Anyone for cricket?

[WonnaJurah 5]

White any chance to come in,will Johnson return given Bollinger failed.Dont think Doherty will get another bowl.Mckay could be a chance to get called into team

[Sir Why You Little 36,607]

Not as much as you underestimate the loss of:

Hayden

Langer

Martyn

Gilchrist

Warne

Mcgrath

If i had wished to name all those champions i would have done so. In my above post i mentioned the coach because i believe his loss has been under rated. Very astute man Buchanan.

Edited December 7, 2010 by why you little

[Rogue 585]

A few brief asides:

The consensus seems to be that Katich will be replaced by Hughes. Not even scoring a mention is Jaques, who has a pretty handy Test average of 47. Note that I'm not suggesting he should be picked - simply pointing out he seems like yesterday's man.

I'm open to replacing North, but I'm not sure Smith should be the guy. From what I can tell he's not a top-six bat and if that's the case he doesn't deserve the gig unless we're happy to bank on Haddin at 6 and pick Smith as an all-rounder. Maybe Dave Hussey is worth a crack.

The bowling attack is probably the worst I've seen.

5/1000+ over the last two innings.

Sadly, what can we do? Drop Doherty after two matches? That's hardly productive. We need to show the spinner we pick some faith. So he should stay.

I agree with the sentiment in general, but in this case I'm not sure Doherty's actually any good. If he's not, we're just throwing good money after bad. That said, I don't know - he's looked pretty poor in the Tests, but if I'd seen him bowl before that it wasn't something I paid attention to.

I still think we need the selectors to decide on a core group of players who they think are the most talented 15 or so in the country, and then stick with them over a relatively long period. If Doherty's one of those then he should stay, but if he's not we should drop him now.

[H_T 3,032]

The bowling attack is probably the worst I've seen.

Yet Ponting has stated recently our bowling attack is just as potent and efficient or as strong as England's.

You're living the dream Punter.

[daisycutter 29,310]

I think I see the fat lady now.....

I am sure I saw her a couple of days ago as well. B)

On a more serious note would you drop both North and Doherty for the Perth Test?

What ever replacement spinner you pick then goes it alone in the spin department. Hate to say it but I am not comfortable with Smith... Hauritz?...That hurts.

Indeed Rhino, the fat lady appeared to have been accompanied by a choir (and rain was only 2 hours away)

You now have permission to claim 1-0

Would I drop North. Yep. Who? Best available but not Smith. Possibly David Hussey

Doherty? Yep. Soaps will crucify (even more) him in Perth. Replace him with a paceman but who? Not happy but suppose its got to be MJ or BH

I'd like to drop more but thats not practical. I think it will be a case of "lying back and thinking of mother england" whilst getting raped for the rest of the series.

All the more reason to talk MFC this summer

[H_T 3,032]

Indeed Rhino, the fat lady appeared to have been accompanied by a choir (and rain was only 2 hours away)

You now have permission to claim 1-0

It irks me the way Clarke went out the night before in the last over. Not good enough. Good innings, but not good enough by Clarke.

[45HG 1,539]

It irks me the way Clarke went out the night before in the last over. Not good enough. Good innings, but not good enough by Clarke.

Fourth time he's done it too - three have them have been crucial IIRC

[daisycutter 29,310]

It irks me the way Clarke went out the night before in the last over. Not good enough. Good innings, but not good enough by Clarke.

My thoughts too. There is a discussion over at ology that Clarke chokes at critical times.

All that hard work, last over and he didn't even need to play a shot just cover with his body

And . . . effin Pietersen to boot

I wouldn't want Clarke with me in a trench

[titan_uranus 24,575]

Well whatever the change, I do think Smith should come into calculations. Smith in for Doherty probably makes more sense – The argument that Doherty could at least play a containing role seems to have been dashed after the Adelaide test, so I don’t think we’d be losing anything, plus Smith can bat.

I’m not entirely convinced by David Hussey. He’s in good form but he seems to have difficulty performing at the national level. He’s also 33 years old.

ODI performances shouldn't come into consideration when picking the Test side. If he's the best batsman in the Shield (which I believe he is) then he should come in for North.

Smith can't bat btw. Not yet.

The consensus seems to be that Katich will be replaced by Hughes. Not even scoring a mention is Jaques, who has a pretty handy Test average of 47. Note that I'm not suggesting he should be picked - simply pointing out he seems like yesterday's man.

Agree with that. Jaques made 40 yesterday for NSW whilst Hughes made 4. Jaques was solid when he played for Australia. If he makes 100 and Hughes makes a duck in the second innings you'd feel sorry for Jaques if Hughes gets the nod. However I'm sure Hughes will play regardless.

I agree with the sentiment in general, but in this case I'm not sure Doherty's actually any good. If he's not, we're just throwing good money after bad. That said, I don't know - he's looked pretty poor in the Tests, but if I'd seen him bowl before that it wasn't something I paid attention to.

It's a tough one. Dropping him shows a complete lack of faith in a man who's had three innings to have a go. He obviously hasn't done any good, but is three innings enough to pass judgement. I mean, Hauritz had two years to settle, and never quite did.

Fourth time he's done it too - three have them have been crucial IIRC

Twice in the Ashes too. Once against India in 2008. Can't remember the fourth one. Was it against NZ in Brisbane in 2008, where he got bowled by Ryder? I don't think that was the last over though...

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Good discussion guys.

1. Its indeed easy to drop players - Katich injured but IMO North, Doherty and Bollinger are in the gun

2. Its hard to pick replacements but here you go - Hughes, Khawaja/D Hussey, Smith, Cameron.

3. Too early to pick Johnson. He was terrible in Brisbane. I know what he can do but I am doubtful whether he believes he can do it at the moment.

4. Clarke was superb in England in 2009 hitting 450 runs at 64 and was the premier batsman where he played some great knocks. But a bad back and a bingle have distrubed his mojo and he is a shadow of himself.

5. Notwithstanding Ponting's struggles I am not sure its wise to look to Clarke at this point as he battles to be a VC.

6. We are only 1-0 and we can still win the Ashes....Well, we can seriously....Ah no

[daisycutter 29,310]

Its a bit like shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic

But shuffle we must

There are no obvious easy shuffles, more a case of hope and prayers

But going with no changes (apart from Katich) would really p155 me off

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Its a bit like shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic

But shuffle we must

There are no obvious easy shuffles, more a case of hope and prayers

But going with no changes (apart from Katich) would really p155 me off

Agree. And I thought about but dont like that shipping analogy.

I cant see how we can go into the next Test with Bollinger (1-130), Doherty (1-158). Taking 6-1137 over the past 2 innings is so damning.

Siddle would want to take wickets in Perth too.

I cant see how they can play North. He does not make runs and does not take wickets economically.

At this point Australia has nothing to lose experiment with the potential pacemen like Cameron. George looked ordinary in Tasmania so I would by pass him.

However, cricket can change. All you need is a good session and some momentum with a touch of good fortune and you are back in the game. But FFS, the all sectors of Australia's game must improve to take advantage of it.

[titan_uranus 24,575]

Just thinking over some selection issues:

1) Who replaces Katich? The obvious choice is Hughes, but his form this year hasn't been great (highest first class score this season is 81*). Jaques hasn't set the world on fire either (in fact his 40 yesterday is his top score).

Shaun Marsh might be one from left-field. He's doing really well for WA in the Shield, averaging 84.75.

2) Which 4 bowlers? Ryan Harris keeps his spot but the other three (Doherty, Bollinger and Siddle) were virtually useless and aren't certain starters. I'd keep Siddle there as I think he bowled the best of that lot, he had a few chances put down and/or referred and overturned, and I still think he does the job. I'd drop Bollinger, maybe for Mark Cameron or Trent Copeland, for someone new, or Johnson, which I don't think is the best option but he does bowl well in Perth. I don't know what to do with Doherty. If it's not him, it's Hauritz, but he's not exactly superb, or Smith, who I don't rate half as much as the general public. I don't think Smith can be the number 1 spinner in three Ashes Tests.

3) What do we do with the batting? Watson and Hussey stay for obvious reasons, as does Ponting, who needs runs desperately. Clarke stays too, and hopefully we see more of that form through the series. Which leaves North, who goes. I'd play David Hussey but there are other options out there. Khawaja is currently in the 40s for NSW. A big score today will help him immensely. Some will say Smith should bat at 7 and Haddin at 6, but I don't think Smith's good enough for that yet, and Haddin needs to bat as low as possible. For mine a long term solution does not involve Haddin at 6.

Which makes my team: Watson, Hughes, Ponting, Clarke, M. Hussey, D. Hussey, Haddin, Harris, Hauritz, Siddle, Cameron.

Edited December 8, 2010 by titan_uranus

[daisycutter 29,310]

Just thinking over some selection issues:

1) Who replaces Katich? The obvious choice is Hughes, but his form this year hasn't been great (highest first class score this season is 81*). Jaques hasn't set the world on fire either (in fact his 40 yesterday is his top score).

Shaun Marsh might be one from left-field. He's doing really well for WA in the Shield, averaging 84.75.

2) Which 4 bowlers? Ryan Harris keeps his spot but the other three (Doherty, Bollinger and Siddle) were virtually useless and aren't certain starters. I'd keep Siddle there as I think he bowled the best of that lot, he had a few chances put down and/or referred and overturned, and I still think he does the job. I'd drop Bollinger, maybe for Mark Cameron or Trent Copeland, for someone new, or Johnson, which I don't think is the best option but he does bowl well in Perth. I don't know what to do with Doherty. If it's not him, it's Hauritz, but he's not exactly superb, or Smith, who I don't rate half as much as the general public. I don't think Smith can be the number 1 spinner in three Ashes Tests.

3) What do we do with the batting? Watson and Hussey stay for obvious reasons, as does Ponting, who needs runs desperately. Clarke stays too, and hopefully we see more of that form through the series. Which leaves North, who goes. I'd play David Hussey but there are other options out there. Khawaja is currently in the 40s for NSW. A big score today will help him immensely. Some will say Smith should bat at 7 and Haddin at 6, but I don't think Smith's good enough for that yet, and Haddin needs to bat as low as possible. For mine a long term solution does not involve Haddin at 6.

Which makes my team: Watson, Hughes, Ponting, Clarke, M. Hussey, D. Hussey, Haddin, Harris, Hauritz, Siddle, Cameron.

Do we need a specialist spinner for the waca?

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Warne said we should pick Beer. But he may be just alluding back to his wild playing days.

Anyone selection could go something like this:

In Beer

Out Bollinger.

And the way Australia is playing its a pity we dont have a player with the surname of Shandy instead.

And footnote: While being great cricketers in there time, Botham and Chappelli are 2 wuckfits. I watched Chappelli on Australian story. For a much travelled sportsman, he came across as incredibly unworldly and naive.

[titan_uranus 24,575]

Hauritz has made a century batting as a nightwatchman for NSW. Currently 103*. His first first-class century too. That can't hurt.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

I recsll Tony Mann (a WA leggie) made a century for Aust in Perth as a nightwatchman in 1977/78 against India. Didn't take many wickets though and was dropped for next Test.

Bowlers need to take wickets at reasonable economy. They are an unconditional must have. Runs from tailenders are nice to have.

[titan_uranus 24,575]

Peter Roebuck's article today is very, very good: http://www.theage.com.au/sport/cricket/australia-pays-high-price-for-focusing-on-youth-20101208-18psn.html

Basically says that Hughes, Smith, Khawaja and Ferguson are being touted as the next big things in Australian cricket, but none of them are in any sort of form nor do they have the figures to back up their selection. The main reason their names are being floated is because they're young. Which isn't an automatic selection.

In contrast, David Hussey, White and McDonald have the experience, the credentials, and the form to warrant selection (despite McDonald's broken hand). But few want to talk about them.

Edited December 8, 2010 by titan_uranus

[WonnaJurah 5]

Has Hughes even scored a decent ammount of runs lately . Everytime i check he hasnt , even got 4 yesterday.Sure there is better players elsewhere like D Hussey

[45HG 1,539]

White out for 23. Here is D Hussey's chance.

Good to see Keath get a run.

[titan_uranus 24,575]

Well the squad for Perth has been named. Not happy Jan.

Doherty dropped after two Tests. Well fine. But his replacement is Michael Beer. Who gets a game because apparently the WACA is his home ground. But he's only played three games there. Hauritz has played three. Beer is young 26, he's only played a handful of first class games (5 games for 16 wickets at 39.93). Bad move.

North dropped. Good. About time. His replacement? The wunderkind, Steve Smith. Who can't bat, yet will have to bat at either 6 or 7. Even 7, IMO, is too high for him. I don't rate him, but now that he's in, I hope he stays there. Give him an extended shot at it.

Katich's replacement is the other wunderkind, Hughes. Who, upon hearing the news, walked out to bat for NSW, and added to his first innings 4 with a second innings duck. Off a full toss. He's in no form at all. Meanwhile Shaun Marsh sits around waiting.

David Hussey is on 30* off 45. Naming the team now doesn't give him any chance to prove himself. He might make a century here, against the English, but won't get a look in. Deserves a chance, he'll never get it.

We drop Johnson and Hilfenhaus for poor bowling in Brisbane, but recall them straight away after Adelaide. Neither has played a game since. What the hell was the point? Sure, Bollinger's injured/crap, but how is returning to the two guys who couldn't peform in Brisbane, and who haven't performed in any game since, a solution?

With all of Johnson, Siddle, Hilfenhaus, and Harris in the squad, and with Hilditch virtually confirming Beer's spot, I fear for Siddle. Hopefully he gets the nod over Hilfenhaus, who adds nothing and is less dangerous than Boycott's grandmother. Hilditch's words suggest only one of Johnson and Hilfenhaus will play though.

Squad: Watson, Hughes, Ponting, Hussey, Clarke, Smith, Haddin, Johnson, Siddle, Beer, Harris, Hilfenhaus.

Edited December 10, 2010 by titan_uranus

[Rogue 585]

If England were making selections like us we - Australian supporters - would be in hysterics.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Well the squad for Perth has been named. Not happy Jan.

.....

Squad: Watson, Hughes, Ponting, Hussey, Clarke, Smith, Haddin, Johnson, Siddle, Beer, Harris, Hilfenhaus.

I am not too sure who you would want to replace Doherty with. He was not up to standard and I am not sure who you put in the spinners spot otherwise.....Hauritz.

I am not against Hughes getting a chance. I dont think selection is just about the last 2 innings but it would be nice to have some runs. But he does have some claim on the opening spot. Marsh may not have to wait too long to be selected.

Smith is an interesting one. Think Steve Waugh in 1986. The selectors are really backing him in.

Bollinger bowled poorly (injury or not) and had to go but who would you have replaced him with?

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

If England were making selections like us we - Australian supporters - would be in hysterics.

To be fair England gave us 16 years of good laughter in this area. B)

[titan_uranus 24,575]

I am not too sure who you would want to replace Doherty with. He was not up to standard and I am not sure who you put in the spinners spot otherwise.....Hauritz.

I am not against Hughes getting a chance. I dont think selection is just about the last 2 innings but it would be nice to have some runs. But he does have some claim on the opening spot. Marsh may not have to wait too long to be selected.

Smith is an interesting one. Think Steve Waugh in 1986. The selectors are really backing him in.

Bollinger bowled poorly (injury or not) and had to go but who would you have replaced him with?

Yes, I would have gone with Hauritz. Really, if it's down to him and Beer, Hauritz wins in a canter. I'm not saying Hauritz can win us the Ashes, because he can't, but Beer isn't deserving of a baggy green. David Hussey made something of a plea to selectors yesterday to stop giving baggy greens to players who hadn't earned one, and look to rewarding those who perform for their state instead. Beer certaintly doesn't deserve a Test call up.

Again, with Hughes, you've got to earn your spot. He's riding on credits from 18 months ago, just like Mitchell Johnson was. His form over the last 12 months has been poor, it's not just his last two innings. His Shield average this season is around 20.

Bollinger had to go. Cameron, Copeland or McKay should have been his replacement.