H_T

"IF" Hayden is given his marching orders for the Boxing day Test in Melbourne, don't be surprised if Hughes for NSW gets a gig ahead of Rogers/Klinger/Jaques(inj).

Australia all out. 375. If Hayden fails 2nd innings, I'm not so sure he's an absolute shoo-in come Boxing Day, regardless if the Aussies win. A draw looks more likely by the way as the pitch is a road in Perth.

You might be right. I heard this morning (SEN) that it was 'known' said the host, can't remember his name - it may have been Jason Richardson - that this will be Haydo's last test series or test series in Australia, with an announcement expected sometime during the series. From what I gather this piece is "unconfirmed." So, just take it as gospel at this stage.

How Phil Jaques wishes he was not injured right now. Hayden, the fat lady is clearing her throat. Game is over at the G. Rogers wasn't able to inflict much damage on WA thanks to some good VICS bowling.

Brett Lee singled out by Ricky before today's test to lead Australia and cause Sth AFrica to self-destruct. PUNTER STARTS THE MIND GAMES VICS WELL ON THE WAY TO KNOCKING OFF WA - AND IN THE PROCESS BOOKING A SPOT IN SHEFFIELD SHIELD FINAL AGAIN- IMO

Thanks to Gerrard, Liverpool got a point. Important point considering the scores of the other big 3, nevertheless.

Former spinner Pat Symcox slams cocky countrymen The above is a link to Pat Symcox's views on South Africa. He doesn't mind criticising his own country now and again. The Sth Africans have come over with confidence in dismantling Australia. This type of news will go down like a lead balloon in the Sth African changerooms...

I think Krejza will play. We probably need him in just to keep up with the over rate. Seriously, if Krejza is fit, he should play. I agree with Rhino with regards to the Ashes and Clark. Good line and length is a pre-requisite. He has a good record. Perth I think will suit him into the 'Fremantle doctor' too. A bit of swing would be nice. Whereas Lee and Johnson don't really generate much of that. Does anyone think Siddle is a chance for the line-up? He can swing it a mile.

A tour of India and one test at home doesn't really equate to one and a half innings 45hotgod... Let's drop this stoush, what do you think of Watson coming back into the line up? Or, Andrew Hilditch's description of Perth as a wicket that takes spin? I'm a little bemused by his comments. Perth is definitely not renowned for being conducive to "Spin". To me, the only spin on offer were Andrew Hilditchs words yesterday.

Yes, certainly keeps his feet from what I've seen.

Sometimes it's fun to jump over when form warrants it, like I have stated repeatedly he needed to turn his form around pronto. At least I'm not stuck on the fence.

I've already stated my opinions, I hope those fence pailings don't have to many splinters...

I'm very surprised if he's getting abused wherever he goes. He doesn't deserve that if it's true. IMO QueenC, had he failed to get a wicket in Adelaide he would of gone very close to being dropped. But that's all water under the bridge now. He looked much sharper and his old self at Adelaide. He was even the one bowler to extract reverse swing on the Adelaide pitch in the Test. Just remember its just an opinion QueenC. I understand the difficulty he must be going off the field, especially with the demands and consumed time of the travelling & playing, etc with the Australian Cricket Team. And I hope things turn for the better in that regard. I also understand the virus and fitness thing. It was my opinion at the time he should have been rested after the India tour too. That would have been the smartest thing to do I believe. It also would have given him more time to be with his child. M.Clarke also suffered from a virus, and I believe should have been rested too. As it turned out he played one of the better innings for the Aussies. Fwiw, I'm not attacking him personally or anything for he's one of the best bowlers Australia has produced. I hope he goes on to have a bumper summer.

Yes, No.5 is ok I guess. Just. I've come down in price...

I see a bit of Peter Burgoyne in Jetta. Quick on the ground and off the mark like a cat on a hot tin roof. Very evasive in traffic.

Had a feeling I might have a reaction with this statement of mine. Excuse the Kiwi accent I am about to put on RR. Its based on an opinion I have - that NZ is a different kettle of "fish". McCullum ran out of batting partners and he was well aware of this, which is one reason why he went into 20/20 mode. No, my thoughts of this is not based on one innings. I've seen what he has done in the past. He has a good batting average for a "non-australian" in a struggling side. He shouldn't be batting at No.7. N.Z. openers make Glenn McGrath look like a very good batsman. They're technique leaves a little to be desired too. Maybe I'm being a "little harsh" on NZ. But their cricket side is so far off the Sir Richard Hadlee and Martin Crowe days, its not funny. 1/ McCullum opens in the one day format. 2/ He is one of the most exciting batsmen in the world when in full flight 3/ He and apart from Vettori would be the only players eligible for qualification of being "world class" 4/ If I can't convince you for McCullum to open, I can negotiate for him to come in at 3 or 4. But no way No.7. Or dare I say it "6" (sux).

Vettori...of course. How could I forget the skipper.

IMO the NZ team struggle big time at Test level, they sruggle with the concept of occupying the crease. They just can't stay out there long enough. Some of the ways they went out was embarrassing. They cannot defend. When they play shots, their technique and timing of shots is what gets them out. McCullum, he is the only true international cricketer along with probably Taylor that NZ have. And perhaps Shane Bond, but he wasn't present. McCullum should probably open.

You're not bad are you? I really love being taken out of context.... You will find that I had said previously in the thread (prior to the Adelaide Test) that if Lee doesn't turn his form around soon he may make room for another. Which is only natural. As the selectors look to see who is well out of form and who is over a period of time. Lee was out of form throughout India and the Brisbane Test. The alarm bells were certainly ringing. Of which I'm sure you agree QueenC, being an avid fan of Lee. Regardless of the fact he has taken over 300 wickets. He was bowling eratically, inconsistent rubbish until Adelaide. I'm glad for him and for your sake that he turned it around. He must keep his form for the Sth Africans are coming. They won't be pushed aside as easily as the Kiwi's were. As you stated before the Kiwi's tail starts from four. Which also points to the ease of which Lee took wickets... Sth Africa bats a lot lower than NZ does. It will be interesting to see how Lee does against the Spring Boks. And no, I'm not writing Lee off.

Here comes Manchester United! 5pts behind now.....

Agree with Krejza. Let's see what the Perth deck will be like. Lee is safe now.

Bring on the Sth Africans.... Observation: NZ have the longest tail in test history.

If he can brush up on some of his kicking and handballing, he should be a hell of a find. I noticed he played on Blease for a bit in the highlights against Vic Metro. Has pace. Loves a bit of the physical contest side of things - nice hip & shoulder I observed. Will be exciting with the likes of davey and Wonna, no doubt.

Brett Lee was never written off. He was however, out of form prior to the Adelaide Test. And had figures to back this up. Good to see some return to form and good to see him knocking over the Kiwi's in his customary style.

Thats right, Gardner presented on that occassion. What about an EPL side?