dee-luded

Watto/Rogers to open, Warner at first drop, Smith at 4,

.... wait for it Steve Smith: I was sledging not chatting to Pakistan batsmanhttp://www.watoday.com.au/sport/cricket/steve-smith-i-was-sledging-not-chatting-to-pakistan-batsman-20141110-11jy4s.html Australian batsman Steve Smith says his captain Michael Clarke may have misinterpreted his conversation with Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali during the second Test in Abu Dhabi as friendly chit chat. But in reality, he was having a good old fashioned Australian sledge. Early in Parkistan's first innings, Clarke was clearly unimpressed with Smith, who was fielding close to the pitch and Azhar, and engaging in discussions with the opposition's number 3 batsman. The Australian captain gave Smith a rocket and reportedly told him that Azhar's friends were upstairs in the Pakistan changerooms and not down on the field. Azhar was on 14 at the time and went on to score 109 (which he followed up with 100 in the second innings) in Pakistan's 356-run demolition of Australia. Pakistan had earlier won the First Test just as comfortably, by 221 runs. Arriving in Perth on Monday to prepare for Australia's two one-day internationals against South Africa at the WACA Ground starting on Friday, Smith appeared to be surprised to have caught the ire of his skipper. "Yeah I'm not sure what happened there. I was actually getting into him," Smith said. "So it wasn't what I expected, but that happens I guess." When asked if Clarke had misinterpreted the conversation that was taking place, Smith said: "I think that's how it was," and suggested that talking to opposition batsmen in a productive manner would continue. "We like to play good, hard, tough, aggressive cricket when we're out in the field," he said. "That's the way we like to play, so we'll continue to do that." Australia is currently ranked number three in the ODI arena on 114 points, behind South Africa (115) and India (116). As well as trying to recapture the top ranking, the Aussies are also looking for a positive start to its preparation for the World Cup, which it is hosting, starting February 14. They will play the Proteas at the WACA on Friday and again on Sunday before playing one game each in Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney. The First Test against India then starts at the Gabba on December 4. Smith says time is running out for players to cement their spots for the World Cup. "I think it's (a) pretty important (series)," he said. "I think they are trying, obviously, to get the team that they will be playing in the World Cup and there's not too many games before then. "There's plenty of work to do and all of the boys are trying to get a spot in the team. "We're very excited to be back in Australia and I guess playing on wickets that we're accustomed to. It's going to be nice to get out there and bat on something with a bit of bounce and pace on it. "I was pretty happy with the way I batted in the one-dayers in the UAE. Hopefully I can carry on my form in this form of the game and keep trying to get as many runs as I can and putting my case forward as much as I can as well." While Australia looked every part a fish out of water in the two-Test series in the UAE, Smith doesn't think South Africa will have the same issues adjusting to conditions in their upcoming series. He says he's sure the visiting fast-bowling pair of Dale Steyn and Mornel Morkel will also enjoy the bounce of the Australian wickets. "They are a very good outfit and I think our conditions are very similar to theirs back home in South Africa as well," he said. "So look, it's going to be a tough challenge and the boys are looking forward to it. "I'm sure they're going to be coming out playing some extremely hard cricket. "We recently played the tri-series in Zimbabwe where they got the better of us. It's another chance for us to come out and try to improve and get one over the top of them." http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/cricket/steve-smith-i-was-sledging-not-chatting-to-pakistan-batsman-20141110-11jy4s.html

gee Boyce looked good last night. an exciting prospect. hope he can go on with it. Warnie came back in to the fold in good time.

I suspect this is the issue, that the players are trying to follow someone they're not really in full admiration of. Obviously they respect his skills batting against spin, but maybe it doesn't go far past this. I think we are spiritually rudderless, apart from the off field cricket dept'. because it appears we are playing that way. when we go well, its on the back of individuals performances which I put down to Boof's input. Lyons, MJohnston, SSmith, When we show real grit as a team, when our backs are up against it, then I'll know that things are well.

clark is a capitarn, field positions, bowling changes OK mostly..... but He's no Leader... this is the issue with our team IMO. the cubs are following the dots on the field dropped from our leopard capitarn. the quicker they remove him from captain, to maybe VC? the better. we need to find Leaders with true grit & real love for the baggy green, & team orientation first & last. we have not had a great leader since Steve Waugh... Border - Taylor - SWaugh - ????????

I still sense the lack of something in the teams chemistry. the team that plays together stays together... this mob seem to get blown in the breeze away from home. I've seen similar or less talented Aussie sides perform with real Aussie grit, even standing the barrage of the hostile WIndies 4 man pace attack bowling bodyline @ 150+klms an hour, one after the other. this mob seem all lost in their heads. yet marsh & smith seem to have more rhythm & slow timing in the batting swing.... stroking the ball.

.... wheres the Paul Hogan show when you need him ?

the fruit falls not far from the tree, a very good tree. get him somehow.

its working out nicely for Ricciardo with the changes made in F1, the V6 turbo's & changes to traction control etc. Vettell doesn't seem to be handling driving by the arse of his pants. now he's leaving even better. I hope Alonso gets a better drive for 2015... would love for him to go to Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 to put it up the egocentric Nico Rosberg, but maybe more likely to McLaren.

thats what I'm getting atmo, Re the issues surrounding his separation from the Pies. Understandable if its his fathers ailing health, but if the Pies are pushing out a great player, Why? I wish I had something to believe.

after reading further about his dad illness, he has to get to QLD.

I've just read the post about Beams fathers illness severity. its gotta be a 3 way deal; or its another player we want the pick for?

yep, exactly. and we need to become a club, once again.

love your avatar M_9 thank goodness for this news Re Lacale` of our true home base. Happy Re the 'G' news of alignment of our clubs departments; & dare I say?, maybe a possible Thursday-Night training session & team announcement on the home-ground of the Melbourne Demons??? ........ & very happy to develop things at Elsternwick-Park which has abundant connections Re Public Transport access, & the Footy Ground, & other sporting facilities to entertain our supporters of all ages.. and now with the recently announced proposed building of the Deck over the Richmond Rail-yards & I think, Brunton Avenue as well ? I hope we could end up with a Social Hub up on the Deck between the Richmond Station-the MCG-and the Swan St Oval, immediately East of AAMI Park... If they relocated the Hammer-Throw area to the Alber-Park Athletics Complex, then built the Deck over the current hammer throw area (adjacent to the Richmond station) & across Swan St at this section, it would then Link the Station & the MCG, & the AAMI-Park complex, at an easy access height to the Station & On-Deck facilities... we could have our Social Facility, still overlooking the Training Oval in-between AAMI Park & Gosch's Paddock. https://www.google.com/maps?t=k&output=classic ( copy & paste > {135 olympic boulevard MELBOURNE} into map) I hope this is a plan Our people are thinking Of. # Edit: I have just found that it appears the hammer throw area has already gone.

and this is why we need some elders of High quality, like RO'K. the culture shift is not easy, even for the leaders who grew up in red & blue like Jones. they haven't had topline leaders themselves to show them the way. And to support them when they become captain. Our recent journey would be enough to make any strong character keep on 2nd guessing themselves. and if Luke Ball were available, I'd grab him as well, they'd be my top leaders, RO'K & Ball. they wouldn't have to play every game, but we need them around the club with they're playing shorts & training tops on, chasing the leather.

I feel like I'd rather Brayshaw of the 2 mids top of this draft, but still prefer a Shiel deal. Happy enough with the saints spending P-1+ for Cameron... which most likely gives Petracca to GWS, who inturn have the loss of a mid covered. if petracca is short of breath it may take him some time to get up to fitness, losing weight doing so.

who said they won't with Patton going down with his 2nd knee reco... The incentive they need is Shiel can walk into the draft next year for nothing if uncontracted. try to stop a player from leaving if they Want Out... Shiel & Jaksch are meant to want Out, to come home. so they have to trade or lose them for zilch.... but the saints would be interested in both of them as well. We have to convince the boys to come on down to the 'G'...

I'd like to add Pickett into this mix around the P-8 area. ... if we could get something going with GCSuns, that may be cool. P-2 for they're 2 picks, & a player... if we need to add something extra, OK. P-3+ (for Shiel+Jaksch).

but also stats can deceive, I'd be interested in which type of club took the fails & if the power clubs with top 5 picks got winners out of them.

ha, maybe we can nickname him 'Forest'.

the thought had just occurred to me as well GO... they wouldn't would they? we will have to take the returns as they pop up.

Would the Saints take Shiel & Jaksch for P-1 & something?

cows shouldn't lay on they're backs, or on yours, I feel certain about that one Jazza. not so sure about lamas, butt.

Black/OliveGreen; at the moment & looks like raining Catters & Doggies