Anyone for cricket?

[dee-luded 2,959]

Hmmm, Wimbledon's on.

[MadAsHell 4,212]

I should apologise for my emotional outburst yesterday afternoon, just staggering to see the whole team turn to shambles from what it once was.

Anyone out there think that boof can turn this sinking ship around in such a short amount of time?

[jazza 1,323]

Clarke's now resigned as a selector also, fair call I reckon. Given the circumstancs and what's been going on of late resigning as captain may have been called for also IMO.

We're in desperate need of a clean out of the toxic culture that's alive in this team at the moment, Clarke's probably the only one (who I reckon is contributing to it) that you'd carry through it.

First up I'd be telling Steve Smith not to worry about joining the squad and I'd also be sending home Hughes, Khawaja, Pattinson, Wade, Warner & Watson and replacing them with Ahmed, Bailey, Burns, Klinger, McDonald & Paine. All of whom are either great leaders amongst their states, have worked their butts off to get an opportunity or in Burns case have shown a great amount of ability at a young age.

first of all paine has a stuffed hand , its not up to keeping for 120 overs and backing up 1 day later for another stint and then playing back to back tests

secondly that 3 shotted backstop called haddin was put into the team by the I don't want to lose captain ricky, he wouldn't stop fly with a sienne net

Clarke couldn't LEAD a [censored] parade, hes totatly out of his depth as a leader

hughes, cant play spin , cant play hand high delivery outside off stump, cant play swinging delivery,

otherwise he bats ok

Watson is soft as butter and a sook to the highest degree and should be playing in a dress

now don't get me started or I will really hoe into them

Cowan

Rogers

Klinger

Clarke

Bailey*

McDonald

+Paine

Siddle

Harris

Lyon

Bird

Burns: reserve batsman

Faulkner: reserve all rounder

Haddin: reserve keeper

Starc: reserve quick

Ahmed: reserve spinner

That's a squad that sadly would fill me with a lot more confidence of at least putting in a real fighting effort then the mess we've got over there at the moment.

Was really looking forward to the Ashes, now it's all turning into a nightmare!

Edited June 26, 2013 by jazza

[H_T 3,047]

Was really looking forward to the Ashes, now it's all turning into a nightmare!

Still looking forward to it. I'm more than comfortable with Boof. Whilst he maybe considered a bit of a lad to some. But I believe he's also one who prides on getting the best out of his team, and sends a positive message to all players. Not that the past coach didn't do that, but there will be a different delivery and I think he'll help with confidence and ramming home messages to anyone out of line.

[dee-luded 2,959]

I should apologise for my emotional outburst yesterday afternoon, just staggering to see the whole team turn to shambles from what it once was.

Anyone out there think that boof can turn this sinking ship around in such a short amount of time?

Yes, I think they were trying to turn the Aussie Cricket Culture into something foreign... a smile & laughter is the best remedy for stress & confidence.

I expect much improvement. Win???

I also wonder if BOOF will be good for Mitchell Johnston's career down the track.

I reckon the way CA was trying to turn the Round Aussie peg, into a square keyway'd precision tool. It's not us.

.... In a way they've been trying to turn the Aussie team into something like Melbourne.

[titan_uranus 25,020]

The Australian side playing Somerset right now is this:

Cowan

Watson

Hughes

Khawaja

Clarke

Faulkner

Haddin

Siddle

Pattinson

Starc

Lyon

Before the game Haddin said that Rogers wasn't playing because he's had a lot of time in the middle for Middlesex already, so he's already got his form.

What worries me is the inclusion of Faulkner. Not a fan. I think the idea is that we get more from playing Faulkner than we do from playing the weaker of Hughes/Khawaja. I don't like it.

I'd hope to see Rogers open, Watson to bat at 6, and Faulkner not to play the first Test. But I'm guessing that, unless Hughes and Khawaja both pile on the runs (that's not going to happen), the weaker of those two will be dropped to make room for Rogers.

[MadAsHell 4,212]

The Australian side playing Somerset right now is this:

Cowan

Watson

Hughes

Khawaja

Clarke

Faulkner

Haddin

Siddle

Pattinson

Starc

Lyon

Before the game Haddin said that Rogers wasn't playing because he's had a lot of time in the middle for Middlesex already, so he's already got his form.

What worries me is the inclusion of Faulkner. Not a fan. I think the idea is that we get more from playing Faulkner than we do from playing the weaker of Hughes/Khawaja. I don't like it.

I'd hope to see Rogers open, Watson to bat at 6, and Faulkner not to play the first Test. But I'm guessing that, unless Hughes and Khawaja both pile on the runs (that's not going to happen), the weaker of those two will be dropped to make room for Rogers.

I'm in two minds about Faulkner. I really rate him as a One Day player, but question whether his batting average in first class cricket 29.odd is good enough for a top 7 spot. But then again with Warner likely to miss the first test are playing two of Khawaja, Hughes or Wade as specialist batsmen likely to do any better?

Faulkner's left arm fast would be handy as the 5th bowling option and meaning that 3 of Pattinson, Siddle, Bird or Harris can play along with Lyon as Faulkner averages around 23 with the ball in first class cricket which is very good. However again I worry that his bowling may be very similar to that of Nathan Bracken, very good in ODI's and First Class cricket, but just not quite good enough to cut the mustard in Test cricket.

If we had a really good keeper batsman like Gilchrist or AB De Villiers who's capable of batting in the top 6 then there would certainly be very good argument to play Faulkner, but with Haddin's poor form before he was dropped and Wade's struggles for consistency, coupled with our horrible batting line up of late (Clarke excluded) you wonder if this will weaken it even more or is the argument that it can't get any worse?

If Faulkner does play as the all rounder it would then mean Watson can concerntrate on his batting and return to the top of the order where he's at his best. The XI would likely look like IMO:

Rogers

Watson

Cowan

Clarke*

Khawaja

+Haddin

Faulkner

Siddle

Pattinson

Lyon

Bird

Gives us a new, hopefully more stable openning combination. Cowan at 3 who's got a good technique and will hopefully help sure us up and not allow us to loose quick early wickets. Clarke up to 4 as we need him in as early as possible. Khawaja at 5 for me. I know he's a top order player, yet this would allow him to come in a bit lower down with less pressure on him, his highest test score so far I think was scored at no 5 or 6. Haddin at 6 and hopefully can re-discover some batting form, Faulkner as the bowling all rounder at 7 and then the bowling line up as I've mentioned, although Harris could come in for Bird?

Will be interesting to see what way Boof goes.

[jazza 1,323]

do you think the lyon will be played?

cant see him troubling the poms

playing 4 quicks would allow harris to be in team

[MadAsHell 4,212]

do you think the lyon will be played?

cant see him troubling the poms

playing 4 quicks would allow harris to be in team

IMO you should always play a specialist spinner unless you are playing on an absolute green top that's likely to see a result within 3 days.

Remember The Oval in 2013.....

[jazza 1,323]

just think any spinner in local grade would get more purchase than this bloke

I always reckon if you aint got one don't play one

Edited June 27, 2013 by jazza

[MadAsHell 4,212]

just think any spinner in local grade would get more purchase than this bloke

I always reckon if you aint got one don't play one

That's a fair concern, and I expect both Ahmed and Agar to overtake him in not to long a time. Also look out for John Holland, James Muirhead and Adam Zampa.

But having said that Lyon is still an upgrade on what we previously had. Beer or Hauritz.

[jazza 1,323]

still rather play 4 quicks at this stage its the only chance weve got

and don't play the piethrower johnstone

[MadAsHell 4,212]

still rather play 4 quicks at this stage its the only chance weve got

and don't play the piethrower johnstone

Not in the squad so we shouldn't have to worry about that thankfully!

[jazza 1,323]

in trouble and leadership is terrible

worries are

hughes, cant play spin, doesn't handle pill outside off stump, hates swinging nut.otherwise ok

lyon cant spin, cant bowl. cant bat

harris knee only comes up every 2nd test

rogers dunno, I will think of something, could be darky

kulwaja, should never been dropped, will be ok after 30 tests

Watson, sook

warner bigger sook, not good enough for tests

haddin backstop with 3 shots

Clarke, as sharp as a 2 dollar hooker

starc, trying to save test in india and he crossbat slogs

other than that we look pretty good

Edited June 27, 2013 by jazza

[MadAsHell 4,212]

in trouble and leadership is terrible

worries are

hughes, cant play spin, doesn't handle pill outside off stump, hates swinging nut.otherwise ok

lyon cant spin, cant bowl. cant bat

harris knee only comes up every 2nd test

rogers dunno, I will think of something, could be darky

kulwaja, should never been dropped, will be ok after 30 tests

Watson, sook

warner bigger sook, not good enough for tests

haddin backstop with 3 shots

Clarke, as sharp as a 2 dollar hooker

starc, trying to save test in india and he crossbat slogs

other than that we look pretty good

I'm hoping that Rogers will be one of our bright lights this tour.

[jazza 1,323]

ive got that feeling to

has moved to vic for better ops

has played in dart for money and age

and now might get LAST chance

Edited June 27, 2013 by jazza

[MadAsHell 4,212]

The Australian side playing Somerset right now

Score at stumps.

Somerset 320

Strac 4/33

Pattinson 4/56

Faulkner 1/70

Lyon 1/75

Australia 0/2

At one stage Somerset were 2/304 so it was a pretty amazing result to bowl them out for 320. But the fact we let them get to 2/304 is pretty concerning considering bowling is suppose to be our strength.

[jazza 1,323]

think it will be

harris

pattinson

sids

starc

notice scores look worse when lyon bowls?

[DeeSpencer 25,715]

Openers

Watson
Cowan

Batsmen
Rogers
Clarke

Hughes

Smith or Khawaja depending on form before first test

Keeper

Haddin - this one is all but confirmed but I don't like him but oh well. Let's hope Wade and Paine get back on track

Bowlers

Starc

Siddle
Pattinson
Harris

That's presuming the pitch isn't overly spin friendly. If so bring Lyon in rest Harris for a test where it's pace friendly. Also keep Faulkner open as an option for 6 or 8 but we need battling depth more than extra all rounder. The other quick who I expect will get a test is Jackson Bird. I can't have Warner in the side, no because of his behaviour (which wasn't ideal but he smacked a pom not a team mate move on) but because without any practice games at all how can he be ready for test cricket in English conditions?

In fact I believe Warner should be realised from the squad and play county cricket until the first test finishes then bring him back in the fold. At least he'll have a warm up that way. If he's been scoring runs at county cricket then bring him back in for an underperforming batsman. Besides Clarke the other 5 can easily be dropped! Of course if (and I think they should) they go for Rogers or Khawaja they need some time in the team to see them play. In fact I'd like selectors to come out before the first test and say Rogers is in and he's on a two game trial at least so that the pressure is off for the first test.

[titan_uranus 25,020]

Watson is going to open, says Lehmann: http://www.espncricinfo.com/the-ashes-2013/content/story/645441.html. He's opened in the tour match with Cowan, who made 3. Currently Watson's on 72.

Watson opening means, you'd think, one of Cowan and Rogers will shift down the order, probably to 3. Cowan's opened in this match with Watson, so maybe it will be Rogers to bat at 3?

Amazing innings for Somerset. 2/304, then 3/310. Then 9/310. They lost 6/0. Six wickets. For. Zero. Runs. Amazing. Pattinson and Starc took 4 each, Siddle couldn't get one.

With Watson, Cowan, Rogers and Clarke the presumed top 4, Haddin and the bowlers from 7-11, we now have Hughes, Khawaja, Faulkner and maybe Steve Smith battling for the last two spots. I'll ignore Smith because he didn't make the tour match, so it's Hughes, Khawaja and Faulkner for those middle two. You'd assume that Watson opening means he can't bowl too much, so maybe we'll lean towards Faulkner for a fifth bowler. He sure as heck better make some runs though.

[Macca 16,972]

Watson is going to open, says Lehmann: http://www.espncricinfo.com/the-ashes-2013/content/story/645441.html. He's opened in the tour match with Cowan, who made 3. Currently Watson's on 72.

Watson opening means, you'd think, one of Cowan and Rogers will shift down the order, probably to 3. Cowan's opened in this match with Watson, so maybe it will be Rogers to bat at 3?

Amazing innings for Somerset. 2/304, then 3/310. Then 9/310. They lost 6/0. Six wickets. For. Zero. Runs. Amazing. Pattinson and Starc took 4 each, Siddle couldn't get one.

With Watson, Cowan, Rogers and Clarke the presumed top 4, Haddin and the bowlers from 7-11, we now have Hughes, Khawaja, Faulkner and maybe Steve Smith battling for the last two spots. I'll ignore Smith because he didn't make the tour match, so it's Hughes, Khawaja and Faulkner for those middle two. You'd assume that Watson opening means he can't bowl too much, so maybe we'll lean towards Faulkner for a fifth bowler. He sure as heck better make some runs though.

I reckon if Faulkner plays, he'll be one of the 3 quicks. Can't see it now after Starc's 4 wickets. Reckon Clarke will bat 5 so if we assume Watson, Rogers and Cowan fill the top 3 spots then that leaves no.4 and no.6 to be filled.

Khawaja or Hughes could bat at 4 and Wade, Warner or Smith could bat at 6. If Clarke bats at no.4 then Hughes or Khawaja can bat at no.5. Watson did bowl a bit in the Champions Trophy so we've probably got the 5th bowler covered.

But who would know with the way they've picked sides of late? Nothing would surprise me ...

Edited June 27, 2013 by Macca

[MadAsHell 4,212]

Stumps on Day 2 in what's been a rain effected day.

Australia 4/266

Watson 90

Clarke 45

Hughes 44*

Haddin 38*

Khawaja 27

Cowan 3

Good innings from Watson as openenr and an encouraging start for Hughes giving him the early front running over Cowan and Khawaja. I'm 90% sure Rogers will play the 1st Test. Don't think they would have picked a 35 year old who's played 1 test years ago for this tour to just sit in the dressing room.

One things for sure, our poor form and Warner's suspension has certainly made selection interesting and added something to these warm up matches.

[jazza 1,323]

rogers might be a pick for my superteam???

could be worth the risk

[Macca 16,972]

Hughes ended up getting 76 not out and batted for over 2 and a half hours. If he gets amongst it again in the 2nd dig he may have played himself into the 1st Test. Both these warm up games are 4 day games.

... Scorecard

[dee-luded 2,959]

I reckon if Faulkner plays, he'll be one of the 3 quicks. Can't see it now after Starc's 4 wickets. Reckon Clarke will bat 5 so if we assume Watson, Rogers and Cowan fill the top 3 spots then that leaves no.4 and no.6 to be filled.

Khawaja or Hughes could bat at 4 and Wade, Warner or Smith could bat at 6. If Clarke bats at no.4 then Hughes or Khawaja can bat at no.5. Watson did bowl a bit in the Champions Trophy so we've probably got the 5th bowler covered.

But who would know with the way they've picked sides of late? Nothing would surprise me ...

Macca, I hope Hughes doesn't bat early.

If 4 & 6 are open,,, & Hughes plays, please don't play him in the top 4... play him at 6 then? I'd like to see as much grit & reliability in the top 4, rather than hit & miss fast runs.

nothing against quick runs but not at the expence of instability. I'm sorry Warner is out, as I think he could bat at anything from 1st drop, down to the middle order.