The Australian Batting Lineup

[frankc]

At present our top six is

Langer
Hayden
Ponting
Martyn
Clark
Hussey

Over the next few seasons, only Ponting and Hussey will most likely be there. I'm still not convinced about clark, however the selectors obviously have faith in him, so he'll probably be their also. This leaves three positions up for grabs, both opening spots and number 4.

For mine Brad Hodge should be given the number four spot. Why he isn't in the side at present surprises me. He done all he could do in the five tests his played and should replace martyn at some stage. However I reckon Marcus North from WA could be a chance, he has 6,000 first class runs at 45 and has a great start this year.

This leaves an interesting question about the openers. Jaques seems to be the man in waiting. He is left hander who appears bigger than is 183cm height suggests. The other opening position is more interesting.

Firstly I'd leave Hussey where he is - he appears a tailor made number six and that batting position is very important. Looking at the ACB contracted players, no other real openers are contracted at present.

I reckon Chris Rodgers from WA may be the one. While he is a left-hander (thus with Jacques we would have a dual left hand opening partnership), he has a great record and scores quickly. At present, he has nearly 7,000 first class runs at an average of a tick under 50. This season he has scored 638 runs at 91 with a top score of 279, his strike rate has been over 65. He scored his 279 against the Vics who haven't got a bad bowling attack.

I think in the not too distant future, our batting line up could be;

1. Rodgers (WA)
2. Jacques (NSW)
3. Ponting (TAS)
4. Hodge (VIC) or North (WA)
5. Clarke (NSW)
6. Hussey (WA)

[Cynic]

I see Watson taking the number 4 spot in the future, injuries the only deterrant.

[frankc]

I see Watson taking the number 4 spot in the future, injuries the only deterrant.

You really think he's that good of a batsman? I think he is over-rated and he's not that good a bowler.

I'd much rather have a specialist batsman or bowler in place of an avergae allrounder.

Much prefer Hodge or North for number 4 at present.

[Cynic]

He has a typical Australian technique and I would be comfortable letting him play at 4. His technique looks vulnerable to spin however so I'd like for him to tick that box if possible.

His bowling is exactly what you'd want from an all rounder (Ignore Flintoff as he is a freak), reasonably sharp and hits the deck hard.

This is for the future as well and with Warne & McGrath out of the picture 4 bowlers may not be an option for long in my opinion.

[hawkaz1]

For the rest of the Ashes series, take Martyn out, bring in Watson at 6 and move Clarke and Hussey up a position.

[DannyJ]

For the rest of the Ashes series, take Martyn out, bring in Watson at 6 and move Clarke and Hussey up a position.

Hussey is to good of a no.5 to do that. Clarke shouldn't be playing until he can bat No.4 and can average 45. Unless he is our No.6

Until then Brad Hodge v Martyn should be the question.
(for No.4)
And Watson v Clarke (at No.6.)

Jacques v Langer to open.

Hayden, Ponting, and Hussey are in the team for mine.

[Cynic]

How on Earth does Langer get dropped before Hayden?

[frankc]

For the rest of the Ashes series, take Martyn out, bring in Watson at 6 and move Clarke and Hussey up a position.

Watson is not up to test quality IMO. Much rather leave Hussey were he is. Next to Ponting he is probably our most valuable batsman and can bat with the tail as well. I think Martyn's time is coming to an end, however Clarke is by no means a proven batsman. Why is in place instead of Hodge is a puzzel. It was almost as if the selectors couldn't get rid of Hodge quickley enough. If I was a selector, my first six would be;

Langer (WA)
Hayden (QLD)
Ponting (TAS)
Hodge (VIC) for Martyn
Clarke (NSW)
Hussey (WA)

However I've only included Clarke as the selectors must see something I can't. For mine Marcus North is a better option, however for some reason Clarke is in the limelight - I'm not saying he's a bad player - but cemented his spot - please! He has no way cemented his spot. I mine he is only in the side because Watson was injured.

[Cynic]

I'd agree with your line up if the Ashes weren't already ours.

Give Martyn the series and let him retire gracefully at the end of the series. He got the rough end early in his career so he deserves some slack at the end of it.

[DannyJ]

How on Earth does Langer get dropped before Hayden?


Just because Langer is in better form than Hayden shouldn't mean that Matt is behind him. Look at the career averages. Hayden is well clear. Another factor is Langer hits a lot of runs in dead rubber test matches which has saved his career. 102 test matches aint bad, and that can continue if he is playing better than Jacques and ATM I would have Langer ahead.

[DannyJ]

Watson is not up to test quality IMO. Much rather leave Hussey were he is. Next to Ponting he is probably our most valuable batsman and can bat with the tail as well. I think Martyn's time is coming to an end, however Clarke is by no means a proven batsman. Why is in place instead of Hodge is a puzzel. It was almost as if the selectors couldn't get rid of Hodge quickley enough. If I was a selector, my first six would be;

Langer (WA)
Hayden (QLD)
Ponting (TAS)
Hodge (VIC) for Martyn
Clarke (NSW)
Hussey (WA)

However I've only included Clarke as the selectors must see something I can't. For mine Marcus North is a better option, however for some reason Clarke is in the limelight - I'm not saying he's a bad player - but cemented his spot - please! He has no way cemented his spot. I mine he is only in the side because Watson was injured.

Watson is up to test standard. As our No.6 and gives us a bowling option.

Marcus North is better than Clarke I agree. :thumbsu:

[frankc]

Watson is up to test standard. As our No.6 and gives us a bowling option.

Marcus North is better than Clarke I agree. :thumbsu:

You've converted me on Watson, had a look at his numbers and he has a better record than Clarke as a batsman!

[kolchak]

I don't like seeing the Aust 11 getting picked because that is the Aust 11.

Ponting, Hussey, Warne, McGrath and Gilchrist are the only players who should make that team on their rep, currently.

The rest can all be dropped if they are out of form.


And ODIs should be considered as just a platform for Cricketers to get a foot hold in the test side, only need to be serious about them for 1 year out of four. ODIs are not real cricket.

[Hawkk]

If Australia opt to play Watson - who is over rated anyway, Martyn is the obvious choice to drop out for the Perth test.

[cschreuder61]

Martyn is a personal favourite of mine so I'd love to see him at least play out the ashes and then maybe retire before he gets the sack fromt test cricket, and play on to the world cup for 1 dayers only.

With Watson in the side I'd have a lineup such as this

Hayden
Langer
Ponting
Hussey
Clarke
Watson
Gilchrist
Lee
Warne
Clark
McGrath

[Cynic]

It appears Warne will only relinquish number 8 when he is dead and buried :)

[Dragz]

It's funny how people dont rate Watson, but his 1st class batting average is pretty good..here's a few comparisons:

Shane Watson 49.50
Brad Hodge 48.13
Michael Clarke 41.02
Marcus North 44.99
Phil Jacques 57.30
Simon Katich 50.09
Damien Martyn 49.25
Mike Hussey 54.16

[Can Shop]

Good stats for watson there. I just tend to lot like hm and it stops me from actually putting him in my side. In the future it will be good watching Ponting Hussey Clarke North and Marsh i think. North is exceptional player