View Full Version : Top End Tour: Australia A vs New Zealand A Black at Darwin (Wed)
This one day game will be played tomorrow due to start at 9:30am local time (10am AEST).
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/1945/topend7ru.gif
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/1963/aua8md.gif vs http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/6004/nzablack1nu.gif
TIO Oval (Marrara), Darwin
9:30am Wednesday July 5
First serious game of the Top End Series. Australia have reduced their squad to 12, predictably leaving out Rogers and Bailey, with Dorey, Tait and Johnson all having been picked in one day squads in the last 12 months, looks like Hilfenhaus will be the other one to miss out. The average age of the teams is similar, around 26, with everyone except Brad Hodge (31) aged between 21 and 28. 9 of the Australians have one day international experience, while Shaun Tait has test experience and Travis Birt and Ben Hilfenhaus are uncapped for the senior team. New Zealand have 5 bowlers with international experience - 4 have played both forms, Taylor has not played Tests, with the rest of the squad including all the bowlers yet to play for the Blackcaps.
Six umpires for the series, led by Kiwi international panel umpire Gary Baxter, and Australian international 3rd umpire Bob Parry. Although Marrara and Cazaly have lights, playing conditions do not allow them to be turned on in this series, and there is no third umpire.
Australia A XII:Phil Jaques (NSW), Mark Cosgrove (SA), Brad Hodge (Vic, vc), Travis Birt (Tas), *+Brad Haddin (NSW), Shane Watson (Qld), James Hopes (Qld), Brett Dorey (WA), Mitchell Johnson (Qld), Shaun Tait (SA), Dan Cullen (SA), Ben Hilfenhaus (Tas)
Subs: Chris Rogers (WA), Cullen Bailey (SA)
New Zealand A Black XIII: James Marshall (Northern, vc), Jamie How (Central), *Peter Fulton (Canterbury), +Lou Vincent (Auckland), Ross Taylor (Central), Jesse Ryder (Wellington), Warren McSkimming (Otago), +Peter McGlashan (Northern), Nathan McCullum (Otago), Bradley Scott (Otago), Mark Gillespie (Wellington), Brendon Diamanti (Central), Graeme Aldridge (Northern)
Umpires: Bob Parry (Victoria), Rod Tucker (New South Wales)
Tournament Referee: Daryl Harper(South Australia)
Tickets:
General admission:
Adults $10
Children (3-15)/Concession $5
Family (2+2) $20 (+$3 per extra child)
Reserved grandstand:
Adults $15
Children (3-15)/Concession $8
Weather:
Sunny, 28 degrees
Session Times:
First session: 9:30am-1:00pm
Lunch: 1:00pm-1:45pm
Second session 1:45pm-5:15pm
Freo Big Fella
4 Jul 2006, 10:46
Jaques
Cosgrove
Hodge
Birt
Rogers
Haddin
Watson
Dorey
Cullen
Tait
Johnson
Have they gone in a batsman short? or is it just me?
Jaques
Cosgrove
Hodge
Birt
Rogers
Haddin
Watson
Dorey
Cullen
Tait
Johnson
Have they gone in a batsman short? or is it just me?
5 batsmen, keeper, all rounder and then 4 bowlers, seems ok to me
Cosgrove and Jacques in current forum will rack up 500 in 80 odd overs anyway so....
judburyjets
4 Jul 2006, 11:38
5 batsmen, keeper, all rounder and then 4 bowlers, seems ok to me
Cosgrove and Jacques in current forum will rack up 500 in 80 odd overs anyway so....
Birt hasn't been going too badly of late either. Maybe 600 or so?:)
How can Cam White not be in that team?
How can Cam White not be in that team?
Not good enough.
Smokey_22
4 Jul 2006, 14:37
How can Cam White not be in that team?
Apparently the selectors said that to be selected the player had to be either good at batting or bowling. Something like that.
:o
corporal
4 Jul 2006, 15:42
Apparently the selectors said that to be selected the player had to be either good at batting or bowling. Something like that.
:o
He should be in the side before Rogers, gives the side more bowling variety and is great in the slips
He should be in the side before Rogers, gives the side more bowling variety and is great in the slips
Rogers is a better leg spin bowler. :p
If its any consolation i reckon White would make the Australia B squad.
Obviously you lot are naive towards White's form in county cricket at the moment.
The Reaper
4 Jul 2006, 18:14
Obviously you lot are naive towards White's form in county cricket at the moment.
White's 'great' form playing in second divison on a small road.
The Reaper
4 Jul 2006, 18:15
Since it is One Dayers
1. Cosgrove
2. Jaques
3. Birt
4. Hodge
5. Haddin (C) (Wk)
6. Watson
7. Hopes
8. Dorey
9. Johnson
10. Tait
11. Cullen
Since it is One Dayers
1. Cosgrove
2. Jaques
3. Birt
4. Hodge
5. Haddin (C) (Wk)
6. Watson
7. Hopes
8. Dorey
9. Johnson
10. Tait
11. Cullen
top 5 are all hitters, we will make 300 plus if we get off to a good start
eddiesmith
4 Jul 2006, 21:33
Aus A is in big trouble if they lose a couple early, very long tail with Watson at 6
Aus A is in big trouble if they lose a couple early, very long tail with Watson at 6
Shane Watson? he is an ok batsman, scored 250 for us last season...
we will see if cricket.com.au stuff up in there live scoreing tomorrow
Haddin to lead Australia
Cricinfo staff
July 4, 0000
The Top End series, involving the A teams from four countries - hosts Australia, Pakistan, India and New Zealand - kicks off on Wednesday. The matches will all be played at Darwin and Cairns.
Australia left Chris Rogers and Cullen Bailey out of their final 12 for the opening match against New Zealand A at Darwin on Wednesday. As predicted, Brad Haddin was named as captain with Brad Hodge as his vice-captain.
"The Top End Series will provide a wonderful opportunity for this group of players to demonstrate their talents against some quality opposition," chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch, who will be at Darwin, said. "We believe we have selected a squad capable of performing in all variations of the game as we undertake one-day, four-day and Twenty20 games over the next month."
"It sort of gives all the boys exposure against the international players and some very handy cricketers," Haddin told AAP. "It's a great opportunity to test ourselves at the next level."
Australia A Brad Haddin (capt/wk), Travis Birt; Mark Cosgrove; Daniel Cullen; Brett Dorey; Ben Hilfenhaus; Brad Hodge, James Hopes; Phil Jaques; Mitchell Johnson; Shaun Tait; Shane Watson.
http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/australia/content/story/252329.html
White's 'great' form playing in second divison on a small road.
1st class - 747 @ 53.35, 3 100s
DOD - 387 @ 48.38, 1 100, SR: 87.0
20/20 - 216 @ 72.00, 1 100, SR: 171.4
Handy no matter how you look at it.
1st class - 747 @ 53.35, 3 100s
DOD - 387 @ 48.38, 1 100, SR: 87.0
20/20 - 216 @ 72.00, 1 100, SR: 171.4
Handy no matter how you look at it.
The boundaries are like 60 yards, i could have a record like that playing at Taunton most of the time
The boundaries are like 60 yards, i could have a record like that playing at Taunton most of the time
And Darren Lehmann averages 62.52 at Adelaide Oval - where the square boundaries could be the shortest in the world - and only 41.62 elsewhere.
Still averages 57.57 overall though.
It all evens itself out.
Aus A is in big trouble if they lose a couple early, very long tail with Watson at 6
Last match Watson played, he scored 200- mind you, the opposition was a bunch of pub cricketers.... Lewis, White, Harwood.....
Australia A won the toss and elected to bat
Australia A 0/4 from 1 over
Jaques 3*
Haddin 0*
I assume the only NET coverage is through cricket.com.au?
Think I'll be listening to the Boston Pops instead of following this one- check back at times for scores.....
AUS1/10 (2.3 overs) AUS Run Rate 4.00NZL
Current Match Status: In Progress
Batting Score Batting Statistics
Partnership 6 runs, 0 balls, run rate 12.00
Haddin, B 4 4b, 1x4, 0x6, SR: 100.00
Cosgrove, M 0 0b, 0x4, 0x6, SR: NaN.00
Bowling Bowling Statistics
Last 5 overs: . 2 wd . . 1 . | . . . . . W | wd . wd 4 .
McSkimming, WC 0/ 10 (1.3)
Gillespie, MR 1/ 0 (1.0)
2006-07-05 00:12
Over 2.2: FOUR! Smashed through extra cover.
2006-07-05 00:10
Over 1.6: Jacques OUT! Early wicket for New Zealand A. Clean bowled. Australia A 1/4.
View All
Australia A are 3/41
batsman out are
Jacques OUT! Early wicket for New Zealand A. Clean bowled. Australia A 1/4.
Haddin OUT! Early trouble for Australia A. Haddin caught on the crease. Given out LBW. Australia A 2/19
Cosgrove out! Wide ball hit to mid off. Good low catch taken. Australia A in further trouble at 3/30
Gillespie, MR 3/ 12 (3.5)
Over 8.5: Birt OUT! Flashes at a wide ball and is caught in the slips. Australia A reeling at 4/47.
Birt GONE!!!!!!!!!!!
Australia A are 4/47 from 9 overs
Hodge 10*
Watson 0*
I see cricket.com.au has made zero improvement in its live score function
Over 10.4: Watson out. Edged to first slip. Australia A 5/51
Australia A 5/75 from 19 overs
Hodge 25*
Hopes 5*
eddiesmith
5 Jul 2006, 11:57
Hodgey carrying Australia, what a suprise :rolleyes:
I always thought people said he could only play well on flat tracks, or is this a flat track but the rest of the Aussie A batsman suck :)
eddiesmith
5 Jul 2006, 11:59
5/107
Hodge 44*
Hopes 17*
56 run partnership,
eddiesmith
5 Jul 2006, 12:13
Hodgey brings up his 50 :thumbsu:
5/119
Hodge 54*
Hopes 19*
100 partnership beween Hodge and Hopes
Australia A 5/155 from 38 overs
Hodge 71*
Hopes 37*
Australia A 5/184 from 43 overs
Hodge 90*
Hopes 47*
Current Partnership is 133
His Ashes run has started.
eddiesmith
5 Jul 2006, 13:01
Onya Hodgey, superb match saving innings :thumbsu:
Although they probably dont have the bowling to defend under 280, it saved them from complete embarrasment
Australia A 5/199 from 45.2 overs
Hodge 100* from 135 balls
Hopes 52*
Current Partnership is 148
Smokey_22
5 Jul 2006, 13:02
His Ashes run has started.
Lets not go nuts. Good innings though. Probably cemented his Aus A spot.
corporal
5 Jul 2006, 13:02
Onya Hodgey, superb match saving innings :thumbsu:
Although they probably dont have the bowling to defend under 280, it saved them from complete embarrasment
I would love to see Hodge get the chance to murder the pom's this summer
eddiesmith
5 Jul 2006, 13:03
Lets not go nuts. Good innings though. Probably cemented his Aus A spot.
Well atleast 2, possibly 3 of the 'batsman' who have already failed are ones everyone wanted to see play in the Ashes, even if they do fail time and time again when the pressure is on
Smokey_22
5 Jul 2006, 13:05
Well atleast 2, possibly 3 of the 'batsman' who have already failed are ones everyone wanted to see play in the Ashes, even if they do fail time and time again when the pressure is on
Lets see 3 or 4 innings from the players before we make premature judgements.
eddiesmith
5 Jul 2006, 13:07
Lets see 3 or 4 innings from the players before we make premature judgements.
Whitey put in 3-4 great perfomances a couple of years back for Aus A but still didnt change anyones mind about him even if he was far and away their best player for the season
Well atleast 2, possibly 3 of the 'batsman' who have already failed are ones everyone wanted to see play in the Ashes, even if they do fail time and time again when the pressure is on
What pressure? A 50 over Aus A match in Darwin in the middle of winter against the second best NZ has to offer?
Good innings by Hodge but I agree with Smokey_22 - don't get too carried away.
eddiesmith
5 Jul 2006, 13:09
What pressure? A 50 over Aus A match in Darwin in the middle of winter against the second best NZ has to offer?
Good innings by Hodge but I agree with Smokey_22 - don't get too carried away.
Well Hodgey still has the best F/C record out of all the players in the side, also the only one with a test double century, but yet despite time and time again showing himself to be better than them, you all still write him off and would rather see the 1 season wonder in the side
eddiesmith
5 Jul 2006, 13:10
Hodgey cutting loose now, got his s/r up into the 80's
Australia A 5/222 from 48 overs
Hodge 119*
Hopes 56*
Current Partnership is 171
Smokey_22
5 Jul 2006, 13:12
Well Hodgey still has the best F/C record out of all the players in the side, also the only one with a test double century, but yet despite time and time again showing himself to be better than them, you all still write him off and would rather see the 1 season wonder in the side
I dont write him off, I think hes a quality batsman who would get into most teams, but you must admit the jury is still out in regards to a baggy green. He has a lot to prove...
Well Hodgey still has the best F/C record out of all the players in the side, also the only one with a test double century, but yet despite time and time again showing himself to be better than them, you all still write him off and would rather see the 1 season wonder in the side
Careful with those blanket generalisations eddie.
The point is that this match, on its own, doesn't make Hodge the hero the Aussie middle order has been seeking. Nor does it mean that the other batsmen selected are duds. If (when?) Hodge has the best results of the entire series, I will give his performance credence. Right now, my opinion hasn't changed just because he picked up a ton in this match.
eddiesmith
5 Jul 2006, 13:14
I dont write him off, I think hes a quality batsman who would get into most teams, but you must admit the jury is still out in regards to a baggy green. He has a lot to prove...
And how the **** is he supposed to prove anything when he gets dropped 2 games after making a doube century and then hacks like Watson, Clarke and Cosgrove keep getting selected ahead of him?
eddiesmith
5 Jul 2006, 13:14
Careful with those blanket generalisations eddie.
The point is that this match, on its own, doesn't make Hodge the hero the Aussie middle order has been seeking. Nor does it mean that the other batsmen selected are duds. If (when?) Hodge has the best results of the entire series, I will give his performance credence. Right now, my opinion hasn't changed just because he picked up a ton in this match.
The fact is on past records, anything you can pull up, Hodge was the no1 batsman in this side before the series started
Hodge out for 123
Australia A 6/226 with 10 balls remaining
Hopes 56*
Their partnership was 175
eddiesmith
5 Jul 2006, 13:16
The funniest thing is fat arse junior and Jaques should be doing much better in the one day games, Hodge is an average 1 day player and those 2 are probably better one day players than the longer form yet Hodgey outshone them both, sensational :thumbsu:
Dorey out for 1st ball
Aldridge on a hat trick
Aust A 7/226 with 9 balls remaining
And how the **** is he supposed to prove anything when he gets dropped 2 games after making a doube century and then hacks like Watson, Clarke and Cosgrove keep getting selected ahead of him?
Clarke? Goes alright in ODIs. Averages over 40 last time I looked.
Or do you mean Tests? Watson hasn't played since Nov 05.
Smokey_22
5 Jul 2006, 13:19
hacks like Watson, Clarke and Cosgrove keep getting selected ahead of him?
This is why you rarely win your arguments.
The fact is on past records, anything you can pull up, Hodge was the no1 batsman in this side before the series started
That may well be the case but the suspicion is that if you use this game as evidence of Hodge's ability, then you mustn't have much else to rely on. This game does absolutely nothing to suggest Hodge should be in the Ashes team.
eddiesmith
5 Jul 2006, 14:05
That may well be the case but the suspicion is that if you use this game as evidence of Hodge's ability, then you mustn't have much else to rely on. This game does absolutely nothing to suggest Hodge should be in the Ashes team.
No this game is just another tick towards Hodgey over those overrated hacks
This is why you rarely win your arguments.
RARELY?
This actually implies eddie wins arguments at some point. A supporter of England, the Vics and Collingwood? T'aint possible....:D :D
No this game is just another tick towards Hodgey over those overrated hacks
A **** poor tick - if someone changes their mind about Hodge based on this performance then they are schizophrenic. County form is more relevant than this game and that means **** all.
eddiesmith
5 Jul 2006, 14:23
A **** poor tick - if someone changes their mind about Hodge based on this performance then they are schizophrenic. County form is more relevant than this game and that means **** all.
Isnt the whole point of the A concept to give the 2nd string players a few games together, usually against International opposition, and a chance to put these players in a head to head battle of sorts for spots as you can judge them against the same opposition, the same condtions, so everything even you see who performs better, who wants it more
It is a funny game, when Hodge does well it means nothing, when he fails it means he cant make runs when a chance comes along
Isnt the whole point of the A concept to give the 2nd string players a few games together, usually against International opposition, and a chance to put these players in a head to head battle of sorts for spots as you can judge them against the same opposition, the same condtions, so everything even you see who performs better, who wants it more
It is a funny game, when Hodge does well it means nothing, when he fails it means he cant make runs when a chance comes along
Hopes knocked out 61no - I'm not going to argue that this has changed how we should think of him.
As I said earlier, if Hodge comes out of this series as the best performed batsman, I will give it a little bit of credence. But you are pumping him up for dominating ordinary bowlers in a single off-season game. It really means nothing. I will guarantee that good performances in this series will not get Hodge selected. Start talking him up if he does well in the first couple of Shield matches because then he will be half a chance.
FWIW, I wouldn't have even given Hodge a run in this series - what more do the selectors think they can learn about him? They've seen him play at different levels for years. It would be wrong to detract from his record based on this series as it would be wrong to pump up his record based on this series.
No this game is just another tick towards Hodgey over those overrated hacks
Well who would be surprised about the selection policies. Hacks like Johnson continue to get selected while a rising star like Hilfenhaus is dropped.
eddiesmith
5 Jul 2006, 14:52
Hopes knocked out 61no - I'm not going to argue that this has changed how we should think of him.
As I said earlier, if Hodge comes out of this series as the best performed batsman, I will give it a little bit of credence. But you are pumping him up for dominating ordinary bowlers in a single off-season game. It really means nothing. I will guarantee that good performances in this series will not get Hodge selected. Start talking him up if he does well in the first couple of Shield matches because then he will be half a chance.
FWIW, I wouldn't have even given Hodge a run in this series - what more do the selectors think they can learn about him? They've seen him play at different levels for years. It would be wrong to detract from his record based on this series as it would be wrong to pump up his record based on this series.
So if Hodge dominates and Fat Arse junior continues to fail you would still join those who would give Fatty a game ahead of Hodge in the up coming Ashes?
Fact is Hodge should be in the team now, he has nothing to prove, but for you to come out and say that no matter what you will still think he doesnt deserve a game is a joke
So if Hodge dominates and Fat Arse junior continues to fail you would still join those who would give Fatty a game ahead of Hodge in the up coming Ashes?
Fact is Hodge should be in the team now, he has nothing to prove, but for you to come out and say that no matter what you will still think he doesnt deserve a game is a joke
You are getting paranoid eddie. When have I said that Hodge doesn't deserve a game? When have I said that Cosgrove should play in the Ashes?
I just said that Hodge shouldn't be in this team because I don't think we can learn anymore about him from these games. I also just said that if he does well in the early Shield season then he will be half a chance - I say that because I rate Shield cricket as pretty good form. It is of no consequence how he performs in these matches - if he failed in every match in the rest of this series, I wouldn't change my opinion on him. The fact is, I haven't shared my opinion about Hodge on this thread because the thread was always going to degenerate into "Player X from my State ****s all over Player Y from your State because I said so"....threads tend to do that around here.
Forgive me for not blowing smoke up Hodge's arse every time he scores over 20.
eddiesmith
5 Jul 2006, 15:16
Good to see Watson in fine form with bat and ball :)
0/28 off 3 overs, sensational stuff :thumbsu:
Good to see Watson in fine form with bat and ball :)
0/28 off 3 overs, sensational stuff :thumbsu:
"Player X from my State ****s all over Player Y from your State because I said so" ;)
eddiesmith
5 Jul 2006, 15:43
6 overs and only the 7 wides? Sensational effort by Taity, surely the least wides he has ever bowled? Might finally be improving... :)
Bomberland06
5 Jul 2006, 16:08
Who actually thought that australian A would be too strong for any other country.
well at the moment new zealand A:rolleyes:, are absolutely killing us at the moment, some poor selection decesions have been made for our side.
A surprise they beat us but some of their batsmen played against South Africa in the recent series, and played like crap too.
Cooldude
5 Jul 2006, 18:46
Our future pace attack just ain't that good, they're average and in danger of being labelled crap
raikkonen
5 Jul 2006, 21:03
6 overs and only the 7 wides? Sensational effort by Taity, surely the least wides he has ever bowled? Might finally be improving... :)
Taity and Cullen had just about the best figures. 0/36 each?
eddiesmith
5 Jul 2006, 21:09
Taity and Cullen had just about the best figures. 0/36 each?
Well not hard to have the best figures on a bowlers paradise and your fellow bowlers are hacks like Dorey, Watson, Hopes and Johnson :)
As I was saying, good for the Aussies if Taity is improving...
crowsarethebest
5 Jul 2006, 22:27
THey should've given White a run. Same with Bailey. I rate them highly. THe problem would be A- White isn't in the squad and B. Where would Bailey fit in when Cullen is around.
Gunnar Longshanks
5 Jul 2006, 23:01
As I said earlier, if Hodge comes out of this series as the best performed batsman, I will give it a little bit of credence. But you are pumping him up for dominating ordinary bowlers in a single off-season game. It really means nothing.I know everyone just reflexively disagrees with eddie, but let's get some perspective here.
Set aside what you think of Brad Hodge. You have to acknowledge strong performances. And ultimately, isn't that what we expect the selectors to do?
Hodge was very stiff to be dropped for the Test tour of South Africa, and most people would probably say he's outside the frame for the World Cup.
Look at some of the other guys in this Australia A side. Jaques, Cosgrove, and Watson all seem to be ahead of Hodge in the ODI pecking order, and most people seem to have decided that these guys are also better options than Hodge for the Test side.
The bottom line is that if this series counts for anything, then Hodge's performance today should provide some cause for people to reassess those positions.
If Cosgrove had made a ton today, people would be all over it. They'd be saying that he's the next big thing. They'd be saying that he should be fast-tracked into the national side in both forms of the game. You know it's true.
But with Hodge, people seems prepared to disregard strong performances. I'm not sure why.
Hodge made a fantastic century in a series designed to determine the pecking order of players outside the first-choice national sides.
Players generally regarded to be ahead of Hodge in one or both forms all failed dismally.
I don't see how you can draw any other conclusions.
just maybe
6 Jul 2006, 12:00
I know everyone just reflexively disagrees with eddie, but let's get some perspective here.
Set aside what you think of Brad Hodge. You have to acknowledge strong performances. And ultimately, isn't that what we expect the selectors to do?
Hodge was very stiff to be dropped for the Test tour of South Africa, and most people would probably say he's outside the frame for the World Cup.
Look at some of the other guys in this Australia A side. Jaques, Cosgrove, and Watson all seem to be ahead of Hodge in the ODI pecking order, and most people seem to have decided that these guys are also better options than Hodge for the Test side.
The bottom line is that if this series counts for anything, then Hodge's performance today should provide some cause for people to reassess those positions.
If Cosgrove had made a ton today, people would be all over it. They'd be saying that he's the next big thing. They'd be saying that he should be fast-tracked into the national side in both forms of the game. You know it's true.
But with Hodge, people seems prepared to disregard strong performances. I'm not sure why.
Hodge made a fantastic century in a series designed to determine the pecking order of players outside the first-choice national sides.
Players generally regarded to be ahead of Hodge in one or both forms all failed dismally.
I don't see how you can draw any other conclusions.
Because getting knickers in a knot over a single performance is pointless.
If Cosgrove made a ton, there'd be equal numbers saying it means nothing. Cosgrove is also 22 and embarking on his career. Hodge is 31 and verging on a has-been. He has technical flaws that are at this point becoming too long in the tooth to iron out, and he has a bad attitude to boot.
eddiesmith
6 Jul 2006, 12:05
Because getting knickers in a knot over a single performance is pointless.
If Cosgrove made a ton, there'd be equal numbers saying it means nothing. Cosgrove is also 22 and embarking on his career. Hodge is 31 and verging on a has-been. He has technical flaws that are at this point becoming too long in the tooth to iron out, and he has a bad attitude to boot.
Yep, Hodge has hundreds of technical flaws that Aussie bowlers havent been able to work out for 15 years but Cossie is perfect after 1 good season :rolleyes:
Smokey_22
6 Jul 2006, 12:31
Yep, Hodge has hundreds of technical flaws that Aussie bowlers havent been able to work out for 15 years but Cossie is perfect after 1 good season :rolleyes:
Hodge, to his credit, has had consistently good seasons for a long time. Cosgroves season was exceptional however, and naturally his age is an attraction for selectors.
I know everyone just reflexively disagrees with eddie, but let's get some perspective here.
Set aside what you think of Brad Hodge. You have to acknowledge strong performances. And ultimately, isn't that what we expect the selectors to do?
Hodge was very stiff to be dropped for the Test tour of South Africa, and most people would probably say he's outside the frame for the World Cup.
Look at some of the other guys in this Australia A side. Jaques, Cosgrove, and Watson all seem to be ahead of Hodge in the ODI pecking order, and most people seem to have decided that these guys are also better options than Hodge for the Test side.
The bottom line is that if this series counts for anything, then Hodge's performance today should provide some cause for people to reassess those positions.
If Cosgrove had made a ton today, people would be all over it. They'd be saying that he's the next big thing. They'd be saying that he should be fast-tracked into the national side in both forms of the game. You know it's true.
But with Hodge, people seems prepared to disregard strong performances. I'm not sure why.
Hodge made a fantastic century in a series designed to determine the pecking order of players outside the first-choice national sides.
Players generally regarded to be ahead of Hodge in one or both forms all failed dismally.
I don't see how you can draw any other conclusions.
Firstly, this match has/had no relevance to the Ashes. I know you haven't suggested this but others have. To suggest that anyone is better off in terms of Ashes selection because of this game is laughable.
I'll ask you this - in real terms, is Hodge any closer or further away from senior selection because of this innings? I would say no - he's done himself no harm but he hasn't now jumped a number of places in the pecking order because of this innings. Have we learnt anything more about Hodge as a result of this innings? Again, I would say no. He has been scoring 100s against domestic standard bowling for years.
I have always believed that Hodge was unfairly treated in being dropped from the Test team.
just maybe
6 Jul 2006, 14:35
Yep, Hodge has hundreds of technical flaws that Aussie bowlers havent been able to work out for 15 years but Cossie is perfect after 1 good season :rolleyes:
You're a fool. Where did I say Cossie is perfect? I didn't. I said he has time on his side.
Hodge's average in Pura Cup would suggest I am correct. And it's laughable that you're using domestic cricket as some sort of guarantee that Hodge deserves higher honours anyway - hello, Michael Bevan. Far better FC player than Hodge, yet his Test record was...
eddiesmith
6 Jul 2006, 14:37
You're a fool. Where did I say Cossie is perfect? I didn't. I said he has time on his side.
Hodge's average in Pura Cup would suggest I am correct. And it's laughable that you're using domestic cricket as some sort of guarantee that Hodge deserves higher honours anyway - hello, Michael Bevan. Far better FC player than Hodge, yet his Test record was...
Yet then you have Mike Hussey with a poorer Australian domestic record who has become everyones favourite player
Freo Big Fella
6 Jul 2006, 14:49
Yet then you have Mike Hussey with a poorer Australian domestic record who has become everyones favourite player
Mike Hussey has converted his good domestic form (averages two runs less than Hodge in Australian domestic cricket) into fantastic form in both the ODI and Test arena. Apart from one good knock, Hodge hasn't.
just maybe
6 Jul 2006, 15:32
Yet then you have Mike Hussey with a poorer Australian domestic record who has become everyones favourite player
I'm still waiting for where that guarantee was?
eddiesmith
6 Jul 2006, 15:39
I'm still waiting for where that guarantee was?
So if performances for Australia A and F/C numbers dont get you a spot then what does? :confused:
Smokey_22
6 Jul 2006, 15:50
So if performances for Australia A and F/C numbers dont get you a spot then what does? :confused:
A younger age (20s?) and perhaps a spate of really good numbers (rather than good numbers).
eddiesmith
6 Jul 2006, 16:27
A younger age (20s?) and perhaps a spate of really good numbers (rather than good numbers).
So there is no batsman threatening the current Aussie side atm in your opinion?
Freo Big Fella
6 Jul 2006, 17:15
So if performances for Australia A and F/C numbers dont get you a spot then what does? :confused:
It got him a spot. He failed to produce consistently on an international stage.
Drummond
6 Jul 2006, 17:40
And how the **** is he supposed to prove anything when he gets dropped 2 games after making a doube century and then hacks like Watson, Clarke and Cosgrove keep getting selected ahead of him?
There we have it people, 21 year old Cosgorve is a hack. :) :rolleyes:
Cooldude
6 Jul 2006, 18:11
There we have it people, 21 year old Cosgorve is a hack. :) :rolleyes:
So you don't deny that Watson and Clarke are hacks? :D
I don't think the selectors use stats alone when considering promotion to test level. Quite rightly they judge whether or not the person's technique, temperament, talent, tenacity and so on will translate to the higher level. Footy coaches make similar judgements. Just as in footy you have the perennial too good for reserves but not quite up to AFL level, you have the cricket equivalent who can't bridge the gap between Pura Cup and test standard. And interestingly there were domestic cricketers who thought that Michael Clarke would inevitably struggle at test level due to a susceptibility to pace bowling. Presently they are being vindicated. Selectors look at intangibles, not just statistics. I think that Hodge might have his cards marked in a way which Bevan's were due to his vulnerability against the short stuff.
just maybe
6 Jul 2006, 18:35
So if performances for Australia A and F/C numbers dont get you a spot then what does? :confused:
So I'm still waiting for where Australia A and FC numbers guarantee performance at the top level?
johnnyhoward
6 Jul 2006, 20:49
It got him a spot. He failed to produce consistently on an international stage.
Yep, he was given 5 whole Tests and struggled in 3 of them. It's a wonder any players have survived more than 3 poor Tests.
eddiesmith
6 Jul 2006, 21:15
I don't think the selectors use stats alone when considering promotion to test level. Quite rightly they judge whether or not the person's technique, temperament, talent, tenacity and so on will translate to the higher level. Footy coaches make similar judgements. Just as in footy you have the perennial too good for reserves but not quite up to AFL level, you have the cricket equivalent who can't bridge the gap between Pura Cup and test standard. And interestingly there were domestic cricketers who thought that Michael Clarke would inevitably struggle at test level due to a susceptibility to pace bowling. Presently they are being vindicated. Selectors look at intangibles, not just statistics. I think that Hodge might have his cards marked in a way which Bevan's were due to his vulnerability against the short stuff.
I saw Hodgey make 177 the last time a side thought he was suspect against the short ball and peppered him with em, just because he got out once against it doesnt make it a weakness
The Reaper
6 Jul 2006, 21:22
Yep, he was given 5 whole Tests and struggled in 3 of them. It's a wonder any players have survived more than 3 poor Tests.
In other words, he struggled in 60% of his tests
eddiesmith
6 Jul 2006, 21:24
In other words, he struggled in 60% of his tests
Depends if you think 1 failure and a 30* as a failed test, other than his poor dismissal in the 1st innings, he looked good in the Sydney test
Fact is he was dropped for 1 dismissal, seen alot worse yet those players are protected, Clarkey probably failed in 90% of his tests over a year before being dropped, wheres the consistency?
The Reaper
6 Jul 2006, 21:25
Depends if you think 1 failure and a 30* as a failed test, other than his poor dismissal in the 1st innings, he looked good in the Sydney test
Fact is he was dropped for 1 dismissal, seen alot worse yet those players are protected, Clarkey probably failed in 90% of his tests over a year before being dropped, wheres the consistency?
I believe that Hodge should have got some more games and I belive that Clarke shouldn't have played test cricket at all
just maybe
6 Jul 2006, 22:17
Depends if you think 1 failure and a 30* as a failed test, other than his poor dismissal in the 1st innings, he looked good in the Sydney test
Fact is he was dropped for 1 dismissal, seen alot worse yet those players are protected, Clarkey probably failed in 90% of his tests over a year before being dropped, wheres the consistency?
Hodge is 31 and thinks he's perfect.
Good riddance.