View Full Version : Who replaces Ponting for Boxing Day?
The Reaper
19 Dec 2009, 13:09
At the moment it is uncertain whether of not Ponting will play in Melbourne. He still has a reasonable chance of playing but in the case that he doesn't, who comes into the side?
Looking at the scorecard of NSW vs VIC, Hughes seems to have regained his form with a century on a wicket that seems to be offering something to the bowlers. Should we open with Hughes and move either Watson or Katich to number 3?
Two other New South Welshmen in Jaques and Khawaja may also be considered. Jaques has not regained his form since his return from injury, but he does have a good test record. Khawaja has the advantage of being young, in good form and of being able to slot in straight to number 3.
Bailey is another batsman who is good form at the moment and will be considered. He could bat number 3 or maybe number 5 with Clarke moving to first drop.
From Victoria, White and Rogers would be the two inline. Rogers would be the best choice to replace Ponting but for some reason is unlikely to be selected. If White gets the nod he would most likely bat at 5 or 6.
From my home state, Shaun Marsh was named as a contender by the radio. In my belief Marsh is a long way from test selection.
I'd say that the replacement for Ponting would be one of the above. In your opinion who should replace him for Boxing Day if he does miss?
TorresIsGod
19 Dec 2009, 13:20
Hodge.
Chris25
19 Dec 2009, 13:23
No point messing with the openers for one match, leave them where they both are.
If they were picking on form, Klinger would come in. Marsh would be the only other player I would consider. Both can slot in at 3, so there wouldn't need to be some big reshuffle or anything.
Plugger35
19 Dec 2009, 13:24
I thought it was Mitchell Marsh they were talking up as a contender for test selection. Can't see Shaun Marsh being selected as anything other than an ODI player at the moment.
If I was betting on it, I'd say they would bring in Hughes to open with either Katich or Watson dropping down the order and Clarke possibly batting at no.3.
Wouldn't mind seeing George Bailey given a go just for someone different, ie. someone not from NSW.
The Reaper
19 Dec 2009, 13:28
I thought it was Mitchell Marsh they were talking up as a contender for test selection. Can't see Shaun Marsh being selected as anything other than an ODI player at the moment.
If I was betting on it, I'd say they would bring in Hughes to open with either Katich or Watson dropping down the order and Clarke possibly batting at no.3.
Wouldn't mind seeing George Bailey given a go just for someone different, ie. someone not from NSW.
surely any talk of Mitch Marsh has to tongue in cheek?
My preference would by Rogers but given it is unlikely I would prefer either Hughes or Bailey
Plugger35
19 Dec 2009, 13:41
surely any talk of Mitch Marsh has to tongue in cheek?
Well he's been the stand out batsman for WA this season and has been earmarked as a future test prospect. Probably a bit premature to pick him now but if they're looking at injecting some youth he'd have to come under consideration.
The Reaper
19 Dec 2009, 13:43
Well he's been the stand out batsman for WA this season and has been earmarked as a future test prospect. Probably a bit premature to pick him now but if they're looking at injecting some youth he'd have to come under consideration.
Let him score a first class century first
Hodge.
Has been in incredible form this year and probably deserves a one off test match to cover for punter.
The Reaper
19 Dec 2009, 13:43
Hodge.
Has been in incredible form this year and probably deserves a one off test match to cover for punter.
how bad is his injury?
Cousin Jed
19 Dec 2009, 13:44
Hodge is actually injured too (bad knee ruled him out of his retirement game)
LondonCalling
19 Dec 2009, 14:52
My XI for Boxing Day, assuming that the two bowlers are fit:
Katich
Watson
Haddin
Clarke
Hussey
North
McDonald
Hauritz
Siddle
Hilfenhaus
Bollinger
Haddin is probably a better bat than any of the other options at the moment, allows for an extra bowler, and McDonald's inclusion allows for the removal of Johnson rather than the far more deserving Bollinger without too much impact on the tail. Whilst Haddin at 3 is debatable, I've put him there so that the batting order is changed around as little as possible (ideally I'd have Katich in there, but too much of a domino effect)
LC there is more chance of Queen Lizzy including a bukkake scene in her Xmas speech than CA selectors dropping MJ on Boxing Day (assuming he is fit).
davey_magik
19 Dec 2009, 15:01
I'd drop Hussey as well and bring in Khawaja and Hughes (Khawaja at 3, Hughes opens with Robot at 5 and Pup at 4) but it won't happen.
LondonCalling
19 Dec 2009, 15:03
Unfortunately you're right on that one, and they'll do everything in their power to make it so (awaiting Siddle or Hilfenhaus to "fail" a fitness test). Even Brett Lee at the peak of his erratic shitfulness was never going for 5.5 an over on a regular basis.
I'm also not a fan of the two left-armer dynamic to the attack. It's certainly improved with the inclusion of two new-ball alternatives, but surely, MJ on form is the next to go.
Either way, neither here nor there given the topic, but regardless of Johnson's status, would have McDonald for Ponting for Boxing Day. Recent Shield results have shown it's a bit of a road, and as such, the extra bowling option will be a must.
TorresIsGod
19 Dec 2009, 15:07
Usman Koala! Get him in there.
Bombers_Forever
19 Dec 2009, 15:41
I would prefer Shaun March myself but he is never spoken about as a Test Player.
In saying that, one name a lot of you have forgot........Andrew McDonald. Bring him in the middle order, move Clarke, Hussey etc up the order and fit McDonald in there. Plus MCG is his home ground and offers a bowling option. A dark horse but could be very handy at the G.
LondonCalling
19 Dec 2009, 15:45
I would prefer Shaun March myself but he is never spoken about as a Test Player.
In saying that, one name a lot of you have forgot........Andrew McDonald. Bring him in the middle order, move Clarke, Hussey etc up the order and fit McDonald in there. Plus MCG is his home ground and offers a bowling option. A dark horse but could be very handy at the G.
So basically you just opened up the thread to give your 2c worth without reading any others right?
Chris25
19 Dec 2009, 15:51
Could always pick one of the last two batsmen to score 100's in a Sheffield Shield match at the MCG....
Klinger is second in runs this year, behind only Cowan, and is currently averaging over 100. Combined with last season, he would have to be pretty high up there when considering a replacement for a guy batting at #3.
Cosgrove is coming off back-to-back 100's at the MCG, and is averaging over 60 this season. I know it isn't going to happen, but I figured if Khawaja gets a mention, than Cosgrove deserves one too....
My preference would be Klinger or Marsh. But it wouldn't surprise me if Steve Smith got a chance batting at 6 or 7, and would offer something different to the other bowlers. Given Australia already have Watson as a 4th seamer, McDonald might not really be all that necessary.
stickman11
19 Dec 2009, 16:00
Katich
Hughes
Bailey
Clarke
Watson
Smith
Haddin
Jonstone
Geeves
Hilfenhaus
Bollinger
Good starting eleven. Some new talent and axe some of the dead wood
The Reaper
19 Dec 2009, 16:09
Could always pick one of the last two batsmen to score 100's in a Sheffield Shield match at the MCG....
Klinger is second in runs this year, behind only Cowan, and is currently averaging over 100. Combined with last season, he would have to be pretty high up there when considering a replacement for a guy batting at #3.
Cosgrove is coming off back-to-back 100's at the MCG, and is averaging over 60 this season. I know it isn't going to happen, but I figured if Khawaja gets a mention, than Cosgrove deserves one too....
My preference would be Klinger or Marsh. But it wouldn't surprise me if Steve Smith got a chance batting at 6 or 7, and would offer something different to the other bowlers. Given Australia already have Watson as a 4th seamer, McDonald might not really be all that necessary.
I forgot about Klinger and Cosgrove.
It's been so long since SA produced a decent batsman that the only one though of was Ferguson:o
I was wondering where all our South Austrlaians had gonme in this thread.
I voted other with the express intention of advocating him and thought I would have seen more.
Consistant form over more than one season and is hot right now too.
He's the man.
Hughes hit a ton for NSW today..
Chris25
19 Dec 2009, 16:40
I forgot about Klinger and Cosgrove.
It's been so long since SA produced a decent batsman that the only one though of was Ferguson:o
A bit off topic, but it wouldn't surprise if Cosgrove and Cooper both got a chance in the Australian ODI or T20 team at some stage this season. Borgas is hitting the ball as well as anyone, and James Smith is an opener to watch for the future. And that's not even mentioning some of the bowlers like George, Bailey and Haberfield....
It's been a while since the Redbacks have had some serious young talent.
The Reaper
19 Dec 2009, 16:43
A bit off topic, but it wouldn't surprise if Cosgrove and Cooper both got a chance in the Australian ODI or T20 team at some stage this season. Borgas is hitting the ball as well as anyone, and James Smith is an opener to watch for the future. And that's not even mentioning some of the bowlers like George, Bailey and Haberfield....
It's been a while since the Redbacks have had some serious young talent.
I rate Cooper a lot
Now that he has a chance at State level he won't disapoint
Chris25
19 Dec 2009, 16:45
It's a shame he couldn't get it going in Sheffield Shield cricket this year, but he is averaging a tick under 50 at a strike rate of 100 in the FRC this season. If Australia were playing an ODI on Boxing Day, Cooper would almost be favourite to get the #3 spot....
stmookeyj
19 Dec 2009, 16:50
It will be a middle order player, I'd suggest the selectors would stick with the current opening pair. What may happen is they'll look for someone to bat 5-6 and promote Clarke to 3 like they did in the 2nd innings of this current test.
Dixie Flatline
19 Dec 2009, 16:57
Hughes has made a century at the right time. If Punter isn't fit, they'll push Kat down to no. 3 and open with Hughes and Watson.
Plugger35
19 Dec 2009, 16:59
Any chance we can talk Brendan Nash into replacing Ponting?
BarneyBent
19 Dec 2009, 16:59
Watson
Hughes
Katich
Clark
Hussey
North
Haddin
Johnson
Hauritz
Bollinger
Hilfenhaus
Watson is in fantastic form as an opener. Katich has shown at domestic level that he can handle being shifted around the order, so having him come in at 3 (or 4) shouldn't pose too much of a problem.
Johnson has been fine as a bowler. Sure, at times he has been a bit expensive, but he has that fantastic ability to be able to pull a wicket out of nowhere. Our attack would be far less potent without him. We're struggling to take 20 wickets a game as it is, and people want to drop our leading wicket taker? Siddle was in somewhat ordinary form before he injured himself. Bollinger has stepped up into his spot. Siddle is next paceman in, though.
legend166
19 Dec 2009, 17:17
My XI for Boxing Day, assuming that the two bowlers are fit:
Katich
Watson
Haddin
Clarke
Hussey
North
McDonald
Hauritz
Siddle
Hilfenhaus
Bollinger
Haddin is probably a better bat than any of the other options at the moment, allows for an extra bowler, and McDonald's inclusion allows for the removal of Johnson rather than the far more deserving Bollinger without too much impact on the tail. Whilst Haddin at 3 is debatable, I've put him there so that the batting order is changed around as little as possible (ideally I'd have Katich in there, but too much of a domino effect)
Sooooo, you essentially want to replace Ricky Ponting with Andrew McDonald?
Downgrade of the millenium.
Any chance we can talk Brendan Nash into replacing Ponting?
:D :thumbsu:
LondonCalling
19 Dec 2009, 18:01
Sooooo, you essentially want to replace Ricky Ponting with Andrew McDonald?
Downgrade of the millenium.
It's a safe selection for CA, so one they will probably consider. And really, I think it's more Haddin for Ponting.
What happens if Hughes gets the nod and makes 200 on Boxing Day? Especially if Hussey makes a respectable couple of knocks?
Smith becomes an interesting option also, as he could still play the next test in spinner friendly Sydney, either in tandem with Hauritz, or in his place, so that an extra paceman can be played.
Hodge.
He really did time his retirement amazingly badly.
Probably Hughes with Kat moving down to 3. I would prefer if Clarke moved up to 3, North to 5 and Watson to 6, but I don't think they will move Watson.
TorresIsGod
19 Dec 2009, 18:20
Surely if he's fit, CA will call him up for one last game at his home ground?
If they did call him up, surely he'd accept their offer to play (and dominate with a triple century in the first innings).
nobbyiscool
19 Dec 2009, 18:23
i like the idea of just bringing in hughes and dropping katich to 3 - as bloodstainedangel has said, he's gotta be the most chamelion batsman in australia given how much he's shuffled around over the years.
i'm starting the think the s smith option is an interesting one. i was talking to my brother earlier tonight who questioned what happens if hilf and siddle are ready for boxing day...u can't drop bolinger. u would've thought siddle and hilf have done enough to regain their spots. so do u drop johnson? or maybe hauritz?
u could well go into the next test with clarke at 3, haddin at 6, smith at 7 and then johnson, siddle, hilf and bollinger.
maybe to bowler heavy though when u factor in watson as well.
The Reaper
19 Dec 2009, 18:23
Surely if he's fit, CA will call him up for one last game at his home ground?
If they did call him up, surely he'd accept their offer to play (and dominate with a triple century in the first innings).
why would they?
He played all of 5 tests.
Sure Hodge was good for Victoria. But on the international stage he was irrelevent.
I imagine the selectors themselves won't consider him, due to the whole retirement thing, but a subtle hint in the media may cause him to back down ("Gee, it's a shame Hodge retired" or something even more subtle), and hence be considered again.
Seriously though, what the hell was Hodge thinking when thought he wasn't ever gonna be picked again? Even I, as much as I dislike him, could see he's the obvious middle order replacement.
Please no-one mention Steve Smith in here again
TorresIsGod
19 Dec 2009, 18:26
why would they?
He played all of 5 tests.
Sure Hodge was good for Victoria. But on the international stage he was irrelevent.
Because he's an obvious replacement?...
He was good for Australia too...
legend166
19 Dec 2009, 18:29
It's a safe selection for CA, so one they will probably consider. And really, I think it's more Haddin for Ponting.
What happens if Hughes gets the nod and makes 200 on Boxing Day? Especially if Hussey makes a respectable couple of knocks?
Smith becomes an interesting option also, as he could still play the next test in spinner friendly Sydney, either in tandem with Hauritz, or in his place, so that an extra paceman can be played.
Why would they replace a batsman with a bolwing all rounder? Especially since we've already got an all rounder in the side, as well as 4 other front line bowlers.
If they replace Ponting with McDonald I'll leave BigFooty forever.
The Reaper
19 Dec 2009, 18:30
Because he's an obvious replacement?...
He was good for Australia too...
but he isn't important enough to be given a retirement test.
Plus he is injured anyway so the point is moot.
Rogers would be the obvious solution for a one of match. Hughes the most likely selection
eth-dog
19 Dec 2009, 19:42
Should be White, Will be Hughes
Katich
Watson
Clarke/Hughes
Hussey
North/Clarke
White/North
Haddin
Johnson(pending fitness)/McKay
Hauritz(pending fitness)/Krezja
Siddle(pending fitness)/Geeves
Bollinger
Should be White, Will be Hughes
Katich
Watson
Clarke/Hughes
Hussey
North/Clarke
White/North
Haddin
Johnson(pending fitness)/McKay
Hauritz(pending fitness)/Krezja
Siddle(pending fitness)/Geeves
Bollinger
No Hilf?
And Johnson pending fitness WTF.. it's a stomach bug.
Selective Retention
19 Dec 2009, 20:13
I imagine the selectors themselves won't consider him, due to the whole retirement thing, but a subtle hint in the media may cause him to back down ("Gee, it's a shame Hodge retired" or something even more subtle), and hence be considered again.
When he retired he made a not so subtle dig at the selectors by saying that he was only good enough to be picked when anything was wrong with Ponting, as if he was being used. So no I doubt he'd back track from that position.
Mitchell Marsh.
Plus one.
Big Bad Buddy
19 Dec 2009, 22:00
I would like to see David Hussey in.
Should drop Hussey and get the Marsh brothers in.
Or get Hughes and make Katich 3rd. :thumbsu:
Martyn_30_
20 Dec 2009, 10:22
Bring D Hussey in so there will be some entertainment in the top 6 and the fact he also averages mid 50s in first class cricket
Watson
Hughes
Katich
Hussey
Clarke
North
Haddin
Johnson
Hauritz
Siddle/McKay
Bollinger
Surely Hughes deserves another go.
The other option is a straight swap of Klinger for Ponting.
Chris25
20 Dec 2009, 11:11
Klinger just brought up another 100, coming off an unbeaten double hundred last week at the MCG.
He might not be the most entertaining player ever, but if Australia needed a #3, there is no way they could overlook his two dominant seasons.
raikkonen
20 Dec 2009, 12:01
Klinger just brought up another 100, coming off an unbeaten double hundred last week at the MCG.
He might not be the most entertaining player ever, but if Australia needed a #3, there is no way they could overlook his two dominant seasons.
In form at the right time, but dont think he was in the form of last season, prior to last week. Avergaing 97 when i looked the other day though so who knows.
Its all irrelevant however, because as usual a NSW wonder kid will get called up, a sper the laws of Australian cricket. :thumbsd:
Cousin Jed
20 Dec 2009, 12:10
Klinger just brought up another 100, coming off an unbeaten double hundred last week at the MCG.
He might not be the most entertaining player ever, but if Australia needed a #3, there is no way they could overlook his two dominant seasons.
No way?
I am sure there is some way;)
Chris25
20 Dec 2009, 12:12
If they were picking on form, there would be no way.
But of course, form isn't the only deciding factor for Australian selectors. So they will find a way to overlook him...
GreekLunatic
20 Dec 2009, 12:15
Ponting will play on Boxing day. If they pick hughes he opens and katich to 3
No way?
I am sure there is some way;)
"Look Mick, on the registration form you and your domestic team sent into us at the start of the season you didn't tick the 'I wish to play for Australia' box. Sorry Mick but you can't be picked for the Boxing Day match."
"I never received any registrati-"
*Phone-call ends*
At the moment it is uncertain whether of not Ponting will play in Melbourne. He still has a reasonable chance of playing but in the case that he doesn't, who comes into the side?
Looking at the scorecard of NSW vs VIC, Hughes seems to have regained his form with a century on a wicket that seems to be offering something to the bowlers. Should we open with Hughes and move either Watson or Katich to number 3?
Two other New South Welshmen in Jaques and Khawaja may also be considered. Jaques has not regained his form since his return from injury, but he does have a good test record.has the advantage of being young, in good form and of being able to slot in straight to number 3.
Bailey is another batsman who is good form at the moment and will be considered. He could bat number 3 or maybe number 5 with Clarke moving to first drop.
From Victoria, White and Rogers would be the two inline. Rogers would be the best choice to replace Ponting but for some reason is unlikely to be selected. If White gets the nod he would most likely bat at 5 or 6.
From my home state, Shaun Marsh was named as a contender by the radio. In my belief Marsh is a long way from test selection.
I'd say that the replacement for Ponting would be one of the above. In your opinion who should replace him for Boxing Day if he does miss?
Rogers would be an automatic selection if he were a NSW player. :thumbsd:
Khawaja & Jaques? Get your hand of it. :rolleyes:
Jaques & Khawaja are no-where near it. If they bring in a opener it's gonna be Hughes. However I personally believe the selectors won't want to do that and will be hoping like hell either White scores in the second innings or Bailey performs well in the tour match.
Khawaja? Mitch Marsh? Hodge? Looks like some people on this thread have partaken of the insane root, that takes the reason prisoner.
We've got about a thousand experienced, form openers at the moment. It makes sense to bring one of them in and drop Watson down the order in preparation for Hussey eventually getting the arse.
I doubt they'll call up someone like Klinger for a one-off Test when there's a few form batsmen around who are more likely to be part of the future team setup.
EFL Boy
20 Dec 2009, 12:36
D.Hussey anyone?
Watson
Hughes
Katich
Clarke
Any half decent domestic player < here >
North
Haddin
Johnson
Hauritz
Hilfenhous
Bollinger
That's a pretty good squad imo.
Archangel17
20 Dec 2009, 13:46
Khawaja??? i am trying to hold my sides together as they split with laughter. I guess his is from NSW though. Hughes or White, with Bailey a chance too. Whoever gets it coudl be auditioning for Hussey's spot long term. I think it should be Hughes, but woudlnt be surprised if they take White for his leadership, and hard hitting
SouthSwans
20 Dec 2009, 13:53
1. Jaques/Hughes
2. Watson
3. Katich
4. Hussey
5. Clarke
6. North
7. Haddin
8. McDonald
9. Hauritz
10. Siddle
11. Bollinger
OUT: Ponting, Johnson, McKay
IN: Jaques/Hughes, McDonald, Siddle
Would personally prefer Jaques to Hughes but either is the logical choice with SimKat moving down to 3 (he'll ton up too, just you wait)
Rogers is a more logical choice than Jacques at the moment, he's in much better form. I agree they should pick an opener though, with a view to Watson eventually taking Hussey's place in the middle order. If they do pick a middle-order bat I hope it's White.
I would move Watson down the order sooner than Katich, Katich is a better opener. And Clarke really has no excuse for not moving to first drop, he'll probably be there permenantly when Ponting retires so he needs to man up and get some experience.
Wish Wellingtons
20 Dec 2009, 13:57
Unfortunately you're right on that one, and they'll do everything in their power to make it so (awaiting Siddle or Hilfenhaus to "fail" a fitness test). Even Brett Lee at the peak of his erratic shitfulness was never going for 5.5 an over on a regular basis.
I'm also not a fan of the two left-armer dynamic to the attack. It's certainly improved with the inclusion of two new-ball alternatives, but surely, MJ on form is the next to go.
Either way, neither here nor there given the topic, but regardless of Johnson's status, would have McDonald for Ponting for Boxing Day. Recent Shield results have shown it's a bit of a road, and as such, the extra bowling option will be a must.
MJ should not be dropped, I'd rather him batting at seven than McDonald anyway, and i'd definitely rather have him in the team than a half fit Siddle or Hilfy.
I'm disappointed Callum Ferguson is injured, this could have been a big opportunity for him.
I can't say i am a fan of entrusting haddin with the most important slot in the batting order, though his form with the willow has been very good it must be said.
To me Clarke looks like a natural three, maybe slotting someone into the middle order is the right move. White could fill this position and add an (admittedly rubbish) spin bowling option which we are in need of.
Really though, i think the top order batsmen in the best form should be selected, a straight swap with no nonsense.
Freebaser
20 Dec 2009, 14:01
MJ should not be dropped, I'd rather him batting at seven than McDonald anyway, and i'd definitely rather have him in the team than a half fit Siddle or Hilfy.
I'm disappointed Callum Ferguson is injured, this could have been a big opportunity for him.
I can't say i am a fan of entrusting haddin with the most important slot in the batting order, though his form with the willow has been very good it must be said.
To me Clarke looks like a natural three, maybe slotting someone into the middle order is the right move. White could fill this position and add an (admittedly rubbish) spin bowling option which we are in need of.
Really though, i think the top order batsmen in the best form should be selected, a straight swap with no nonsense.
I agree with you on MJ in regards to injury concerns over Hilf and Siddle, we cannot go into a test with two suspect bowlers. In the future though he will need to stop bowling so much rubbish or he will drop out for those two. In regards to batting- hmmm, hard one. I think i would go White, as it would be shattering to hughes to come in for one test and then be dropped, unless the selectors grew the balls to drop Hussey for the second test.
In White, and Siddle, out Mckay and Ponting.
May be a moot call thoguh , as Ponting will do everything to come up and he does have a week's rest
Rufus Red
20 Dec 2009, 14:06
White, hard hitting batsman and best leader in Australia; forget his bowling as it is forgettable, think number 6
South Swans past form is surely only a factor if your current form is good enough when a spot opens up.
His current form is not within coee of a recall at the moment.
Klinger or D.Hussey would be mine.
I thought David Hussey missed out earlier in his career because he was up one year and down another. His tats always looked good but consistency is Shield cricket was missing. But the last few seasons he has performed and is performing.
Klinger is backing his great year up last year.
Khawaja is perhaps not ready but people don't laugh to hard. Continued form like he is now could see him snare a middle order spot should it become available... perhaps we should give him a pre emptive hit before he plays for Pakistan and makes a bundle against us
Big Bad Buddy
20 Dec 2009, 14:24
D.Hussey anyone?
I would like to see david hussey play he would fit in well. Or if not, bring in Hughes and drop watson to 3.
Homer Jnr
20 Dec 2009, 19:03
Carseldine?
I wouldn't drop McKay, he had a very good first up game which on another day would have seen him with a bag of wickets.
Cotchin 9
20 Dec 2009, 20:23
Carseldine, Bailey or Klinger.
ILY Leonard
20 Dec 2009, 20:40
bailey or klinger
didak04
20 Dec 2009, 20:54
The opening combination is looking solid. It should NOT be split up.
If Ponting is only missing for one test then it makes sense to look for a number 3 batsmen who is in good current form.
Michael Klinger fits bill for mine.
I don't think the opening combination is solid, rather the two batsmen opening are solid. Katich and Watson are our two most in-form batsmen, because of that they're inevitably going to do well together regardless of whether they're actually a good combination.
I really think Watson would be more comfortable down the order. His defensive technique is not as good as it could be for a Test opener, just his form has been compensating. I think adding a pure opener and letting him play in his natural position would be the best option for improving the batting order overall.
mr_cellotape
20 Dec 2009, 21:49
In: Hughes, Hilf
Out: Ponting, McKay
wotdoiput
20 Dec 2009, 22:52
I think its highly doubtful that Ponting will miss Boxing Day.
However on the small chance that he does miss a lot will depend on whether the selectors want to mess with the current balance of the team for what will be, despite the belly aches of many people, one test match.
The wont break up the Watson/Kaitch opening combo as they have been solid since coming together. Plus apart from the hundred the other day Hughes hasnt done enough to get back into the team. Yes he was unfairly dropped, but the selectors obviously thought he had things to work on and Im not sure he has been overly impressive thus far this year.
Despite everyone calling for his head Hussey wont be dropped after averaging 47 against the West Indies. Marcus North would be under far more pressure after only averaging 33 and continuing his inconsistent test career, another 2 single figure scores to go with 2 half centuries. Pup is safe no use worrying.
So to me the best thing would be for the selectors to bring in the best performed number 3 over the last two years and that is without a doubt Klinger. Forget Hodge he is injured and retired. If Klinger comes in there will be less up heaval and less questioning of the team when Punter gets back.
Russian
20 Dec 2009, 23:10
Carseldine?His form hasn been ok but nothing more this season. Klinger's probably the loudest knocker (and that isn't all that loud), but I don't think the selectors will go outside the 3 'in the system' - Marsh, Hughes and White, favouring Marsh to avoid disrupting anything else, particularly if it's going to be a Friday/Saturday decision whether he plays.
Rogers.
The best bat in Australians domestic cricket and has been for some time, slip him in at number 3. Pretty simple.
Hughes isnt up to it. Still suspect to the short ball, if Roach can injure Ponting, one of the better players of the short ball this quarter of century imagine what he'll do to someone with massive question marks against his name to a lifting ball.
LC there is more chance of Queen Lizzy including a bukkake scene in her Xmas speech
That'd be worth seeing.
I'd be inclined to wait and see. If worst comes to worst I agree that Klinger is worth a look.
I'm still wondering what ever happened to Andrew McDonald. (in general, not for number 3.)
Navyblues09
20 Dec 2009, 23:54
Rogers.
The best bat in Australians domestic cricket and has been for some time, slip him in at number 3. Pretty simple.
Hughes isnt up to it. Still suspect to the short ball, if Roach can injure Ponting, one of the better players of the short ball this quarter of century imagine what he'll do to someone with massive question marks against his name to a lifting ball.
I dont know if you realise this but the West Indies are heading home, Pakistan are playing on Boxing day ;)
I dont know if you realise this but the West Indies are heading home, Pakistan are playing on Boxing day ;)
Exactly my point, I dont rate Roach that highly he was the best of a bad lot IMO, the windies side bowling wise was very average save for Benn.
The Pakistan line-up have a few players capable of rearing the ball of a length, Umar Gul is very capable as is the new young bloke Mohammad Aamer. Both are seriously sharp and lift the ball off good lengths.
Couple that with the appointment of Waqar as the bowling and fielding coach and your bowling line up is looking pretty capable. Have no doubt that Waqar will do his homework on every batsman in the team and on the fringe.
happy_eagle
21 Dec 2009, 01:15
When will they name a squad you reckon
My bet is one of White, Bailey, D.Huss (i hope), Marsh or Klinger
All having reasonable enough seasons
The Reaper
21 Dec 2009, 10:16
Exactly my point, I dont rate Roach that highly he was the best of a bad lot IMO, the windies side bowling wise was very average save for Benn.
The Pakistan line-up have a few players capable of rearing the ball of a length, Umar Gul is very capable as is the new young bloke Mohammad Aamer. Both are seriously sharp and lift the ball off good lengths.
Couple that with the appointment of Waqar as the bowling and fielding coach and your bowling line up is looking pretty capable. Have no doubt that Waqar will do his homework on every batsman in the team and on the fringe.
To be fair the West Indies had there second string attack
To be fair the West Indies had there second string attack
Exactly my point.
Drummond
21 Dec 2009, 10:50
I'd like to see Khawaja or Hughes but seriously, Jaques is so good it's not funny. Deserves another shot before his time is up.
Jacques' ton certainly throws a spanner in the works
Selective Retention
21 Dec 2009, 13:00
There is about half a dozen guys I'd pick ahead of him but Marsh the elder came good at the right time. He'd be the sort of guy the selectors would like to give an opportunity to.
Radical Roo
21 Dec 2009, 13:16
You can't really replace Ponting. Katich must move down to no.3 with Jacque back opening. This way the structure of the team is retained in that hussey, clarke, north are all in their original positions. Katich seems to be the closest player to ponting in terms of effectives and adaptability.
hoggy34
21 Dec 2009, 13:16
Klinger on 60 not out in Adelaide
Stats since moving from VIC to SA (including current innings)
16 Matches
30 Innings
8 Not Outs
1858 Runs
AVG. 84.45
Including 2 double tons
Surely would have to be considered
Can you please separate the runs scored at the Adelaide Oval from the runs scored else where? Thanks
:p
Selective Retention
21 Dec 2009, 13:24
You can't really replace Ponting. Katich must move down to no.3 with Jacque back opening. This way the structure of the team is retained in that hussey, clarke, north are all in their original positions. Katich seems to be the closest player to ponting in terms of effectives and adaptability.
It makes the most sense to do it that way, be it Jaques, Hughes or Rogers as your preference. On the other hand, one off test, Clarke and the selectors might decide he wants to take on the added responsibility and bat at 3 again in an extra step in their succession plan. Dumb idea but it wouldn't surprise me. Really there are 6-8 players they could pick and none would be totally left field. Ponting will probably end up playing anyway after all this debate.
I would be disappointed if Clarke didn't step up to number 3. He's probably going to be batting there eventually anyway, he may as well get used to it.
hoggy34
21 Dec 2009, 13:25
Can you please separate the runs scored at the Adelaide Oval from the runs scored else where? Thanks
:p
He made 207 no at the MCG last week.
Last I checked that is where the Boxing Day test is being played
murphy2bedabest
21 Dec 2009, 13:33
I would be disappointed if Clarke didn't step up to number 3. He's probably going to be batting there eventually anyway, he may as well get used to it.
Agree he should be batting @ 4 any way, i dont mind the idea of the top 7 looking like
1 Watson
2 Katich
3 Clarke
4 Hussey
5 North
6 White
7 Haddin
Now what White brings into the side is Leadership, and i bet if he dose get the nod he will be working alot with Pup in the field, and is a good slipper
He made 207 no at the MCG last week.
Last I checked that is where the Boxing Day test is being played
His first one at the ground, which is worrying given how he played there for about 5 seasons and all
hoggy34
21 Dec 2009, 13:43
His first one at the ground, which is worrying given how he played there for about 5 seasons and all
His career was shot for the Bushrangers, could hardly score a run.
He has been terrific for SA both at home and away. On target for his 2nd 1000 run season in a row.
If the selectors don't want to upste the opening pair of Watson & Katich the choice would be between S.Marsh, Klinger, D.Hussey & maybe Bailey.
He stacks up well against those blokes. The Aussies aren't so strong any more that gun players like Jamie Siddons, Darren Lehman, Mike Hussey and Brad Hodge are waiting in the wings.
Selective Retention
21 Dec 2009, 14:36
Hughes it is. I'm pleased he is back in the squad but no mixed messages from the selectors there at all hey....:o
Those supposed technical flaws fixed in a handful of shield games, amazing.
I was expecting a slightly higher average at home
(I take it the current maych isn't included?)
Chris25
21 Dec 2009, 14:40
Can you please separate the runs scored at the Adelaide Oval from the runs scored else where? Thanks
:p
My calculations show that since coming to the Redbacks, Klinger averages 77 at Adelaide Oval and 73 away from it.
Probably not what you were expecting....
:)