and Krezja looks alright(comparatively).

McGain is a quality turner IMO. He has shown enough of his weapons in both Sheffield Shield (Ie Pura Cup), and the one day format. He can turn the ball.

Not sure about Mcgain, how can we call an uncapped player anything near a replacement for Warne? No offence to him, but he's only held a Victorian spot for 19 matches, and even that it's only really been for one season (his 37th year). I wouldn't pin my hopes on him

I know what you're saying. But the selectors in the past have grabbed blokes in their late 30's, early 40's before and sometimes from obscurity for a series or two. Ie. Peter Taylor, Bob Holland, Greg Matthews (Mark II)- , Tim May.

McGains 19 matches compares favourably to a Peter Taylor before National call-up. Whilst I'm not pinning my hopes on him, I would be more confident in giving him the ball at one end, to hold one end down for me, even take a wicket or two knowing that he can turn the ball.

[QueenC 74]

Deep breath first, then write your replies

You trying to get up my nose? Cause if so you're are doing remarkably well !!!

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Well done Adam Gilchrist on his remarks about last summer.

The Indian behaviour on that tour on and off the field was reprehensible and unsportsmanlike. Their threat to boycott the tour over Harbarjan was a joke and the low character of the player concerned was for all to see during the IPL series. How stupid the Indians looked standing up to the character of a player who was a front page embarrassment back home.

The label of Australians before this series as cheats by Indian players was unprecedented and appalling.

This will obviously upset the Indian cricket community but they should remember that its not up to them to make the rest of the world walk on rice paper from their whims

[titan_uranus 25,019]

I would have thought the Ashes 2005 was a period where there were a few home truths laid out and 18 months later there was an Ashes whitewash. Skipper's credit????

I dont find arrogance and stubbornness a problem with Ponting. As a batsman he is likely to surpass Tendulkar Test runs record within 2 years. So much for his ability to bat!

I never questioned his ability to bat. I was just saying that, from my point of view, his fracas with Lee probably affected his batting. My point was that I think Ponting's communicative skills aren't flash, and because of that, and the subsequent incident with Lee, his batting suffered. Overall, his batting is fine, it's just at those specific moments where I think some of his other roles can get to him a bit. But maybe not.

The Indian behaviour on that tour on and off the field was reprehensible and unsportsmanlike. Their threat to boycott the tour over Harbarjan was a joke and the low character of the player concerned was for all to see during the IPL series. How stupid the Indians looked standing up to the character of a player who was a front page embarrassment back home.

The label of Australians before this series as cheats by Indian players was unprecedented and appalling.

This will obviously upset the Indian cricket community but they should remember that its not up to them to make the rest of the world walk on rice paper from their whims

I'm with you 100%. When you look back on what happened, and India's subsequent actions, you see just how ridiculous they acted. I'm surprised more hasn't been said about Sehwag not walking when he was clearly out, considering what happened over the summer.

[QueenC 74]

Well done Adam Gilchrist on his remarks about last summer.

The Indian behaviour on that tour on and off the field was reprehensible and unsportsmanlike. Their threat to boycott the tour over Harbarjan was a joke and the low character of the player concerned was for all to see during the IPL series. How stupid the Indians looked standing up to the character of a player who was a front page embarrassment back home.

The label of Australians before this series as cheats by Indian players was unprecedented and appalling.

This will obviously upset the Indian cricket community but they should remember that its not up to them to make the rest of the world walk on rice paper from their whims

Amen Rhino......

If there were any more eggshells everyone has to walk on it would make the actual playing of cricket impossible.

I thought Tendulkar's actions and opinions last summer were some of the worst I have witnessed. To state that they should all take their bats and balls (if they exist) and go home if Singh was not found innocent of racial abuse was extremely incendiary and only made the matter far worse than it already was, and of course everyone buckled. He is a fine, brilliant player, but I am thrilled that someone has said something that I have thought for quite some time now.

[QueenC 74]

Apropos.......

Gilchrist called to explain: Tendulkar

[WonnaJurah 5]

just watched some of the stanford 20 20 series , who designed those uniforms seriously, plus the purple umpires

[H_T 3,047]

Apropos.......

Gilchrist called to explain: Tendulkar

You know, I would be very surprised if Gilchrist called Tendulkar to say that his comments were taken out of context. Seems to me the Indians love watering down issues or try to deflect issues any way they can.

Congrats to Gilchrists comments about the Indians, particularly Tendulkar, last summer.

PS. RR good post. I don't think your comments will upset the Indian community. Ie. ...."Making the rest of the world walk on rice paper from their whims." That is fine. Had you used "papadums" - now that would of been crossing the line.

[Rogue 585]

Bangladesh are hapless and should have Test status revoked.

In the meantime, we have stats like this:

DL Vettori 1 1 0 3*

Talking of hapless, Vettori has saved NZ from embarassment this series.

However, there's still a fair gap between the two sides.

* the wickets were batsmen 2,3,4.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Bangladesh are hapless and should have Test status revoked.

In the meantime, we have stats like this:

DL Vettori 1 1 0 3*

Talking of hapless, Vettori has saved NZ from embarassment this series.

However, there's still a fair gap between the two sides.

* the wickets were batsmen 2,3,4.

Some years ago when Bangladesh won the honours in a one day game against Australia, I said that regardless of this, its a travesty to Test cricket that Bangladesh and Zimbabwe were given and retained Test cricket status. There were howls of protest from posters about my comments.

Then a couple of weeks later Jason Gillespie hits an unbeaten double century in a Test against B'desh. All the howling posters went very quiet.

Since then nothing has changed and ICC has another embarrassment it does not address, particularly Zimbabwe. Is there a global sporting body around who has had the game its supposedly regulating pass it by as much as cricket?

As for NZ, I dont think I have seen a greener, more inexperienced NZ line up that Vettori has to lead. He has done very well with such a side. NZ are on the rebuild.

However, I have read an article saying that the Australians have just figured that the Indians are reverse swinging after 10 overs. Australia is doing after 70 overs.

What the FFS is Troy Cooley doing? IMO that a massive oversight by a side supposed to be world champions (ATM).

[titan_uranus 25,019]

Well folks, Test number 3 is upon us.

Team changes are as followss:

India: IN: Kumble OUT: Harbhajan

Australia IN: Clark OUT: Siddle

Siddle was unlucky to go. Harbhajan out is a positive for us.

India won the toss, batted first, and in the third over Lee took Sehwag LBW for one. Score is 1/16.

[45HG 1,539]

What's the go with White?

[WonnaJurah 5]

What's the go with White?

27 from 4 overs, hmm pretty bad

[H_T 3,047]

27 from 4 overs, hmm pretty bad

Not exactly what the skipper needs from a spinner. Krejza should be bowling.

[WonnaJurah 5]

time to put symonds on a plane to india, offer a lifetime heinz contract to warnie , we need help fast over in india , hell even shaun tait might be about to do a thing or 2

[titan_uranus 25,019]

time to put symonds on a plane to india, offer a lifetime heinz contract to warnie , we need help fast over in india , hell even shaun tait might be about to do a thing or 2

Tait wouldn't help, the problem is we need a spinner. Plus I don't think Tait is good enough at Test level.

Warne is gone. Get over it. (I'm not sure if you were being serious or not though)

I'm not convinced that Symonds will be the saviour of this team. Has anyone noticed how badly he's doing in Queensland? Ineffective bowling and terrible batting. It's quite concerning.

[45HG 1,539]

I thought Gambir's appeal was going to be successful, going by past instances.

Good to see the decision upheld

[Rogue 585]

I thought Gambir's appeal was going to be successful, going by past instances.

Good to see the decision upheld

Or that the appeal would have been delayed until after the next Test - pretty surprising.

[H_T 3,047]

Or that the appeal would have been delayed until after the next Test - pretty surprising.

Very surprising.

Its is plain as the zinc on their faces for the Aussies. If they're to win, they must take 20 wickets. I can't see the Aussies winning based on their recent two tests. They definitely will not win if India make 500+ in their first innings.

[titan_uranus 25,019]

Or that the appeal would have been delayed until after the next Test - pretty surprising.

Yeah, I expected the appeal to be held off. The BCCI has a lot of power, I'm surprised they didn't win this battle. And it helps the Australians dramatically.

Its is plain as the zinc on their faces for the Aussies. If they're to win, they must take 20 wickets. I can't see the Aussies winning based on their recent two tests. They definitely will not win if India make 500+ in their first innings.

Too right HT. Which is why the toss is so important. If we can get in first and set a nice score in the first innings, then maybe the match will play out a bit more like Bangalore than Mohali (provided the pitch is good for batting). In Bangalore we had a big first innings, which I think helped us bowl to the Indians. If we bat second, with a 500-600 deficit to chase, well you can probably write it off then.

I would bring Siddle in for Clark. Clark's only taken 2 wickets in 4 innings, and he just isn't dangerous enough. In the second innings in Delhi he consistently bowled a ridiculous line outside off stump to Gambhir when we were in need of quick wickets. Yes, he's economical, but I think Siddle's aggression is more highly required at this point in time.

Cameron White's batting in the second innings may just have saved him from being dropped for Krejza. But that's a 50-50, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Krejza come in.

[H_T 3,047]

Cameron White's batting in the second innings may just have saved him from being dropped for Krejza. But that's a 50-50, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Krejza come in.

May as well try something with Krejza. IMO they should play him. I understand it's a 50-50 too. But let's take a look at him.