3rd Test: Australia V Pakistan at Bellerive (Thurs-Mon)

[Blue Dimension]

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http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/69/Pakistan_Cricket_logo.png/175px-Pakistan_Cricket_logo.pngVshttp://www.bradford.com.au/images/product_images/info_images/CricketAustraliaLogo.JPG


Bellerive Oval, Hobart Australia
January 14th – January 18th
(10:30 local, 23:30 GMT)

Without a doubt, Pakistan would be bleeding after their loss in the last Test. Would have had the series tied at 1 all heading into the decider at Bellerive. Instead, a demoralised Pakistan team heads to Bellerive in order to gain some pride and respect in the last Test match of the 09/10 Australian summer.

The hot topic of the week has been the Pakistan wicket keeping position. Kamran Akmal, the vice captain, has been told he's being rested after a deplorable performance with the gloves in the Sydney test which significantly contributed to Pakistans loss. Instead, Sarfraz Ahmed has been flown over to play the dead rubber. According to reports Kamran's brother Umar Akmal, was faking injury as blackmail to prevent Kamran from being dropped (what is this, the under 11's?).

Pakistan have additionally rung in 3 other changes. Aamer is fit, replacing Mohammad Sami, while the severely out of form Faisal Iqbal has been replaced by Khurram Manzoor. Whipping boy Misbah-ul-Haq has had his spot taken by former captain Shoaib Malik who had recently been dropped due to poor form during the tour of New Zealand. Malik will be keen to prove himself after his two test layoff.

Australia will only make one change, that being Simon Katich taking back his place at the top of the order. Phillip Hughes will join the NSW squad while Clint Mckay will be taking care of the drinks.

Peter Siddle will be hoping to reclaim some form after a very lean Australian summer. One would suggest that Bollinger has overtaken him in the pecking order and Siddle will be keen to remind the selectors of his worth ahead of the tour of New Zealand.

Marcus North will also be keen to prove himself in this test. Failure could result in his axing. It was always unlikely he'd be dropped with one test in the summer remaining, but with young prodigy Phillip Hughes waiting in the wings, North can't afford to slip up for much longer.

Sidenote: It'll be interesting to see if young Umar Akmal lines up for Pakistan tomorrow.

----------------------------

Pakistan Squad
*Mohammad Yousuf
Danish Kaneria
Faisal Iqbal
Imran Farhat
+Kamran Akmal
Khurram Manzoor
Misbah-ul-Haq
Mohammad Aamer
Mohammad Asif
Mohammad Sami
Saeed Ajmal
Salman Butt
+Sarfraz Ahmed (Test Debut)
Shoaib Malik
Umar Akmal
Umar Gul

In: Sarfraz Ahmed

Australia Squad
*Ricky Ponting
Michael Clarke
Doug Bollinger
+Brad Haddin
Nathan Hauritz
Phillip Hughes
Michael Hussey
Mitchell Johnson
Simon Katich
Marcus North
Peter Siddle
Shane Watson

No Change

----------------------------

Australia probable XI:
Shane Watson
(Career bowl avg: 33.12, Career bat avg: 41.38 – Series bowl: 3 wickets @ 23.33, Series bat: 316 runs @ 105.33)
Simon Katich
(Career bat avg: 44.63 – Series: 100 runs @ 50)
Ricky Ponting
(Career bat avg: 54.79 – Series: 80 runs @ 20)
Michael Hussey
(Career bat avg: 53.52 – Series: 248 runs @ 82.66)
Michael Clarke
(Career bat avg: 48.76 – Series: 89 runs @ 29.66)
Marcus North
(Career bat avg: 37.52 – Series: 20 runs @ 6.66)
Brad Haddin
(Career bat avg: 39.58 – Series: 21 runs @ 7)
Mitchell Johnson
(Career bowl avg: 27.70, Career bat avg: 27.75 – Series bowl: 11 wickets @ 15.72, Series bat: 63 runs @ 21)
Nathan Hauritz
(Career bowl avg: 30.31 – Seies: 12 wickets @ 24.08)
Peter Siddle
(Career bowl avg: 33.23 – Seies: 3 wickets @ 66)
Doug Bollinger
(Career bowl avg: 22.50 – Seies: 11 wickets @ 17.81)


Pakistan probable XI:
Imran Farhat
(Career bat avg: 34.22 – Series: 96 runs @ 24)
Salman Butt
(Career bat avg: 42.25 – Series: 170 runs @ 42.50)
Khurram Manzoor
(Career bat avg: 27.66 – Series: Has not played)
Mohammad Yousuf
(Career bat avg: 53.63 – Series: 148 runs @ 37)
Umar Akmal
(Career bat avg: 55.50 – Series: 176 runs @ 44)
Shoaib Malik
(Career bat avg: 36 – Series: Has not played)
Sarfraz Ahmed
(Career bat avg: Test debut – Series: Has not played)
Mohammad Aamer
(Career bowl avg: 41.50 – Seies: 5 wickets @ 36)
Umar Gul
(Career bowl avg: 33.48 – Seies: 4 wickets @ 30.25)
Danish Kaneria
(Career bowl avg: 33.84 – Seies: 5 wickets @ 33.80)
Mohammad Asif
(Career bowl avg: 21.90 – Seies: 11 wickets @ 19.81)

----------------------------

Quotes

http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gif I'm not that worried about the wicket column next to his name because what he's doing at the moment is forming part of a really good bowling attack http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
Ricky Ponting on Peter Siddle's form

http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gif If you look back at the Ashes, he was our best player right through the Ashes series http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
Ricky Ponting on Marcus North

http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gif There's a lot more self-belief around the side than there probably was at the start of this summer. It's one thing we've lacked a little bit in the last couple of years. http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
Ricky Ponting discusses the gaining confidence of the Australian team

http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gif We gave a lot of chances to Misbah and Malik can bowl as well. http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
Mohammad Yousuf discusses the logic behind Shoaib Malik's inclusion for the third test.

http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_leftquote.gif I'm sure he's thrilled to be doing well as an opener and I think he could continue in that position.http://i.imgci.com/espncricinfo/ciColumnist_rightquote.gif
Andrew Hilditch changes his tune on Shane Watson continuing his career as an opener.

----------------------------

Live Coverage
Channel 9 - 10:00am (AEST)
ABC Grandstand - 10:30am (AEST).


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Weather
Google Weather Forecast - Hobart, Tasmania

13°C
Current: Partly Cloudy
Wind: NE at 13 km/h
Humidity: 77%
Thu
http://www.google.com.au/images/weather/sunny.gif
21°C | 15°C
Fri
http://www.google.com.au/images/weather/sunny.gif
23°C | 16°C
Sat
http://www.google.com.au/images/weather/chance_of_rain.gif
23°C | 14°C
Sun
http://www.google.com.au/images/weather/chance_of_rain.gif
19°C | 12°C
----------------------------

Betfair Odds
Australia- 1.77
Pakistan - 6.40
Draw - 3.45

Updated odds at http://sports.betfair.com/

[Russian]

Manzoor for Iqbal is a good move for Pakistan, Malik's a waste of time - he and Misbah should both be left out of the England tour, even Kamran as a batsman batting below Sarfraz would've been better. Should've sent a batsman with the keeper, maybe Latif who played the last ODI against the Kiwis so I guess will be in the squad if they ever pick one for next Friday, or this guy (http://www.cricinfo.com/qea-09/content/player/41557.html) whose numbers suggest is the sort of player they need in that middle order.

[Blue Dimension]

They don't seem to give Fawad Alam much of a chance. I'd like to see him given a good shot at it. Why was he sent home? :confused:

[stmookeyj]

Maybe they should have paid SA a few grand for Shahid Afridi......

[sonson]

Siddle and North on their last legs here, both need to do something to ensure they keep their spots.

[Cousin Jed]

or this guy (http://www.cricinfo.com/qea-09/content/player/41557.html) whose numbers suggest is the sort of player they need in that middle order.

Don't worry about the numbers I'd pick him just for the hairstyle alone.

[HBF]

Given the build-up Pakistan have had since Sydney, it wouldn't surprise me if this game was over inside of 3 days.

[HBF]

Hopeully a better toss to win in Hobart. :D

[Costanza_]

Any word on the toss?

[Plugger35]

Any word on the toss?

You won't believe it but Ponting has won the toss and is batting.

[Cousin Jed]

Should have bowled. ;)

[danielnajdek]

Thought that comment Ponting made towards Mark Nicholas was a bit uncalled for.doesn't need to be a smart arse.

[Sealz]

What did Ponting say to Nicholas??

From my desk at work I look over Bellerive oval... crowd looks pretty bloody small... at least in the Southern stand in which I have a clear view of... The Hill & Members would no doubt be close to full...

Very over cast sky.. should clear by the second session...

[flight23]

watson is in some rare form (no jinx)

[aussie1st]

Don't worry your jinx won't effect Watson until the 90s ;)

[borgsta2006]

is it my tv or is that there is no commentary?

[roostersgal4eva]

Thought that comment Ponting made towards Mark Nicholas was a bit uncalled for.doesn't need to be a smart arse.
after the BS hes put up with he got every right to be a s***arse

HTFU

[Invigoration]

Strange couple of minutes...

[danielnajdek]

What did Ponting say to Nicholas??

From my desk at work I look over Bellerive oval... crowd looks pretty bloody small... at least in the Southern stand in which I have a clear view of... The Hill & Members would no doubt be close to full...

Very over cast sky.. should clear by the second session...

Well he won the toss and chose to bat. Then when Nicholas was starting to interview him and said something along the lines of "happy with that decision".

[alfy!]

Nice from Watson. Aamer bowls 5 good balls, all left alone, and then over pitches, which is driven for four.

[danielnajdek]

how long does it take for them to review.

[aussie1st]

Ages but good review in the end.

[damochandler]

a good review.

ponting needs to get and score some runs today. that's all he has to do, is just get in and he will score runs. i still think that elbow is troubling him

[danielnajdek]

There should be a time limit.

[PHX]

FFS Tony, we understand it, now STFU.

[Cousin Jed]

There is - its just too vague, and the umpires are reluctant to enforce it.

[PHX]

Lol, straight down his throat.

[Plugger35]

Ponting dropped off a sitter. He should've swallowed that.

Lucky break for Ponting, pretty dumb shot.

[aussie1st]

Poor Asif, Ponting very lucky there.

[damochandler]

ponting use to be the best puller and hooker in the game

[damochandler]

FFS Tony, we understand it, now STFU.


what was the flog trying to explain the review system again, even though everyone knows how it wors now

[krisholio14]

I swear Asif is going to murder one or two of his teammates before this tour is out.

[danielnajdek]

Why does ponting continue to hook in the air. Hit it to ground first.

[Invigoration]

Terrible catching effort, but seriously what the **** is Ponting doing?
Would have been the 3rd time in as many games that he just spooned a catch down square leg's throat.

Does he not see the fieldsmen out there or something?

[King Elvis]

There is - its just too vague, and the umpires are reluctant to enforce it.

The Umpires refuse to take control of the Cricket anymore, it's pathetic.

[JUBJUB]

Lol, straight down his throat.

Is Kamran Akmal the Pakistan fielding coach ?

[GreekLunatic]

If the Pakis held their catches they would have been a good side. How can he drop that sitter.

[Plugger35]

There should be a time limit.

Yeah I agree, although the captain still needs some time to find out if it is worth reviewing or not. With only two incorrect referrals allowed you can't afford to waste them.

[jko'neal]

Is Kamran Akmal the Pakistan fielding coach ?

:D:D:D That's gotta be at least the 500th dropped catch against our guys in the last 10 to 15 years.:thumbsu:

[Cousin Jed]

Ponting has a short ball problem. [/Phil Hughes]

[Spikey]

Ponting has a short ball problem. [/Phil Hughes]

:thumbsu:

hjhj

[Punchy Bassett]

Did Aamer blow a kiss after dropping that sitter?

[Jimthegreat]

There should be a time limit.I thought there was an 8 second time limit. Like anything, never enforced. These blokes have a tea and scones committee meeting before deciding. They should've been told by the umpire to get stuffed.

[omit]

Asif needs to teach me how he gets the ball to cut back in like that

[PHX]

Can we get Bill in the commentary box to shut Tony up, please?

[Cousin Jed]

How many times has he talked about the Derwent?

Judging by Asif and the recent success of Peter George of SA, bowlers with a bit of height and nip are having the most success at Hobart so far this season

[Axel.]

Hussey to get another good score. :thumbsu:

[HBF]

Bloody hell. Watson OUT, and we're 2/52, with Ponting out of form still at the crease. Still, has been a very intriging first 80 or so minutes of the Test Match.

[damochandler]

time for another ton by Mr. Hussey. he loveds playing at this ground that is for sure

[Plugger35]

Pakistan finally catch one.

Pretty good start for Pakistan, would have been even better if they hadn't of dropped Ponting.

[jko'neal]

I thought there was an 8 second time limit. Like anything, never enforced. These blokes have a tea and scones committee meeting before deciding. They should've been told by the umpire to get stuffed.

Spot on, the umps need to take control of the games more and tell all involved to speed things up, and that includes batsman. You don't have to walk the pitch and pat dirt every ball, that's just utter crap.

[alfy!]

Love to see Ponting continue to close his eyes and swing at the short ball. :/

[HBF]

What the hell was that Ponting? :eek:
Might be time to put the pull stroke away for a little while, until the elbow improves.

[nicko99]

ponting toes a hook shot attempt falling short of the slips

[Funkalicous]

Can someone tell Justin Langer to turn it up?... seriously!

[sherb]

What the hell was that Ponting? :eek:
Might be time to put the pull stroke away for a little while, until the elbow improves.
Or at least stop playing it so early in his innings, instead waiting until he is completely settled in before taking on the short ball.

[The Falcon Strike]

Watson and Katich out of form?

Let's bring back Boon and Marsh:thumbsu:

[legend166]

3 down here. Big 100 for Ponting coming up.

[Cousin Jed]

Nice catch Akmal Ahmed

1 out, all out.

[Sealz]

hussey GONE!!

[Axel.]

Hussey out now. :thumbsd:

[Plugger35]

No lives for Hussey this time.

The Pakistan bowlers must be glad they finally have a keeper that can catch.

[DamoESP]

Ponting and Clarke need to consolidate here, we need a captains knock from both of them.

[Punchy Bassett]

No lives for Hussey this time.

The Pakistan bowlers must be glad they finally have a keeper that can catch.

If they played him last test we could well have been looking at a series loss right about now!

[nicko99]

ponting hit on the ear attempting to hook the ball againn

[Cousin Jed]

So not only are the short balls getting him out

They've now hit him in the elbow and head.

[Woosh24]

Ponting's going to get himself killed if he doesnt put his hook/pull away.

His reflexs are not what they used to be.

[OzBomber]

I really think Ponting should put away the pull shot. He is really struggling right now. Like Slater or someone said before, put it away until he's atleast 50 until he's got his eye in and feet moving. It's just sad to see Punter struggling.

[legend166]

How many times does Ponting have to get hit on the head before he can put that shot away?

I think there's a bit of ego involved here.

[Milo the border collie]

He should be out already too. Punter does have an ego but he's not pretty stuff to watch.

[Woosh24]

How many times does Ponting have to get hit on the head before he can put that shot away?

I think there's a bit of ego involved here.

Of course there's ego there, he's been one of the best bats of the last quarter of a century.

Gee Healy shits me, Ponting has never played the pull shot in the orthodox manner, that is back and across, he has always pulled off the front foot.

I give Clarke about 2 more overs.

[skipper kelly]

Bar the over rate that was a great session of test cricket. Seaming pitch with 3 good bowlers using it well. Some great shots from Watson, and an enthralling battle with an out of touch legend. Loving it.

[OzBomber]

Of course there's ego there, he's been one of the best bats of the last quarter of a century.

Gee Healy shits me, Ponting has never played the pull shot in the orthodox manner, that is back and across, he has always pulled off the front foot.

I give Clarke about 2 more overs.
He's got a point though, his head is all over the place. Just watch some videos on youtube and you'll see that his head is right over the ball by the end of the stroke. Yes he's always had that unordox approach sometimes, but he hasn't gotten right in behind the ball like he used to.

Example.
HX1yvFR-bJ4
ClNsK1bX23A

[Spikey]

Y'all weak ****s, telling him to put the pull away :rolleyes: Keep the pull shot. Makes for good cricket.

[Plugger35]

Ponting very lucky to still be there, I doubt he has made an uglier 26 runs in his whole career.

He could well end up making a big score though, it seems to be his day like it was with Hussey in Sydney.

[Wish Wellingtons]

Anyone else Watson botch up his explanation of reverse swing? Found that pretty funny, I'm not surprised Watson uses a 2"10 would be interesting to find out what other players use... I bet Clarke's is no more than 2"7

[Woosh24]

Cringeworthy stuff on the cricket show right now with some hideous tap group.

[Spikey]

SOMEONE FIND THAT VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

fgfg

(da wedding one)

[nicko99]

Anyone else Watson botch up his explanation of reverse swing? Found that pretty funny, I'm not surprised Watson uses a 2"10 would be interesting to find out what other players use... I bet Clarke's is no more than 2"7

Yeah I was going to bring that up... When the ball is reverse swinging the shiny side is the side the ball will swing

[Invigoration]

SOMEONE FIND THAT VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

fgfg

(da wedding one)

SBB6pmixR4Q

The best man, the better man!

[Wish Wellingtons]

I think a bit of spin will not worry ponting in the slightest.

[danielnajdek]

When we lose this fourth wicket you can just about write down five. Unless we're 4-300 otherwise North won't perform under pressure.

[Whiskers]

Again a long time to decide to review it, not out

[Cousin Jed]

We could be 4/151

[thefamilyguy]

Did anyone else think that Ponting edged that appeal ball? When they showed hot-spot i saw a slight white mark on the edge of his bat??

[outabounds]

My word they are in love with Asif. i have to concede he makes the ball talk.

[OzBomber]

Did anyone else think that Ponting edged that appeal ball? When they showed hot-spot i saw a slight white mark on the edge of his bat??
That would've been from a previous shot. There's no way that ball would've hit that much of the bat without any deviation.

[Jimthegreat]

These blokes can seriously bowl. You get runs against these guys and you've done well. As good as any attack going around.

They seriously can't catch though.

Boy is Ponting having a tough time out there. Hanging in though....just.

[OzBomber]

Did anyone else think that Ponting edged that appeal ball? When they showed hot-spot i saw a slight white mark on the edge of his bat??
That probably would've been a cherry from a previous shot. There's no way that ball would've hit that much of the bat without any deviation.

[HBF]

Did anyone else think that Ponting edged that appeal ball? When they showed hot-spot i saw a slight white mark on the edge of his bat??

Same. I thought I saw something on the edge on Pontings bat also.

[damochandler]

it certainly is a struggle for the batter and it's good bowling the pakistanis

[Spikey]

We could be 4/151

Could be 4 for under 150 though.

[King Elvis]

Or at least stop playing it so early in his innings, instead waiting until he is completely settled in before taking on the short ball.

I think that's the biggest problem - he's so keen to prove he can still play the shot and set the tone, basically try and warn the bowlers off bowling short to him by putting a couple away, that he's hooking/pulling too early and in some instances where he normally wouldn't.

I'd like to see Punter let a few sail past his head, just to make the statement he wont be sucked in, then when he's settled and got his eye in, go after them.

No way do I want to see him stop playing those shots.

[outabounds]

Ponting is starting to put it together.

[The Reaper]

I think that's the biggest problem - he's so keen to prove he can still play the shot and set the tone, basically try and warn the bowlers off bowling short to him by putting a couple away, that he's hooking/pulling too early and in some instances where he normally wouldn't.

I'd like to see Punter let a few sail past his head, just to make the statement he wont be sucked in, then when he's settled and got his eye in, go after them.

No way do I want to see him stop playing those shots.

Exactly

Now that he is 35 he can no longer do that.

If he bats with in himself he can still score heavily.

[Wish Wellingtons]

Aamer must being feeling great right now...

[TheBrownDog]

Glorious cover drive.

Is there a more attractive shot in the game?

[HBF]

Ponting starting to find the middle of the bat. Both players are looking pretty good out there now.

[smasha]

Only need around 300.

[Wish Wellingtons]

Glorious cover drive.

Is there a more attractive shot in the game?

A Shane Watson on-drive comes close....