View Full Version : TOUR MATCH: AUSTRALIA A vs ENGLAND, BELLERIVE OVAL (WED-SAT)
stmookeyj
15 Nov 2010, 16:50
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/l_5a6978923cef474c8fae405a7298e00b.png
The final tuneup in so many ways for so many players on either side. In the past this game was slotted in and the English played it as if they could not give 2 hoots about it. This time however, they may be on their guard considering the stakes for so many of the A Team.
Starting with the visitors and their plan to send their first choice attack up north to Brisbane is in operation (don't ask which flight it is). Therefore there will be no Anderson, Broad, Finn or Swann for England. In their place will be Bresnan, Tremlett, Ajmal Shazad (who is called up from their "spare parts" Academy side for this game - the main squad only has 5 quicks) and Panesar. Speculation also that Paul Collingwood will be given a spell in order for the side to accomodate the Irishman Eoin Morgan to bat at #6, although there are no such plans to rest Matt Prior as far as I'm aware of meaning Steve Davies continues his role as The Contiki Man.
In the wake of the Australian squad being named for the first test earlier today (Monday), several players now have the chance to try to knock some of the established stars out of the side. There have been 2 changes to the A team side since it was named last week, with injured pair Shaun Marsh (back strain suffered during the SL ODI series) and Mitchell Starc (side strain playing for NSW against Vic last weekend) being replaced by Ed Cowan and Clint McKay who comes in for original replacement Ryan Harris who took 9 Tasmanian wickets at the same venue last week as he tries to jump the queue into the test team (or at least he would have if his knee wasn't playing up). 3 players in this game (Smith, Ferguson and Khawaja) are going to be the players under the most scrutiny having been also named in the 17 for next week at this stage.
TEAMS
AUSTRALIA A: Cameron WHITE (C), Phillip HUGHES, Ed COWAN, Usman KHAWAJA, Callum FERGUSON, Tim PAINE, Steven SMITH, Steve O'KEEFE, Mark CAMERON, Peter GEORGE, Clint McKAY (12th To Be Determined, there were only 11 named!?)
ENGLAND (FROM): Andrew STRAUSS (C), Alastair COOK, Jonathan TROTT, Kevin PIETERSEN, Ian BELL, Paul COLLINGWOOD, Eion MORGAN, Matt PRIOR, Steve DAVIES, Ajmal SHAZAD, Chris TREMLETT, Tim BRESNAN, Monty PANESAR
COVERAGE
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/141/m_8a4524a174cf4f1da0f59f8a8246c6df.png No you're not seeing things, LIVE coverage on each day from 10:30 AM AEDST (10:00 SA, 9:30 Qld, 9:00 NT, 7:30 WA). Gem is Channel 80 on Digital for those wondering, it's just a simulcast of Channel 9 in HD for this telecast.
Not sure what ABC Radio are doing but keep tuned at least to Digital who may have coverage. Saturday should at least see coverage on Local Radio during Grandstand. ABC Radio are very slow in giving us broadcast details (always stuck on last week).......
Cricinfo and Cricket Australia will have their scorecards up as well.
Harris won't play, so hopefully they give someone like Copeland a go.
Damn shame Haze and Starc are injured.
stmookeyj
15 Nov 2010, 17:41
Harris won't play, so hopefully they give someone like Copeland a go.
Damn shame Haze and Starc are injured.
You're right, Knee problem for Harris and Clint McKay is called up.
aussie1st
15 Nov 2010, 17:48
Yep only 11 players so probably getting a local Tassie player to fill in as 12th man.
Selective Retention
15 Nov 2010, 17:50
EDIT: Yes stmookeyj is right, it's McKay for Harris. I remembered reading he had been replaced, just not who.
Odds on Lockyear for 12th man.
eddiesmith
15 Nov 2010, 18:30
Not sure how much can be read into this game with England sending a 2nd choice attack and none of the Australia A attack being considered at all in the test picture for the short term future
ManWithNoName
15 Nov 2010, 19:08
Big chance for Khawaja and Ferguson. Especially if one of North or Hussey fail in the next Shield game.
Special Agent Utah
15 Nov 2010, 20:58
Rapt that Cowan has been given a go. Really rate this bloke.
Lazarus
15 Nov 2010, 21:16
Go T-Paine!
jimmy_clement#8
15 Nov 2010, 21:22
Here we go.
England's first choice attack goes to Brisbane early, this is the time for Khawaja and/or Ferguson to make runs, which if they are worthy 1st test candidates, they should/will.
So the onus is on monsieurs North and Hussey to make a score against the Vics attack, which shouldn't be a walk in the park.
Might we therefore get a situation where the selectors finally give, and make a bold selection move?
krusden
16 Nov 2010, 09:31
Here we go.
England's first choice attack goes to Brisbane early, this is the time for Khawaja and/or Ferguson to make runs, which if they are worthy 1st test candidates, they should/will.
So the onus is on monsieurs North and Hussey to make a score against the Vics attack, which shouldn't be a walk in the park.
Might we therefore get a situation where the selectors finally give, and make a bold selection move?
not before the first test I don't think. even if north and hussey make first ball ducks neither will be dropped IMO.
OzBomber
16 Nov 2010, 10:44
It's on TV? That's brilliant from Ch9. :thumbsu:
stmookeyj
16 Nov 2010, 10:58
It's on TV? That's brilliant from Ch9. :thumbsu:
A pleasant surprise, normally Fox covers these sorts of games.
The Master88
16 Nov 2010, 11:57
A pleasant surprise, normally Fox covers these sorts of games.
Channel Nine used to show all the Australia A warm up games
Great work from Channel 9, very happy.
grimlock
16 Nov 2010, 13:54
Hold onto those plaudits, it's no longer on GEM (i.e. no longer HD)
http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2010/11/just-not-cricket-on-gem.html
OzBomber
16 Nov 2010, 14:10
Meh. Well done ch9 still.
grimlock
16 Nov 2010, 14:49
Forget that, the TV guide site stuffed it up. (and me too :D))
White needs to perform here, wasn't happy with his effort against NSW which crushed his chances for the first test. Hopefully he leads from the front here, would be good if they knocked England over.
legend166
17 Nov 2010, 07:07
Did we find out if the ABC are covering this on the radio? Being at work is depressing.
gbatman
17 Nov 2010, 07:07
great to see it on 9, cant understand why mcdonald is not in the a side though
Cousin Jed
17 Nov 2010, 07:22
Did we find out if the ABC are covering this on the radio? Being at work is depressing.
Grandstand Digital Radio
legend166
17 Nov 2010, 07:28
Grandstand Digital Radio
I assume they stream that online?
BarneyBent
17 Nov 2010, 08:40
Nice to see Hughes and Cowan reunited at the top of the order. :)
And I jinxed it. Shit, Hughes is looking badly out of touch. No confidence with his strokes.
grimlock
17 Nov 2010, 08:44
Oh dear. Good work in destroying Hughes, Hilditch.
Santana
17 Nov 2010, 08:45
His confidence is shot. I'm not sure why people were picking him in their team for the GABBA Test. He shouldn't be anywhere near the 1st team right now.
BarneyBent
17 Nov 2010, 08:48
His confidence is shot. I'm not sure why people were picking him in their team for the GABBA Test. He shouldn't be anywhere near the 1st team right now.
He was in reasonable form towards the end of last season, and his last Test innings produced 86*. Only now is it clear just how out of touch and nervous he is.
EDIT: And this pitch is doing some crazy things right now. Serious, serious green top. I bet SOK was wishing he was playing for NSW this week. He'd have a much better chance of pushing for Test selection.
I assume they stream that online?
The regular grandstand stream has it.
Paste into your media player: mms://media3.abc.net.au/www5
legend166
17 Nov 2010, 08:54
The guy commentating on the radio speaks like Tony Abbot and it is so painful.
"The...uh....bowler...um...comes into bowl to....uh....Khawaja....on this...um....green top wicket....uh"
Cousin Jed
17 Nov 2010, 08:56
Must be Peter Newlands...
jonesy86
17 Nov 2010, 09:00
Hughes is a shadow of his former self.
pacemaker
17 Nov 2010, 09:01
Really makes you think how I could have been mixing it with some of these Australia A boys. I can always do a Hussy and debut late.
legend166
17 Nov 2010, 09:03
Must be Peter Newlands...
That's the one.
Gotta have talent to debut late.
Goldencats
17 Nov 2010, 09:13
Geez hasn't Hughes gone backwards at a massive rate, he's been really disappointing, it's pretty clear now why he didn't make the Ashes squad
western royboy
17 Nov 2010, 09:15
Phil Hughes's dodgy technique is always a chance of being exposed on a track with something in it particularly by a tall bowler ie. Harmison, Tremlett.
Agree his confidence is shot.
On the other hand Khawaja has a chance to push his case for inclusion by showing his excellent technique on a track offering assistance.
Ignore Technique at your peril!
fightingfury_88
17 Nov 2010, 09:15
I know this is late but.... holy crap this game is on Channel 9! Loving it. :)
BarneyBent
17 Nov 2010, 09:19
Phil Hughes's dodgy technique is always a chance of being exposed on a track with something in it particularly by a tall bowler ie. Harmison, Tremlett.
Agree his confidence is shot.
On the other hand Khawaja has a chance to push his case for inclusion by showing his excellent technique on a track offering assistance.
Ignore Technique at your peril!
The thing is, Hughes has plundered runs on dodgy pitches plenty of times in the past. It has never been a problem for him before. He made plenty of runs against tall, bouncy bowlers on helpful pitches in South Africa.
The problem is that his confidence is shot, which means he can't fall back on technique to get him out of trouble. If he was playing with conviction, he would have played that defensive with a solid, straight bat. His feet would have been all over the place, but his bat would have been still. As it was, the bat traced a curve as it was shoved hurriedly down, and as a result snuck inside the ball and got a nice clean nick through to the slips.
It's also a ridiculously green pitch. Both Khawaja and Cowan could have been out for similar scores by this point.
TassieSaint
17 Nov 2010, 09:28
Stupid to blame the selectors for Hughes poor form. If he loses all confidence for an extended period of time just from getting dropped once then he doesn't have the temperment for test cricket. Plenty (most even?) of the great batsmen get dropped early in their career. Why is that an excuse for his terrible form?
Khawaja and Cowan have both looked good at times so far but been beaten a fair few times each. Shazad (sp?) is bowling well though, don't rate Tremlett.
As I write Shazad gets Khawaja, a deserved wicket
legend166
17 Nov 2010, 09:29
Dammit Khawaja.
fightingfury_88
17 Nov 2010, 09:29
There goes Usman. He never looked comfortable facing Shahzad either. Good bowling from him.
BarneyBent
17 Nov 2010, 09:30
Stupid to blame the selectors for Hughes poor form. If he loses all confidence for an extended period of time just from getting dropped once then he doesn't have the temperment for test cricket. Plenty (most even?) of the great batsmen get dropped early in their career. Why is that an excuse for his terrible form?
Khawaja and Cowan have both looked good at times so far but been beaten a fair few times each. Shazad (sp?) is bowling well though, don't rate Tremlett.
As I write Shazad gets Khawaja, a deserved wicket
It's not about being dropped, it's the manner in which it happened. He was dropped while averaging over 50 for vague reasons regarding his technique. It would have completely undermined his confidence in his technique. If it was just "you're not quite good enough yet, keep plugging away and you'll be back soon", then I doubt he'd be too worried, but it was more than that.
aussie1st
17 Nov 2010, 09:31
Dam was hoping for a big Khawaja score but was always going to be difficult for him on this track.
BarneyBent
17 Nov 2010, 09:34
Dam was hoping for a big Khawaja score but was always going to be difficult for him on this track.
Difficult for everybody. Anybody that makes a big score today will be doing very well indeed. Most of Cowan's runs have come from edges through slip. Ferguson almost got done first ball, just managing an inside edge.
And now Ferguson gone, edging yet another ball which has moved a mile. Time for White to shine?
legend166
17 Nov 2010, 09:37
Far out, every time Ferguson gets a chance to press for a spot after Khawaja fails, he stuffs it up.
You'd think Steve Smith is the only chance to get in now.
Oh god. I hope Hussey and North fail.
grimlock
17 Nov 2010, 09:38
Oh god. I hope Hussey and North fail.
Looks like a good batting pitch in Melbourne, whereas greentops in Hobart and Sydney.
BarneyBent
17 Nov 2010, 09:39
Shit, this pitch is ****ed. See that ball?
western royboy
17 Nov 2010, 09:39
The thing is, Hughes has plundered runs on dodgy pitches plenty of times in the past. It has never been a problem for him before. He made plenty of runs against tall, bouncy bowlers on helpful pitches in South Africa.
The problem is that his confidence is shot, which means he can't fall back on technique to get him out of trouble. If he was playing with conviction, he would have played that defensive with a solid, straight bat. His feet would have been all over the place, but his bat would have been still. As it was, the bat traced a curve as it was shoved hurriedly down, and as a result snuck inside the ball and got a nice clean nick through to the slips.
It's also a ridiculously green pitch. Both Khawaja and Cowan could have been out for similar scores by this point.
My specific technical issue with Phil Hughes is that his back foot goes to the leg side. Once their you really have nowhere to go if it's fast and rising at you. If he can correct this he will be a different player.
What's this...
MIKE Hussey may be only days away from being dropped for new batting gun Usman Khawaja but Australia's feast-or-famine man Marcus North has been assured his Ashes spot is safe.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/the-ashes/australia-poised-to-drop-mike-hussey-for-new-batting-gun-usman-khawaja/story-fn67x93d-1225954573136
aussie1st
17 Nov 2010, 09:42
Missing the days where we could say x youngster performed on a bowling track. Hughes did it before he was picked at this very ground in very similar conditions.
BarneyBent
17 Nov 2010, 09:42
My specific technical issue with Phil Hughes is that his back foot goes to the leg side. Once their you really have nowhere to go if it's fast and rising at you. If he can correct this he will be a different player.
This is true but he used to rely on his judgement and eye, and it worked for him. Now he's not trusting himself and playing everything late, which is exposing his technical flaws.
Anyway, carn Whitey. I can't see Cowan being seriously considered for the Test side any time soon, but hopefully White can put some pressure on.
Cowan doing what he does best; Sticking around.
tough conditions but those hopefuls failed against a second 11 england attack. where were these excuses when australia played pakistan on a green seamer. harden up
White is the man, and this is his chance.
Plugger35
17 Nov 2010, 09:46
Good toss for England to win on a green top. Pretty harsh for the likes of Khawaja and Ferguson who need big scores here to push for a test spot.
That Shazad looks an impressive bowler, would have to be close to getting a test spot.
TassieSaint
17 Nov 2010, 09:46
It's not about being dropped, it's the manner in which it happened. He was dropped while averaging over 50 for vague reasons regarding his technique. It would have completely undermined his confidence in his technique. If it was just "you're not quite good enough yet, keep plugging away and you'll be back soon", then I doubt he'd be too worried, but it was more than that.
He was dropped because his technique is dodgy, he failed in the first test and Watson was thought to be (and proved to be) a better option.In other words, he wasn't good enough . Sure it was harsh but shit happens. Since then he's got another test, multiple Aus A games and plenty of time in the Shield he used to dominate but he's done nothing and been completely outperformed by for example Cowan who previously couldn't get a game at NSW because of him. I understand it'd be shattering to be dropped but if you can't work back from it then you don't deserve to play test cricket.
I hope the selectors take into account the pitch when considering the batsmens performance. I was really hoping someone would force their way into our middle order, but can't see any big scores happening atm.
White is the man, and this is his chance.
Chance for what, he isn't even in the squad.
grimlock
17 Nov 2010, 09:49
I see Paine is listed at 6 and Smith at 7. Puzzling.
Chance for what, he isn't even in the squad.
The squad for the first test..
What about the the other 4.
western royboy
17 Nov 2010, 09:51
I see Paine is listed at 6 and Smith at 7. Puzzling.
Haddin bats above Smith for NSW, I'll be interested to see how Smith goes on this pitch.
BarneyBent
17 Nov 2010, 09:54
Haddin bats above Smith for NSW, I'll be interested to see how Smith goes on this pitch.
Only somtimes. Smith generally batted at 5 for NSW last year, and came in before Haddin in second innings of the last Shield game.
**** me, this pitch is hellish.
Khawaja should be in anyway, kid can play. **** you CA you mob of soft****s. Get the guns in.
eddiesmith
17 Nov 2010, 09:58
This is true but he used to rely on his judgement and eye, and it worked for him. Now he's not trusting himself and playing everything late, which is exposing his technical flaws.
Anyway, carn Whitey. I can't see Cowan being seriously considered for the Test side any time soon, but hopefully White can put some pressure on.
Or maybe its just that other sides hadnt picked up on his obvious flaws as he had played so few games outside the SCG when picked that he is now being worked over because everyone knows how to get him cheaply
Did Hughes go back on work on his technique? His footwork looked out of sorts on the ball that got him, but nothing looked too different in his innings.
fightingfury_88
17 Nov 2010, 10:01
You know you are in trouble when Monty starts taking one handers.
legend166
17 Nov 2010, 10:04
Why is Paine coming in ahead of Smith?
I mean, one of the selectors (I think it was Chappell) came out and said they were looking at Smith to play as a batsman who can bowl. Why put him behind the wicket keeper?
kenrosewall
17 Nov 2010, 10:04
Butterworth for the 1st Test!
Tang is ripping it up at the SCG dismissing both Test openers!:thumbsu:
western royboy
17 Nov 2010, 10:05
Or maybe its just that other sides hadnt picked up on his obvious flaws as he had played so few games outside the SCG when picked that he is now being worked over because everyone knows how to get him cheaply
Fairly accurate IMO added to that not everyone has a bowler of the ilk that can really exploit it.
western royboy
17 Nov 2010, 10:07
Did Hughes go back on work on his technique? His footwork looked out of sorts on the ball that got him, but nothing looked too different in his innings.
Not from what I've seen.
grimlock
17 Nov 2010, 10:11
Why is Paine coming in ahead of Smith?
I mean, one of the selectors (I think it was Chappell) came out and said they were looking at Smith to play as a batsman who can bowl. Why put him behind the wicket keeper?
This is going to be a problem for Smith, if he's going to be seen as the all-rounder. His atting record at first-class level dwarfs that of Paine. You wouldn't expect to see the likes Ferguson, North or White batting at 7, so why Smith?
BarneyBent
17 Nov 2010, 10:14
I had a premonition White would get out to that delivery. ****.
Simon_Nesbit
17 Nov 2010, 10:14
5/66
Great bowling, great pitch. If only more games could be like this. Exposing some SERIOUS technical flaws in the Aussie's batting so far.
White gone, not a good morning for Australia A.
Plugger35
17 Nov 2010, 10:15
5/66, could be a sub 100 total here.
tazzietiger
17 Nov 2010, 10:19
c'mon Paine and Smith get a partnership happening.
mattymac
17 Nov 2010, 10:22
That Shazad looks an impressive bowler, would have to be close to getting a test spot.
they reckon he's on the radar for the adelaide test. can get good reverse
Notorious_29
17 Nov 2010, 10:25
Wow, pretty pathetic effort, no one wants to put their hand up. Pitch looks to be doing a bit but still someone needs to stick their head down.
legend166
17 Nov 2010, 10:28
Steve Smith to get a hundred and force himself into the Australian team.
Hazlewood would've been a demon on this deck. Mind you these conditions are rare.
mattymac
17 Nov 2010, 10:29
pitch is deadly. heavy swinging conditions for the poms again too. straussy's prolly starting to think hold on boys, slow down we don't wanna bat on this just yet:D
western royboy
17 Nov 2010, 10:29
5/66
Great bowling, great pitch. If only more games could be like this. Exposing some SERIOUS technical flaws in the Aussie's batting so far.
Topic for another thread but you have hit on a sore point of mine. In Premier Cricket we have the regional round where District sides get rolled for under 100 regularly. I'm sure some are some ordinary decks but as you get higher up the food chain the decks get better and better.
Test cricket is nowadays mostly played on highways or tracks with little in them. Technique gets highlighted on the wickets like the one we are seeing. This is obviously extreme but it's good to watch a contest in th bowlers favour.
BarneyBent
17 Nov 2010, 10:44
Would have loved to see Copeland on this deck. Would suit him perfectly, he's a seam upright bowler that would have got deadly movement into the righties/away from the lefites.
If Khawaja struggled on this deck, conditions are tough. No doubt White and Hughes were exposed though; speaking of which, Hughes looks as down on confidence as I've ever seen him. Not good.
eddiesmith
17 Nov 2010, 10:55
lol, Khawaja struggles everywhere outside of the Adelaide Oval
Hussey goes for a duck in the shield game, lets see how North goes. Khawaja and Ferguson will be looking to take advantage in the 2nd innings.
lol, Khawaja struggles everywhere outside of the Adelaide Oval
**** off.
Khawaja's a good kid, can play. With Hussey gawn for zilch we'll hopefully see the Usburger line up.
BarneyBent
17 Nov 2010, 11:03
lol, Khawaja struggles everywhere outside of the Adelaide Oval
Eddie, seriously, your anti-NSW bias embarassing. Khawaja has scored runs everywhere. He, like every batsman in existence, likes the Adelaide oval a bit more than others, and scored a fantastic double ton there. Tell me, how many double tons has White scored there?
eddiesmith
17 Nov 2010, 11:03
**** off.
Khawaja's a good kid, can play. With Hussey gawn for zilch we'll hopefully see the Usburger line up.
So you keep telling us, yet hasnt done anything the last few weeks when a spot has been there for the taking, actually done nothing outside of a 200 in Adelaide which is pretty common
Cousin Jed
17 Nov 2010, 11:06
lol, Khawaja struggles everywhere outside of the Adelaide Oval
That would explain why he got his first Shield century at the Gabba
Bomber Bears
17 Nov 2010, 11:07
He got 60 on a track where queensland got rolled for less that 100 twice.
Of the wickets
- Both Khawaja and Fergusson got done by good bowling, both cracker deliveries.
- Cowan unlucky, thought that was four runs, great catch.
- Whites was pretty ugly, as was Hughes.
Carn Smith
mattymac
17 Nov 2010, 11:09
god its almost embarrassing watching hussey's demise. shoulda known when to do the team thing and step aside
eddiesmith
17 Nov 2010, 11:09
Eddie, seriously, your anti-NSW bias embarassing. Khawaja has scored runs everywhere. He, like every batsman in existence, likes the Adelaide oval a bit more than others, and scored a fantastic double ton there. Tell me, how many double tons has White scored there?
Everywhere? He has never scored runs in Hobart despite this being his 4th match down there, he has never scored runs on the MCG
Be alot like Hughes when he debuted, havent been around long and havent played in many different places
One thing going for him is runs in Brisbane which has been pretty flat in recent years, although Hodgey had more runs in 1 innings than Khawajas first couple of games there :D
Michael Klinger has a double century in Adelaide, lets pick him and he didnt get to make it against SA ;)
Stan Van Gundy
17 Nov 2010, 11:18
Carn paine
lol, White struggles anywhere near the off stump
aussie1st
17 Nov 2010, 11:34
Geez Smith is exciting to watch, hope he gets the runs today.
Selective Retention
17 Nov 2010, 11:37
Khawaja the only batsman from the australian squad in double figures so far today :D :o
If White didn't have his name blacklisted, he does now. Typical dismissal for him.
Paine and Smith looking ok at least.
BarneyBent
17 Nov 2010, 11:38
Khawaja the only batsman from the australian squad in double figures so far today :D :o
Smith?
stmookeyj
17 Nov 2010, 11:40
Khawaja the only batsman from the australian squad in double figures so far today :D :o
But 13 won't be anywhere near enough to warrant a spot. A solid 30-40 would have been what he needed and may need in the 2nd dig to get close.
his 13 is 13 more than hussey scored tbf