H_T

Rivals the 12th Man on occassions.

Not if the one's who are knocking don't stand up. They need to make runs too. Btw, when was the last time you heard or read anyone refer to Mike Hussey as "Mr.Cricket" of late ? It's been a while IMO. Interesting.

Here is bigger news: Mike Hussey out for a duck against the VICS. WA 2/44 Andrew McDonald has 1/7 off 9 overs claiming the scalp of Hussey. Caught by his brother David. Marcus North 2* (notout)

I'm of the same opinion. When I think of Brisbane especially after a great deal of rain (record falls, low pressure troughs etc...no I'm not Rob Gell or David Brown either..haha), I think Day 1 and 2 a tinge of green; movement of the seam and swing if there is humidity around - usually is in Qld. That said, there is still more than a week before the first test. Now that they've looked to have ruled him (McDonald) out for now, it will be interesting to see who comes up. I've noticed they (selectors) have ordered Siddle not to play this week. Harris is a wait and see, Bollinger is being monitored. Great innings by McCullum (225), Alma (118), Kallis (135) and Gayle (333) yesterday. Younis Khan and Harbajan also scored centuries. Vettori another 5-for. Some good cricket being played ATM.

Neither would I...it's more the complete package for me. Plus, I think he is a darn sight better in terms of offering more for the skipper than North is for bowling. The other plus is, he is more than handy with the bat. Reasons: 1/ Decent bowler: Provides change of pace, still nippy. Takes wickets, ties up an end. 2/ Handy batsman - as already highlighted, performs in games, big games. 3/ Already has Test Match experience ie. Sth Africa. 4/ Better option than North, Aussies can still play a spinner and have quicks. Is durable - can bowl decent spells if required.

Don't agree on White. Even though I understand the hype surrounding the "ra ra ra" for his inclusion. A while back I would have agreed. But it's clear by intentions now that the selectors are going another path. Very good cricketer, but he's no big bowling sensation, he's a part timer. If you want him for his batting, he has plenty of opposition. What he does have in his favour is a good cricket brain. But is it enough ? I'm not so sure anymore.

It's fair to say I'm flabbergasted that McDonald wasn't named in the squad. Absolutely flabbergasted !

Back on 17th October I spruiked my inclusion of McDonald for North for the first Ashes Test. I think (even more so now) McDonald should be included. I know QLD and particularly Brisbane has had alot of rain, and I think a seamer such as McDonald who has performed well in conditions offering a bit of humidity for some swing - should be considered for selection. Importantly, the two centuries against NSW should have his name in neon lights seeing the selectors sat there for the game. COMMENT: The VICS have had the wood on NSW (even though it was a drawn match on weekend) and have won & performed well against NSW both home & away for a few years. They are big games in their own right, the good players perform and come to the fore. In many cases the VIC players have performed well, ahead of their NSW counterparts. I just find it a tad frustratingly agitating that NSW players are mentioned and considered ahead of VICS and in other cases *TASMANIAN cricketers (thinking of you Nasher) when it comes to National Selection. * It's my contention that the VICS and TASMANIANS have dominated domestic cricket in the three forms of cricket over the past 3 seasons (overall). I don't have the statistical figures at hand; but I'm pretty confident this is the case recalling finals, etc. edit: FURTHER COMMENT: I find it unbelievable that the Australian Test Team for the first Ashes Test is to be selected prior to the Aust XI v England Match. I echo Slater's concerns and read on the weekend when he confronted newly appointed selector Greg Chappell, Chappell said the selectors had no say in it, the selectores were given direction by Cricket Australia to do so. IMO Cricket Australia needs to get some of it's priorities in order and it's also my belief that CA and it's sponsors look after some of the incumbent sponsored players for the summer. (In terms of selection). This was confirmed to me just last weekend by a source of mine dating back to Symonds inclusion for Test selection. And guess what *stop the press*, the skipper also has a big say in proceedings - but I guess that is nothing unusual anyway; you guy's I believe already knew that one.

Australian XI team v England in Hobart next week: - AUSTRALIA A squad Cameron White (Captain, Vic) Tim Paine (Vice-captain, Tas) Mark Cameron (NSW) Callum Ferguson (SA) Peter George (SA) Phil Hughes (NSW) Usman Khawaja (NSW) Shaun Marsh (WA, subject to fitness) Steve O'Keefe (NSW) Steve Smith (NSW) Mitchell Starc (NSW). Cameron White to lead Nasher can give us an update.

Man of the Match !

Saw the highlights last night. Well done to Martin. Surely a day to remember. Laxman still in, they'll be celebrating if they get him out early. Re: Aussies. Perform well when the pressure is off.

I know. What an absolute joke. How must Doherty be feeling after taking 4 wickets ? Talk about confusion.

Try out !? Ah, I think I'm past that stage. Certianly fit enough to watch it though. I'm keen on most sports, contests that involve physically competing.

The red tape will be eventually cut. Hell, we have everything else down here being the sporting capital. We'd be a laughing stock if the world were to know how popular we were by having UFC illegal. It's probably the one and only thing Sydney has over Melbourne. UFC - who would have thought !

Relax. We've got my man Matthew Wade.

I heard (can't confirm which radio station) this morning that Haddin will get the nod for Test selection. Can anyone confirm this ? Can't find any confirmation online. Meanwhile Doherty gets a call up to spin against Sri Lanka edit: {from article}: Three match limited over series see's Haddin replace Tim Paine. - This might be about what I heard earlier this morning. Doesn't refer to the Test series, but it could be a sign for Haddin to get the nod. Callum Ferguson and David Warner make way for Shane Watson & Ricky Ponting.

The VICS may have lost the return bout to WA at the G last night. But my man Wade scored a scintillating century for the VICS. Keep an eye out for this kid. His form continues where it left off last season. Unreal with the bat in hand. edit: I agree with Rogue, Haddin should be very worried re: his test spot for the first Test of the Ashes. Paine might be kept in, the openers to remain the same.

Yeah, Clarke & Hussey weren't in the best form heading into the ODI's, they did well to scratch around and recover. But I see what you mean re: Clarke's strike rate. He plays safe. And he takes up alot of balls to a certain degree. If there was a bit more "wriggle on" it could have been more early before White unleashed.

That's unbelievable !

City, Real Madrid or Barcelona.

England's tour matches include: v WA 5th-7th Nov WACA (3 days) v SA 11-13th Nov Adelaide (3 days) v AUST XI - Bellerive; 17-20th Nov (4 days)* * looks like another drinking session for Nasher if he can get away

England has done their homework. They've got a good preparation leading in. Where do they play Australia A ?

Tried searching for that answer yesterday, no luck as yet. Couldn't find it on CricketInfo.com. Anyone else know when the last time Punter represented Tassy in Sheffield Shield ?

Yeah, I'm not sure where Haddin is at with the injury sustained. Is he back to full fitness yet ? I haven't read anything on him other than his rehabilitation a little while back. Because of that, I left Paine in. Who is doing a fine job, mind you. edit: Did a search, he is back playing....here is some articles: - http://www.cricinfo.com/australia/content/story/479371.html He is currently 10 not out representing NSW (opening the bat) against WA in the Ryobi One dayer in Sydney. Guess that means he is back. Will he have enough cricket for a return for the Gabba Test though ??? edit: make that 23 off 30 balls. Smashed a six. Batting with Khawaja. your man.

140 (not out) off 121 balls. Sensational innings. All too familiar. Hodgy loves the Gabba. He was dropped on 15. Still waiting WYL .... My side for the Ashes: Katich Watson Ponting Clarke Hussey McDonald Paine Hauritz Johnson Hilfenhaus Bollinger *McDonald for North. Despite North scoring a century in the last test v India, I think McDonald can provide with the bat where North has failed on more occassions than not. McDonald also provides the Captain a bit with the ball, changes up the speed as a medium pace bowler that can create a bit of swing/drift and keep it tight, whereas I don't think North is anywhere near as potent, nor can he hold up an end like the Captain might want. Hauritz for mine can stay in for now. Probably the best option at the moment as a spinner. Smith whilst great with the bat, needs to improve with the ball in the longer version. More consistency required. Hussey safe for now, not sure I want to disrupt coming into the Ashes now. Besides, no one in particular jumps out as a replacement, even though there may be some candidates. Trying times for the Aussies this Summer, facing a calm and in form English line up. Test record against top eight teams since Jan 2008 Team .............. Tests ..Won ..Lost ... W/L ratio India ..................... 28 ... 13 .. 6 ..... 2.16 South Africa ......... 24 ... 12 .. 7 ..... 1.71 England ................ 32 ... 13 .. 8 ..... 1.62 Sri Lanka ............... 18 ... 8 .. 5 ..... 1.60 Australia ............... 35 ... 17 ..11 ..... 1.54 Pakistan ................ 17 ... 3 ..10 ..... 0.30 West Indies ........... 22 ... 2 ..11 ..... 0.18 New Zealand ......... 20 ... 2 ..12 ..... 0.16 *Australia's fall from first to fifth