Anyone for cricket?

[45HG 1,539]

Thanks mate, reckon you'd have enjoyed my rant about not playing a reverse sweep when the opposition has a short 3rd woman in place.

[Macca 16,922]

Thanks mate, reckon you'd have enjoyed my rant about not playing a reverse sweep when the opposition has a short 3rd woman in place.

Ellyse Perry has 3-2 off 3 overs. With a crook ankle. Great action and a rocket arm. Windies now 3-41 off 15 overs.

Beware the injured athlete!

[Macca 16,922]

Girls win!

That's 6 World Cups - well done

[MadAsHell 4,212]

Alright, I'm predicting an Aussie series victory then ...... 2 - 1

Clarke will dominate and lead from the front. All our players will chip in and the Indian public will be beside themselves with grief! Aussies will return home as heroes and the 'Ashes' will be there for the taking! You read it here first 'TD'

Edit : I tend to agree with you re our spinners but I do rate Lyon. Is Agar up for selection? I thought he was just over there for an internship but he's played in both practice games. Don't know much about him.

Our spinners fought back a bit in that tour match but were still quite expensive ... India A vs Australia

Well I hope you're right on that front Macca! haha.

In other pre-ashes news it was great to see New Zealand go 1-0 up in the One Day Series last night in what was a good match.

H_T's man Guptill helped get the black caps over the line on one leg! It's shaping up to be a pretty entertaining series so far. England 2-1 in the Twenty/20's, NZ 1-0 up in the ODI's. Lets hope the tests are equally as entertaining. Hope New Zealand give Luke Ronchi a start soon, he can only help them!

[Macca 16,922]

Well I hope you're right on that front Macca! haha.

In other pre-ashes news it was great to see New Zealand go 1-0 up in the One Day Series last night in what was a good match.

H_T's man Guptill helped get the black caps over the line on one leg! It's shaping up to be a pretty entertaining series so far. England 2-1 in the Twenty/20's, NZ 1-0 up in the ODI's. Lets hope the tests are equally as entertaining. Hope New Zealand give Luke Ronchi a start soon, he can only help them!

The South Africans won their 6th series in a row after beating Pakistan overnight. Pakistan had their chances and 'My Man' Saeed Ajmal had match figures of 10 for 147

Aussies are 'following on' in the tour match. The Indian spinners took 9 wickets between them. He might have been exaggerating but I once heard Mark Waugh say that India always have about 30 or 40 class spinners in their ranks. It's any wonder that they rarely produce grassy wickets.

I hope you're right re our quicks 'TD' My series prediction is done with a 'largish' optimistic hat !! We'll need to bat really well. Watson has opened the batting in both innings of this tour match. Got 84 in the 1st dig and is currently 17 not out in the 2nd innings. Reckon he's best suited to opening but he's also needed in the middle order. Warner is still trying to overcome a thumb fracture and may be unavailable for the 1st Test.

The Kiwi's will take it up to England and we know they can be 'feisty' customers. Series win to England though.

Edited February 19, 2013 by Macca

[H_T 3,043]

H_T's man Guptill helped get the black caps over the line on one leg! It's shaping up to be a pretty entertaining series so far. England 2-1 in the Twenty/20's, NZ 1-0 up in the ODI's. Lets hope the tests are equally as entertaining.

Guptill's innings hadn't gone unnoticed TD!

Plodder........ yeah right

[45HG 1,539]

Lucky he came back - his 3 from 17 wasn't sparkling at the top before he did!

[H_T 3,043]

Lucky he came back - his 3 from 17 wasn't sparkling at the top before he did!

Were you watching it 45HG?

[dee-luded 2,959]

Starc is possibly only one big Test away from becoming a star. If he has a stellar match in India then look out. He's got good pace, is left arm over and has a high release (obviously aided by his height) . India may not suit him but if he has a big game over there it will be some sort of achievement.

Our batting stocks aren't great but a few of them have got a chance to consolidate their spots on the tour of India. Look for Hughes and Khawaja to do well. Hughes has tightened up his technique and has come back a better player whilst Usman has a nice batting style. Clarke, Warner and the often unfairly maligned Watson are the mainstays.(although Watson needs to start turning his good starts into big scores) I like Ed Cowan. He's a solid player but needs to churn out some bigger scores. It's maybe out of Cowan and Khawaja for that top order spot - Hughes can open if needs be.

What's with all the 'indifference' aimed at our players these days? Clarke, Hughes, Johnno, Watto and Lyon all seem to cop it at various times. Thankfully the Clarke bashers have largely disappeared. Is it to do with off field? I couldn't give a rats toss bag about that stuff. Gossipy rubbish as far as I'm concerned. How would Dougie Walters go these days with the social media reporting his every move? (re the ciggies and the 'odd' beer!) Walters was a great player on the field and in the end, that's all that matters.

Hes a fantastic talent,,, but I'm concerned still very immature & could easily get way ahead of himself.

He already looks to be making comments on the team & selections seemingly outside of team instructions, 'off his own bat' as it were.

this concerns me that he may think he's bigger than the team, & the game.

#Edit: Hughes, he's surprised, nicely... changed his technique & style but seems to still have the eye. & discipline to carry it off. I hope so.

Watson is a Fav' of mine, & I think will be a captain one day.

Cowan who I liked a couple of years ago because of his dour ways of keeping his wicket intact has gone backwards. I don't understand why.

He looks the one to slide out of the side for Watson IMO.

I'd like to see a shot maker like Khawaja in the top to middle order. to start with.

('indifference') I wonder if we are caught in the transition between generations.

the older generation of the Cricket heydays of the Baby boomers, & the flamboyant superstars, up against the "wham bam thankyou mam" of the younger generations wanting everything NOW!

and a disposable everything.

Edited February 19, 2013 by dee-luded

[Macca 16,922]

Hes a fantastic talent,,, but I'm concerned still very immature & could easily get way ahead of himself.

He already looks to be making comments on the team & selections seemingly outside of team instructions, 'off his own bat' as it were.

this concerns me that he may think he's bigger than the team, & the game.

I haven't heard too many comments from Starc, 'dl'. He showed a bit of disappointment about being 'rotated' after the Hobart Test. These blokes are competitive beast and want to play. I've made comments about the rotation policy in earlier posts so won't repeat myself too much.

An overview of the 'rotation policy' is if they're going to do it, do it right. That includes sitting down with the players and explaining their motives and reasoning. Many times at top level sport you either get picked or you don't. There's not always a soft landing. With 'rotations' there would need to be a fair bit of dialogue. Let's see what they do in India. Tests 1 and 2 are back to back. They get a break then Tests 3 and 4 are back to back.

Edit : Had a read of the rest of your edited post. You make some good points. Last night on 'Inside Cricket' there were some observations made that we've got a lot of 'openers' in the squad. I'd rather that than the other way round so it may not be a huge problem. Replacing 'Mr Cricket' is gonna be tough though. Hussey brought so much to the table.

One more point on rotations in India - it's vital that we have a fresh, talented attack ready to go for the 4th Test. That Test could easily be the series decider. It's almost like they have to work backwards in rotation policy rather than the other way round. If you were to bite the bullet, you'd want your best attack in the 1st and 4th Tests. We're still largely in unknown territory with this new way of selecting teams.

Edited February 19, 2013 by Macca

[H_T 3,043]

I haven't heard too many comments from Starc, 'dl'. He showed a bit of disappointment about being 'rotated' after the Hobart Test. These blokes are competitive beast and want to play. I've made comments about the rotation policy in earlier posts so won't repeat myself too much.

MATE!!!!! Where do you want me to start! lol.

I've put comments on here regarding Starc and his non selection in the Boxing Day Test. Well documented. It devastated him.

Maybe you missed my post(s), that can happen.

He is in my Best XI side. I think he will thrive in England. And I'll report from Manchester, just for you Macca.

[Macca 16,922]

MATE!!!!! Where do you want me to start! lol.

I've put comments on here regarding Starc and his non selection in the Boxing Day Test. Well documented. It devastated him.

Maybe you missed my post(s), that can happen.

He is in my Best XI side. I think he will thrive in England. And I'll report from Manchester, just for you Macca.

I heard Starc's comments prior to the Boxing day Test but didn't think it was any huge drama. I can't remember seeing your comments HT - I'll have a squiz back when I get a chance.

I generally tend to ignore that kind of stuff from a fast bowler. It's water off a ducks back to me. 'Quicks' tend to shoot from the hip - isn't that just a fast bowlers way?

There is an undercurrent of opposition to the 'rotation' policy. Many of our retired greats have been questioning the policy. He's just a young bloke and may have just got caught up. I'm happy to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Anyway he seemed to have changed his tune on December 30 ...

‘Disappointed’ Starc says dropping him for Boxing Day Test ‘right’ for team

Edited February 19, 2013 by Macca

[45HG 1,539]

Were you watching it 45HG?

Yeah - in between some NAB cup, domestic cricket an A-League. A decent Sunday!

[H_T 3,043]

Here's a brief summary Macca:

I understand there is a lot of cricket coming and I understand the benefit of rotations and giving various bowlers a chance to show their wares under International conditions in preparation.

But I remain critical of a couple of decisions particularly the resting of Starc from the Boxing Day Test. He was rightly livid about the decision and right to go after a very good bowling performance in the Test prior.

I heard Starc's comments prior to the Boxing day Test but didn't think it was any huge drama. I can't remember seeing your comments HT - I'll have a squiz back when I get a chance.

[Macca 16,922]

Here's a brief summary Macca:

One thing is for sure HT, the rotation policy will remain controversial for some time. As stated before, I can see the merit in it, though I'm not sure how they can implement it without causing other issues. I tend to think that over time, more and more people will warm to it. It must have been a big decision to go down this path. My reasoning is that it might be best to get the new policy as 'right' as possible - then evaluate it.

Part of the opposition to it is that it is a vastly different policy that has gone on before. People don't like change but one thing is true, nearly all Test series these days are crammed into a shorter time frame. T20 comps all around the World are extremely lucrative so many of the Fast Bowlers aren't getting the 'down time' that they once used to get. It's difficult to tell players to resist the big money on offer in t20 cricket. It's a 12 months a year sport like never before.

I still believe you've got to have your best combination playing whenever possible. But how you do that is quite complex. Take the Indian series. We are playing 4 Tests (20 days) over 33 days. It's always hot, the wickets are more suited to spin bowling and outfields can often be rock hard and tough on the legs.

Apart from this series in India, the IPL is then on. After that we go to England for the Ashes and a series of ODI's. We've then got the Shield season before we go to India for 7 ODI's in October/November. Then England is here for the Ashes and more ODI's. The Big Bash is on again before we go to South Africa for 3 Tests and more ODI's . There is no let up .....

In an ideal world we wouldn't have 'back to back' Test matches. Many of our front line bowlers are often 'unavailable' for Shield games (in other words, 'rested' for Shield games) That practice been going on for a number of years now. I remember when there was outcry over that 'new' policy. It's now regarded as accepted practice.

Edited February 19, 2013 by Macca

[Macca 16,922]

Anyway, enough about rotations ...

How 'bout this for a catch .... most of you would have seen it but it's worth another look ...

[dee-luded 2,959]

I haven't heard too many comments from Starc, 'dl'. He showed a bit of disappointment about being 'rotated' after the Hobart Test. These blokes are competitive beast and want to play. I've made comments about the rotation policy in earlier posts so won't repeat myself too much.

Starc's comments aren't the problem, or weren't.

Its the fact he chose to make public comment to a journo without the CA's permission. He went outside the (IMO) normal criteria of minding your place.

This concerned me about his attitude & thinking, that he's more important than he is atmo. getting ahead of himself. putting himself first ahead of the team.

He seems to have pulled his head in, publicly at least..

So I hope he can just focus on getting better & being effective in helping the Team win The Ashes.

[Macca 16,922]

Starc's comments aren't the problem, or weren't.

Its the fact he chose to make public comment to a journo without the CA's permission. He went outside the (IMO) normal criteria of minding your place.

This concerned me about his attitude & thinking, that he's more important than he is atmo. getting ahead of himself. putting himself first ahead of the team.

He seems to have pulled his head in, publicly at least..

So I hope he can just focus on getting better & being effective in helping the Team win The Ashes.

Fair enough 'dl' ...

For those without cable or at work there is still not any news on whether ABC radio are covering the Test matches from India - not looking good

There might be audio commentary of the games online by Test Match Sofa (click for online audio) As I'm typing this, they are 'calling' the New Zealand / England ODI. Here is there 'Wiki' page.

But beware, the commentary takes a bit of an irreverent or flippant view of the games with a heavy anti Aussie slant. They are an English outfit who I believe commentate the game from a 'live' TV feed (from an 'unknown' location in London) They do have the official rights so it's not a dodgy link.

Edit : Test Match Sofa are covering the Tests but probably not the 1st session of most or all of the days.

Edited February 20, 2013 by Macca

[The Little Devils 10]

when Moist Henry is selected in an Australian test team, then I have minimal interest!!!

surprised that Steve Smith was not selected as well....

[Macca 16,922]

Well done to Moises Henriques and 'all the best' if, as expected, he makes his Test debut on Friday.

He's probably dreamt of this moment all his life.

Congratulations and good luck !

Edited February 23, 2013 by Macca

[Rogue 585]

#Edit: Hughes, he's surprised, nicely... changed his technique & style but seems to still have the eye. & discipline to carry it off. I hope so.

Watson is a Fav' of mine, & I think will be a captain one day.

I don't mind Watson but I can't ever imagine him being our captain. What do other people think?

I agree with you on Hughes, though.

[MadAsHell 4,212]

I don't mind Watson but I can't ever imagine him being our captain. What do other people think?

I agree with you on Hughes, though.

Have no idea what way they may go re: captain after Michael Clarke goes, which hopefully wont be for sometime.

David Warner's had a few captain gigs here and there with Western Sydney in the 1st season of the big bash and New South Wales also I think. I also know Greg Shipperd talks up Matthew Wade's leadership, however we know that Australia don't often give our keepers the captains gig. Otherwise I'm not sure what the leadership skills of some of the young batsmen coming through the Shield ranks are like eg, Joe Burns, Peter Handscomb. Very interesting transition stage of Australian cricket which we haven't seen since Lillee, Marsh and Greg Chappell all retired at the same time in 84' I think it was...

[dee-luded 2,959]

I don't mind Watson but I can't ever imagine him being our captain. What do other people think?

I agree with you on Hughes, though.

Re Watson, that opinion was formed with little study of the game, as since watto has been playing I've shown little interest other than on specific players.

So it was based on Watto's individual play & care for the team & cap. fantastic efforts a couple of years back.

But, I have no Idea about his tactical ways.

So from that perspective you may be well right.

But to me he looks like a team player & a players player first & foremost, & from where I come from, the self indulgence that has crept into modern sport sickens me.

I don't mind individuals using a measure of self indulgence to get the best for the team, like Warnie throwing a bouncer down, or Lillee coming off 4 steps now & then, but a captain being about himself is Just Not ON.

The difference I see in this attitude of blood & guts fight for the Baggy Green, is say Hussey would be proud to wear the dirt & mud on his creams as it showed his willingness to do all for the Aussies. A great attitude & un-pretentious.

Punter, unfortunately wanted to stay 'permanent pressed', & didn't want any dirt under his fingernail. Sad, to me, & I am a punter fan since before he was test capped. Not the way I want the Aussie team to develop. So, I'm watchful on Clarke.

[H_T 3,043]

I don't mind Watson but I can't ever imagine him being our captain. What do other people think?

I agree with you on Hughes, though.

I think Clarke will captain for quite a while, he has a terrific cricket brain and is switched on; like Mark Taylor, prepared to take some risks and strategically sound.

Watson, tbh I haven't given much thought about him as a Test captain, until now. He is to me, Australia's version of Jaques Kallis (obviously not as good or as durable), he is big and strong, he has a good eye and technique and can score at a decent clip and he can take wickets with the ball.

I just think he is a good back up if anything to Clarke, but he's main concern is staying fit, healthy and injury free. I think he's better suited to concentrating on his game and I don't think (actually I don't know) if he has the strategic and captaincy mindset for the top job with everything it entails.

I hope that answers it.

[Little Richard 6,262]

Ashwin looking dangerous, should take a bunch of wickets this series.