45HG

I think 5 suits him for now because he is fast becoming, if he isn't already, Australia's best batsman. He could probably bat anywhere, I'd rather see him in earlier.

Agree completely re: Mcdermott. I'd also like to again highlight how impressed I, for one, have been with Clarke's captaincy. When he took over, I was a little sceptical. However, when each batsman comes to the crease, Clarke seems to have a plan in mind from the get-go and isn't afraid to back himself. His use of the 3 fast bowlers has also been impeccable IMO. I think this stems from his captaincy in the one day format where he's more inclined to rotate bowlers quickly. The Indian batsmen have never really seemed to be able to get used to a bowler before they are then faced with a refreshed bowler. Good start. Clarke should also, IMO, be batting at 3.

Just out of interest, these are his stats for his two previous series': India v Aus: 0/100, 4/57 India v Aus: 1/77, 1/27 6/261 at 43.5. Aus v Eng: 1/60, 0/82 Aus v Eng: 0/53, 1/16 Aus v Eng: 2/83 Aus v Eng: 3/121 7/415 at 59.28. Now I certainly wouldn't have agreed that he was "rubbish," but even by admiting he was worked on his game you must see that he's not the same bowler. He is certainly a more aggressive, tactical bowler who has seemingly added an extra yard or so of pace. Not sure what the Starc reference is related to.

I think you're being quite disingenuous to suggest Hilfenhaus hasn't worked a lot on his game in the last 12 months and changed a great deal. As an aside, Sachin average 24.5 at the SCG when Mcgrath plays. Without Mcgrath, he averaged 634.

So...you wouldn't always bat, hence you agree with us. I'm glad we settled this.

Kasabian are genuinely unreal. Finally getting to see them in Jan. Same week the future Mrs. and I are singing Laura Marling, she's also brilliant.

This is what the sane have been arguing for possibly a year now. You don't always bowl, but you certainly bowl when conditions suit.

I reckon my analysis quite a few pages back did the job very well, especially considering I've seen no stats or information to support your stance - aside, of course, from stating that some Waugh and Taylor teams couldn't chase in the fourth innings. I'll give you some more info: Australia have won the toss and batted 295 times for 145 wins - 49%. Australia have won the toss and bowled 77 times for 40 wins - 51%. Game. Set. Match.

And in the fourth dig we scored 230 with a sub par score. If 230 is sub par in the fourth, and 150 is good in the first, how the hell do you figure that it was easier to bat in the first innings?

How many times?

150 on day one was a good score, 233 in the first innings was much harder batting than day one? Surely you're joking. That doesn't make sense at primary school level - possibly earlier.

Vics are dominating. 8-93 in the first dig. 53 of 136 in our first innings, including the highest partnership of the innings. 5-95 and still rocking in the third innings. No doubt they'll be required to make some runs later too.

774 were just talking about this. Open with Siddle or Pattinson to shield Hughes. Maybe bat Hughes at 9 or 10 in the first innings because of his rubbish average. Good stuff.

Is that now 22 from 31?

How about those Vics. Memories of India West Indies a few weeks ago. Dropped catch, missed run out, 2 needed off the last ball only to get one. Set the Q'landers 400 - 9-399 at stumps day 4. I only just found this out today, but for anyone else who's interested and didn't know, you can stream shield cricket off of www.cricket.com.au

There goes 10!

Says a lot.

Do you even try to use capitals properly?

India - West Indies. What a riveting finish. Only the second time the scores have ended up equal for it to be a draw.

Pat Cummins. Ripping prospect.

http://blogs.espncricinfo.com/itfigures/archives/2011/11/test_100s_everything_anyone_wa.php A great read

I agree.

29 for 299 in 92 overs. 2 for 364 from 74 overs. Cricket is a crazy game.

2 reviews in 5 balls both outs for Watson. Kallis out is huge.

Only just got a hold of Community. Finished both seasons in no time - brilliant show. Tudors was a good series - helpful also that you can get the whole thing and not have to wait for a new season.