1st 3Mobile Test Australia v West Indies @ Gabba (Thu - Mon)

[Cousin Jed]

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/5198/austest.png

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/3570/aus.png v http://i50.tinypic.com/34nsj0x.png
Gabba, November 26 - 30

Well here we are the start of an enthralling summer, with the tradtional Gabba 1st test. Australia will be aiming for a bounce back series victory after a disappointing Ashes loss. Stuart Clark has seemingly had his papers stamped, but Michael Hussey survives on the strength of a last test innings hundred and a dominant one day display in India. Shane Watson continues to play spoiler to the Phil Hughes bandwagon, though its unlikely either will feel truly secure in their position.

The Hilfenhaus/Siddle/Johnson pace trio will again be put into action, aiming to lessen the gap between their devastating best, and their can't get on the pitch worst (well that applies to 2 of them anyway). Nathan Hauritz is back in the XI, but this Gabba surface is unlikely to assist as much as the one he couldn't get a game on last time the Baggy green's were worn.

For the West Indies it has seemingly been 1 drama after another, starting off with just getting their best XI to turn up. Their former coaches blasted them, then Chris Gayle had to return home to visit his ailing mother, Sarwan got a rash, now he's hurt his side so he is in doubt, but Gayle is back, after 3 long haul flights in the last fortnight, it is unlikely a long day in the Qld sun will excite him. Then they got pasted all over the field by a 2nd string Qld XI, with 3 maiden FC hundreds racked up. Though when you have only won 3 of your last 39 tests, unconvincing performances against state teams aren't unexpected.

Expect a Gabba belter, with the drought fully returned to Qld, there won't be a repeat of last year's rain interrupted green seamer. Win the toss, bat, hope to survive the first 10 overs without any scares then make hay.


Australia XI

Simon Katich
Shane Watson
* Ricky Ponting
Michael Clarke
Michael Hussey
Marcus North
+Brad Haddin
Mitchell Johnson
Nathan Hauritz
Peter Siddle
Ben Hifenhaus

In: Hauritz
Out: Clark (pension)

West Indies XI

*Chris Gayle
Adrian Barath
Ramnaresh Sarwan
Travis Dowlin
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Dwayne Bravo
Brendan Nash
+Denesh Ramdin
Sulieman Benn
Jerome Taylor
Ravi Rampaul
Kemar Roach

In: Everyone but Roach
Out: A whole bunch of battlers

Narsingh Deonarine or Travis Dowlin will come in if Sarwan is out.

Weather:

Fine every day, 29,32,33 (maybe a storm) ,34,29 degrees

Session Times (AEDT):

11:00am - 1pm
1:40pm - 3:40pm
4pm - 6pm (or 6:30 given the test cricket over rates these days)

Umpires:
Asad Rauf (Pakistan)
Ian Gould (England)
3rd Mark Benson (England)

(These 3 will rotate through all 3, given that the 2 challenge review system is in place)


Coverage:

http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/9092/99na.gif Live each day from 10:30am AEDT
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/2118/fs3xa4.png 2 hours highlights from 11:00pm AEDT

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/9503/grandstand.png



Cricinfo Scorecard (http://www.cricinfo.com/ausvwi09/engine/current/match/406189.html)

Cricket Australia scorecard (http://ls.cricket.com.au/HomeFullScorecard107_2438_1.html)

[OzBomber]

Cricket's back! :D

Shame it's going to be boring as hell. Aussies to win inside 4 and a half days. Hussey to score 180. Haddin to score 100. Hauritz to take 5 fa.

[Admiral Afterworld]

Maybe I'm a whinger but in regards to the topic title I don't see why BigFooty is promoting Cricket Australia's sponsors.

[Cotchin 9]

West Indies to surprise and get up. *No sarcasm*

[matttt]

who does everyone think is australias best bowler

[Spikey]

Anyone else want Hussey to fail?

[TigerGlory]

Anyone else want Hussey to fail?

+1 :thumbsu:

[weevil]

And so it starts again.

[Navyblues09]

Just wondering if with the referall system in place, does anyone expect to see 90 overs bowled on any day?

[HBF]

Anyone else want Hussey to fail?

Not me. Love Mr. Cricket, and hopefully he comes out this Summer and makes a stack of runs.

[GotHimGone]

LOL at Clark being out because of pension hahahaha.

[Sasquatch]

If Windies want any chance of being competitive then this is the team they use.

Gayle
Barath
Sarwan
Chanderpaul
Nash
Bravo
Ramdin
Sammy
Taylor
Roach
Tonge/Benn

Rampaul is a one day bowler only.

[Chris25]

The Windies will be in a bit of trouble if Sarwan doesn't come up, too much pressure will be put on Chanderpaul, Gayle and Bravo. Although Dowlin would probably get a chance, and I'd like to see that....

The team put forward by Jed in the OP is their best side for the first match. Looking forward to seeing Rampaul make his Test debut, because he has generally looked pretty good in his ODI's so far. Rampaul and Benn should be able to keep the Australians quiet from one end, while letting Taylor and Roach attack from the other.

Also watch out for the tiny Adrian Barath, next big thing in West Indian batting. Brian Lara has been following him for a number of years now.

[legitimatic]

Not me. Love Mr. Cricket, and hopefully he comes out this Summer and makes a stack of runs.

I hope so too.

[amer]

The main things I want to see from this series are:

- Clear improvement from Siddle. Warney said this guy will go on to become the best fast bowler in the world, I want to see some evidence of that. A bit of consistency across a day's play would be nice rather than a brief purple patch followed by rubbish.

- The Hilf backing up his Ashes tour to show the doubters that he can be dangerous without the assistance of English conditions.

- Johnson bowling markedly better than he did in England.

- Hauritz continuing on his improvement curve and giving us some stronger signs that he can establish himself not just as a test spinner, but a good one. The sort of spinner who can take important wickets, get good batsmen out, not simply a "hold one end up" option.

- Ponting belting a century or three while the going is good. The drop in his average over the past couple of years is concerning, down from 60 to 55.9. I want to see him finish with the second highest career average in cricket damnit, not to dip below Tendulkar on the home stretch.

[fairdinkum]

Anyone else want Hussey to fail?

Yep. Couldn't stand watching his celebrations after his ton against England when we were about to lose the Ashes.

However, if we play poorly enough that we need him to score runs to win the series (which in itself would be disappointing) then I guess I would hope he goes okay. Better not come to that, though.

[saj_21]

Regardless of who wins the toss Australia will be batting, the windies won't bat in what they will think is bowler friendly conditions. I am glad the aussies are going in with a balanced attack 3 quicks and 1 spinner!

I put money on Watson to be the leading run getter and Johnson to take the most wickets over the series. I have a feeling watson will make a really big score in one of the three tests. Maybe at the WACA will less seam and more boucne.

[Subaru Impreza]

going to stick my head out, West Indies and Aussies to draw 1st test

[krisholio14]

If the Windies bowl first in this game, I wouldn't be surprised if young Roach picks up 3 or 4 wickets early.

Even so, they will still be mercilessly pumped if the rain stays away.

[courtjester]

Anyone reckon these whitewash predictions are a bit premature?

I mean, the WIs have Gayle, Sarwan (maybe), Bravo and Chanderpaul in the batting, and some unknown bowlers who dont look completely shabby.

I reckon we'll win, but it may be far more interesting than people are saying.

[Subaru Impreza]

wont be much rain expected in the 5 days, if so possibly day 3 maybe a scattered shower should pass by.

West Indies best hope I feel is to bat 1st and try to bat as many overs possible.

[Subaru Impreza]

would have loved to see Kieron Pollard given a go in this line-up.

He can bat pretty well from what ive seen of him and plus is a handy bowler.

[damochandler]

Anyone reckon these whitewash predictions are a bit premature?

I mean, the WIs have Gayle, Sarwan (maybe), Bravo and Chanderpaul in the batting, and some unknown bowlers who dont look completely shabby.

I reckon we'll win, but it may be far more interesting than people are
saying.


get past gayle and chanderpaul. there isnt alot. i expect the aussies really to win every test by a big margin.

if australia win the toss. they have too bast first. there will be a bit of juice in it early. but after lunch it will be a good batting pitch

[ManWithNoName]

:D Sounded like Nicholas was having a go at Gayle

"How's your mother?"

[Cousin Jed]

Australia have won the toss and are batting

Sarwan is out

[damochandler]

australia batting and a good decision too bat first at the gabba. the pitch looks an absolute treat

[damochandler]

:D Sounded like Nicholas was having a go at Gayle

"How's your mother?"


maybe he wanted show him a bit of aussie slang

[usalion]

Love the lead up to the first test of the summer- the Gabba is so much fun on test days- even with the new stands....

Time to check local ABC for NET broadcasts...got the Kiwis and Pakis from Dunedin on right now

[Sasquatch]

If Australia lose 4 wickets by tea, then it's a game. If they don't, it's over.

[BACCS]

Australia have won the toss and are batting

Sarwan is out
Massive blow that for the Windies, one of their premier batsman. Hopefully they still put a good show on, should be interesting.:thumbsu:

[BACCS]

Anyone else want Hussey to fail?
Probably the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Why would you want someone on the team you are supporting to fail? One of the more childish posts I've seen on BF in a fair while.

[THRILLHO]

Probably the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Why would you want someone on the team you are supporting to fail? Pretty childish I would've thought.


Because him filling his boots against a West Indies team that probably couldnt a beat Tallaganda Second XI's does nothing to fix the problems in the Australian test squad.

This was the perfect opportunity for the Australian selectors to make a few tough decisions, end a career and give a kid an opportunity at test level against a rubbish side to build confidence. But, as usual, they've stayed the course.

My interest in this series is so negligible that Im posting this right beside the tv in my lounge room and cant be bothered to get up to turn the tv on. I'll just periodically check this thread. Should be more interesting. Although, I am slightly interested in seeing how Mark Nicholas tries to build this series up into the BIGGEST SERIES OF ALL TIME.

[abs_of_STEELE]

Damn, that would've made it interesting if he got him there.

[C-Dog]

Heals is pumped

[Hawks1523]

Watto - duck.
:(

[TheTrav]

Well, that was a quality shot

[abs_of_STEELE]

Now it's interesting.:D

[Cousin Jed]

Hilarious

Watson loves opening at the Gabba.....

[aussie1st]

No surprise, LBW yet again

[Axel.]

Hughes > Watson.

[Adelaide Hawk]

Watson IS a Test batsman, but a Test opener would never have let that ball go. Specialist openers are the way to go.

[medhurstISGOD]

Don't bowl there to Ponting.

[lewigie]

Why the **** did he leave that.

[usalion]

Anybody know of live streams on the NET- looks as though local ABC is not doing a NET broadcast this year- at least not to North America (*&^%$S!!!!!

[Selective Retention]

Watson loves opening at the Gabba.....

Only playing to his average, what did he have about 7 runs in 4 innings opening for Queensland.

Watson to 4, Hussey to the scrap heap please.

[BACCS]

Why the **** did he leave that.
Needs to get his LBW stats up.:D

[goalpie]

Watson makes a shit opener.

[John Bonney]

Watson truly is a pathetic excuse for a test cricketer let alone an opener.

Simply does not have what it takes ....watch the Watto apologists and fan boys come up with the excuses.:p

[usalion]

Found it- it is being broadcast through local radio...good stuff! Missed the wicket, though!

[Jimthegreat]

I thought it seamed away and was missing off-stump. But Watson should know what a bats for.....to hit the fkn ball!!!!!

[WildRover]

Found it- it is being broadcast through local radio...good stuff! Missed the wicket, though!

have you found an online commentary, or have u just found it on the radio?

[usalion]

have you found an online commentary, or have u just found it on the radio?

Online- available here

http://www.abc.net.au/sport/cricket/

[Adelaide Hawk]

Anyone else want Hussey to fail?

No, just idiots.

[FRUMPY]

Doesnt really matter what Watson does today. He will get the whole series to make the opening spot his own, and against pop gun attacks like the West Indies and Pakistan, he will average about 50. Most batsmen will.

But im really hoping he makes 4 low scores in a row and puts the pressure on the selectors to bring back Hughes. This will only happen if we lose pne of the first 2 tests, which is unlikely.

[WildRover]

Online- available here

http://www.abc.net.au/sport/cricket/

hoorah!! thanks for that. I thought i'd just visited every single abc.net.au page and couldn't find it.

somethin to do at work, yeye!

[jko'neal]

Wouldn't mind seeing Roach put some effort into his run up and letting rip. Clocking 150km/h from a 12 step jog:eek:

[amer]

Outstanding bowling so far. Go easy on Watson though ffs.

[kenrosewall]

Someone must have some video linkages? Please

[Zeke]

Ouch, got him in the jatz.

[Cousin Jed]

Some quality stuff coming from the cricinfo scorecard

[legend166]

I missed Watson's wicket - what happened? He miss a straight one again?

[Barry Zuckercorn]

Watson truly is a pathetic excuse for a test cricketer let alone an opener.

Simply does not have what it takes ....watch the Watto apologists and fan boys come up with the excuses.:p

This!!! :thumbsu:

[Barry Zuckercorn]

I missed Watson's wicket - what happened? He miss a straight one again?

Intentional miss :rolleyes:

[XFactor1979]

nothing better than the first day of the first test in the international summer of cricket

the days of bludging (the only way to see test cricket on a weekday - and HOW!) are over for me though ... just cricinfo updates :(

however there is an advantage living in nsw/ vic, we can still catch the tail end of the day's play after you enter the door from work just before the news. that is something queenslanders/ people from wa + sa have to suck up :P

[amer]

Don't agree with what they're saying, Ponting doesn't look in exceptional touch to me. One loopy pull shot and a drive not off the meat of the bat doesn't amount to good form.

Edit: Nice shot there though.

[Sasquatch]

I would have stopped bowling Taylor 2 overs ago. It was clear after over 4 that he was struggling somewhat. Would have brought in spin.

Gayle must do that next over - at least make a change.

[BACCS]

nothing better than the first day of the first test in the international summer of cricket

the days of bludging (the only way to see test cricket on a weekday - and HOW!) are over for me though ... just cricinfo updates :(

however there is an advantage living in nsw/ vic, we can still catch the tail end of the day's play after you enter the door from work just before the news. that is something queenslanders/ people from wa + sa have to suck up :P
I'm quite happy on the couch at home.:D

[BACCS]

I would have stopped bowling Taylor 2 overs ago. It was clear after over 4 that he was struggling somewhat. Would have brought in spin.

Gayle must do that next over - at least make a change.
Time for Benn I reckon.

[Chris25]

I'd be bringing on Bravo. Is one of those players that can get a wicket early in their spell....

Benn is more of a defensive bowler, and the Windies should still be attacking until lunch at least.

[damochandler]

good first hour of cricket all round. batting will get easier now. watson wicket was doubt full but he didn't use the system and that's his own fault

[ManWithNoName]

I'm surprised they're still on. Rain looks fairly heavy.

[damochandler]

apparently it's raining at the gabba. but it wont be much. we got a tiny bit here at hendra. but it only last a couple of minutes

[HBF]

Katich & Ponting are doing it pretty easy after an hour of play. Almost going at a run a ball in the first session of a Test Match.

[legend166]

I think he's hit it.

[amer]

Better be an edge...

[HBF]

good first hour of cricket all round. batting will get easier now. watson wicket was doubt full but he didn't use the system and that's his own fault

If you don't offer a shot, then you really are almost daring the umpire to give you out.

[legend166]

Seems like a fair enough decision. I didn't know they were allowed to use Hawkeye's predictive path, though?

[aussie1st]

Seems we can use predicitve, they give the 50/50 to batters so looks a much better system now.

[Chris25]

It shouldn't matter if the middle of the ball or the edge of the ball is going to hit the wickets. If the wicket is hit, then it should be out.

It's so much easier to be a batsman with the new referral system....

[usalion]

First referral- not out...hitting the top of the stumps...needed to be 2 or 3 inches lower, apparently

[amer]

Ponting is being absolutely worked over here. Hasn't looked settled at all.

[fairdinkum]

good first hour of cricket all round. batting will get easier now. watson wicket was doubt full but he didn't use the system and that's his own fault

Replace 'system' with 'bat' and you are on the money. Had he referred the decision he would still have been out.

[RooBuoy]

Yup, new review system is fantastic so far.

So much quicker than before.

[BACCS]

It shouldn't matter if the middle of the ball or the edge of the ball is going to hit the wickets. If the wicket is hit, then it should be out.

It's so much easier to be a batsman with the new referral system....
If it is that close though, just nipping the bails, then as with all technology there is an element of doubt, and I support that being given not out. Rampaul troubling Ponting at the moment.

[jko'neal]

After looking so good early, Punter has been all over the shop this over. And I'm sorry, but that LBW was out.

[Selective Retention]

It shouldn't matter if the middle of the ball or the edge of the ball is going to hit the wickets. If the wicket is hit, then it should be out.

It's so much easier to be a batsman with the new referral system....

Kidding right? Hawkeye is a prediction if it is taking the very top of the stumps there has to be doubt there so the right decision was made.

The point of using technology is to rid the game of obvious shockers.

[XFactor1979]

I'm quite happy on the couch at home.:D

the old sickie is back in force

mind you during the ashes in 2005, they showed footage of this guy with a suit and tie during the middle session of a friday dancing and singing along - michael holding commented *in his smooth carribean accent*- 'i wonder if hes supposed to be ... at work?!?!?' .

the poor sucker obviously didnt get casual fridays at his workplace

[Chris25]

I just think it's stupid that they drew a line down the middle of the ball. If the ball is predicted to hit the stumps, then it should be out. It shouldn't matter how much of the ball clips it, as long as the bails come off.

Obviously they don't have complete faith in the technology available, and in that case they shouldn't even have the referral system. Either trust the predicted path completely, or don't do it all.

[Bombers_Forever]

Great first hour in terms of the run rate.

Watson out LBW - you could see that a mile away. Even Bangladesh could get him out that way!

[HBF]

Shot Punter!

[crownie]

It shouldn't matter if the middle of the ball or the edge of the ball is going to hit the wickets. If the wicket is hit, then it should be out.

It's so much easier to be a batsman with the new referral system....

Hello sunshine,

Hawkeye showed the ball was clipping the bails, it never touched the stumps.

[getthefooty]

They're still talking about the referral are they Heals? I'll take your word for it.

[legend166]

It shouldn't matter if the middle of the ball or the edge of the ball is going to hit the wickets. If the wicket is hit, then it should be out.

It's so much easier to be a batsman with the new referral system....

The point is it's predictive, and we don't know that's exactly what would have happened. They are trying to predict the future, and it's not 100% accurate.

So if it's only going to clip the stumps, there's doubt, because it's not a perfect system. But if it says it's going to hit it with the whole ball, there's a much greater chance that even if it would have deviated, it would have hit the stumps.

[jko'neal]

Ian Chappell just described why we should not have this referal rubbish after using that Graeme Smith example.

[Chris25]

Hawkeye showed the ball was clipping the bails, it never touched the stumps.

Haha, are you serious?

You do realise the bails are a part of the wickets? (and I used the term wicket in my post, not stumps) And that all that matters is that the bails come off. Hence it would be reasonable to assume that hitting the bails is just as good as hitting the stumps.

They are trying to predict the future, and it's not 100% accurate.

I think that's my problem with the referral system. If they don't have complete faith in it, then I don't think they should be using it. They didn't allow predictive paths to be used in the initial trials, I don't quite understand why they've changed their minds now...

I'm sure more people will agree with me once a similar decision goes against the Australians....:D

[usalion]

Kato with a 6

1 for 82

[getthefooty]

Wow, was a long way off middling that pull.

[HBF]

Kato with a 6

1 for 82

Yeah, fair shot that. West Indies really need to get a breakthrough, otherwise we are looking at a pretty big first innings score.

[lemmon]

Agree with Chris here, if Ponting gets bowled is the umpire going to say not out because the middle of the ball didnt hit the stumps? Why dont they just cut the ball in half then if they reckon its too big?
If you cant trust hawkeye then why the **** are we using it. Im not against technology but hawkeye throws up a fair chunck of shockers for such a fool-proof system. Take out hawkeye, use slow-mo, snicko, hot-spot and common sense.


*Top innings Katta

[HBF]

Well batted Simon Katich.

50*