Anyone for cricket?

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Ceylon are right back in this game. If they bat through today.

Clarke may rue his decision at the toss.

Wouldn't have been my call.

We were 9 down for FFS.

The biggest issue was to go into the Sydney Test with 4 quicks on a dry wicket.

[Sir Why You Little 36,675]

We were 9 down for FFS.

The biggest issue was to go into the Sydney Test with 4 quicks on a dry wicket.

what are you talking about?

I am talking about day 3 of this game.

I would not choose to bat last on a sydney pitch.

FFS.

[Biffen 12,862]

We were 9 down for FFS.

The biggest issue was to go into the Sydney Test with 4 quicks on a dry wicket.

Doesn't stop the spice island from mixing it up .

The Sydney test is about batting against spin .

Always.

[wisedog 350]

It is a dead rubber though, Wyl . If we do lose this test it won't be remembered in future years . We used to lose the odd dead rubber when we were no.1 in the World but so what ?

You never like to lose a test but we've won the series and this is in some ways a practice match . For instance, would the selectors have only played 5 specialist batsmen if it were a live rubber ? Play the extra spinner if you're going to experiment (as preparation for India) Now that was an error (in my opinion) .

I'd like to see us chase down 250 odd though - for a few reasons .

Edit : without the aid of google or 'Alto Vista',(yes, it still exists!) can anyone recall the last time we lost a dead rubber? Against which nation and where?

I think it might have been against South Africa in Cape Town, 2009.

From memory, the results of the series mirrored South Africa’s tour of Australia the previous year. Both home sides lost the first two tests and won the dead rubber.

[Macca 16,648]

I think it might have been against South Africa in Cape Town, 2009.

From memory, the results of the series mirrored South Africa’s tour of Australia the previous year. Both home sides lost the first two tests and won the dead rubber.

Good get wisedog . I had no idea myself but you've twigged my memory . Johnno and Hughes played very well in that series and it was regarded as an unexpected series win by the Aussies . From memory Andrew McDonald picked up some vital wickets in that series as well .

Edited January 5, 2013 by Macca

[wisedog 350]

Good get wisedog . I had no idea myself but you've twigged my memory . Johnno and Hughes played very well in that series and it was regarded as an unexpected series win by the Aussies . From memory Andrew McDonald picked up some vital wickets in that series as well .

Yeah, I think he came in for the Sydney test and took some big wickets in the second innings.

Those first two matches were probably the most frustrating games of cricket I’ve ever seen. Two extraordinary comebacks by South Africa...

[Macca 16,648]

Yeah, I think he came in for the Sydney test and took some big wickets in the second innings.

Those first two matches were probably the most frustrating games of cricket I’ve ever seen. Two extraordinary comebacks by South Africa...

They chased down over 400 in Perth in the 1st Test (?) in that series over here - wasn't good . South Africa would have been devastated just a few months later though .

It's strange what you remember - we played them in 2 series over a period of 3 - 4 months but it's our series win over there which stands out in my memory . Probably because our loss here wasn't totally unexpected but the win over there was a complete surprise.

In the recent series we were in a position to win both the 1st and 2nd test but couldn't get it done . Then they win the 3rd Test after our terrible 2nd day (in Perth) . The selectors mucked up the bowling rotations, though Pattinson breaking down in Adelaide didn't help .

Edit : Pages 14 through to 23 of this thread cover both series - it's interesting picking up the mood of the people who posted during that time period .

Edited January 6, 2013 by Macca

[daisycutter 29,343]

well mr cricket was again mr consistency. 52 runs for 1 wicket and his test average is 51.something, and still batting at the end of the game which was his hallmark

short of a ton, but not too bad a way to go out

i'll miss the huss even if it was time to pull up the stumps

[low flying Robbo 979]

Anyone else see Warne v Samuels tonight?

Warnie must not have been thinking when he dropped a fairly audible "F##k you mate" directly into his mic at Samuels... Wasn't great when he lobbed the ball into him in the next over but it certainly didn't need Samuels to throw his bat.... I guess the Stars got the last laugh when Malinga got him with a bouncer right in the face and he had to retire. I actually wouldn't be surprised if Samuels has a broken eye socket out of it, damn that would hurt.

[Little Richard 6,216]

Anyone else see Warne v Samuels tonight?

Warnie must not have been thinking when he dropped a fairly audible "F##k you mate" directly into his mic at Samuels... Wasn't great when he lobbed the ball into him in the next over but it certainly didn't need Samuels to throw his bat.... I guess the Stars got the last laugh when Malinga got him with a bouncer right in the face and he had to retire. I actually wouldn't be surprised if Samuels has a broken eye socket out of it, damn that would hurt.

Stemmed from Samuels grabbing Hussey in the first innings when he was running between wickets. Shane has really lost the plot, though he was really out of it when he was harassing Stuart Carlisle of Zimbabwe on the pitch in 2001, memorable words from Warnie that day.

[dee-luded 2,959]

Watto could be back as opener?

Ed Cowan's position in the Australian Test team is on shaky ground after the selectors revealed they'll consider moving Shane Watson back to opener.

Injury-prone vice-captain Watson has given up his allrounder status, declaring he wants to be considered as a batsman only.

Watson was only moved down from the top of the order to help manage his workload, but now he won't bowl there's nothing stopping him from slotting back into his best position at opener against India next month and England in July.

Australian coach Mickey Arthur acknowledged that was a genuine possibility while also revealing in the aftermath of the series win over Sri Lanka that Brad Haddin would definitely go on the Ashes tour as a back-up wicketkeeper.

"If he (Watson) is not bowling it's worth the consideration," said Arthur. "It will certainly be worth the chat.

"I still maintain that I felt No.4 was a really good fit but that was (with) Shane Watson bowling some overs as well.

"Watto wants to come back as a batsman. He feels every time he bats and then gets injured bowling, he loses a bit of momentum with his batting.

"Maybe he does (open again), maybe he doesn't, but it's probably too early to even discuss it."

Despite a century to begin the summer against South Africa in Brisbane, Cowan is now on thin ice, averaging just 32.81 from 13 Tests. The Tasmanian looked out of sorts in his two innings against Sri Lanka in Sydney and has missed too many opportunities to cash in on good pitches.

On the other hand, Watson averages 43.67 as an opener, far better than he fares elsewhere in the order.

http://news.theage.c...0107-2ccm4.html

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Warnie must not have been thinking when he dropped a fairly audible "F##k you mate" directly into his mic at Samuels... Wasn't great when he lobbed the ball into him in the next over but it certainly didn't need Samuels to throw his bat.... I guess the Stars got the last laugh when Malinga got him with a bouncer right in the face and he had to retire. I actually wouldn't be surprised if Samuels has a broken eye socket out of it, damn that would hurt.

Its was not Warnie...it was Joe the cameraman.

Stemmed from Samuels grabbing Hussey in the first innings when he was running between wickets. Shane has really lost the plot, though he was really out of it when he was harassing Stuart Carlisle of Zimbabwe on the pitch in 2001, memorable words from Warnie that day.

And its all good publicity for a 20/20 competition that thrives on media attention.

Still think that Botox boy is a bit of a clown these days. Hated the vision of the silly incident. Warne only got a slap on the wrist. An injection in his cheek would have hurt more.

[Little Richard 6,216]

Watto could be back as opener?

Ed Cowan's position in the Australian Test team is on shaky ground after the selectors revealed they'll consider moving Shane Watson back to opener.

Injury-prone vice-captain Watson has given up his allrounder status, declaring he wants to be considered as a batsman only.

Watson was only moved down from the top of the order to help manage his workload, but now he won't bowl there's nothing stopping him from slotting back into his best position at opener against India next month and England in July.

Australian coach Mickey Arthur acknowledged that was a genuine possibility while also revealing in the aftermath of the series win over Sri Lanka that Brad Haddin would definitely go on the Ashes tour as a back-up wicketkeeper.

"If he (Watson) is not bowling it's worth the consideration," said Arthur. "It will certainly be worth the chat.

"I still maintain that I felt No.4 was a really good fit but that was (with) Shane Watson bowling some overs as well.

"Watto wants to come back as a batsman. He feels every time he bats and then gets injured bowling, he loses a bit of momentum with his batting.

"Maybe he does (open again), maybe he doesn't, but it's probably too early to even discuss it."

Despite a century to begin the summer against South Africa in Brisbane, Cowan is now on thin ice, averaging just 32.81 from 13 Tests. The Tasmanian looked out of sorts in his two innings against Sri Lanka in Sydney and has missed too many opportunities to cash in on good pitches.

On the other hand, Watson averages 43.67 as an opener, far better than he fares elsewhere in the order.

http://news.theage.c...0107-2ccm4.html

I actually believe Watson's bowling is more valuable than his batting. Hasn't done it with the willow for a while and he is our most reliable bowler barring probably Siddle. Always manages to take a wicket when we need it and is understandably underused due to his body.

Fair enough if he is focussing on his batting to try and squeeze out a few more years though.

[Little Richard 6,216]

And its all good publicity for a 20/20 competition that thrives on media attention.

Still think that Botox boy is a bit of a clown these days. Hated the vision of the silly incident. Warne only got a slap on the wrist. An injection in his cheek would have hurt more.

This is true, it was ugly to watch. They couldn't give him more than a slap on the wrist anyway for fear of damaging the ratings and crowd numbers.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Watson with only one string to his bow batting or bowling is not good enough. As an all rounder he offered scope for the side. I don't think his body is up to either. Cowan has more to worry about from his own brainfades. Thought he played a steadying knock in the 2nd innings.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Both Samuels and Warnes performance in the BBL was completely disgraceful and shameful. Samuel should have been banned for the rest of the year. Bat throwing is a no no but grabbing the shirt of a batsman to retarded them is outrageous.

For his part, Warne vigilantic heroism was appalling. Throwing the ball at the batsman should have seen him banned for a year.

It's a pity the 2nd best cricketer Australia has ever produced is such a booked bogan. He should be finished up at the end of the BBL season for good.

[H_T 3,032]

I think the commuting to and from London during the BBL has taken it's toll and fried his brain (not that it required that much..).

Found speeding in excess of 160km/h, fined for swearing, suspended for his petulant and appalling behaviour.

Perhaps he has felt the rigours of weekly botox injections? I'm no expert....

Stick with Liz, Warnie. You're looking more and more like your wax work at Maddam Tussauds in London each day.

[Little Richard 6,216]

Watto could be back as opener?

Ed Cowan's position in the Australian Test team is on shaky ground after the selectors revealed they'll consider moving Shane Watson back to opener.

Injury-prone vice-captain Watson has given up his allrounder status, declaring he wants to be considered as a batsman only.

Watson was only moved down from the top of the order to help manage his workload, but now he won't bowl there's nothing stopping him from slotting back into his best position at opener against India next month and England in July.

Australian coach Mickey Arthur acknowledged that was a genuine possibility while also revealing in the aftermath of the series win over Sri Lanka that Brad Haddin would definitely go on the Ashes tour as a back-up wicketkeeper.

"If he (Watson) is not bowling it's worth the consideration," said Arthur. "It will certainly be worth the chat.

"I still maintain that I felt No.4 was a really good fit but that was (with) Shane Watson bowling some overs as well.

"Watto wants to come back as a batsman. He feels every time he bats and then gets injured bowling, he loses a bit of momentum with his batting.

"Maybe he does (open again), maybe he doesn't, but it's probably too early to even discuss it."

Despite a century to begin the summer against South Africa in Brisbane, Cowan is now on thin ice, averaging just 32.81 from 13 Tests. The Tasmanian looked out of sorts in his two innings against Sri Lanka in Sydney and has missed too many opportunities to cash in on good pitches.

On the other hand, Watson averages 43.67 as an opener, far better than he fares elsewhere in the order.

http://news.theage.c...0107-2ccm4.html

I wouldn't back Watson to reclaim the opening spot and I think Cowan is the kind of guy who needs a bit of time to cement himself (not to mention work out how to form an effective partnership with Warner).

There aren't exactly many guys banging down the door for this spot anyway - the only one who comes to mind is Finch and he's doing it in the wrong format of the game.

[gsmith12 491]

'Warnie must not have been thinking'

Not sure he has a lot to work with.

[titan_uranus 24,677]

So I've been AWOL from here the last couple of months. Suffice to say, not a lot has changed. We still have enough fast bowlers, we still don't know which 3 are our best, we still aren't sure about Lyon, we still have a flakey top order, and we still probably aren't good enough to win the Ashes, or even the series in India.

It will be interesting to see what we do in India with our batting line up. I see Cowan, Warner and Hughes, with Clarke at 5. Put Wade back to 7 (Johnson at 7 is dumb for a billion reasons). Then we have 4 and 6 to fill. Watson as a batsman only isn't good enough, I don't think. As an all-rounder he could move to 6 and bowl a bit, but I'm not convinced he's good enough at that either. Sounds like Khawaja will come in, maybe to 4, so maybe Maxwell to 6 to add a second spinner. David Hussey has been floated around, as he can bowl too, but, as much as our batting lineup will be devoid of experience, I don't see Hussey coming in as an option being realistically contemplated.

As for the bowlers, Siddle to me is the only certain fast bowler. Johnson went from hero to zero (again), Starc is inconsistent, Bird is new and I like him, but to me is superseded by Pattinson, who has injury problems all over the place, and Hilfenhaus is now way back in the queue.

Siddle starts. If all others are fit, then Pattinson also starts. That leaves one more spot, which I see as being between Bird, Starc and Johnson. The selectors loved Johnson in Hobart but he simply is not good enough to bat at 7, and we can't afford to go into India against potentially 3 spinners and only take 5 specialist batsmen, one of whom will be Khawaja who is crap. I'd start with Bird, which is harsh on Johnson, but so be it.

Thus:

Warner

Cowan

Hughes

Khawaja

Clarke

Maxwell

Wade

Siddle

Pattinson

Lyon

Bird

[H_T 3,032]

titan_uranus and anyone else, are you interested in the following....(as posted before Christmas):

Guys (& or girls),

It's unfortunate that the previous BEST XI thread created a couple of years ago has disappeared for some unknown reason. I would have liked to have used it as a reference, but it looks as though we'll have to start afresh. Have been contemplating doing another Best XI (Test) for the cricket tragics here. The most we can have is 8 players so if you're interested let us know in this thread please. We'd ideally like frequent visitors to this thread who are keen on having a go at this. So that the Draft doesn't take too long. However, I understand work and other committments make it hard to visit every now and then, plus we have all Summer......

Once we have the 'eight players' locked away I'll create the thread.

For those who haven't played before it's like a Draft. I'll get eight names and eight numbers, draw them out and that will be the draft order. Each subsequent round the order will reverse. (For equalisation purposes).

I think the last time we had : - 6 Bats, 1Wk, 4 Bowlers as a template. So, we'll use that again.

Why eight players ? Because it amounts to 88 players worldwide, which is equivalent to 8 international teams and it gets difficult if we have any more players. ie. 9 players would require a 99 player pool and we'd be scraping the barrel for players.

So register here and we'll get the ball rolling eventually...

I'm prepared to also source an independant judge - and if I can't get one I'll be the judge (non player) - if you like to analyse the final teams (via criteria yet to be determined) to determine which team they think is the best team.

Just a bit of fun...

What is the reward?.... Bragging rights.

H_T

Entrants to date: -

Tall Defence

45HG16

Rogue

H_T

Macca

Biffen

Spots filling up. How about it?

Axis of Bob ?

titan_uranus ?

the passenger?

dee-luded?

...

...

[Little Richard 6,216]

titan_uranus and anyone else, are you interested in the following....(as posted before Christmas):Entrants to date: -Tall Defence45HG16RogueH_TMaccaBiffenSpots filling up. How about it?Axis of Bob ?titan_uranus ?the passenger?dee-luded?......

Yeah I'm keen, sign me up!

[Little Richard 6,216]

So I've been AWOL from here the last couple of months. Suffice to say, not a lot has changed. We still have enough fast bowlers, we still don't know which 3 are our best, we still aren't sure about Lyon, we still have a flakey top order, and we still probably aren't good enough to win the Ashes, or even the series in India. It will be interesting to see what we do in India with our batting line up. I see Cowan, Warner and Hughes, with Clarke at 5. Put Wade back to 7 (Johnson at 7 is dumb for a billion reasons). Then we have 4 and 6 to fill. Watson as a batsman only isn't good enough, I don't think. As an all-rounder he could move to 6 and bowl a bit, but I'm not convinced he's good enough at that either. Sounds like Khawaja will come in, maybe to 4, so maybe Maxwell to 6 to add a second spinner. David Hussey has been floated around, as he can bowl too, but, as much as our batting lineup will be devoid of experience, I don't see Hussey coming in as an option being realistically contemplated. As for the bowlers, Siddle to me is the only certain fast bowler. Johnson went from hero to zero (again), Starc is inconsistent, Bird is new and I like him, but to me is superseded by Pattinson, who has injury problems all over the place, and Hilfenhaus is now way back in the queue. Siddle starts. If all others are fit, then Pattinson also starts. That leaves one more spot, which I see as being between Bird, Starc and Johnson. The selectors loved Johnson in Hobart but he simply is not good enough to bat at 7, and we can't afford to go into India against potentially 3 spinners and only take 5 specialist batsmen, one of whom will be Khawaja who is crap. I'd start with Bird, which is harsh on Johnson, but so be it. Thus: WarnerCowanHughesKhawajaClarkeMaxwellWadeSiddlePattinsonLyonBird

Taking Johnson to India, let alone England would be disastrous. Nowhere near reliable enough and never will be; I see him as a stop gap for the time being until some of the others are fit. No idea about Pattinsons injury status but he should be spared the rigors of the subcontinent and saved for England. I'm really looking forward to seeing Bird bowl overseas - I can see him being effective in India and especially England.

[titan_uranus 24,677]

titan_uranus and anyone else, are you interested in the following....(as posted before Christmas):

Entrants to date: -

Tall Defence

45HG16

Rogue

H_T

Macca

Biffen

Spots filling up. How about it?

Axis of Bob ?

titan_uranus ?

the passenger?

dee-luded?

...

...

Oh yeh, I remember doing this! It was fun. I'm in, but only if it's OK that I might not be able to check any more frequently than once or twice a day over the next month. If that's OK, then I'm in, but if it's going to make it too slow then so be it.

[H_T 3,032]

Best XI participants are locked away: -

Tall Defence

45HG16

Rogue

H_T

Macca

Biffen

titan_uranus

thepassenger

I'll do it soon; start it later tonight. Keep an eye out for the Best XI thread here in the other sports forum. As I stated in that post I'll draw picks for everyone and we'll get a start. There's no time limit until complete, we have all the summer. I'm guessing we'll have it done before the Aust Open finishes anyway. I think the last one took just under 2 weeks.

There will be 88 picks all up (11 per team). Each round the order will reverse.

I've remembered from last time there are limitations. I'll stipulate the limitations in the OP of the thread. ie. You must have one player from each of the Test cricketing nations including: -

England

Australia

South Africa

India

Pakistan

New Zealand

West Indies

Sri Lanka

So there is 8 players in your team. Finalise your team with three other Test players - these players can come from any of the above nations, although the maximum players from one country in your team must be two.

It's a pity the old thread is not around anymore it would have been a great reference and good for the new particpants to have a look at.

Enjoy.

Edited January 9, 2013 by H_T
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