Australian Selectors

[Calcium Man]

What is going on with these guy's!!! I reackon Boonie and Merv Must bring a couple of slabs to every selection meeting!!! Since AB left the committee before the Ashes the place has fallen apart!!

Firstly they take Macgill over to England and then not play him in any tests!!! England struggled against Warne every match, but having another bowler get wickets must not have been on the cards!!

Next was the Inclusion of Stuart Clark when Mcgrath was injured "He is very similar to Mcgrath" yes they both come form NSW the similarties stop there!! Mcgrath = champion clark = dud

Then they select Mitchell Johnson to goto New Zealand, the Man who has yet to prove anything a state level, and hanging on because of an endorsemnt from the great Dennis Lillie 5 years ago!!

After that they drop martyn and katich from the test arena but leave them in the ODI side, Both of them are far more suited to playing in test then they are in ODI's and had no right to retain there positions in that format of the game as they dont add anything extra like fielding or bowling abilty!!

Then look at the idea of Katich anchoring an innings from the start, they claim it as a game plan!!! who's game plan???? It doesnt remind me of the previously agressive opening partnerships for gilly with M. Waugh or Haydos?? It doesnt remind of Ponting's or Buchann's approach to One day cricket, i think it may be part of the selctors planning could be wrong but that is my gut feeling!

What about dropping Jaques after a stunning debut for katich who had already been dropped from the test squad and was on shaky ground in the ODI's and continues to be!!! And Hohns cites jaques fielding as the issue behind him not replacing katich, if i remember correctly Katich has a history of dropping catches since his inclusion against india a few years back (dropped like 5 that series alone!!!)

Then of course there was brett dorey, who clearly lacked the class to make in the one day arena , barely got his pace above 130 and bowled to full in the hope of swing he was not getting, and not using his extra height to extract bounce from wickets!!

Then we look at them once again give Mitchell Johnson a tour he did not deserve after a summer of domestic cricket that produced very little!! Clark and lewis maybe deserved one more chance (though that is doubtful) Tait not going was a travesty he would be no more expensive then anyone currently in the side and takes wickets as proven in the ING cup final!! Plus they went a batter lite and suffered the consequences in the first ODI!!!

Maybe we should replace the selectors instead of the team!!!

Clearly Hohn's is an idiot and proved it with jaques fielding!!

AB needs to come back as we know he would be hard but fair

Lehmann should become a selector!! Of that i have no doubt!!

The selctors seem to lack the ability to make cutthroat decisons that has been the strength of the australian team the last decade!! i.e taylor and waugh dropped from the ODI side and M. Waughs forced international retirement!!

[scottywiper]

Merv Hughes was just chatting at the WACA and said Mitchell Johnson is the "x factor", at which point i nearly fainted.
Clearly "x factor" is a way of admitting that there is no logical reason for picking him.
I too worry about our selection panel.

[Bombers_Forever]

Pretty simple: they are too worried about the World Cup 07, picking players on "potential" (like Johnson) when they don't have the form and sticking loyal to non-performing players

[Gunnar Longshanks]

Pretty simple: they are too worried about the World Cup 07, picking players on "potential" (like Johnson) when they don't have the form and sticking loyal to non-performing playersBearing in mind that McGrath is unavailable, how should our ODI side look?

[Cleavy]

Merv Hughes was just chatting at the WACA and said Mitchell Johnson is the "x factor"

He's a dud tv show? Seriously, was Merv sober?

[Romeo]

X factor can be negative as well. He's an X factor all right, a smorgasbord bowler, you know help yourself.:D

[CCBALL]

X factor can be negative as well. He's an X factor all right, a smorgasbord bowler, you know help yourself.:D
X Factor...is either Mental (Political) Physical (Plenty of money) or Spiritual (know someone high up hahahaha

[Armageddon]

Agreed, why aren't players like Shaun Tait in the team especially when you have a bowler like Mitch Johnson who is the same age as TAit but slower and yet to prove himself at first class level.

To be honest he has shown so far that their is a bit of potential but in the international fields he is a dud!

Why Jaques wasn't in the inital squad to SA is beyond me.

Bloody hope they blod Cossie before the World cup if they are hell bent on youth.

[Gunnar Longshanks]

Agreed, why aren't players like Shaun Tait in the team especially when you have a bowler like Mitch Johnson who is the same age as TAit but slower and yet to prove himself at first class level. I think Tait will be in the ODI side soon enough.

When the squad was picked, he had only been back playing for SA for a month or so, and hadn't done much.

[beatnik]

I think Tait will be in the ODI side soon enough.

When the squad was picked, he had only been back playing for SA for a month or so, and hadn't done much.

thanks gunnar, I was reading this thread wondering why no-one had stated what I thought was obvious...that Tait is a valuable prospect so why rush back after a serious injury

you have to look at the bigger picture - this series is the cricket equivalent of the NAB cup so the hand-wringers can just relax...Tait will play many games for Australia the way our bowling stocks are

IMO the Australian selectors have been very successful over a sustained period and it is my belief that they plan well into the future...especially in the 18mths-2yrs from a WC

mcgrath's absence was unexpected (sincerely hope it all turns out ok for the Pidge and his family) and Tait was not ready so they had an opportunity to roll the dice a little and have a punt on a 'roughie'

of course they would chose someone like Mitchell Johnson with a 'dark horse' bet - he has many positives...a tall leftie who bowls with good pace and bounce

he might not have proven himself at a domestic level but then neither had Michael Clarke or Brett Lee when they were selected...sometimes you need to take a risk to reap a reward

[CCBALL]

thanks gunnar, I was reading this thread wondering why no-one had stated what I thought was obvious...that Tait is a valuable prospect so why rush back after a serious injury

you have to look at the bigger picture - this series is the cricket equivalent of the NAB cup so the hand-wringers can just relax...Tait will play many games for Australia the way our bowling stocks are

IMO the Australian selectors have been very successful over a sustained period and it is my belief that they plan well into the future...especially in the 18mths-2yrs from a WC

mcgrath's absence was unexpected (sincerely hope it all turns out ok for the Pidge and his family) and Tait was not ready so they had an opportunity to roll the dice a little and have a punt on a 'roughie'

of course they would chose someone like Mitchell Johnson with a 'dark horse' bet - he has many positives...a tall leftie who bowls with good pace and bounce

he might not have proven himself at a domestic level but then neither had Michael Clarke or Brett Lee when they were selected...sometimes you need to take a risk to reap a reward
Tait's next game will be in SA
believe me I would bet on it

[Calcium Man]

And i thought the selectors had hit rock bottom!!! I am so proud they could prove me wrong :rolleyes:

[knackers27]

Hodge is the unluckiets man in Cricket, I wonder what would happen if he played for New South Wales or Queensland???
how did Michael Clarke get back in???? he is a hack, just cause he made a double hundred in pura cup, at the same he was doing that Hodge was smashing one for Australia.
I think Martyn deserves his chance before Clarke too, just cause Marto has done it at international level and Clarke is beginging to be just a one day player, must like the pj's!

Also I don't think Nathan Bracken should be dropped, he is a super bowler and led the VB series in wickets, also when ever he plays tests for australia, he plays well! He is the perfect foil for an attack lead by Warne, Lee and McGrath, because he is so economical and dangerous with the new ball, I thought this tour was going to be his huge chance to show what he can do.
I mean who is stuart clark

[Calcium Man]

I think Martyn deserves his chance before Clarke too, just cause Marto has done it at international level and Clarke is beginging to be just a one day player, must like the pj's!
Martyb did once deserve a chance but his indifferent domestic and one day form has not earned him a call up before Hodge or Carke.

[/QUOTE] Also I don't think Nathan Bracken should be dropped, he is a super bowler and led the VB series in wickets, also when ever he plays tests for australia, he plays well! He is the perfect foil for an attack lead by Warne, Lee and McGrath, because he is so economical and dangerous with the new ball, I thought this tour was going to be his huge chance to show what he can do.
I mean who is stuart clark[/QUOTE]

Bracken should defently be in ahead of Clark but he is the equivelant of Mcgrath, except that he is not star, cannot bowl econmically, and get his wickets from players making rash shots! But apart from that his from NSW and over 30 so similar to Mcgrath

[Cooldude]

I never liked Trevor Hohns, but now I'm starting to think he's a deluded muppet...

[Calcium Man]

I never liked Trevor Hohns, but now I'm starting to think he's a deluded muppet...

What would ever give you that impression??:rolleyes:

[Cooldude]

Before the Ashes that the selectors were doing alright

Now they're just plugging ******** outta their asses with some of the selections and non-selections

Hohns was in charge for most of the Aus dominance, he must've done something right back then, but now he's, as I say, just a deluded muppet

[Calcium Man]

Before the Ashes that the selectors were doing alright

Now they're just plugging ******** outta their asses with some of the selections and non-selections

Hohns was in charge for most of the Aus dominance, he must've done something right back then, but now he's, as I say, just a deluded muppet

There was one key feature to the selction panel back then too!! One Allan Border!!

Hohns is being found out on two fronts, no AB and the team doesnt pick itself at the moment!! Martyn being brought in is Hohns hoping he'll have to stop making decisions!

[funkyfreo]

I have to admit that the Selection Panel does not strike confidence. Merv - well I just don't think he has the cred to pull it off. You need people that when they make a decision, well it is just respected, and given a chance, and trusted they will make changes if they were wrong. Not this double-guessing ass-covering flip flop at present.

A lot of Marto backers who were dissapointed when he was dropped, would be flabbergasted at this U-turn, myself included.

[Armageddon]

They dropped Kaspa, Clarke and brought them back which i guess is alright but i thought Clarke should have made some mre runs in the Pura.

But what they have done with Martyn is either a late drunken night between two selecectors and MArtyn saw and said he would tell the pulic that he saw them unless they put him in the test squad. Or.......................... they actually think a 34 year old is playing th eyouth card.

I really am not sure.

[Bomaz_Magic]

AB left cause he saw the writing on the wall.
Why are we blooding duds though:
Dorey, Clark, Johnson, etc...
When we have, Tait, Cosgrove, WHITE (the guys a champion superstar in the making if he could a go), Jacques (though Tait showed us how good Jacques was), D. Hussey, half the tassie boys, Wise, Harwood, etc...
Why not just rename the team The NSW Bulls or something like that.

[pluga_4]

Before the Ashes that the selectors were doing alright

Now they're just plugging ******** outta their asses with some of the selections and non-selections

Hohns was in charge for most of the Aus dominance, he must've done something right back then, but now he's, as I say, just a deluded muppet



could it just perhaps be big merv's input at the selection table ?? coincidental wierd selections have taken place since he became a selector.

[Therbs]

AB left cause he saw the writing on the wall.
Why are we blooding duds though:
Dorey, Clark, Johnson, etc...
When we have, Tait, Cosgrove, WHITE (the guys a champion superstar in the making if he could a go), Jacques (though Tait showed us how good Jacques was), D. Hussey, half the tassie boys, Wise, Harwood, etc...
Why not just rename the team The NSW Bulls or something like that.

The thing about White is that he hasn't impressed enough. Probably needs to take more wickets and belt more runs, but that's just a guess. I hope you're right, we could do with a superstar. And in a hurry.
The reason we're blooding duds is simply panic. Just like the Poms used to go through 30 players each Test series in the vain hope of picking a good one.
The selectors themselves need to have that long hard look in the chamber of mirrors.

[peternorth]

heard an interview with hohns on sen. he gave me the impression theres 1 rule for one player, another rule for another player. ie. hodge needs to make runs at state level to keep knocking on the door. martyn in the side for experience, because its a tough tour.

what asked what marto has done recently he didnt answer the question only to comment on experience. huddo mentioned that martos ODI stats are poor, but hohns said thats a different game.

[peternorth]

The thing about White is that he hasn't impressed enough. Probably needs to take more wickets and belt more runs, but that's just a guess. I hope you're right, we could do with a superstar. And in a hurry.
The reason we're blooding duds is simply panic. Just like the Poms used to go through 30 players each Test series in the vain hope of picking a good one.
The selectors themselves need to have that long hard look in the chamber of mirrors.

agree there. one one hand they want youth and are looking to the future, on the other they pick old players.

[RoosterLad]

What if Martyn scores a ton every game? Will you still hate Trevor?

[Grimwood]

I am fecking confused.

Nice to see Kasper back though.

[F/D]

What if Martyn scores a ton every game? Will you still hate Trevor?
So you are happy for Martyn to be back without any kind of form?


I know the RSA players are :D

[Gunnar Longshanks]

AB left cause he saw the writing on the wall.
Why are we blooding duds though:
Dorey, Clark, Johnson, etc...Are Dorey and Johnson in the Test squad?

What are you complaining about?

When we have, Tait, Cosgrove, WHITE (the guys a champion superstar in the making if he could a go), Jacques (though Tait showed us how good Jacques was), D. Hussey, half the tassie boys, Wise, Harwood, etc...David Hussey has been dropped from the Victorian Pura Cup team, but you want him selected for Australia.

Good one.

[Gunnar Longshanks]

heard an interview with hohns on sen. he gave me the impression theres 1 rule for one player, another rule for another player. ie. hodge needs to make runs at state level to keep knocking on the door. martyn in the side for experience, because its a tough tour.Have you figured out Hohns' little game yet?

Whenever he is asked about a selection decision, he gives a response that makes his decision sound like a matter of policy.

"Needs to score more runs in Pura Cup....", "looking to give more players opportunities....", "felt we needed more experience....", "needed to reward his good performances....", "has to wait for a spot to open up....".

Familiar?

It's all sounds very official and calculated, doesn't it? It all sounds as though the selectors have a plan that they're merely adhering to.

But it's all bollocks. They're making it up as they go along, and then taking their pick of the standard explanations depending on the situation. There is no policy, just erroneous, often paradoxical excuses.

This new one about Hodge needing to score runs in Pura Cup to cement his Test spot is laughable. Absolutely ridiculous. Funnily enough, Martyn's domestic performances aren't part of the equation.

[Bennycoff]

******** house selectors. hodge and jaques are very unlucky and so is gillespie.

[Cleavy]

heard an interview with hohns on sen.

they are replaying it next on SEN.

[Grimwood]

Look on the brightside.

They may have panicked and picked some of the old guard but at least this team can win. Hodge did deserve more of a go but I'd find it hard to argue that he's better at four than Martyn and you can always rely on Kasper.

You do wonder what on earth the Ashes team will look like though.

[RoosterLad]

So you are happy for Martyn to be back without any kind of form?


I know the RSA players are :D


Well i would have liked to see somebody else picked perhaps but im not going to bag him and the selectors.
1) He's Australian, I'm Australian, so therefore i will support them no matter what instead of bagging the crap out of them.
2) The tossers on this board will either suddenly love him if he performs well, or bag him even though he doest perform well (a la Katich)
3) Smith got picked for the current tour with no form at all ;)

[Cleavy]

3) Smith got picked for the current tour with no form at all ;)

Different rules for captains, see Mark Taylor.

[GoSydneySwans]

Probably unfair on Hodge based on the fact he didn't really get much of a chance to prove himself against real opposition, but I reckon they would've gotten rid of him eventually anyway.

Martyn shouldn't be there, get Jaques in.
Clark shouldn't be there, get Gillespie in.

[FrediKanoute]

Look on the brightside.

They may have panicked and picked some of the old guard but at least this team can win. Hodge did deserve more of a go but I'd find it hard to argue that he's better at four than Martyn and you can always rely on Kasper.

You do wonder what on earth the Ashes team will look like though.

Its a backwards step. By leaving Hodge outof the team who has done nothing but excel at test level and bring back a discard in Martyn you have essentially bought a short term solution for a long term problem. Is Martyn going to be much use against the Poms at the end of 06? He'll be 18 months older than his abysmal form in the Ashes and probably fail. So instead of giving Hodge the opportunity to consoilidate his position they drop him and effectively F*ck his test career. Marto must give some seriously good head :mad:

[FrediKanoute]

Probably unfair on Hodge based on the fact he didn't really get much of a chance to prove himself against real opposition, but I reckon they would've gotten rid of him eventually anyway.

Martyn shouldn't be there, get Jaques in.
Clark shouldn't be there, get Gillespie in.

Hodge deserved his chance. He'd earned it with a couple of very good Pura Cup seasons and then averages 50+ in the 4 tests he played. For F*ck sake what more do they expect of the guy.

Yep Jaques is a quality player and will be in the test team opening the batting by the time the Ashes comes around, but Hodge deserved his chance. Its about time Hohns retired.

[SorryIHammerChicken]

How the hell did Bracken get dropped? :thumbsd:

Hodge has been in poor Pura Cup form but why the hell would you replace him with Marto, who averages 23 in Pura Cup this year and not much in ODIs. Hodge at least has a 200 from a few innings back under his belt. Please end your career now Marto.

[Grimwood]

http://www.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/57600/57657.jpg

I reckon he's worth his place on ability but it throws the Ashes plans up in the air a bit. Confuses the domestic players as well.

[Gunnar Longshanks]

You do wonder what on earth the Ashes team will look like though.It could be very similar to the one that lost last year.

Hussey replacing Katich might be the only change. Kasprowicz, Clarke and Martyn have all been recalled.

Not sure how long Symonds will last if we revert to playing 3 quicks.

[Cooldude]

huddo mentioned that martos ODI stats are poor, but hohns said thats a different game.

Yet Hohns had been picking Test players based on ODI form for ages

The guy is a double standards two faced ********

[Gunnar Longshanks]

Yep Jaques is a quality player and will be in the test team opening the batting by the time the Ashes comes around....I bet that doesn't happen.

Langer and Hayden haven't shown any signs of giving it away.

Langer might go after the Ashes, but you can bet they're both keen to stick around until then. Unfinished business.

[Dog Town]

Statistically it is an incredibly harsh decision to leave out Hodge but I think they should be applauded for being brave and making a call on a player.I am a Victorian and I would have loved Hodge to have a long and productive career but apart from his 200 he just hasn't looked up to it.Having him at number 4 against a full strength SA was going to be a liability for the team IMO.SA have worked out 3 or 4 plans against him that are working and his form since the test series has been horrible whether it be in the one day series or the pura cup.

As for his replacements I am 50/50.Never thought Martyn deserved to be dropped and I thought originally if they were going to drop him they should have dropped him from the one day squad and blooded a kid there.His confidence is now well down and I am wondering whether it might be a mistake to bring him back.

Clarke hasn't done enough but he is a vital part of our plans so will get special consideration.Wouldn't mind seeing him back at some stage soon but numkber 4 is not the spot IMO.

[Calcium Man]

Is it Hodge being dropped or the fact the martyn replaces him that annoys people the most??

I am still deeply concerned over stuart Clark too!! Dizzy is 6 months older and clark's f/c average is over 30!! Im so confused :confused:

I must admit i do like the 20/20 uniform!! I think that should be the away one if they want an away strip!!

[Gunnar Longshanks]

Is it Hodge being dropped or the fact the martyn replaces him that annoys people the most??A bit of both.

What annoys me more is the inconsistency of the selectors.

There's no legitimate justification for this decision.

Hodge averages 58. Martyn was dropped 6 months ago and has done nothing since. Shouldn't we base Test selections on performance? I know that's a wacky idea.

Hohns says that Hodge hasn't done enough in Pura Cup. If domestic form was really a major concern, then Martyn wouldn't get a spot either. How can Hohns spin this crap with a straight face?

I'm not a huge fan of Hodge, and I reckon Martyn was stiff to get dropped in the first place.

But it's the way the selectors try to justify their decisions that frustrates me. They spin lines that make their selections sound like a matter of policy, but they just don't make any sense.

[Dog Town]

A bit of both.

What annoys me more is the inconsistency of the selectors.

There's no legitimate justification for this decision.

Hodge averages 58. Martyn was dropped 6 months ago and has done nothing since. Shouldn't we base Test selections on performance? I know that's a wacky idea.

Hohns says that Hodge hasn't done enough in Pura Cup. If domestic form was really a major concern, then Martyn wouldn't get a spot either. How can Hohns spin this crap with a straight face?

I'm not a huge fan of Hodge, and I reckon Martyn was stiff to get dropped in the first place.

But it's the way the selectors try to justify their decisions that frustrates me. They spin lines that make their selections sound like a matter of policy, but they just don't make any sense.I see what your saying and god knows the inconsistensy has ********ed me off at times over the years but at the end of the day they are there to make judgement calls on cricketers based on there gut instincts and years of watching cricket.They are not paid to look at statistics and to be fair and reasonable.They are paid to pick the side most capable of winning the next game whilst keeping an eye to the future.If they think Hodge is not up to it then regardless of his stats they shouldn't be playing and thats obviously whats happened.

[Calcium Man]

I see what your saying and god knows the inconsistensy has ********ed me off at times over the years but at the end of the day they are there to make judgement calls on cricketers based on there gut instincts and years of watching cricket.They are not paid to look at statistics and to be fair and reasonable.They are paid to pick the side most capable of winning the next game whilst keeping an eye to the future.If they think Hodge is not up to it then regardless of his stats they shouldn't be playing and thats obviously whats happened.


Well there judgement needs checking!! How could you possibly pick martyn on judgement over hodge let alone any other no. 4 in domestic cricket!! His form has been terrible and had already been dropped for that reason!!

[Dog Town]

Well there judgement needs checking!! How could you possibly pick martyn on judgement over hodge let alone any other no. 4 in domestic cricket!! His form has been terrible and had already been dropped for that reason!!Thats why people love cricket because there is so much opinion involved.I love Hodge but he has been exposed quite recently in a few areas.He doesn't deserve to be dropped but I think they have tried to predcit a little bit that Hodge will continue to struggle.He is sadly lacking in form just at the moment.Martyn is a proven excellent player at international level.

[DIG]

I really hope Martyn goes well cos he's a champion and capable of being awesome for us at #4 like he once was. But I have to agree the selectors spinning different rules for different players is poor form.

Hodge had proved over several years now that he could dominate at Pura Cup level and some slight patchiness over summer sees him get dropped. I dunno, it leaves our sour taste really, but I still hope Martyn goes well and I'm not going to start supporting Sth Africa because of this, like some other absolute tools around here.

But if Martyn fails, there'll surely be some serious questions asked of the selection panel at the highest level. You're more forgiving of selectors when they punt on youth and they fail, than when they punt on veterans.

Maybe they've seen likes of Bevan, Lehmann, Bichel, Kaspa dominate at domestic level well into their mid 30s after being dumped, and decided they need not be so hasty retiring players after all? Or more likely they're thinking short term with the ashes, and felt more comfortable with Martyn and Clarke ahead of Hodge.

[scottywiper]

The most worrying aspect of this, IMO, is that no lessons appear to have been learned from the Ashes.
The old faithfuls couldn't do it for us then, so we moved on briefly, but at the fiest sign of pressure we go back to them again. You can't do that ad infinitum.
We cannot keep doing that or the Test side will decline even more rapidly and the replacements won't be ready when they are needed.

[Sedat!]

Thats why people love cricket because there is so much opinion involved.I love Hodge but he has been exposed quite recently in a few areas.He doesn't deserve to be dropped but I think they have tried to predcit a little bit that Hodge will continue to struggle.He is sadly lacking in form just at the moment.Martyn is a proven excellent player at international level.
You could argue the same about Wonder Boy Clarke, who has been repeatedly made to look inferior against quiality pace bowling. Actually it took 20+ innings of sustained failure to finally oust him from the test side. His replacement has made over 400 runs at 58 in 5 tests. You can't have selectors "predicting" future failures from their players.

And can we stop talking about Hodge having one "lucky" innings. Hussey was dropped on 20 odd at the MCG before making an unbeaten hundred: doesn't make the innings any less brilliant. Hodge has only failed twice in all his test innings: made starts and posted some good scores over and above his double-hundred. He deserved nothing less than the chance to cement his test place in Sth Africa.

[Therbs]

You could argue the same about Wonder Boy Clarke, who has been repeatedly made to look inferior against quiality pace bowling. Actually it took 20+ innings of sustained failure to finally oust him from the test side. His replacement has made over 400 runs at 58 in 5 tests. You can't have selectors "predicting" future failures from their players.

And can we stop talking about Hodge having one "lucky" innings. Hussey was dropped on 20 odd at the MCG before making an unbeaten hundred: doesn't make the innings any less brilliant. Hodge has only failed twice in all his test innings: made starts and posted some good scores over and above his double-hundred. He deserved nothing less than the chance to cement his test place in Sth Africa.

I've seen a lot of people doubting Hodge's place in the team (despite his numbers) and I reckon that's reflected amongst the selectors. Whatever the case, he's got a hard time now trying to get back in. I'm starting to think the selectors do this to play mind games with players. It isn't working. You have people like Katich, Clarke, Symonds, Martyn, Bracken in a cloud of uncertainty whenever they take the field. If being dropped is meant to be a motivational tool then its a very poor one.

[POBT]

Well there judgement needs checking!! How could you possibly pick martyn on judgement over hodge let alone any other no. 4 in domestic cricket!! His form has been terrible and had already been dropped for that reason!!

This is a good point.

Regular 2nd drops for State teams:

Perren avg 41
Thornely avg 46
Cosgrove avg 63
Birt avg 51
North avg 54
Jewell avg 38

Some well performed players in that bunch.

[peternorth]

does anyone else get the feeling that the australian cricket team is essentially just a team of "mates".

[pinkus maximus]

does anyone else get the feeling that the australian cricket team is essentially just a team of "mates".

I was thinking the same thing. I think Ponting had a lot to do with Martyn returning to the side

[pluga_4]

well all these aging players will basically be pushed into retirement if some of them don't come to their senses and retire on their own terms soon.

now that the tours to zim (mid 2006) and west indies (early 2007) have been postponed, i feel the ashes and the world cup be will the end of the road for many.

our next assignment after that in mid 2007 is a winter series v. zimbabwe if that eventuates and a chance to see a new look australia followed by a home series v. sri lanka and india.

[The Reaper]

well all these aging players will basically be pushed into retirement if some of them don't come to their senses and retire on their own terms soon.

now that the tours to zim (mid 2006) and west indies (early 2007) have been postponed, i feel the ashes and the world cup be will the end of the road for many.

our next assignment after that in mid 2007 is a winter series v. zimbabwe if that eventuates and a chance to see a new look australia followed by a home series v. sri lanka and india.

Langer is retiring after the ashes. Gilchrist and Martyn will retire after the world cup. I can't see Hayden going to far past the ashes- it was only 8 months ago that every thought he shoudl retire. McGrath will also retire after the world cup. Kasprwicz will have retired by then as well. Buchanan is also retiring after the world cup.

This is why they are trying out new players.

[johnnyhoward]

Langer is retiring after the ashes. Gilchrist and Martyn will retire after the world cup. I can't see Hayden going to far past the ashes- it was only 8 months ago that every thought he shoudl retire. McGrath will also retire after the world cup. Kasprwicz will have retired by then as well. Buchanan is also retiring after the world cup.

This is why they are trying out new players.
It's mainly new bowlers that they're trying out, if they were serious about rebuilding they'd play Cosgrove now.

[Calcium Man]

does anyone else get the feeling that the australian cricket team is essentially just a team of "mates".

It does seem that way!! The Closer u r to ponting the better chance you have at being selected!! Just look at symonds WC 2003, really shouldnt have gone form was terrible, but went because ponting wanted him!!! Not that is a bad example of the pontings mates making the team but still an example!!

[Kane McGoodwin]

Langer is retiring after the ashes. Gilchrist and Martyn will retire after the world cup. I can't see Hayden going to far past the ashes- it was only 8 months ago that every thought he shoudl retire. McGrath will also retire after the world cup. Kasprwicz will have retired by then as well. Buchanan is also retiring after the world cup.

This is why they are trying out new players.
I hadn't heard Langer is retiring after the Ashes. I expect Hayden may play on for a few years. Kasper is only a short term option whilst McGrath is out.

I doubt Martyn will remain in our ODI team & probably won't make the WC. I expect Gilly will retire from the ODI's after the WC, though probably will continue in Tests. McGrath may be in the same boat as Gilly.

[Don Draper]

Its time for Trevor Hohns to pack his bags and move on. I know he isnt the only selector that we have but we could do better. His selections of Martyn, Clarke and Tait are questionable IMO. Dizzy, Bracken, Hodge?

-Mav

[Calcium Man]

Its time for Trevor Hohns to pack his bags and move on. I know he isnt the only selector that we have but we could do better. His selections of Martyn, Clarke and Tait are questionable IMO. Dizzy, Bracken, Hodge?

-Mav

I presume u mean stuart clark not michael clarke otherwise it would be foolish to replace a batsman with a bowler!!! I agree with them sending tait but otherwise i agree martyn and Clark should not be there.