Changes for the Fourth Test

[King Elvis]

Hughes
Katich
Ponting
Clarke
Hodge
Watson
Haddin
Hauritz
Siddle
Hilfenhaus
Clark

In - Hughes / Clark / Hodge / Haddin

Out - Hussey / Johnson / North / Manou

Sacked & Stripped of their Citzenships - Cox / Hughes / Boon.

EDIT - Obviously I'm pretty ****ing pissed off right now; I'm still desperately hoping against hope that Johnson can find his form, and Hussey can carve them up in the second Innings.

[aussie1st]

I think you want to wait until after Johnson bowls before dropping him.

[Tapee]

I think you want to wait until after Johnson bowls before dropping him.
He's been in the side for his batting for the most part.

[Chris25]

Our entire batting line-up will depend on the second innings. There are a few players who will have to score to keep their spots. But at the moment, I'd be going for;

In: Hughes, Haddin
Out: Hussey, North

Hughes
Katich/Watson
Ponting
Clarke
Watson/Katich
Haddin
Manou

I'll reserve judgement on the bowlers until after they get a chance.

[aussie1st]

He's been in the side for his batting for the most part.

I know, just these threads have a knack for biting you in the ass if you do them too early.

[King Elvis]

I know, just these threads have a knack for biting you in the ass if you do them too early.

The 'EDIT' part was in there before you made your post.

[andrew_embley]

Hodgey lol

[King Elvis]

Hodgey lol

I know - I almost threw up on myself when I typed it :(

But desperate times call for desperate measures.

[grizzlym]

All is not well in that team. Just have a look at their body language and the way they're applying themselves. Total contrast to the team that took the field in South Africa.

[King Elvis]

All is not well in that team. Just have a look at their body language and the way they're applying themselves. Total contrast to the team that took the field in South Africa.

Almost a bit like Hawthorn last year vs a lot of this year mate - where is the tight-knit, uncompromising, ruthless team playing hard, aggressive, uncompromising Cricket?

[Byron_Clanger]

the games barely two days old and teres changes already, hopefully the game gets rained out

[Ron]

desperately hoping against hope that Johnson can find his form, and Hussey can carve them up in the second Test.

I hate to spoil it for you, but they don't.

But anyway, please no Hodge.

I'd at least wait to see how MJ bowls before calling for his head, but if we lose this match then Clark has to play, don't care who goes out Clark and Lee if fit have to play.

[bigburger]

Hodge doesn't even have an ACB contract atm. Would love him in there though.

[Belnakor]

lets see how Siddle bowls, but really, Clark for Siddle would have made alot of sense

[Grimwood]

I think I'll wait and see what Australia's bowlers do first...

Don't forget that ball turned a bit for Swann last night. Even if MJ goes missing and Siddle gets carried away, a trio of Hilfenhaus, Watson and Hauritz might be enough.

[fraser25]

Michael Horan is currently producing wrap around front and back page please select my boy Hodgey you watch.

[grizzlym]

I think I'll wait and see what Australia's bowlers do first...

Don't forget that ball turned a bit for Swann last night. Even if MJ goes missing and Siddle gets carried away, a trio of Hilfenhaus, Watson and Hauritz might be enough.

It's hardly a line-up on paper that would have you quaking in fear.

[King Elvis]

I think I'll wait and see what Australia's bowlers do first...

Don't forget that ball turned a bit for Swann last night. Even if MJ goes missing and Siddle gets carried away, a trio of Hilfenhaus, Watson and Hauritz might be enough.

So of the five bowlers we've picked, we're almost expecting the two guys who should be leading the attack to be struggling.

[bigburger]

MJ to take 14 wickets in the two innings we bowl and make a tonne in the one we bat.

Book it folks.

[Grimwood]

So of the five bowlers we've picked, we're almost expecting the two guys who should be leading the attack to be struggling.

S'not England's fault if Australia don't want to pick a player with 90 test wickets at 23 and plenty of experience in English conditions.

[grizzlym]

S'not England's fault if Australia don't want to pick a player with 90 test wickets at 23 and plenty of experience in English conditions.

<sigh>

We're all wondering about that one.

[Invigoration]

Bring in Dirk Diggler for Johnson after he undoubtedly bowls shit here again. Far better left arm option.

[sherb]

It's hardly a line-up on paper that would have you quaking in fear.
Neither is the combination of Onions and Anderson I would have thought....

[sherb]

Hughes
Katich
Ponting
Clarke
Hodge
Watson
Haddin
Hauritz
Siddle
Hilfenhaus
Clark

In - Hughes / Clark / Hodge / Haddin

Out - Hussey / Johnson / North / Manou

Sacked & Stripped of their Citzenships - Cox / Hughes / Boon.

EDIT - Obviously I'm pretty ****ing pissed off right now; I'm still desperately hoping against hope that Johnson can find his form, and Hussey can carve them up in the second Innings.
Just give me a top six that will place value on their wicket thanks. :)

[grizzlym]

Neither is the combination of Onions and Anderson I would have thought....

True, but at least they're familiar with the conditions and bowl it stump-to-stump. Mostly.

[bigburger]

Obviously tanking for Priority Picks.

[King Elvis]

Obviously tanking for Priority Picks.

Fair point - we'll definitely need a priority pick to get that gun young Chinaman bowler from Sunbury.

[bigburger]

Bunbury mate. Bunbury.

[Dixie Flatline]

Hodgey isn't available. Getting ready to play Port Adelaide.

FFS, the way Hawthorn's season was travelling up until a few weeks ago, I was looking forward to watching the Ashes but this is fast turning into a nightmare.

[Cousin Jed]

Fair point - we'll definitely need a priority pick to get that gun young Chinaman bowler from Sunbury.

Benny C?

[bigburger]

Someone dig up the Don and stick him in front of the stumps. At the very least he'll equal what Hussey's given to the team today.

[King Elvis]

Benny C?

Can you think of another young Chinaman bowler with his talent?

Also, I believe he has a level 3 coaching certificate.

[Johnson#26]

Time for Dirk.

[bigburger]

That would be friggin awesome. Sadly its never going to happen.

[mad_eagle]

In: Hughes, Haddin
Out: Hussey, North

Hughes
Katich/Watson
Ponting
Clarke
Watson/Katich
Haddin
Manou



Haddin AND Manou in? Yeh cos that's logical... :rolleyes:

[courtjester]

Nothing wrong with that. Haddin's probably in the top 6 batsman in Aust right now, Manou best gloveman.

I'd like to see this (bye bye Huss)

Hughes
Watson
Ponting
Clark
Hodge
Katich
Haddin/Manou
McDonald
Hauritz
Clark
Hilfenhaus

You know what? This team'd win!

[bigburger]

Out: Pontings brain

In: A dog **** inserted into Punters head.

[King Elvis]

Haddin AND Manou in? Yeh cos that's logical... :rolleyes:

Flexibility mate.

[The Sim Dog]

How many could you drop at the one time? Near all our batsmen are just completely stupid and pathetic right now. Should be absolutely ashamed of themselves. Have disgraced the Baggy Green cap. :thumbsd:

They are the ones failing us right now. NOT the bowlers. They failed us in India and failed us at home against South Africa.

[Chris25]

Haddin AND Manou in? Yeh cos that's logical... :rolleyes:

Sri Lanka and New Zealand obviously seem to think playing two wicket keepers is logical. Haddin/Sangakarra/McCullum are all arguably their teams best batsmen at the moment, but they are not the best wicket keepers.

While the West Indies just played 2 wicket keepers and it was a good thing they did as Thomas had to take the pads off to have a bowl, with Fletcher then padding up.

[Black Thunder]

i think it's way too early to look at actualy changes just yet but there are a number of ideas and options that should be looked at when this test concludes and they include:

watson opening
rogers opening
hughes opening
hodge middle order
d hussey middle order
watson middle order
hughes middle order
m hussey dropped
north dropped
haddin keeping (fitness depending)
haddin as a batsmen
mcdonald in for north (probably depends on haddin's fitness so we can strengthen our batting)
clark back in for one of siddle or johnson
mcdonald in for the other of siddle or johnson

not saying their all great ideas, or the answers to our current problems, but they should all be discussed and the merits of each weighed up.

as i see it the garuanteed selections for the next test are katich (opening), ponting (3), clarke (4 or 5), watson (opening, 5 or 6), haddin (if fit), hilfenhaus, hauritz, clark

even hauritz isn't garuanteed if he gets belted (but he's looking solid) nor watson if he just completely falls in a heap (worst case scenario is 60 runs from 2 digs and shit bowling... not that compelling for re-selection, but hard to see him dropped given our current predicament)

[Black Thunder]

hypothetical the test was rained out so no more form could be taken into account, i'd be looking at this team with other possible options included in brackets.

katich
hughes - (rogers, watson)
ponting
clarke
north - (m huss, d huss, watson, hughes, hodge)
watson - (north, haddin, mcdonald - to bat 7 if haddin can keep)
haddin - (manou)
johnson - (siddle, mcdonald)
hilfenhaus
hauritz
clark - (johnson, siddle)

[matty p]

Nothing wrong with that. Haddin's probably in the top 6 batsman in Aust right now, Manou best gloveman.

I'd like to see this (bye bye Huss)

Hughes
Watson
Ponting
Clark
Hodge
Katich
Haddin/Manou
McDonald
Hauritz
Clark
Hilfenhaus

You know what? This team'd win!

That team would not take 20 wickets. Even when Johnson and Siddle aren't bowling well, they still take more wickets than McDonald, Hauritz, Watson etc.

My team:

Hughes
Katich
Ponting
Clarke
North
Watson
Manou
Johnson
Clark/Hauritz
Siddle/Clark
Hilfenhaus

Hughes has to come in for Hussey. Move Watson down to 6.

Not sure if Clark should replace Siddle or Hauritz. Depends how they bowl for the rest of the test. I don't think Johnson should be dropped, unless he bowls absolutely deplorably this test.

[courtjester]

Here's my left field (wont happen, would win) selection for the 4th test:

C.Rogers
S.Watson
R.Ponting
M.Clark
S.Katich
B.Hodge
B.Haddin
N.Hauritz
B.Lee
S.Clark
B.Hilfenhaus

Basically pick the best six batsmen, the best four bowlers, and a keeper. Easy.

[Sir CJ]

Hughes
Watson
Ponting
Katich
Clarke
D.Hussey
Haddin
McDonald
Siddle
Clark
Hilfenhaus

[Bennycoff]

Siddle is overrated, needs a spell. Bring in Clark, our country's best bowler.

[The Governor]

Here is my Side for the Fourth Test Match:


Simon Katich
Shane Watson
Ricky Ponting (CAPTAIN)
Michael Clarke
Michael Hussey
Marcus North
Andrew McDonald
Mitchell Johnson
Graham Manou (If Haddin has not recovered)
Peter Siddle
Stuart Clark

OR THIS SIDE (I would bat Watson at 4 and drop Hussey)

PHIL HUGHES
SIMON KATICH
RICKY PONTING (Capt)
SHANE WATSON
Michael Clarke
Marcus North
Andrew McDonald
Graham Manou (IF Haddin is still injured)
Mitchell Johnson
Peter Siddle
Stuart Clark

If you look at the current Australian side, our number 4 position has been a real weakness since the 2006-07 series. Since Damien Martyn's retirement, the no 4 position has not been nailed.

The number 4 position should be occupied by a batsman with a sound defensive technique and a good attacking technique. Mark Waugh, Damien Martyn and Greg Chappell have been our success stories at number 4. The perfect candidiate for the number 4 position is Shane Watson. He has scored a bulk of his runs at the no 4 position for Tassie and Qld.

I would keep Siddle in the side for his in the face tactics whilst Clark comes into the side for the unlucky Hilfenhauss.

The selectors will keep Mitchell in the side. If you look at the past, the selectors kept the faith in Brett Lee during the 2001-2002 season and the 2001 Ashes series until he hit his strap.

In conclusion, the selectors have a lot to answer for. They have stuffed up and it is about time for the Chairman position to be occupied by a full time professional.

CHEERS

THE GOVERNOR

[Sir CJ]

This should be the side for the next test, but i know it wont be cos the selectors only pick players on reputation

Hughes
Katich
Ponting
Clarke
North
Watson
Haddin (if fit)
McDonald
Johnson
Clark
Hilfenhaus

[placebo]

Here is my Side for the Fourth Test Match:


Simon Katich
Shane Watson
Ricky Ponting (CAPTAIN)
Michael Clarke
Michael Hussey
Marcus North
Andrew McDonald
Mitchell Johnson
Graham Manou (If Haddin has not recovered)
Peter Siddle
Stuart Clark

OR THIS SIDE (I would bat Watson at 4 and drop Hussey)

PHIL HUGHES
SIMON KATICH
RICKY PONTING (Capt)
SHANE WATSON
Michael Clarke
Marcus North
Andrew McDonald
Graham Manou (IF Haddin is still injured)
Mitchell Johnson
Peter Siddle
Stuart Clark

If you look at the current Australian side, our number 4 position has been a real weakness since the 2006-07 series. Since Damien Martyn's retirement, the no 4 position has not been nailed.

The number 4 position should be occupied by a batsman with a sound defensive technique and a good attacking technique. Mark Waugh, Damien Martyn and Greg Chappell have been our success stories at number 4. The perfect candidiate for the number 4 position is Shane Watson. He has scored a bulk of his runs at the no 4 position for Tassie and Qld.

I would keep Siddle in the side for his in the face tactics whilst Clark comes into the side for the unlucky Hilfenhauss.

The selectors will keep Mitchell in the side. If you look at the past, the selectors kept the faith in Brett Lee during the 2001-2002 season and the 2001 Ashes series until he hit his strap.

In conclusion, the selectors have a lot to answer for. They have stuffed up and it is about time for the Chairman position to be occupied by a full time professional.

CHEERS

THE GOVERNOR

No Hilfenhaus??? Surely you are not serious?

[Badesumofu]

Govenor.. you're out of your element. Dropping Hilfenhaus would be utterly stupid. Possibly the stupidest selection of the entire series, and that is saying quite a lot.

Clark has to come in. No doubt about it in my mind. He can keep it tight and he takes wickets. That's what Hilfy has done. It's no coincidence that when he had a rest after bowling 14 overs either side of Lunch, that the runs started really flowing.

We need a tight bowler to partner Hilfenhaus so that pressure is maintained. Clark would be perfect. Even Ronnie Mac could perform in that role better than anyone currently in the side. Siddle can do it sometimes, but is not consistent. Johnson has lost the plot.

Clark and Hilfenhaus should be the first two bowlers picked at the moment. I'd seriously consider Lee as the third picked if he's fit. He did well in the tour game and is experienced. I can't believe I'm advocating his selection, but there it is. Johnson has the talent, but is horribly out of form. We can't afford to carry him at the moment, as much as I'd like to. Siddle is not quite ready, not consistent enough.

On the batting side, we can't afford to carry Hussey either. I don't disagree with the axing of Huges, because the flaw in his technique was significant enough that it was highly unlikely that he would make it to 50 even once in the series. He has a bright future, but isn't ready. It was stupid not to bring another specialist batsman given how young and inexperienced Huges is. If we could get D Hussey into the side for M Hussey, that'd be nice. He's in good form and is in England. Alternately, if Haddin is unable to keep but is able to bat, then he should come in for Huss as pure batsman. Manou is an awesome keeper, and I'd be very tempted to keep him in the side in that role and have Haddin become a full time batsman.

[redlegs]

I reckon Klinger needs to hop on a flight over to the UK and pull on the pads. One of the best batsmen domestically last year, bat katich back down the order to replace North and bring in Klinger to open.

Reckon Clark in for MJ aswell, he was losing the plot a bit last night when the tail enders started hitting him all over the park. Just needs to keep his head straight.

High chance that we will lose today, which means that we have to win the last two to retain the urn, which is going to be difficult with the form Strauss, Flintoff, Anderson and Onions are in. The batsmen need to start going after Broad the definite weak link in england's bowling attack.

[swansrule100]

i would be going up to the sky sports box and begging and pleading for shane warne to get into the team for the fourth test.


Other than that i would drop mike hussey and call his brother up, bring in lee and clark and drop siddle and johnson. Johnson to stay in if the pitch will give nothing to hauritz

[Belnakor]

I get the horrible feeling they are going to drop Siddle and put in Lee next test.

[Belnakor]

Other than that i would drop mike hussey and call his brother up, bring in lee and clark and drop siddle and johnson. Johnson to stay in if the pitch will give nothing to hauritz

Drop half the bowling attack between tests is hardly the best solution. Johnson looks to be getting his form back, he'll play the rest of the tests no problem.

Its pretty simple, you don't drop a guy who has better stats than Flintoff.

[redragger]

I reckon Klinger needs to hop on a flight over to the UK and pull on the pads.

Bwahahaha. If there's an Aussie cricket fan working for DFAT, they'd cancel his passport so this disaster can not possibly take place. Just because they've got Bopara doesn't mean we have to even up the 'dud' count...

The batting is not something we can fix overnight because plain and simple, there really isn't any other viable options. Problems with the bowling stem from leaking too many runs and an inability to build pressure. One of the main reasons England won the last test and possibly this one has been their ability to score very quickly. Answer = Stuart Clark. I don't see how Brett Lee - even though he'll talk himself up - is going to be any different to Siddle, Johnson et al.

[rickyp]

I get the horrible feeling they are going to drop Siddle and put in Lee next test.

Yep, I think so

What I would like to see:

Hughes
Katich
Ponting
Clarke*
Watson*
North
Haddin**
Johnson**
Hauritz
Clark
Hilfenhaus

*Clarke and Watson are interchangeable, Clarke has had some decent success at 5 so I would be happy to leave him there

**If Haddin is no good, Manou at 8, Johnson at 7

I tossed up the idea of Johnson/Lee, but the last days play changed my mind.

What I think will happen:

Watson
Katich
Ponting
Hussey
Clarke
North
Haddin
Johnson
Lee
Hauritz
Hilfenhaus

[Belnakor]

Yup that lineup looks about right.

the only possible change is Hughes back in, Watson to 4 and Hussey dropped. Depends how he goes tonight.

[Costanza_]

Before tonight kicks off (and assuming we don't see a heroic century from Hussey) I'd hope they were looking at;

Hughes
Katich
Ponting
Clarke
North
Watson
Haddin (unless not able to play)
Johnson
Hauritz
Hilfenhaus
Clark

[paul22]

What u guys rekon of this side in batting order??

KATICH
M CLARKE
PONTING
NORTH
HUSSEY
WATSON
MANOU
JOHNSON
HAURITZ
S CLARKE
HILFENHAUS


Michael Clarke can open, look at his technique, beautiful!! thats what we need up the top of the order

[Grimwood]

What u guys rekon of this side in batting order??

KATICH
M CLARKE
PONTING
NORTH
HUSSEY
WATSON
MANOU
JOHNSON
HAURITZ
S CLARKE
HILFENHAUS


Michael Clarke can open, look at his technique, beautiful!! thats what we need up the top of the order

Michael Clarke is the best player of spin in the side, he should bat at 4 or 5. If you want someone else to open then put Hussey up the top; he's been an opener for all of his domestic career and has opened in county cricket on plenty of occasions.

[aaronm46]

Personally i think Clark should come in for Siddle. Siddles been promising at times but has also been average for large chunks of the innings and reverts to the short ball too often

[RooBuoy]

What u guys rekon of this side in batting order??

KATICH
M CLARKE
PONTING
NORTH
HUSSEY
WATSON
MANOU
JOHNSON
HAURITZ
S CLARKE
HILFENHAUS


Michael Clarke can open, look at his technique, beautiful!! thats what we need up the top of the order

Love it Paul! I mean Hussey hasn't opened for ages so he wouldn't have any idea at the top, and Watson didn't even make a ton this game :thumbsd:

Not so sure about Stuart Clarke in the team though. He hasn't even played First Class cricket but it's a gamble and it may pay off.

Good team IMO.

[bigburger]

Katich
Hughes
Ponting
Clarke
North
Watson
Manou
Johnson
Hauritz
Clark
Hilfenhaus

Out: Hussey, Siddle
In: Clark, Hughes

[raikkonen]

Lee (if fit) for Siddle I think. Assuming Haddin is still out, keep Manou.:thumbsu:

We need someone someone who can shake the poms up. Just like they did to us with that insane swing on Day 2!

[frankrizzo]

http://www.cricinfo.com/engvaus2009/content/current/story/417624.html

So it looks like lee will come in for siddle, johnson will continue to go at 5 an over and our best bowler in the last 3 years will sit on the sidelines.

Ponting and our selectors form a brains trust that hasn't been equaled since moe larry and curly.

[frankrizzo]

Not so sure about Stuart Clarke in the team though. He hasn't even played First Class cricket

Good team IMO.

err he's played every first class game(bar the tests) on tour.

[Jimthegreat]

Johnson bowled a 1000 times better in this Test than he had all series. He was really swinging it and accurate. He and Hilfenhaus provided tremendous pressure either side of lunch on the 3rd day and England were in trouble. Soon as they went off the pressure evaporated like a pricked balloon with Siddle and a very underdone Watson bowling poorly. Hence the last 5 wickets put on over 200.

That effort was enough to keep Johnson in the side. Given Clark must come in the Siddle is the man to make way. Lee is not match fit to bring him in in such an important game. Besides we need the extra tight bowler. If Headingley seams and swings maybe even McDonald for Hauritz although the latter's done a good job this series.

The bonus is Watson batting so well. Eventually his fitness will come back with his bowling making him a bonus. Here he struggled to get to wicket and bowled with no of his accustomed pace or with any accuracy. He was out best bowler in India and bowled well in his first Test back in Australia before breaking down so when his fitness is back bowling-wise he'll be an added bonus given his batting.

[Costanza_]

Hussey probably did enough to warrant another test. Clark to come in for Siddle and hopefully Watson can deliver something with the ball.

Katich
Watson
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
North
Haddin (hopefully)
Johnson
Hauritz
Clark
Hilfenhaus

err he's played every first class game(bar the tests) on tour.

I think he's having a little dig at your spelling. It's S.Clark, not S.Clarke.

[frankrizzo]

My spelling?

Im one of only a handful of people on the forum that seems to know the difference between clark and clarke.

Not that it matters as I didn’t use either of their names in my post in the first place….:rolleyes:

[Costanza_]

My spelling?

Im one of only a handful of people on the forum that seems to know the difference between clark and clarke.

Not that it matters as I didn’t use either of their names in my post in the first place….:rolleyes:

Sorry. Because you responded to it I thought he was quoting you, not Paul22.

[n!ck]

lolz bring mick donald in
http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2008/12/30/Andrew_McDonald_(350_x_338).jpg
ROFLCOPTER!

[frankrizzo]

Sorry. Because you responded to it I thought he was quoting you, not Paul22.

no worries.

[MinerBoy]

Clark for Siddle - No Lee. That's all. Stability.

[Sealz]

Yeah had a feeling that they would pick Lee over Clark as the replacement for Siddle... I would prefer to see Clark in the side... he can keep it tight and still take wickets.. I think him and Hilf bowling in tandem and Johnson coming in for short sharp spells would work well for us...

but...the selectors seem to love Lee so he will get the nod... its gonna be messy though if bing and mitch both have the radar off... the poms could race to 400+ in a day....easily...

Hussey will be safe... to the end of the series at least... did a decent job in the 2nd innings.... needs to push on now and make at least 1 hundred in the 2 remaining tests... or they could be his last...

Watson is an interesting one... are we picking him solely as a batsman now??? Test opener?? because with the pies he served at Edgbaston he's bowling cant be a factor at the moment... he looked like he was bowling well within himself and was not hitting the pitch with force as he did with some success in India...probably worried about his body...
Obviously with the two 50s he wont be moved... but I would like to know what the selectors thinking with regard to Watto is.... because I don’t think he is a good enough bat to hold down the position long term...still he did enough to get another crack... maybe he will prove me wrong...

I would also like to see pup moved back up to the number 4 spot and Hussey down to either 5 or 6

Katic
Watson
Punter
Clark
Hussey
North
Manou
Johnson
Hauritz
Clark
Hilfy

I think the selectors will take that team... with Lee over Clark:thumbsd:

[jd1991]

One thing all have done is keep batting Ponting at 3. Just as Tendulker did and others, you slide down the order as you get older. I would like to see Ponting at 4 and maybe even 5. Also Watson for his state bats better at 3 or 4, so would play him there.

As such the side would read
Katich
Hughes
Watson
Ponting
Clark
North

[MCE]

One thing all have done is keep batting Ponting at 3. Just as Tendulker did and others, you slide down the order as you get older. I would like to see Ponting at 4 and maybe even 5. Also Watson for his state bats better at 3 or 4, so would play him there.

As such the side would read
Katich
Hughes
Watson
Ponting
Clark
North

Ah, a joke post, very good. Fits in well with the ones that have Hodge in the lineup.

[TorresIsGod]

Katich
Hughes
Ponting
Hodge
Clarke
North
Manou
McDonald
Siddle
Clark
Hilfenhaus

[Kahuna]

Katich
Hughes
Ponting
Hodge
Clarke
North
Manou
McDonald
Siddle
Clark
Hilfenhaus

Err Watson buddy?

[TorresIsGod]

Err Watson buddy?

Did his hammy tying his shoe-laces getting ready to open the batting.

Hughes came in as a late replacement.

[eagles06]

1. Katich
2. Watson
3. Ponting
4. North
5. Clarke
6. Hussey
7. Haddin - if fit
8. Johnson
9. Hauritz
10. Clark
11. Hilfenhaus

12. Lee

[King Elvis]

Out - Siddle / Manou

In - Clark / Rad Haddin (if fit)

And potentially, if this is a quick deck, Hauritz for Lee; that being said - with the reports Pup has a stomach strain, I doubt he'll be doing much bowling, if he can't send down a few overs, there we might need to keep Hauritz, or can we rely on North?

[The Governor]

The Governor is going to have his say for the evening!!

Brad Hodge in the fourth test side? Are you deadly serious? The selectors have marked his papers with a used by date stamp. His papers were stamped after the 2005-06 test series against South Africa.

I would have played him against the Indians against India.

With all the media talk, I would give Peter Siddle a game against the Poms. The Leeds pitch is going to seam and swing all around the place and we need a bowler who can bowl with fire and aggression. Peter Siddle did it against the South Africans and he can do it in England!!

I would drop Nathan Hauritz and bring in Andrew McDonald. With the ball swinging all around the place at Headingley/Leeds, I would give him the licence to swing the ball and dry up the ball from one end. IN other words, he would perform the role Paul Reiffel performed for Australia during the 1993 and 1997 Ashes Tour. Paul Reiffel dried up the runs from one end and with his ability to swing and seam the ball, he got a bag of wickets!!

Here is my side for Friday's test match:

Simon Katich
Shane Watson
Ricky Ponting (CAPT)
Michael Clarke
Michael Hussey
Marcus North
Andrew McDonald
Graham Manou
Mitchell Johnson
Peter Siddle
Ben HIlfenhauss

And, I think our Australian team misses a bowler who can dry up the runs from one end by bowling a good line and length with the ability to swing and seam the ball. Andrew McDonald is the man.

And, with all the talk from SK Warne and the media to drop Siddle for Clark, you got to be joking!!

For the future of Australian cricket, the selectors should retire Brett Lee and Stuart Clark. They only have 2 good years of test cricket in them.

Finally, I would make a big change. I would sack Tim Nielsen as coach and install Darren Berry as coach of the Australian team with SK Warne and Darren Boof Lehmann as his coaching assistants!!

Darren Berry is on SEN at 7pm to 8pm with his Ashes Cricket Show and he calls the Geelong games on K-Rock.

CHEERS

THE GOVERNOR

[weevil]

Out - Siddle / Manou

In - Clark / Rad Haddin (if fit)

And potentially, if this is a quick deck, Hauritz for Lee; that being said - with the reports Pup has a stomach strain, I doubt he'll be doing much bowling, if he can't send down a few overs, there we might need to keep Hauritz, or can we rely on North?

See Elvis this is what I don’t get. You regularly complain bitterly about the selectors but your team is only 1 player different (outside of injury).

[mattymac]

And, with all the talk from SK Warne and the media to drop Siddle for Clark, you got to be joking!!

For the future of Australian cricket, the selectors should retire Brett Lee and Stuart Clark. They only have 2 good years of test cricket in them.

you've gotta be joking mate. i'm all for building up our young players for the future but definately not at the expense of ignoring what proven veterans we have left and losing the ashes.

clark and lee bowled alongside mcgrath as part of a great team and they still bring with them that continuity and the experience of uncompromisingly going for the win. tactically they are light years ahead of our current attack.

the poms fear them, particularly clark, whereas they look at johnson as slightly amusing and siddle as anonymous.

i doubt lee is ready and i don't rate him as highly as clark. having said that, that blistering spell of reverse swing he bowled in the tour game when he got his 5fa was the deadliest spell i've seen from anyone for a long time. virtually unplayable.

after that game i thought, righto lee is in blistering form and johnson looked the piece in SA and clark is back...we are gonna nail these poms. then a week later lee was out, johnson was shit and clark was mysteriously serving drinks. the only bright spot has been how hilfy has stood up.

we can build up siddle and co against the windies and pakistan. now we need the cool head of a veteran to guide us home.

[Langford4FBOTC]

The Governor is going to have his say for the evening!!

Brad Hodge in the fourth test side? Are you deadly serious? The selectors have marked his papers with a used by date stamp. His papers were stamped after the 2005-06 test series against South Africa.


Can't work out CA's position on Hodge. Selectors won't pick him in any squad yet he's been offered a new contract.... go figure?

[Langford4FBOTC]

The Governor is going to have his say for the evening!!


Here is my side for Friday's test match:

Simon Katich
Shane Watson
Ricky Ponting (CAPT)
Michael Clarke
Michael Hussey
Marcus North
Andrew McDonald
Graham Manou
Mitchell Johnson
Peter Siddle
Ben HIlfenhauss

And, I think our Australian team misses a bowler who can dry up the runs from one end by bowling a good line and length with the ability to swing and seam the ball. Andrew McDonald is the man.

And, with all the talk from SK Warne and the media to drop Siddle for Clark, you got to be joking!!

For the future of Australian cricket, the selectors should retire Brett Lee and Stuart Clark. They only have 2 good years of test cricket in them.

Finally, I would make a big change. I would sack Tim Nielsen as coach and install Darren Berry as coach of the Australian team with SK Warne and Darren Boof Lehmann as his coaching assistants!!

Darren Berry is on SEN at 7pm to 8pm with his Ashes Cricket Show and he calls the Geelong games on K-Rock.

CHEERS

THE GOVERNOR

I think having McDonald in the side just makes it look more balanced for English conditions. Not sure what you think Nielsen has done to deserved the sack? He doesn't pick the team.

[King Elvis]

See Elvis this is what I don’t get. You regularly complain bitterly about the selectors but your team is only 1 player different (outside of injury).

One player is often all that it takes mate. Especially when that player is our most proven, most experienced bowler.

Keep in mind - I also have a major issue with the make up of our squad itself; which basically leaves us with no real options.

Lee is returned from injuring, not match fit, not match hardened, not proven in England. He breaks down, we're screwed. If Johnson goes backwards again, and we're relying on Lee to bowl a huge number of overs, we're screwed - and he'll more than likely injure himself.

We don't have another legitimate spare batsmen in the squad, so without drafting one in, what are our options?

North performed in the last Test, Hussey performed in the last Test, so they earn a reprieve (Huss from his poor form, North purely from team balance - but the Hughes omission before North was a good one, I'll concede that).

Watson is an interesting one - based on the way he bowled the other day, he's in the side purely as a batsman; and he performed well, so I don't think you can drop him. Plus, we don't have another batsman in the squad.

Adding to that - Clark pulled from his County stint to go on an ODI Tour where he played one game.

Lee allowed to play the IPL instead of County, where he might have actually got himself match fit.

Johnson/Siddle not coming over earlier to acclimatise to the pitches, ball and conditions.

This Test was basically the last chance saloon for 3-4 players; but they all performed, so they stay.

Merv also managed to put his foot in mouth. He let slip that the Australian team don't have a doctor on tour, only a physio, and if they did have one available to administer pain killing injections Haddin probably would have played /facepalm

Sigh.

[flea29]

Clark for Hauritz
Haddin for Hussey - put a fork in him, he's done. I'm not his biggest fan but Hodge should be in front of both these guys now.
North/Katich can bowl a few overs
Lee should head to Bollywood, and never be allowed near the dressing rooms again.
No spot for Hughes yet.

My 2 cents

[DeadlyAkkuret]

Haddin for Hussey - put a fork in him, he's done. I'm not his biggest fan but Hodge should be in front of both these guys now.


Both? Hussey and who else?

[Costanza_]

Out: Siddle, Manou
In: Clark, Haddin (injury permitting)

If they don't think the pitch warrants having a full-time spinner, then maybe Lee for Hauritz. But for mine Hauritz has been very solid all tour and I'd have him in regardless.

[flea29]

Both? Hussey and who else?

Haddin (as a batsman only)

[DeadlyAkkuret]

On current form, it's hard to believe Hodge would be doing better than Haddin.

[Jimthegreat]

In: Clark, McDonald

Out: Siddle, Hauritz.

Hauritz a lttle unlucky but at Headingley McDonald may be more suited. With Hilfenhaus, Clark, McDonald they bring the pressure to allow Johnson to attack.

Teams can only have one aggressive wicket-taking "leaker" in the team. That compliments the pressure of the other's nicely. If we had Lee, Siddle and Johnson in the same team we'd leak like buggery and lose on current form (understanding why we lost the home series to SA now....Siddle and Johnson tightened right up in SA). One's needed and enough.

[Invigoration]

Haddin (as a batsman only)

Yeah it wasn't as if he was our leading run scorer for the series or anything.

Podge isn't playing for Australia again and that's the way it should be, time to move on.

[medusala]

In: Clark, McDonald

Out: Siddle, Hauritz.

Hauritz a lttle unlucky but at Headingley McDonald may be more suited. With Hilfenhaus, Clark, McDonald they bring the pressure to allow Johnson to attack.


I reckon you are on the money. Hauritz is no chance to take a bag. Clark just might and as you say he will at least keep it tight.

Lee and Johnson in the same team would take a huge amount of balls.

[Dujon11]

Agree.

In - Clark, McDonald

Out - Siddle, Hauritz

I really hope they leave Haddin out, I forgot how good it was to watch a quality keeper. Obviously Manou is not as good a bat, however if our top 6 cant make runs then it shouldnt be up to the keeper/tail to save us.

If Hussey fails - again, there will be some serious pressure to replace him with P.Hughes and rejig the batting order.

[DeadlyAkkuret]

Haddin is one of our top 6 bats, even if he scored 60 and let through 20 extras, that's 40 runs that Manou probably wouldn't make, and even if he did, Haddin would do it 2/3 faster.

[matty p]

In: Hughes, Clark
Out: Hussey, Hauritz

Hughes
Katich
Ponting
Watson
Clarke
North
Manou
Johnson
Siddle
Clark
Hilfenhaus

Hauritz just doesn't do enough. Clark can keep it more tight than Hauritz and take more wickets at the same time. Hughes didn't really deserve to be dropped and Hussey just isn't convincing at all.

[Chris25]

In: Haddin, Clark, McDonald
Out: Hussey, Siddle, Hauritz

Watson
Katich
Ponting
Clarke
North
Haddin
Manou
McDonald
Johnson
Clark
Hilfenhaus

Haddin is our best batsman at the moment, Manou is our best keeper. I'm always of the belief that you should pick your best players in each spot. Manou might not average 35 with the bat, but his work behind the stumps will keep the pressure on the English batsman. Whereas Haddin lets the pressure off, by giving up byes.

There is no way this will happen of course. As always our selectors will stick to what they know, which means Hussey and Hauritz will play ahead of Manou and McDonald.

[Subaru Impreza]

Hussey out are you kidding?

He showed some good form at EDgbaston, and is a match winner. I know his form hasnt been good of late but you can only be as good as your last innings.