What is our best 1 day line up at the moment?

[courtjester]

Interesting to note James Hopes performing once again in the 1st one dayer in Pakistan. 46 not out and 2 for 22 off 8 overs.

Surely he is in the starting 11, even with all players available.

I can't recall a one-dayer where Symonds, Watson and Hopes have played together. That's some serious all-round strength when they're all fit and firing.

Can we fit them all in together if we have all our players available?

[bombersno1]

1. Haddin
2. Watson
3. Ponting
4. Clarke
5. Symonds
6. Ferguson
7. Mike Hussey
8. Hopes
9. Hauritz or another spinner here (Hauritz probably the best one right now)
10. Johnson
11. Bracken/Laughlin/Tait/Hilfenhaus

get rid of Marsh until he can have a strike rate of 85 minimum

[Sideshow Fev]

Watson
Haddin
Ponting
Clarke
D. Hussey
Symonds
M. Hussey
White
Johnson
Siddle
Tait

12th man Hopes
4 pace bowling options and 4 spin options. Bats down to 8, 9 if Johnson decides to start doing something with the bat at odi level.

[Cousin Jed]

Interesting to note James Hopes performing once again in the 1st one dayer in Pakistan. 46 not out and 2 for 22 off 8 overs.

Surely he is in the starting 11, even with all players available.

Absolutely. I reckon one of the first posts I ever made on bigfooty was pimping Hopes' abilities.

I can't recall a one-dayer where Symonds, Watson and Hopes have played together. That's some serious all-round strength when they're all fit and firing.

Can we fit them all in together if we have all our players available?

Apart from last night ;)

At their best Symonds and Watson are good enough to play as batsmen and Hopes is good enough as a bowler so yes they can.

But with other players to come back in I am not sure the selectors will go down that path.

[bombersno1]

Watson
Haddin
Ponting
Clarke
D. Hussey
Symonds
M. Hussey
White
Johnson
Siddle
Tait

12th man Hopes
4 pace bowling options and 4 spin options. Bats down to 8, 9 if Johnson decides to start doing something with the bat at odi level.

White..David Hussey..based on what exactly? Both are terrible. Hopes is a better batsman and bowler than both of them yet is 12th man. Dumb decision. As for Dave Hussey, he has been found out to be a failure, yet is in there over Ferguson who at the least has score more 50'd than Hussey has!

[bombersno1]

But with other players to come back in I am not sure the selectors will go down that path.

Why not? They are all in our best XI. Dump Marsh who despite his fans on here is ordinary, just a plodder really with no attacking play.

Look at my side, that is a full strength XI, even playing a spinner. All 3 are in my side:thumbsu:

[Sideshow Fev]

White..David Hussey..based on what exactly? Both are terrible. Hopes is a better batsman and bowler than both of them yet is 12th man. Dumb decision. As for Dave Hussey, he has been found out to be a failure, yet is in there over Ferguson who at the least has score more 50'd than Hussey has!

I don't think we've seen the best of White or Dussey in the odi arena just yet both are explosive batsmen and potential matchwinners. It was a line ball decision with White and Hopes, White is a much better late order hitter than Hopes who doesn't find the boundary enough when coming in at the 40th over onwards. Hopes' bowling on the other hand is better but with Watson in that makes 4 seamers all better than Hopes who has it easy bowling in the middle overs.

Ferguson I think should spend another season on the domestic circuit now that he's had a taste of international cricket and Hussey for mine is a better all round package at the moment.

[OzBomber]

Watson
Haddin
Ponting
Clarke
Ferguson
M Hussey
Hopes
Lee
Johnson
Siddle/Spinner
Bracken

Marsh would replace one of the batsman when he comes back.

[bombersno1]

I don't think we've seen the best of White or Dussey in the odi arena just yet both are explosive batsmen and potential matchwinners. It was a line ball decision with White and Hopes, White is a much better late order hitter than Hopes who doesn't find the boundary enough when coming in at the 40th over onwards. Hopes' bowling on the other hand is better but with Watson in that makes 4 seamers all better than Hopes who has it easy bowling in the middle overs.

Ferguson I think should spend another season on the domestic circuit now that he's had a taste of international cricket and Hussey for mine is a better all round package at the moment.

Lineball..say what. White can't bat or bowl. We have seen it, he is a glorified 20/20 slogger basically. White is not a better ODI hotter, Hopes is, White just gets out, and his bowling is meat pie status! I'd rather have 4 front line bowlers plus Watson and Symonds.

Hopes
Hauritz or another spinner (could play an extra seamer on a particular wicket)
Johnson
Bracken/Tait/Laughlin.

Then you have Clarke/Watson/Symonds to get 10 overs off. I'd rather not be relying on Watson to bowl 10 overs, in fact I'd rather him bowl less. He is a better batsman than a bowler.

[Special Agent Utah]

Ferguson I think should spend another season on the domestic circuit now that he's had a taste of international cricket and Hussey for mine is a better all round package at the moment.

Why should he be sent back to the domestic scene after he has had a taste? I would rather him in the side than David Hussey. Young, talented and is the future and was one of the positives of the Sth Africa tour while Hussey was terrible. Scored 60 runs for the series, Hardly setting the world on fire.

White has had his chance and what has he shown? Nothing. Cant bat and Cant bowl.

[Sideshow Fev]

Lineball..say what. White can't bat or bowl. We have seen it, he is a glorified 20/20 slogger basically. White is not a better ODI hotter, Hopes is, White just gets out, and his bowling is meat pie status! I'd rather have 4 front line bowlers plus Watson and Symonds.

Hopes
Hauritz or another spinner (could play an extra seamer on a particular wicket)
Johnson
Bracken/Tait/Laughlin.

Then you have Clarke/Watson/Symonds to get 10 overs off. I'd rather not be relying on Watson to bowl 10 overs, in fact I'd rather him bowl less. He is a better batsman than a bowler.

Big ignorant saying White can't bat has a better domestic record than Hopes and their odi batting record is just about the same with White hardly batting well but like I've said we haven't seen Whites best yet on the international stage. Whites best is alot better than Hopes' best, guess we'll just have to agree to disagree though.

As for Watson well he's always been good enough to play as the 4th seamer it's just been a question of whether he's fit or not. Sure he had a good frc season but Laughlin isn't anywhere near our best sidethey're just trialing a youngish bowler for the 2011 world cup. Siddle, Lee and Hilfenhaus are much better I reckon.

[Trucklover]

1. Haddin - never going to be gilchrist but is good enough to make an impact at the top of the order too bad he has no idea how to keep.
2. Hughes - have no idea why they wouldnt be picking him in the ODI team he aggresive and is probably close to our most in form batsmen at the moment.
3. Ponting - out of form but is still easily the most damaging batsmen in the world
4. Clarke - like him alot as an ODI opener but he is needed most in the middle order
5. Fergussen - absolute gun and is breathing down mike husseys neck for his test spot come ashes time
6. M Hussey - needs from and as i said before fergussen would have to be getting close to taking his test spot if he doesnt improve. i still believe he deserves his spot in the first ashes test but might find himself missing out if he continues to fail and fergussen continues to impress.
7. Hopes - never really rated him but continues to keep his spot. never really done alot to cement himself in the team but hasnt done alot to lose his spot either.
8. Johnson - very good but i still believe everyone needs to settle down over him not fully convinced with him yet but is definatly our best and most important player at the moment.
9. Lee - finished as a test player i reckon but still has plenty to give us in ODI's and will help take the strain off johnson so he doesnt have to be the most important player in both forms of the game
10. Bracken - will never be a test player but is definatly the most consistent ODI player in the world
11 Hilfenhouse - rate him very highly prob best suited to test cricket but still in our 4 best ODI bowlers

12th man - Siddle just misses out but is definatly in our best test team


Symonds - hes finished cant believe that the selectors have picked him saying that they owe it to him. CA owe him nothing due to the amount of times hes stuffed up and put them in a position they shouldnt have been in. was a brilliant cricketer and will go down as one of the all time greatest ODI players in the world but stick to the IPL andy and make a million every year for 6 weeks work.

White - if he ever plays cricket for Australia again i will have to start baracking for bangladesh. Terrible cricketer. the only reason he is an all rounder is because he cant decide which hes worse at batting or bowling. sure he can hit a ball and isnt to bad in 20twenty but what is the point of picking him in the ODI team and batting him at number 7 and not getting a bat and then bowling him for 2 overs before he gets dragged.

D Hussey - no point continueing with this project. he has been an awsome shiled cricketer and has not taken his chance at national level. harsh on such a great cricketer to have not played more cricket for his country but just ask lehman, hodge, mahar and love about how that feels.

Stuart clark shoudl just stick to test cricket where he i best suited

We dont need a spinner. M Clarke is as good as anyone esle we have at the moment. if we are going to pick a spinner we should be picking a young fella with potential like Bailey. Hauritz has done nothing except for that one game. he is not a wicket taker and has done sweet sh*t all to deserve his place in the team. atleast if the bring in Bailey he may take a bit to find his feet but he will get there eventually if you persist with him

[Sideshow Fev]

Why should he be sent back to the domestic scene after he has had a taste? I would rather him in the side than David Hussey. Young, talented and is the future and was one of the positives of the Sth Africa tour while Hussey was terrible. Scored 60 runs for the series, Hardly setting the world on fire.

White has had his chance and what has he shown? Nothing. Cant bat and Cant bowl.

Hussey has made alot more runs at odd level than Ferguson who averages low 30s in domestic cricket, I don't think he will be able to back up his great start to his odi career just yet whereas Hussey is a much better cricketer than what he's shown at odi level so far, been superb in T20 internationals and it will eventually click for him in the one dayers.

[Punchy Bassett]

I just want us to stop trying to turn people into openers who clearly aren't so in light of this:

HUGHES!
Haddin
Punter
Clarke
Ferguson
M Hussey (for now but none of Watson/White/Symonds/D Hussey)
Hopes
Johnson
Lee
Siddle
Bracken

[Trucklover]

Hussey has made alot more runs at odd level than Ferguson who averages low 30s in domestic cricket, I don't think he will be able to back up his great start to his odi career just yet whereas Hussey is a much better cricketer than what he's shown at odi level so far, been superb in T20 internationals and it will eventually click for him in the one dayers.

thats is just a stupid comment to say that hussey has scored more runs than fergussen at ODI level wneh he has played twice as many games as fergussen. fergussen has a much better average in ODI and has just one less fifty in half as many games. what is the point in picking a 32 year old who is good but is out of form over one of the most promising batsmen we have who is showing how good he is going to be

[Punchy Bassett]

Hussey has made alot more runs at odd level than Ferguson who averages low 30s in domestic cricket, I don't think he will be able to back up his great start to his odi career just yet whereas Hussey is a much better cricketer than what he's shown at odi level so far, been superb in T20 internationals and it will eventually click for him in the one dayers.

D Hussey 31 years old:

Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave BF SR 100 50 4s 6s Ct St
ODIs 20 19 0 477 79 25.10 572 83.39 0 4 31 7 8 0

C Ferguson 24 years old:

Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave BF SR 100 50 4s 6s Ct St
ODIs 10 10 3 286 63 40.85 322 88.81 0 3 29 0 4 0

Sorry but if it comes down to it Fergie should get the spot right now.

[bombersno1]

Big ignorant saying White can't bat has a better domestic record than Hopes and their odi batting record is just about the same with White hardly batting well but like I've said we haven't seen Whites best yet on the international stage. Whites best is alot better than Hopes' best, guess we'll just have to agree to disagree though.

As for Watson well he's always been good enough to play as the 4th seamer it's just been a question of whether he's fit or not. Sure he had a good frc season but Laughlin isn't anywhere near our best sidethey're just trialing a youngish bowler for the 2011 world cup. Siddle, Lee and Hilfenhaus are much better I reckon.

Hopes has a much better ODI batting stats, I suggest you check that one..White has not even got a 50 FFS! Hopefully we never see White's best, he has been very ordinary. Perfect T20 player as all he has to do is bash the ball, but like Warner when he has to think about an innings he is screwed!

Watson should play as the 5th seamer, we need to manage him. He cannot be bowling 10 overs each ODI, he'll get injured again. Siddle has not even played a ODI, lets not jump the gun there. He is in my shortlist but I'd rather see him in 50 over cricket first! I'd rather screw Lee off, time to move on.

[Poz_Utd_V.2]

1. Haddin
2. Watson
3. Ponting
4. Clarke
5. Symonds
6. Ferguson
7. Mike Hussey
8. Hopes
9. Hauritz or another spinner here (Hauritz probably the best one right now)
10. Johnson
11. Bracken/Laughlin/Tait/Hilfenhaus

get rid of Marsh until he can have a strike rate of 85 minimum

Like it, like it alot actually. I would have Bracken in before any of those three mentioned and I agree Hauritz should start.

However this team only works providing you can get 8 overs out of Watson at the absolute min. Not sure if that is possible at the moment becuase he hasn't seemed to be bowling at all since coming back to the domestic scene.

If Watson can't bowl than one of Watson/Symonds/Ferguson makes way for one of Hillfy/Lee/Clark/Siddle

[Poz_Utd_V.2]

Oh and btw D.Hussey and C.White are not good enough for ODI level.

To put it blunt yes C.White can't bat or bowl at a high enough international level.

D.Hussey has had more than enough chances at international level to cement his spot in the side. His played what 25 matches so far at an average of under 30.

And don't come back with the crap about his first class level being >> than others in the team such as Ferguson and Hopes. Because quite frankly both Ferguson and Hopes have done much much more at international level than both D.Hussey and White over an extended time frame.

[Punchy Bassett]

Oh and btw D.Hussey and C.White are not good enough for ODI level.

To put it blunt yes C.White can't bat or bowl at a high enough international level.

D.Hussey has had more than enough chances at international level to cement his spot in the side. His played what 25 matches so far at an average of under 30.

And don't come back with the crap about his first class level being >> than others in the team such as Ferguson and Hopes. Because quite frankly both Ferguson and Hopes have done much much more at international level than both D.Hussey and White over an extended time frame.

Sums it up nicely.

[Sideshow Fev]

thats is just a stupid comment to say that hussey has scored more runs than fergussen at ODI level wneh he has played twice as many games as fergussen. fergussen has a much better average in ODI and has just one less fifty in half as many games. what is the point in picking a 32 year old who is good but is out of form over one of the most promising batsmen we have who is showing how good he is going to be

Read properly I said one day domestic. He's been alot better for alot longer, deserves more of a go. Ferguson is a flavour of the month once he has a bad few games which is inevitable everyone will be on his back.

[Sideshow Fev]

Hopes has a much better ODI batting stats, I suggest you check that one..White has not even got a 50 FFS! Hopefully we never see White's best, he has been very ordinary. Perfect T20 player as all he has to do is bash the ball, but like Warner when he has to think about an innings he is screwed!

Watson should play as the 5th seamer, we need to manage him. He cannot be bowling 10 overs each ODI, he'll get injured again. Siddle has not even played a ODI, lets not jump the gun there. He is in my shortlist but I'd rather see him in 50 over cricket first! I'd rather screw Lee off, time to move on.

White has a better odi average and s/r :confused: Don't get me wrong I like Hopes I just think he's more suited to a struggling side because you know what you will get but in a winning side which a full strength Australia are I went with x factor over consistency for that later order hitting spot. And Siddle has played an odi.

[Disco7]

Watson
Haddin
Ponting
Clarke
D. Hussey
Symonds
M. Hussey
White
Johnson
Siddle
Tait

12th man Hopes
4 pace bowling options and 4 spin options. Bats down to 8, 9 if Johnson decides to start doing something with the bat at odi level.

WHITE.........&.....D HUSSEY??????????????? Both have had 25+ chances and have been complete failures. As for Symonds he averaged around 10 in one day cricket this year and in the first game he scores 2 well done cricket Australia. Ferguson has taken his chance and deserves his spot so not sure why you left him out? Voges made 99 yesterday for Nottinghamshire, not that that will help his cause (he might need to change his name do get a gig quite obviously). Until we start picking inform and consitent performers then we will struggle.

[Poz_Utd_V.2]

Read properly I said one day domestic. He's been alot better for alot longer, deserves more of a go. Ferguson is a flavour of the month once he has a bad few games which is inevitable everyone will be on his back.

Of course been better for longer... he has been around for longer!

Ferguson is younger with much more potential and ATM is scoring more runs than Hussey. I find it shocking you left him out of your team. The bloke i a future test player for Australia and should be kept in the ODI team for as long as possible aslong as he is scoring consistently.

Give him more of a go? The bloke has had 19 innings for a return average of 25.10 and rememeber in alot of those games we lost early wickets and he came in around the 15-20 over mark where he really had the chance to set up a big innings with plenty of overs in hand. Unfortuntly for both Dave and for the baggygreens he wasn't able to do so. He has had his go, time to give someone else a crack maybe he will get an oppourtunity somewhere down the track again.

Ferguson>D.Hussey (Your being silly if you think otherwise)

[Poz_Utd_V.2]

White has a better odi average and s/r :confused: Don't get me wrong I like Hopes I just think he's more suited to a struggling side because you know what you will get but in a winning side which a full strength Australia are I went with x factor over consistency for that later order hitting spot. And Siddle has played an odi.

Thats your opinion and you are entitled to it.

However give me the bloke who will give me 1-35 off his 10 overs the majority of the time he goes out there aswell as being a versatile solid batsman who can bat anywhere from 1-7 with no fuss.

You can have Cameron White.

[bombersno1]

Like it, like it alot actually. I would have Bracken in before any of those three mentioned and I agree Hauritz should start.

However this team only works providing you can get 8 overs out of Watson at the absolute min. Not sure if that is possible at the moment becuase he hasn't seemed to be bowling at all since coming back to the domestic scene.

If Watson can't bowl than one of Watson/Symonds/Ferguson makes way for one of Hillfy/Lee/Clark/Siddle

Watson/Symonds/Clarke will share 10 overs. Ferguson is a handy bowler as well from memory. That is enough options. My point is you cannot especially now with 20 overs of powerplays to NOT have 4 front line bowlers. You cannot rely on Watson, etc to bowl 10 overs all the time. If they are bowling well fine, bowl them out, if not you should have the luxury to give Symonds, etc a go.

[Archimedes]

1. Marsh
2. Watson
3. Ponting
4. Haddin
5. Clarke
6. Ferguson
7. M Hussey
8. Hopes/ Hauritz
9. Johnson
10. Siddle
11. Bracken

If Watson can't last due to injuries, then I would like Hughes to be given a go to open with Marsh.

Haddin at 4 to help score some runs during overs 16-40.

[bombersno1]

Read properly I said one day domestic. He's been alot better for alot longer, deserves more of a go. Ferguson is a flavour of the month once he has a bad few games which is inevitable everyone will be on his back.

International form>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Domestic form! Heck even Cameron White is a decent bowler in 50 over domestic cricket:eek:

[bombersno1]

1. Marsh
2. Watson
3. Ponting
4. Haddin
5. Clarke
6. Ferguson
7. M Hussey
8. Hopes/ Hauritz
9. Johnson
10. Siddle
11. Bracken

If Watson can't last due to injuries, then I would like Hughes to be given a go to open with Marsh.

Haddin at 4 to help score some runs during overs 16-40.

What has Haddin done wrong as an opener. He is our best opener. We don't need Geoffrey Boycott clone Sean Marsh up there. Switch Marsh and Haddin and maybe that is an option. Marsh has been scoring too slow for a while now. You are dreaming if Symonds is not in our best ODI team!

[Archimedes]

What has Haddin done wrong as an opener. He is our best opener. We don't need Geoffrey Boycott clone Sean Marsh up there. Switch Marsh and Haddin and maybe that is an option. Marsh has been scoring too slow for a while now. You are dreaming if Symonds is not in our best ODI team!

Marsh's consistency is important in a team still rebuilding. 5 x 50's in 15 innings at the top provides a platform. Granted his strike rate of 75% would need to increase, but stating 'for a while' is a bit over the top considering the number of games he has played.

Andrew Symonds from a year or 2 ago, most definitely. But at the moment, until he gains some form from playing, I would rather the team I named.

[Special Agent Utah]

Hussey has made alot more runs at odd level than Ferguson who averages low 30s in domestic cricket, I don't think he will be able to back up his great start to his odi career just yet whereas Hussey is a much better cricketer than what he's shown at odi level so far, been superb in T20 internationals and it will eventually click for him in the one dayers.

20/20 form does not always transfer into ODI form, Just ask David Warner.

You have hit the nail on the head just not the one you were aiming for, Ferguson has had a terrific start and deserves his spot in the team, you can not get rid of someone because you think his terrific form will eventually end.

Hussey may be a better cricketer than what he has shown at ODI level but the simple fact is he has not grabbed his chance and lets be honest he has had plenty.

Ferguson is the future and has shown he can handle it at the highest level against the best sides. I have yet to see that from David Hussey.

[Kane McGoodwin]

1. Haddin
2. Watson
3. Ponting
4. Clarke
5. Ferguson
6. Symonds
7. Hussey M
8. Hopes
9. Johnson
10. Hauritz
11. Bracken

[Sideshow Fev]

20/20 form does not always transfer into ODI form, Just ask David Warner.

You have hit the nail on the head just not the one you were aiming for, Ferguson has had a terrific start and deserves his spot in the team, you can not get rid of someone because you think his terrific form will eventually end.

Hussey may be a better cricketer than what he has shown at ODI level but the simple fact is he has not grabbed his chance and lets be honest he has had plenty.

Ferguson is the future and has shown he can handle it at the highest level against the best sides. I have yet to see that from David Hussey.

Yep, fair enough point. I'd still pick David Hussey in my side but I can definitely see where you're coming from and it's probably how the selectors would feel too. I dunno I just think everyones jumping on the Ferguson bandwagon a bit too quickly, he's only played 10 games.

[aussie1st]

Watson
Haddin
Ponting
Clarke
Ferguson
M Hussey
Hopes
Lee
Johnson
Siddle/Spinner
Bracken

Marsh would replace one of the batsman when he comes back.

I would second that lineup. Symonds will have to show some form before he is back in our best 11. If Lee can't find his pace again and Tait gets his fitness sorted then Tait in for Lee.

[bombersno1]

Marsh's consistency is important in a team still rebuilding. 5 x 50's in 15 innings at the top provides a platform. Granted his strike rate of 75% would need to increase, but stating 'for a while' is a bit over the top considering the number of games he has played.

Andrew Symonds from a year or 2 ago, most definitely. But at the moment, until he gains some form from playing, I would rather the team I named.

That strike rate is one of the reasons the middle order has been screwed. Puts way too much pressure on them to score even quicker!

[Masten_Magic]

i dont think the term best can be used in modern day sport
because of rotations, injuries etc

[Special Agent Utah]

i dont think the term best can be used in modern day sport
because of rotations, injuries etc

Yes you can.

It was mentioned earlier, what would the side looked like if "everyone" was available so therefore injuries do not really come into it do they.

If you had your ideal XI then you would not have a great deal of need for rotations would you?

[Blue Dimension]

Marsh
Watson/Haddin
Ponting
Clarke
Symonds
M.Hussey
Haddin/Watson
Johnson
Lee
Bracken
Tait

If all of those boys are fit and firing they all speak for themselves. Regardless of Hopes' form, he wouldn't get a gig ahead of any of those guys if the team was at full strength.

[bombersno1]

Why is Marsh a better opener than Haddin or Watson?

Watson and Haddin have better S/R's for starters...we have to take advantage of the first 15 overs, not stroll along for a picnic!

[LIONS then DAYLIGHT]

Watson
Haddin
Ponting
Clarke
Ferguson
M Hussey
Hopes
Lee
Johnson
Siddle/Spinner
Bracken

Marsh would replace one of the batsman when he comes back.

Do you really think that at this stage a player like Ferguson would offer more then Symonds?

[Special Agent Utah]

Do you really think that at this stage a player like Ferguson would offer more then Symonds?

There would be no reason to drop Ferguson. Was one of our best players in Sth Africa.

At this stage i think Ferguson is ahead of Symonds.

[Punchy Bassett]

Do you really think that at this stage a player like Ferguson would offer more then Symonds?

Yes, yes he would.

[LIONS then DAYLIGHT]

Fair enough that's your opinion, i just happen to disagree quite strongly.

Proof will be in the pudding i guess.

[HFF_07]

1. Brad Haddin - Hate to say it, but he needs to bat here, no where else really, he knows only one way to bat and that is fifth gear, needs to improve his keeping, but his attacking prowess with the bat gets him to the top of the order.

2. Shane Watson - Am really considering a fututre for young Phillip Hughes, would love to see him here in a couple of years time, but let him learn his game more and then see him churn out the runs at ODD level first, Shaun Marsh would be the ideal batsmen, but injuries have again hit.

3. Ricky Ponting - Its Ricky Ponting, enough said.

4. Michael Hussey - The most crucial position after number three in the team, Hussey can attack or defend, depending on the situation so he holds his spot here.

5. Michael Clarke - Vice Captain, Slow Bowling, All round fielder, what more could you want in a player, needs to learn to read the game better before people start to call for him to be promoted to the crucial number three or four spot.

6. Andrew Symonds - One of the most crucial players to Australia's gameplan, a fit and firing Symonds is the most deadly player in world cricket and a genuine match winner, even if he doesnt score many with the bat, he will make you runs by saving them in the field, also a handy bowler either with his gentle mediums or slow off spin.

7. James Hopes - Has performed of late and one player that i personally rate very highly, is quite adapt with both bat and ball, has striking similarities with Ian Harvey, with his subtle changes of pace with the ball, the smart cutters he bowls, and the way he goes about his batting. Not the greatest but applies himself.

8. Mitchell Johnson - Arguably the most improved player of 2088, has shown that he can hit a long ball, and that he can handle the willow, am with some people on here though, lets not get too carried away with him yet.

9. Nathan Hauritz - A specialist slow bowler must be a must in the ODI arena as backed up by the Proteas when their two slow bowlers tore us apart, Hauritz has shown in patches of late that he can make an impact on the ODI team.

10. Nathan Bracken - One of, if not thee smartest bowler in world cricket, is able to swing the new ball, or reverse the old, bowl at the death or lock the run rate up for a few overs, Bracken can do it all. Has me stumped why he has never played mor test cricket.

11. Ben Hilfenhause - The Aussie selectors have shown great hope in the ex Brickie from the apple isle, and Ponting seems to enjoy him there, bowling him at the death during the last tour to South Africa, seems to be getting groomed for a ong term spot in the Australian squad not just as a one day player but also as a test regular also.

12. Callum Ferguson - Seems the young fella from the city of churches will be among Australias plans and thus have him as 12th man.

In an extended squad of 15 I would also include.

13. Brett Lee - On his day can perform great deadly spells of bowling and something that Australia, outside MJ has missed.

14 Adam Voges - Great leadership to go along with his great striking ability with the bat and also handy with the ball, Voges is agile in the field and can do most things well.

15. Peter Siddle - Looking to the future, he is in the Aussie set up now and has never looked back, a bright future for the young man from Endeavour Hills.

D.Hussey is not good enough for international cricket, I was all for him in the side, but he only really produced two really standout innings, he can do everything well, but players are in front of him at this stage, and time is running out for him too.

C.White similarly is in the same boat as his fellow statesman, he does not seem good enough to be in the team as a pure batsmen like Symonds, Clarke, and his bowling is well and truly below par international standards, Hauritz seems to be doing the job at the moment with Clarke and Symonds also be apt back up spinners also.

S.Clarke, i would of loved to have played him in the squad, but he is on the older side of a young mans game, no offence to him he has been awesome to date, but the likes of Johnson, Siddle, Lee have more to offer in the shorter format of the game.

Would also like to point out that yes, Shaun Marsh is missing and he would slot back into the opening spot along side Haddin, with Watson to return to the lower order and take Hopes' spot. I know Hopes has done the job, but we all know that Watson is a better all rounder than Hopes when fit.

What do people think of that side and squad.

[realsniper09]

This is a really interesting discussion. This shows out side is no where near settled and we have lots of issues surrounding it. Until we all get about 9, 10 settled players in out best team, Australia's form will always be flucuating. There are so many questions right now.
Where do Lee, Hilfenhaus, and Siddle stand?
Does Ferguson deserve a spot in a full-strength line-up?
Is Symonds past it?
Do we play a spinner?
What's out best opening cominbation?

For now, the only certainties seem to be Haddin, Ponting, Clarke, Johnson, and Bracken. With Watson, M Hussey and Hopes almost certainties.

Even this raises questions... what is our best opening combo? Is the side balance better if Hopes is at 7 or at 8?

1. Haddin
2. Watson
3. Ponting
4. Clarke
5.
6. M Hussey
7.
8. Hopes
9. Johnson
10.
11. Bracken

5 - Symonds or Ferguson... - Symonds is in if he is near his best. But will that happen again? We need that explosiveness at #5 again. Obviously, his fielding is brilliant, but also his handy bowling will give another option. I think someone who can bowl is needed here if Watson can't bowl, otherwise we're stuffed for our last 10 overs.

7 - Ferguson or Marsh. I don't like Hopes walking in at 5-down, which is why I have him at 8. His bowling will provide 10 overs so that's good enough to put him bowl without jeopardizing the team. I like Marsh, but he obviously has to open. So if he opens, that puts Haddin or Watson down here, and they are by far better opening. So do we prefer Marsh opening with Watson at 7, or Watson opening and Ferguson at 7?

10 - The most easy to decide out of the 3 contentious positions as we just need to pick the best fast bowler... or spin perhaps? Hilfenhaus, Lee, Siddle, Hauritz all probably have a case.

The batting order is the most problematic at the open. Who opens? and how does the middle order structure up? As someone said earlier, a fit and firing Symonds is THE most important piece of the Aussie gameplan. The team just looks so much more complete if his abilities are truly utilized.

[courtjester]

Terrific post realsniper09.

I think I basically agree:

1. Watson: If fit is a key to this side. Opening bat and very good medium pacer.
2. M.Hussey: I'd like to see Hussey go back to opening in 1 day cricket. We need someone to craft the innings. Very capable hitter as well.
3. Ponting: Obviously. Must produce big scores soon.
4. Clarke: Want to see him fit and firing with the bat and in the field soon.
5. Symonds: Explosive batting and handy bowling. The best fieldsman in the world (don't underestimate how much we've missed Symond's fielding lately!)
6. Ferguson: Would bat well between Symo and Haddin, working it around.
7. Haddin (WK): Haddin's clean hitting would be handy down the order. Doesn't seem to be able to play long innings, but makes very quick 40s
8. Hopes: Has been so consistent with both bat and ball. Makes the team very balanced. His bowling adds variety and he is a very clever bowler. Worth his place as a specialist med-pacer. Batting a bonus.
9. Johnson/ Bracken: Bracken might be on his way out. Has lost pace. Johnson not as threatening in 1-day as tests.
10. Hilfenhaus/Lee/Siddle/Clark: This is the only place "rotation" should apply (fast bowlers). Right arm quicks. All good.
11. Hauritz: Could be replaced by one of the quicks depending on the wicket.


Bowling options in this team-

Right arm quicks: Hilfenhaus/Lee/Siddle/Clark- 10 overs
Left arm quicks: Johnson/ Bracken- 10 overs
Medium pace: Hopes- 10 overs
Spin: Hauritz- 10 overs
Fast/medium: Watson- up to 10 overs
Extras: Symonds/Clarke- Extra med-pace/spin options.

[bombersno1]

We don't need to craft the innings from the openening spot. Hussey is best suited at no7, leave him there. Swap with Haddin who is a natural ODI opener

[K.Simpson]

Watson
Haddin
Ponting
Clarke
D. Hussey
Symonds
M. Hussey
White
Johnson
Siddle
Tait

12th man Hopes
4 pace bowling options and 4 spin options. Bats down to 8, 9 if Johnson decides to start doing something with the bat at odi level.


Only thing i would change is Bracken in, Dave Hussey out, the rest looks very solid to me.:thumbsu:
I think its time for Johnson to step up in the ODI's with the bat, and i dont think having him at 8 would be a bad idea. Cameron White's explosive hitting at number 7 is a must, in a team with no genuine hitters barring Symonds, his ability to clear the boundary late is vital. And those who say he cant build an innings, did you watch the Sheffield Shield Final??
Callum Ferguson slightly stiff but i cant find room for him with that batting line up, his day will come though...

[courtjester]

We don't need to craft the innings from the openening spot. Hussey is best suited at no7, leave him there. Swap with Haddin who is a natural ODI opener


I think crafting an innings from the opening (or #3) spot is exactly what we need right now, and M.Hussey is the man to do it. We need someone to bat thru from over 1 to over 35 to build an innings.

Haddin and Symonds should be the guys finishing the work in overs 35-50

[andrew_embley]

Symonds is the man

Can't begin to fatham how many people on this board don't rate him. Been going on for years on here.

He is the difference between us having a 1 Dimensional batting line-up that opposition players fear as much as chad fletcher disposing the ball by foot, and us having a batting lineup that can attack in the air consistently.

[Howard Littlejohn]

Everyone is picking Watson?
Really? If he's in our best eleven and Australia is a top three ODI side, then world limited overs cricket is in a poor state . He not as bad as White, but he isn't an international standard cricketer. Even England have produced better all-rounders (and not just Flintoff) in the post-Botham period.

[Cousin Jed]

Batting average 35
Bowling average 32

Players like that don't grow on trees. You really think he isn't an international standard cricketer?

[DIG]

If everyone's fully fit and firing:

1. Haddin
2. Watson
3. Ponting
4. Clarke
5. Symonds
6. Ferguson
7. Hussey M
8. Lee
9. Johnson
10. Bracken
11. Tait

- Hauritz obviously would come in if we wanted a spinner.
- Hopes is fantastic, and ideal at #8, but i'm sorry if those 4 bowlers are fully firing, then they have to play ahead of him. He'd be my 12th man.
- Marsh has done nothing wrong opening but just doesn't quite make my top XI.
- Dussey has failed to take his chances.
- Ditto for White, but he has time on his side so i'm sure will be seen again.
- Hughes will become a crucial ODI player for us in years to come.
- Not so sure about Warner, whether he's just a T20 flash in the plan but you never know longer term.
- Hilfenhaus is worthy of a bowling spot and would displace Lee in my top XI if Lee can't get back near his best.
- Siddle too will play many ODIs in future years i have no doubt.

So by casting the net wider in recent times, even though we haven't done as well lately, we should be well placed by the next world cup with so many options, including those i haven't mentioned.

[Jimthegreat]

Can we pick our most in-form Aussies playing right now irrespective?

Right now...

Hayden
Gilchrist
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey M
Symonds
Watson
Hopes
Warne
Johnson
Lee


Suppose I should be realistic...

My 12. 12th man worked out at the time.

Haddin
Watson
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey M
Symonds
Ferguson
Hopes
Johnson
Lee/Bracken
Hauritz
Hilfenhaus/Siddle etc...

[Cleavy]

Can we pick our most in-form Aussies playing right now irrespective?

Right now...

Hayden
Gilchrist
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey M
Symonds
Watson
Hopes
Warne
Johnson
Lee


1 of these things is not like the others...

[eth-dog]

Haddin- found his place opening, and also keeping better
Clarke- not a natural opener, but can help build the innings while Haddin explodes
Ponting-captain, best player in the team
Dussey-a very worthy #4, can build the innings but can explode at any time
Symonds- we all know what he can do with the bat, plus he can bowl handy mediums/offies
Mussey- perfect role. plays like Bevan
Hopes- bowling A/R, deserves his spot at 7
Johnson- fast bowler who we need
Hauritz-our #1 spinner, an underrated OD spinner around Australia
Siddle- Hits the deck hard, good for first change
Bracken- #1 ODI bowler in the world

First ten overs: Johnson 5, Bracken 5
second ten: Hopes 5, Siddle 5
third 10(w/ bat pp): Bracken 3, Hopes 2, Hauritz 3, Siddle/Johnson 2
w/o bat pp: Hauritz 5, Siddle 5
4th 10 w/ bat pp: Bracken 3, Hopes 2, Hauritz 2, Johnson/Siddle 2
w/o bat pp: Hauritz 5, Johnson 5
5th 10 w/ pp: Bracken 5, Hopes 5
w/o pp: Hopes 3, Bracken 2, rest from Johnson/Siddle/Hauritz

[Chris25]

It's interesting how some people pick a team based on current form, but then some people completely disregard form and pick on name/potential (D Hussey, Lee).

For what it's worth, I don't think you can pick one line up. At the moment I would have;

Haddin
(Watson/Clarke)
Ponting
(Clarke/Symonds)
Ferguson
M Hussey
Hopes
(Hauritz/Symonds/Watson)
Johnson
Bracken
Tait/Siddle

So basically I would have Watson, Symonds and Hauritz rotating through depending on whether it's going to spin or not. And Clarke to play wherever suits the team.

[RooBuoy]

1. Haddin
2. Watson
3. Ponting
4. Clarke
5. Symonds
6. Ferguson
7. Mike Hussey
8. Hopes
9. Hauritz or another spinner here (Hauritz probably the best one right now)
10. Johnson
11. Bracken/Laughlin/Tait/Hilfenhaus

get rid of Marsh until he can have a strike rate of 85 minimum

This, except Siddle in at no.11 (Although I can't see him playing much ODI cricket in his career).

[DoubleO7]

This, except Siddle in at no.11 (Although I can't see him playing much ODI cricket in his career).
Why not? It can't possibly be about a lack of talent and application to play the shorter form of the game. Do you mean injury wise?

[bombersno1]

I think crafting an innings from the opening (or #3) spot is exactly what we need right now, and M.Hussey is the man to do it. We need someone to bat thru from over 1 to over 35 to build an innings.

Haddin and Symonds should be the guys finishing the work in overs 35-50

We need guys that hit over the top at the start of the innings, Hussey does not do this- puts too much pressure on the other end..and remind us again how Mike Hussey did when he opened in ODI's for Australia....

[gothedogs1]

1 watson
2 haddin
3 ponting
4 clarke
5 hodge
6 m.hussey
7 ferguson
8 hopes
9 lee
10 siddle
11 bracken

[mattf83]

1 watson
2 haddin
3 ponting
4 clarke
5 Symonds
6 ferguson
7 m.hussey
8 hopes
9 Johnson
10 Lee
11 bracken

12 Hauritz for spinning wickets, best of a bad bunch
13 Siddle to rotate with the fast bowlers
14 Hughes for experience and to rotate with the batsmen
15 Hilfenhaus makes the 15 man squad, to fill in when needed.

with the amount of cricket being played i think rotation is the answer. Not to mess with the core of the team but to give a player a rest every now and then.

Hopes, Johnson, Lee and Bracken to bowl 40is, share the other 10ish through symonds clarke and watson depending on the pitch. Capacity to mix it up depending on whos bowling well. That team bats to 8, with the three tailenders more than handy. having 3 genuine all rounders in the team gives us plenty of options.

[RooBuoy]

Why not? It can't possibly be about a lack of talent and application to play the shorter form of the game. Do you mean injury wise?

Yup. He's pretty injury prone. He missed a whole season a couple of seasons ago, then he missed the ODI series in Aus because of injuries, now he's been left out of the ODIs vs Pak because of injuries.

He's a very good bowler, but I think he'll be a test specialist just to prolong his career and get the most games out of his body.

[eth-dog]

We need guys that hit over the top at the start of the innings, Hussey does not do this- puts too much pressure on the other end..and remind us again how Mike Hussey did when he opened in ODI's for Australia....
lol bno1, we have Haddin to do that. what happens if they both go out early? dumb cricket. we use one for this role and one who turns over the strike. if we have two of those, and one of them keeps on getting the strike, as soon as the other one does, he'll implode and get himself out. if you're going to use the Gilly + Hayden argument, when they batted ONE of them attacked and the other turned the strike over. always. we need someone who can rebuild the innings

[the_big_sav]

haddin
watson
ponting
clarke
symonds
m.hussey
d.hussey
hopes
hauritz
johnson
braken

lee, hilf, ferguson, tait, white and marsh as extras

[aussie1st]

Dussey should be no where near the team! Averages 24 in ODI cricket, Hauritz averages 23...

[bombersno1]

lol bno1, we have Haddin to do that. what happens if they both go out early? dumb cricket. we use one for this role and one who turns over the strike. if we have two of those, and one of them keeps on getting the strike, as soon as the other one does, he'll implode and get himself out. if you're going to use the Gilly + Hayden argument, when they batted ONE of them attacked and the other turned the strike over. always. we need someone who can rebuild the innings

Clarke and Ponting can rebuild the innings from 3 and 4. Watson is more aggressive and a genuine ODI opener and can do both roles from the start- attack or give Haddin the strike (Hussey wastes too many balls at the start of him innings), Haddin is a clean hitter who we need opening. With Symonds and Ferguson in the middle order we have guys that can hit out at the end, as well as Johnson. Haddin and Watson should and will open. Mike Hussey will bat 6 or 7..Mike Hussey has FAILED when he has opened in ODI cricket for Australia!

[Ricketts]

More importantly, our best XI for the next world cup?

1. Watson / Hughes
2. Haddin
3. Ponting
4. Clarke
5. Ferguson
6. M.Hussey / Symonds
7. Hopes
8. Johnson
9. Hauritz
10. Siddle
11. Bracken

[eth-dog]

Clarke and Ponting can rebuild the innings from 3 and 4. Watson is more aggressive and a genuine ODI opener and can do both roles from the start- attack or give Haddin the strike (Hussey wastes too many balls at the start of him innings), Haddin is a clean hitter who we need opening. With Symonds and Ferguson in the middle order we have guys that can hit out at the end, as well as Johnson. Haddin and Watson should and will open. Mike Hussey will bat 6 or 7..Mike Hussey has FAILED when he has opened in ODI cricket for Australia!
Clarke opening. what about that. Watson's had his chances IMO, and he hasn't taken them or when he has, he gets re-injured

[Chris25]

Clarke opening. what about that. Watson's had his chances IMO, and he hasn't taken them or when he has, he gets re-injured

Some would argue that his 85* and 116* in the last two matches, would entitle Watson to the opening position for the next series at least. And his average of 54 from 17 matches opening the batting would suggest that he has taken his chances at the top of the order.

[bombersno1]

Some would argue that his 85* and 116* in the last two matches, would entitle Watson to the opening position for the next series at least. And his average of 54 from 17 matches opening the batting would suggest that he has taken his chances at the top of the order.

Agreed, by far and away the best opener we have in ODI cricket:thumbsu:

[DIG]

Watson's had his chances IMO, and he hasn't taken them or when he has, he gets re-injured

He got this part right though.

Another groin injury :(

[four]

Watson
Haddin
Ponting
Clarke
Symonds
Ferguson
M Hussey
Johnson
Bracken
Siddle
Tait

[Special Agent Utah]

Watson
Haddin
Ponting
Clarke
Symonds
Ferguson
M Hussey
Johnson
Bracken
Siddle
Tait

Hussey at 7 is a waste IMO.

[DIG]

Watson
Haddin
Ponting
Clarke
Symonds
Ferguson
M Hussey
Johnson
Bracken
Siddle
Tait
I like it.:thumbsu:

[Spudregus_87]

Watson/Hughes
+Haddin
*Ponting
Clarke
Ferguson
M.Hussey/Haddin
Hopes
Johnson
Hauritz
Lee
Bracken

If Hughes is given a go and can average 30+ with a strike rate around 85-90, I'd drop Hussey and slot Haddin in at 6. Although I believe Haddin performs better up the order, I think the Hughes/Watson combo would perform better. Still don't like Hauritz as our best spinner, but there's no one else, and he's performed respectably since he's been brought back in. Watson is crucial to our ODI side; with him in the team, he can bowl 4-8 overs if Lee/Johnson/Hauritz have a bad day. And his batting at the top of the order has been more than admirable.

[Special Agent Utah]

And why would you drop Hussey when he has been one of our best performers in ODI's over the past 18 months.

[Spudregus_87]

And why would you drop Hussey when he has been one of our best performers in ODI's over the past 18 months.

Apologies. His poor test form of late is interfering with my ODI view of him. Looked up some stats, and since December 14th 2007, he's been averaging 49.16 with the bat. Even this year, he's averaging 45.75 in ODI's, which hardly warrants the man to be dropped.

So I guess leave Hughes out (for now) and bat Haddin at 2 :)