Anyone for cricket?

[Sir Why You Little 36,761]

They got the rub of the green. And Test cricket is full of those days. Its also a test of character and Hussey certainly has that despite some of the churlish and small minded criticism that abounds.

Heard M Hussey interviewed on the wireless this morning before play (could have been last night) say that he was very lucky with that innings yesterday. That's all i have said.

I have actually never attacked M Hussey, i have loved watching him play his cricket, but at his age he is lucky to still be in the side. Many players in the same situation, character, and stats would have been retired. Hussey has survived, and Good Luck to him-but some people are able to roll their luck.

The Poms are back in this game...Mitchell's dropped chance could be very costly indeed-he should have held that one.

Doherty is doing ok so far. We are going to need him...

[titan_uranus 24,926]

Our advantage is slowly slipping away. That drop from Johnson will likely prove very costly. I see a big Strauss century coming up, and even though Doherty's getting spin and bounce, to lefties it's not nearly as threatening as to right handers. We need to break the partnership right now, and then Doherty will hopefully hurt their middle order.

Hussey and Siddle were probably the two most contentious selections, but they've put us where we are now. Siddle was OK this morning, nearly had Strauss of an inside edge.

Johnson and Hilfenhaus are both bowling varying levels of rubbish. At times Johnson looks threatening but then he slides one down the legs or bowls too far outside off. Hilfenhaus doesn't get his line right, and without swing he's much less dangerous. With Bollinger to come back they need to lift their game.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Heard M Hussey interviewed on the wireless this morning before play (could have been last night) say that he was very lucky with that innings yesterday. That's all i have said.

I have actually never attacked M Hussey, i have loved watching him play his cricket, but at his age he is lucky to still be in the side. Many players in the same situation, character, and stats would have been retired.

You called him a list clogger in October and backed it up when challenged about. You're so full of it that for a sensible person it would be embarrassing.

He played a great knock yesterday and all you can say is he was lucky so many times you sound like a scratched record. You cant even recognise the skill and character of the knock. Running out of pins again. Stauss and Cook played great knocks today but both had their share of good fortune.

Hussey is the same age as Katich and a year younger than Ponting. All three more than hold their spots ahead of younger teammates.

Its laughable you talk about character...Hussey has shown over his career he has got it by the bucketload. And he is the 5th highest batting average of any Australian. How is that a basis for retirement??

BTW, the issue was not that he was not lucky. Its what he did in the situation where the luck occurred and context of the match. That where the test of character. You cant even give due recognition.

Even for you Basil, your line on Hussey's knock is incredibly small minded.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

However, for mine, England are not down and out. .....

Unlike past series, I am not counting them out.

....

1st session today again critical. Australia must get wickets. Mitchell Johnson its time to stand up.

I was worried about Strauss but WOW what a performance by he and Cook.

On the alternative side, with the exception at times of Siddle, our attack looked very pedestrian and loose on a good batting strip.

England are back in this series and psychological the heat is back on Australia.

It will probably be a draw this Test but the battle lines are well and truly drawn.

To a win a Test you need to take 20 wickets....Australia has some real concerns with Hilfy, Johnson and Watson (too wide today). I thought we lacked a capable 4th innings bowler. Add the 3rd innings.

[Sir Why You Little 36,761]

You called him a list clogger in October and backed it up when challenged about. You're so full of it that for a sensible person it would be embarrassing.

He played a great knock yesterday and all you can say is he was lucky so many times you sound like a scratched record. You cant even recognise the skill and character of the knock. Running out of pins again. Stauss and Cook played great knocks today but both had their share of good fortune.

Hussey is the same age as Katich and a year younger than Ponting. All three more than hold their spots ahead of younger teammates.

Its laughable you talk about character...Hussey has shown over his career he has got it by the bucketload. And he is the 5th highest batting average of any Australian. How is that a basis for retirement??

Even for you Basil, your line on Hussey's knock is incredibly small minded.

You sound so much like Andrew Hilditch Rhino it is Humorous reading. Hussey is the luckiest Man in Australia...He said it himself on the radio this morning!!!! B)

[Nasher 33,607]

Johnson and Hilfenhaus are both bowling varying levels of rubbish. At times Johnson looks threatening but then he slides one down the legs or bowls too far outside off. Hilfenhaus doesn't get his line right, and without swing he's much less dangerous. With Bollinger to come back they need to lift their game.

I didn't see the play today, but the stats don't support your assertion on Hilfenhaus bowling rubbish (most economical of the full time bowlers). Can I get a second opinion? Rhino, HT?

On Johnson, what you're describing is pretty much how he's always bowled. I've always found it incredible with the number of wickets he gets with a nothing ball a foot outside off. His biggest weapon has always been deceit by pace rather than consistent line and length. Against real quality opposition, if he's not at his 100% best then I think he's always going to look dreadful.

[Jumping Jack Clennett 1,766]

Can't help thinking what a huge advantage the Poms gained by winning the toss.

Even though their first innings was poor, it was obvious the Aussies would need a HUGE lead to make the game safe, batting fourth against Swann .

Luckily, the Poms batted slowly this afternoon. If they'd got 140 ahead tonight, as they could have if they'd shown more initiative, we'd be in a very vulnerable position to LOSE this Test. It's still not impossible.

Bloody Bushrangers have won the toss the last 2 games and chosen to bowl on featherbeds, with the obvious disastrous outcomes.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

You sound so much like Andrew Hilditch Rhino it is Humorous reading. Hussey is the luckiest Man in Australia...He said it himself on the radio this morning!!!! B)

I'll repeat...

BTW, the issue was not that he was not lucky. Its what he did in the situation where the luck occurred and context of the match. That where the test of character. You cant even give due recognition.

Thanks for substantiating my assessment. Not that it needed it.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

I didn't see the play today, but the stats don't support your assertion on Hilfenhaus bowling rubbish (most economical of the full time bowlers). Can I get a second opinion? Rhino, HT?

On Johnson, what you're describing is pretty much how he's always bowled. I've always found it incredible with the number of wickets he gets with a nothing ball a foot outside off. His biggest weapon has always been deceit by pace rather than consistent line and length. Against real quality opposition, if he's not at his 100% best then I think he's always going to look dreadful.

Nasher,

Hilfy, Siddle and Johnson looked like first change bowlers out of form. Hilfy looked ordinary on the flat track. Take away his first over where he got Strauss, he has not measured up too well. Heats on him.

Johnson deceives through pace and at times bounce. He is bowling at around 141-142kph. At his best he is 150kph. He looks ordinary and his place in Adelaide on a belter must be in doubt.

I'll cut Doherty some slack in his first Test and having to back up when your pace bowlers are toothless. Johnson should have taken that catch (Geez Strauss was lucky. Aaarrghh. Only joking about the lucky).

On a belter in Adelaide I would think North and Johnson may be out. If Bollinger is fit for the game then he plays. I would bring in Khawaja. Clarke would have to be in doubt with his back. Only thing saving North.

In retrospect, aside from the hat trick burst from Siddle the bowlers have struggled.

Unless something changes dramatically the urn is in Englands hands.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Can't help thinking what a huge advantage the Poms gained by winning the toss.

Even though their first innings was poor, it was obvious the Aussies would need a HUGE lead to make the game safe, batting fourth against Swann .

Luckily, the Poms batted slowly this afternoon. If they'd got 140 ahead tonight, as they could have if they'd shown more initiative, we'd be in a very vulnerable position to LOSE this Test. It's still not impossible.

Unbelievable!!

The toss had nothing to do with it!

England won it and batted badly. Under normal circumstances, Australia's first innings lead of 221 on a Brisbane wicket should have been enough. If you check the records, the side that has the highest score at the end of first innings in an Ashes Test has usually gone onto win. Hindsight does not obviously weaken the Australian position.

England have put on a masterly display of batting which should psychologically belt the Australians. And their effort in the 2nd innings had little to do with the toss.

[H_T 3,042]

I didn't see the play today, but the stats don't support your assertion on Hilfenhaus bowling rubbish (most economical of the full time bowlers). Can I get a second opinion? Rhino, HT?

On Johnson, what you're describing is pretty much how he's always bowled. I've always found it incredible with the number of wickets he gets with a nothing ball a foot outside off. His biggest weapon has always been deceit by pace rather than consistent line and length. Against real quality opposition, if he's not at his 100% best then I think he's always going to look dreadful.

I didn't see much yesterday unfortunately to comment on yesterday's bowling Nasher, but from what I have seen in this Test (on what I can comment on) is Hilfy with his swing has looked much more dangerous and been close more often. To me Johnson has bowled too short at the Gabba and has been punished by Cook and from what I've seen today, Trott.

Being able swing the ball with pace is a very handy option to have. Johnson whilst quick has not been threatening the top order.

[H_T 3,042]

Unless something changes dramatically the urn is in Englands hands.

Agree with that. Batsmen need to stand up, particularly the middle order. But more importantly our bowlers need to take 20 wickets and need to make inroads into a confident top 6 outfit.

Whilst Australia did look on top and in control 200+ in front, it goes to show why Test cricket can certainly test both physically and mentally. England have counter punched the Aussies a beauty. Pretty much told the Aussies they are in for a tough Summer and won't relinquish the urn without one hell of a fight.

That's why it's my choice of cricket. And why it will prosper.

And why the stands will be filled in all 5 Tests.

[titan_uranus 24,926]

Same problems resurfacing. Embarrassingly huge partnership between Cook and Trott. 316. None of the bowlers have looked capable. Our ability to take 20 wickets has always been an issue and its not improving. Hilfy isn't threatening without swing and bowls far too straight too often. Johnson has no stock delivery nor accuracy and should be dropped. Siddle lacks venom at the moment. Doherty is getting attacked too easily.

Bollinger for Johnson in Adelaide, and Harris to threaten Hilfenhaus.

Should be interesting to see what happens when we bat today.

[H_T 3,042]

Johnson has a stock delivery titan..it's flat out. He doesn't possess the skill to have the seam straight (hence no swing), when it leaves the hand it's more a scrambled seam. Unless he hits a crack, it's pretty much just straight up and down.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

England have made an awesome statement over the past 2 days.

They have smashed Australia and neutered its attack.

[titan_uranus 24,926]

Johnson has a stock delivery titan..it's flat out. He doesn't possess the skill to have the seam straight (hence no swing), when it leaves the hand it's more a scrambled seam. Unless he hits a crack, it's pretty much just straight up and down.

Its not really a stock delivery because he has no control over it HT.

Katich out for 4. Lack of discipline (flirted outside off), diligent bowling and a catch taken. Spot the difference.

[wisedog 350]

The greatest difference Ive noticed in the Australia cricket team since the McGrath/Warne era is our inability to finish off the tail. There have been too many occasions over the past 2 years where weve been in strong winning positions only to throw away the game in the last 2 days.

Remember South Africas tour in 2008/2009, when South Africa effortlessly chased down 414 in the 2nd innings at Perth? Then came Duminy and Steyns record partnership in Melbourne!

In last years Cardiff test, we couldnt break a last wicket stand between Anderson and Panesar which ultimately cost us the series.

Even in the first test agaist India we couldnt break the tail and allowed India ground out a win after Ishant Shrama survived 100 + balls.

Weve just lost that killer instinct.

Edited November 29, 2010 by wisedog

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

We’ve just lost that killer instinct.

No just lack a capable 4th innings bowler since Warne retired to commentary botox...I mean box. B)

[H_T 3,042]

Its not really a stock delivery because he has no control over it HT.

That's precisely right.

Cook loves them.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

I am not too sure why people are claiming the game was a great contest:

1. 22 wickets fell for over 1500 runs. Only 2 wickets in the past 3 days. The result was inevitable. Brisbane is arguably the best track in Australia but the curator has let us down here. Its a dud. We now move to batting decks of Adelaide and Perth. Not good.

2. There are questions about both attacks but I would rather England's than Australia. Commentators bemoaned that Collingwood was not Test Class on day 3 as a bowler becasue he had no penetration. Well Australia had 4 Collingwoods bowling on the last two days.

3. England made an emphatic statement over the last 2 days. A number of Australian bowlers viewd as being keys to the series are likely to be out of the team by the 3rd Test.

4. Australia will struggle to win a Test and the Ashes will stay in old Blighty.

[H_T 3,042]

I like point 2.

Melbourne will be interesting. And I for one cannot wait to walk through the turnstiles.

[titan_uranus 24,926]

Australia's issues, for mine, stem back to the tour of India in 2008. In the first Test there we put 430 on the board in the first innings and then had India at 7/232, but Harbhajan and Zaheer then put on 80 for the 8th wicket. Since then we've seen the Australian team fail numerous times to take 20 wickets (vs South Africa in Perth and Melbourne, vs England at Cardiff, vs West Indies in Adelaide, vs India at Mohali, now vs England at Brisbane). Most of those games we were in winning positions at some point too.

I am not too sure why people are claiming the game was a great contest:

1. 22 wickets fell for over 1500 runs. Only 2 wickets in the past 3 days. The result was inevitable. Brisbane is arguably the best track in Australia but the curator has let us down here. Its a dud. We now move to batting decks of Adelaide and Perth. Not good.

2. There are questions about both attacks but I would rather England's than Australia. Commentators bemoaned that Collingwood was not Test Class on day 3 as a bowler becasue he had no penetration. Well Australia had 4 Collingwoods bowling on the last two days.

3. England made an emphatic statement over the last 2 days. A number of Australian bowlers viewd as being keys to the series are likely to be out of the team by the 3rd Test.

4. Australia will struggle to win a Test and the Ashes will stay in old Blighty.

I thought the first three days were quite good. Obviously Days 4 and 5, with the extra sun, the pitch became a road and only two wickets fell. But the first few days were a pretty gripping contest, ebbing and flowing.

I'd also rather have England's bowlers than Australia's, but maybe not if Bollinger and Harris come in for Johnson and Hilfenhaus.

[titan_uranus 24,926]

Johnson out. Good call.

I'd go with Siddle, Bollinger and Harris. Harris will be more damaging than Hilfenhaus once the shine wears off the new ball. The problem with Harris is his potentially dodgy knee.

Claims that the tail will be lengthened aren't that big of a worry. With six ducks in his last 12 innings, it's not like Johnson has been scoring plenty at 8 anyway. Harris can bat at 8 no worries, so can Doherty. Hilfenhaus has a Test 50 to his name, and Siddle was a part of that big partnership in Sydney with Hussey. So there's a bit of batting there.

[H_T 3,042]

Johnson out. Good call.

I'd go with Siddle, Bollinger and Harris. Harris will be more damaging than Hilfenhaus once the shine wears off the new ball. The problem with Harris is his potentially dodgy knee.

Claims that the tail will be lengthened aren't that big of a worry. With six ducks in his last 12 innings, it's not like Johnson has been scoring plenty at 8 anyway. Harris can bat at 8 no worries, so can Doherty. Hilfenhaus has a Test 50 to his name, and Siddle was a part of that big partnership in Sydney with Hussey. So there's a bit of batting there.

Looks as though Clarke is confident in playing. harris got through the game against the VICS, so he'd be a chance.

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

How can this be the first time I've seen this thread? Wow... Coming up to 3 years old.