Anyone for cricket?

[titan_uranus 25,045]

What about our learned captain's bowling changes and field placements!!??

He used up the quicks, then left it too late to try Watson,Clark or Katich. Then, with us desperate for a wicket, and with no runs to spare,we bowl North and Watson.

We needed a finer third man and fine leg to the tail-enders earlier.

With VVS Laxman batting on a slow pitch, he needed cover and midwicket sweepers on the boundary.

He's lost it as a captain, but I can't suggest anyone else.

Because I haven't seen any footage I can't comment on field placings but Ponting's never been the best at setting fields IMO. At one point on Day 5 Tendulkar prodded a short ball to short leg, which Ponting responded to by putting second slip in that position. Next ball Laxman edged through second slip.

As for the bowlers, we had Watson and North going together at the end because Bollinger was off injured and Ponting wanted to keep Johnson and Hilfenhaus for one last assault. Which almost worked, with Hilfenhaus getting Sharma and Johnson almost getting Ohja.

It really emphasised the necessity for video reviews with the modern technology available.

Too true. Hussey, Gambhir, Sharma and Ohja all got the wrong decision. All would have been reversed with technology. Should be funded by the ICC and made available for every single Test. Everywhere.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Clarke has a back injury and Katich a shoulder injury which is preventing them from any sustained bowling.

The real issue is the failure of Hauritz as a 4th innings bowler.

This will crucify us in the coming Ashes series.

[H_T 3,049]

The real issue is the failure of Hauritz as a 4th innings bowler.

This will crucify us in the coming Ashes series.

Indeed. Ponting had no faith in Hauritz by giving the ball to North.

I know the Test was close RR and they may not make a change here. But with the Ashes approaching they need enthusiasm and they should put Smith in for Hauritz! I still cannot believe North is in, I called for him to be dropped prior to NZ tour. They needed to make changes back then.

I like Paine at the moment. I think he should be perservered with.

Chappell should have some serious input at the selection table. Go for youth Chapelli. FCS.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Indeed. Ponting had no faith in Hauritz by giving the ball to North.

I know the Test was close RR and they may not make a change here. But with the Ashes approaching they need enthusiasm and they should put Smith in for Hauritz! I still cannot believe North is in, I called for him to be dropped prior to NZ tour. They needed to make changes back then.

I like Paine at the moment. I think he should be perservered with.

Chappell should have some serious input at the selection table. Go for youth Chapelli. FCS.

On the contrary, i think Ponting does back his bowlers

I think the issue here was that Hauritz bowled poorly in his spells and when you have 200 to 250 to defend you cant [censored] foot around. Bowling North just highlights Hauritz's weakness.

Atm, I am not sure who stands out to push North out of the middle order. His spot is shaky if any batsman performs early.Could we play Paine as bat and have Haddin as keeper??

[titan_uranus 25,045]

On the contrary, i think Ponting does back his bowlers

I think the issue here was that Hauritz bowled poorly in his spells and when you have 200 to 250 to defend you cant [censored] foot around. Bowling North just highlights Hauritz's weakness.

Atm, I am not sure who stands out to push North out of the middle order. His spot is shaky if any batsman performs early.Could we play Paine as bat and have Haddin as keeper??

I think he does too. But it was clear that Hauritz was not going to bowl us to victory, and he was leaking runs, so taking him off was always going to happen.

If we play Paine and Haddin together it's Haddin who plays as a batsman. In fact I reckon if he ditched the keeping and focused solely on batting that wouldn't be a terrible idea.

[titan_uranus 25,045]

What's the bet North makes a century today, thereby securing his spot for the Ashes, and allowing the selectors to claim they were right, and then for him to start another run of 5 matches where he fails to pass 20?

[H_T 3,049]

What's the bet North makes a century today, thereby securing his spot for the Ashes, and allowing the selectors to claim they were right, and then for him to start another run of 5 matches where he fails to pass 20?

Just prolongs the pain and puts off the development of other(s) on the international stage within the Test arena.

[titan_uranus 25,045]

Insipid bowling so far today (though Hilfenhaus just had a plumb lbw shout turned down).

Hauritz is just so far off it it's not funny. Harbhajan and Ohja were getting decent turn on Day 1. Hauritz can't hold a line nor length, doesn't turn it enough, and is just not threat at all. We need to blood a new spinner, it should be Steve Smith, and it should have been done already. We're risking the Ashes with Hauritz as our frontline spinner.

North has delayed his demotion with yet another timely century but no one should have confidence in him going into the Ashes. I know I don't.

Hussey is close to gone IMO. Just not producing any more. His only century since the Ashes was the controversially made one in Sydney vs Pakistan. Bear in mind we've played West Indies, Pakistan and New Zealand in this time period, and he hasn't cashed in.

Clarke doesn't seem to be coping too well at number 4. I'm not sure if he'll stay there for the Ashes but he's struggling in India at the moment, another concern.

Without Bollinger we look toothless. Johnson can't bowl with the new ball and is once again too erratic and George isn't proving the selectors right at all (why was McKay overlooked?). We need Bollinger back, and IMO we should be playing Siddle. Also, Andrew McDonald just cracked 160-odd runs off 120-odd balls. Is more than capable at Test level IMO and if we bring Smith in for Hauritz we could well bring McDonald in for Hussey to give us both batting and bowling support.

[Sir Why You Little 37,161]

Insipid bowling so far today (though Hilfenhaus just had a plumb lbw shout turned down).

Hauritz is just so far off it it's not funny. Harbhajan and Ohja were getting decent turn on Day 1. Hauritz can't hold a line nor length, doesn't turn it enough, and is just not threat at all. We need to blood a new spinner, it should be Steve Smith, and it should have been done already. We're risking the Ashes with Hauritz as our frontline spinner.

North has delayed his demotion with yet another timely century but no one should have confidence in him going into the Ashes. I know I don't.

Hussey is close to gone IMO. Just not producing any more. His only century since the Ashes was the controversially made one in Sydney vs Pakistan. Bear in mind we've played West Indies, Pakistan and New Zealand in this time period, and he hasn't cashed in.

Clarke doesn't seem to be coping too well at number 4. I'm not sure if he'll stay there for the Ashes but he's struggling in India at the moment, another concern.

Without Bollinger we look toothless. Johnson can't bowl with the new ball and is once again too erratic and George isn't proving the selectors right at all (why was McKay overlooked?). We need Bollinger back, and IMO we should be playing Siddle. Also, Andrew McDonald just cracked 160-odd runs off 120-odd balls. Is more than capable at Test level IMO and if we bring Smith in for Hauritz we could well bring McDonald in for Hussey to give us both batting and bowling support.

Smith should be playing. Hussey should retire before his average goes under 50. North making a Ton yesterday may have cost us the Ashes. Ponting continues to be a great Batsman but his Tactical skills are very ordinary.

So much for G S Chappell making a difference to the selectors.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Ponting continues to be a great Batsman but his Tactical skills are very ordinary.

How? Can you give examples and what do you think Ponting should have done in the situation?

So much for G S Chappell making a difference to the selectors.

He has been in the job six weeks. The ACB are still to agree the terms of reference for the 4 man selection panel at their Board meeting this month. What did you expect in such a short time given the side for India was already selected?

[H_T 3,049]

So much for G S Chappell making a difference to the selectors.

The ink is still drying FCS.

[titan_uranus 25,045]

Along with AB McDonald's 163, Usman Khawaja is currently 204*. With Hussey, North and Hauritz all flailing at the moment, there are options popping up.

[titan_uranus 25,045]

Tendulkar got out to a debutant again. Did it with Cameron White and Peter Siddle 2 years ago, and apparently has done it numerous other times, now George got him.

We did well to get back into the game by taking the last 5 wickets for 9 runs. If Vijay had been given out lbw to Hilfy when he should have been who knows what would have happened.

But we're struggling with the bat. 3/66, all wickets falling to spinners, and Clarke out to a spinner again for just 3. Something's not right with him.

Time for Hussey to stand up and score some runs.

PS: If the fourth wicket falls soon, and North comes in with the pressure on and not many runs on the board, I wonder how he'll cope...

Edited October 12, 2010 by titan_uranus

[45HG 1,559]

And farewell Marcus North.

[titan_uranus 25,045]

Ponting's just gone out. Flawless 72 till Zaheer got it to reverse. We're in danger of losing now, 6 down with a lead of only 164.

And farewell Marcus North.

That century he hit will do more harm than good.

[Sir Why You Little 37,161]

The ink is still drying FCS.

So what?? The team has been the same for 12 months, we have an ashes series coming up in weeks, and a middle order that has not fired all year!

Why is hussey playing FCS Why isn't Smith being bowled?? Sure we might lose, but at least new players are being exposed. At the moment we are losing anyway.

Do Something at least. The same players keep failing.

[Jumping Jack Clennett 1,809]

Don't give up,WYL, we could still win this. If Johnson gets a chance against the spinners he should try to whack a few sixes.200 ahead and we're a fair chance!The Indian quicks were looking just as dangerous as the spinners,with the ball reversing and keeping low more and more often.

[H_T 3,049]

So what??

Stop talking such utter tripe WYL. The side was already selected for India. GS Chappelli has just come in. The ink has barely dried, and you're trash talking him ! Give him a break.

[Sir Why You Little 37,161]

Stop talking such utter tripe WYL. The side was already selected for India. GS Chappelli has just come in. The ink has barely dried, and you're trash talking him ! Give him a break.

i am talking mostly about the selectors in general. The same problems have been going on since the last tour of india. And that was nearly 2 years ago!!

it's time to actually DO something. The selectors are just like the People's Front of Judea in Python's 'Life of Brian' film!!

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

i am talking mostly about the selectors in general. The same problems have been going on since the last tour of india. And that was nearly 2 years ago!!

it's time to actually DO something. The selectors are just like the People's Front of Judea in Python's 'Life of Brian' film!!

And what would you DO that would improve the side now and with the Ashes in sight?

Like it or lump it, Hauritz is our only 4th innings bowler. He is bowling poorly. This is further exacerbated by the fact that he has been taken apart by one of the great players of spin, Tendulkar. Smith is not a frontline spinner and the silliness of playing a part time spinner was shown on the last India tour with White.

As for the batting I would have thought that century aside that North position is in doubt before Hussey. Mind you Clarke has been ordinary for a while on and off the field but he has some creds. I am also struggling to identify definite replacements for either or both players where that replacement has a good track record over the past 6 to 12 months to push for selection.

There are no quick fixes and I would rather considered selections as opposed to making changes for changes sake under the banner of "LETS DO SOMETHING".

[Sir Why You Little 37,161]

And what would you DO that would improve the side now and with the Ashes in sight?

Like it or lump it, Hauritz is our only 4th innings bowler. He is bowling poorly. This is further exacerbated by the fact that he has been taken apart by one of the great players of spin, Tendulkar. Smith is not a frontline spinner and the silliness of playing a part time spinner was shown on the last India tour with White.

As for the batting I would have thought that century aside that North position is in doubt before Hussey. Mind you Clarke has been ordinary for a while on and off the field but he has some creds. I am also struggling to identify definite replacements for either or both players where that replacement has a good track record over the past 6 to 12 months to push for selection.

There are no quick fixes and I would rather considered selections as opposed to making changes for changes sake under the banner of "LETS DO SOMETHING".

Well for a start i would have played Smith in this series. Hussey's career is over, he has been great-But its over. Hauritz is not an option IMO but the selectors think otherwise, Maybe its 20/20 ruining the Test game, but we just pump out the same side series after series.

Play more kids, get games into them-if we lose we lose, but at least we learn more about the talent pool in Australia.

[H_T 3,049]

i am talking mostly about the selectors in general. The same problems have been going on since the last tour of india. And that was nearly 2 years ago!!

it's time to actually DO something. The selectors are just like the People's Front of Judea in Python's 'Life of Brian' film!!

Bullsh!t WYL.

You said "so much for GS Chappell making a difference !"

You make silly statements, get caught out, and then try and talk your way out of it with petty diversional garbage.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Well for a start i would have played Smith in this series. Hussey's career is over, he has been great-But its over. Hauritz is not an option IMO but the selectors think otherwise, Maybe its 20/20 ruining the Test game, but we just pump out the same side series after series.

Play more kids, get games into them-if we lose we lose, but at least we learn more about the talent pool in Australia.

At 21, Smith with one or two tests and a part time bowler is not a frontline option in either India or the Ashes. While Hauritz is a poor option you cant provide a better one than Smith...Hmmm

So who would you replace Hussey and North with?

As for the same side being selected series after series. The last time I looked George and Paine are new to the side in the past 3 months. So much for the pumping going on.

Most of the players that play for Australia have been identified in their youth and tracked and developed by the ACB. You learn little by throwing kids to the wolves. I would have thought MFC might have taught you a bit more. It sounds great when you rant but when you think about it....

You make silly statements, get caught out, and then try and talk your way out of it with petty diversional garbage.

He's right WYL. You do this all the time. The silly statements are only outdone by the tragic efforts to support/divert/deny/falsify or complicate matters. And you get found out every time. B)

[Sir Why You Little 37,161]

At 21, Smith with one or two tests and a part time bowler is not a frontline option in either India or the Ashes. While Hauritz is a poor option you cant provide a better one than Smith...Hmmm

So who would you replace Hussey and North with?

As for the same side being selected series after series. The last time I looked George and Paine are new to the side in the past 3 months. So much for the pumping going on.

Most of the players that play for Australia have been identified in their youth and tracked and developed by the ACB. You learn little by throwing kids to the wolves. I would have thought MFC might have taught you a bit more. It sounds great when you rant but when you think about it....

He's right WYL. You do this all the time. The silly statements are only outdone by the tragic efforts to support/divert/deny/falsify or complicate matters. And you get found out every time. B)

So tell me this?? Why wasn't last summers matches in australia used to blood new talent into the Test side? Perfect opportunity against the Paki's. Why keep playing North, Hussey & Hauritz when we all know they are either not up to it or past playing.

That series last summer was almost a complete waste of time. The fact the series has been tainted with match fixing makes it even worse sadly

The MFC Blueprint is exactly what the ACB selectors should be doing, and for the last 18 months have done very little of. Maybe it is time for the coaches & or selectors to face the media in the same way the AFL coaches have to do win lose or draw.

Like the AFL umpires the ACB selectors appear to be a protected species which i think is wrong.

This is not a problem that has only been circling for weeks, There has been so much warning & there is talent playing in Australia that is not given a chance at test level.

eg. White, C.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

So tell me this?? Why wasn't last summers matches in australia used to blood new talent into the Test side? Perfect opportunity against the Paki's. Why keep playing North, Hussey & Hauritz when we all know they are either not up to it or past playing.

That series last summer was almost a complete waste of time. The fact the series has been tainted with match fixing makes it even worse sadly

It was FFS. Watson was moved in as an opener with success. Bollinger and Siddle have about two years experience. Since then Harris, George and Paine have been blooded since then.

Hussey averaged 66 with the bat against the Pakis. Not a case to be dropped. I am not sure what the match fixing allegations have here with team selection. Oh, yes HT did point that out. B)

North could have been dropped but who would they have reasonably replaced him with given they were going for a No 6 that could bowl. Sorry White struggled at 8 when he played and does not even bowl himself these days. So not a clear selection issue.

The MFC Blueprint is exactly what the ACB selectors should be doing, and for the last 18 months have done very little of. Maybe it is time for the coaches & or selectors to face the media in the same way the AFL coaches have to do win lose or draw.

Like the AFL umpires the ACB selectors appear to be a protected species which i think is wrong.

The ACB selectors have been doing this where there are ready replacements. The spinner and middle order roles are begging for players to sit up and create the action. Who did? Ferguson got injured at the wrong time and missed his moment. There is no clear

This is not a problem that has only been circling for weeks, There has been so much warning & there is talent playing in Australia that is not given a chance at test level.

You continue to rant on about this but have been unable to put a plausible or sensible substantiation to your comments. I dont think in some areas its a deep well for the selectors to tap. But only you see the obvious.