H_T

In terms of captaincy, is that what you mean? As a cricketer, Ponting leaves him for dead IMO. Vettori is a consistent performer for the Kiwi's, a bowler you can rely on taking 2-4 wickets each innings in Tests. Doesn't take enough big bags of wickets IMO. Handy with the bat at best. Yes, he does have a great attitude towards the game, he seems to play fair. He needs to be more aggressive.

Thanks Rogue. Good pick up. Although there was an additional comment....

Lead of 131 runs to Aussies. Not enough. Score is 4/73 in the second innings. The way this game is going it will all be over before tea tomorrow!

Yes, I heard O'Keefe say that. From what I heard from the commentary, it was a pearler first up to the left hander. Haydos might be in the gun for you already RR - as you have stated, does this mean the gun is now cocked with the finger on the trigger as a result of a 'Golden Duck?' IMO if Jaques was fit, there would be alot more pressure on Hayden right now.

Wickets are tumbling now, Watson just struck. The pendulum is swinging back. All of the sudden the score of 214 looks like alot of runs for the Kiwi's. Score is 6/129. LIVE SCORES AT THE GABBA TEST

In a way, I'm sort of 'glad' NZ took honours on the first day. We have a contest on Australian soil. However, they would want to do well in the first session today, otherwise if the Aussies get 3 or 4 wickets - as you say Titan - in the first session, its goodbye NZ. The Aussies will take a strangle hold in their second dig.

I suppose there is no real need to bowl himself when the seamers/quicks are bowling the right line & length on the green deck in Brissy.

Sure. And his bowling. Yay!

Well well well. Gilchrist himself couldn't see how Symonds could get a start against the Kiwi's in the first test. Tbh neither could I based on his form which has been nothing short of poor. Will this decision put some noses out of joint? It remains to be seen. IMO Watson and Krezja both performed well, at the very least were the best of the bowlers last test in India. Its very unfortunate for one of them to miss. Regardless of the state of the wicket in Brisbane being reportedly greener than ever. IMO, I would consider Brett Lee to be very fortunate on being selected, for 2 good reasons: - 1/ His bowling form - out of sorts in India. 2/ Had virus, has lost several kilos - like M.Clarke - despite now improved health. Could do with a break before a long summer.

With a different target (lower target - of 420) for the South Africans and more overs & time up the sleeve, I fail to see how the same argument would apply. A different set of circumstances presents itself. I'm sure the 0/29 start off first 14 overs would not have been replicated. This is where the difference of opinion is. You say declaring earlier -- whether it be giving 4 and a half or 5 sessions - would not have made a difference at all to the tactics of Sth Africa in the final innings. I disagree with that, its that simple. If 10 wickets is the issue on that wicket that you say "completely" nullified the sting of the bowlers, wouldn't that be all the more reason to declare earlier and provide more time for your bowlers to strike?; and entice Sth Africa to chase?; hence more risks; hence more chances of wickets; hence a result (win). I believe so RR. I'm no Nathan Carroll RR. Take it Easy Dutchy...

At the end of the day, we might not see eye to eye in this case. Whilst I usually couldn't give a 'continental' about a match played 3 years ago, I will endeavour to paint a clearer picture - if that is possible. Ok. The Aussies set the Sth Africans 491 with 4 sessions remaining. With the likes of Warne , McGrath both world class bowlers - if not the best of their kind in their field of expertise throughout the history of cricket - bowling for the Aussies. Session 1 - Even if the Sth Africans had batted "really well" and managed 0/120 in the last session of Day 4. It still would have left a mammoth total run chase of approx. 371 runs to get on Day 5 with 10 wkts in hand. That is more than 4 runs an over in a TEST against the number 1 cricketing nation in the world. That is nigh impossible IMO - even against a West Indies outfit - if they were Sth Africa's opposition. It's no wonder they went defensive to achieve a draw. The declaration should have come sooner IMO. (HT downs the rest of his beer and says to RR "Its your shout") :D

I recall the declaration. The drinks break before tea was tipped in the commentary box first, then about 20min after drinks. As Hodge got closer to the double hundred it strung out. Ricky would or should of declared when Hodge was about 160. The more this debate has gone on, the more I recall. The lead was approx. 430 at the time. I also recall Mark Taylor and Heals holding back or at least getting their point across that the time was right for a declaration with a lifeless pitch and not much turn.

This is the type of conversation I usually like with a beer in my hand. I think Rogue best summed it up, that an earlier declaration would of given a lesser target with more overs to face, giving the aussies more of an opportunity to skittle the Sth Africans. An extra 40min to an hour can mean the difference between a draw and a win. About 15 overs or so more to get the remaining wickets. Importantly and not to be forgotten 15 more overs for them to chase down the 420-430. Which is alot easier than 491 with 15 extra overs with the likes of Warne in Perth.

The [censored] should be banned for life. The tool in the stand that is.

I agree, the declaration should have been called about 40minutes earlier. Even the commentators at the time were voicing their opinions that the Aussies were forcing Sth Africa to shut up shop once they took to the bat. A lead of 420-430 with 1 and 1/2 days play would have made them bat more aggressively on Day 4. Which is what I was alluding to regarding the history of Perth's pitch Rogue. Ie. Not conducive to spinners, not even Warnie.

It was reported yesterday, M.Clarke had lost something in the vicinity of 6-7 Kgs caused by the virus.

The selectors Andrew Hilditch) told Bryce McGain, age is no issue... Its a mystery. Do Cricket Australia have a say in proceedings? Do they say, "Righto Perth we want it full of pace and bounce and we don't want to see cracks until the 3rd day", or "Sydney, just keep doing what you are doing and prepare a spinners paradise with nothing in it for the pace men." Warney had a full day's bowling. However, it was Perth so you may have a point when looking at history on the final day in Perth. PS. Saw Hodge go out in between sessions today at the G. Poor bugger could only get 3 runs. Trapped LBW.

Certainly. He is very frustrated and understandably so. Last nights All Stars v Australia - he batted with alot more purpose than what you would expect from a hit and giggle game. Seeing Symonds get a Test Squad gig when completely in all sorts with his form would be tearing Hodge to shreds. I'd be interested to see how Michael Clarke goes in the NZ series. There could be an opening there for Hodge come Sth Africa, if he continues churning out the runs at domestic level. Didn't Hodge chalk up a double century v Sth Africa in Perth last time?

So who do you want as Captain then? Any guarantee the next Captain won't try and fix they're slow over rate? Is it really that drastic that you will not go to another test whilst Ponting is Captain? The Aussies were an outside chance at best in winning the fourth test. Granted it was a poor decision on choosing Hussey to bowl. White was not a poor choice, he is in the side to bowl.

Walk the Plank?......You think he deserves to lose the captaincy over this WYL? I certainly don't think so, he has credits for me. The 2nd most successful captain behind Steve Waugh. Sure, he deserves some criticism for trying to fix the slow over rate by introducing part timers, but he went to White who got carted by Harbhajan and Dhoni to all parts of the park, so he then made another change in Hussey. What he should have done, and I'm sure he'd have his time over, is go for the win. Should have brought on a frontline bowler.

Might not be there one hour after lunch. Disgraceful. Why on earth Katich has come out in that intention is . There should be the likes of Hayden, Ponting and Watson playing in that manner. But the likes of Katich, Hussey perhaps Clarke should be to occupy and tick it over. edit: The run rate is at around 6 an over, so the Aussies are going for it.

A long way to the total for a win. However, the first 3 overs has produced another 15 runs for no loss. 0/28 after 5 overs as I type this. Requiring another 354 runs with all (10) wickets in hand. Go Aussies...

True. But what McGrath had was a better consistency of stump to stump bowling and not giving the batsmen much width. Often frustrating the Indians to produce rash shot selections and getting out. Often put in the odd good short ball, which Clark lacks.

Is a shame about Oram. He does well against the Aussies for the Kiwi's. Good point actually about tying up other end for Krezja to take scalps. He just lacks variety on those pitches imo. I suppose most bowlers do though in india. Once back on Aussie soil, he should do much better.

Man U off the pace on the EPL Table. Liverpool looking the goods at present, terrific start for them with nearly 1/3 of the season just about gone.