T20 World Cup Day 20 4/11. Australia v Afghanistan 1830hrs @ Adelaide Oval

[Football Smith]

Has anyone come out and officially said why Starc was left out last night? If he wasn't injured, it is a disgrace.

This team has low standards and selects nice guys first. You're not a serious cricket team if you select captain woke over Starc in a T20.

We don't deserve to be anywhere near the semi finals.

 

[Burtonsgottago]

Poor tactical game from the Aussies. Surely in a game where RR matters Maxwell comes in earlier? Little variation from the bowlers was terrible. Don’t deserve to make semis. CA with its paywall and lack of advertising has killed this tournamen.t. Disaster.

 

[JUSTWORK]

Poor tactical game from the Aussies. Surely in a game where RR matters Maxwell comes in earlier? Little variation from the bowlers was terrible. Don’t deserve to make semis. CA with its paywall and lack of advertising has killed this tournamen.t. Disaster.

Absolutely.
Maxi should have opened with Warner, Starc should have been playing and we should have been aiming to bowl them out inside 10 overs.

 

[Zevon]

Fair. I had no issues with our batting, but I do agree there was some poor body language during the middle part of the Afghan batting. Maxy and Warner seem to be the only two playing with passion while we are fielding this tournament. Maxy cops a lot of s**t, but he’s had a decent enough tournament (especially with the ball and in the field and then with the bat last night) and clearly bleeds for his country.

Yeah agree with everything here, and yep I think the batting was fine on what was a tricky deck, especially against bowlers that were taking pace off

 

[Westend]

Absolutely.
Maxi should have opened with Warner, Starc should have been playing and we should have been aiming to bowl them out inside 10 overs.

To be fair that was Maxwell first significant contribution with the bat in about 2 years and he was struggling with his batting this WC.....also he does have issues with pace ...so opening is probably out. I do think maxi should of stayed at four instead of smith though

I thought maybe stoinis due to his early form might of opened but they went greenie instead..fair enough

Agree that Starc should of played

 

[Westend]

Has anyone come out and officially said why Starc was left out last night? If he wasn't injured, it is a disgrace.

Best laid plans not enough to ensure Aussies progress | cricket.com.au

Assistant coach Dan Vettori explains why Mitchell Starc was dropped and Glenn Maxwell sheds light on…

www.cricket.com.au

 

[Westend]

They speak of the bad tempered gnome as if he was God's gift to cricket coaching

No need to body shame the bloke

 

[Westend]

No FTA coverage means no FTA advertising, same happened with ODI’s, I honestly didn’t even know the WC was on to a few days prior, greed.

18500 was a very poor turnout for a friday night in a major capital city for an Aussie match IMO

 

[Tugga27]

The garbage being put by our coaches etc is laughable.
Vettori "Kane was unlucky in his first over and missed his mark in the last two. Other than that, we got what we expected".
Ok, 1-48....

People saying our batting was Ok on a "tricky" surface.
We were at least 20 runs short of where we should've been.

George Bailey's position should be under question.
Three replacements and they all failed.

Agar has an economy rate of under 7 and continually gets overlooked for pace bowlers who get hammered.

Questions need to be asked.

 

[NYRB]

Reflecting again on last night, maybe Matthew Wade at whatever age he is, isn't that great a captain.

Gotta remember he has to have some role in the team selections. Not sure doing 3 major changes in a match like that, was possibly the right call?

Tactically , the batting order was questionable. In a game like that, you would think it was the opportunity for him to make a stance, and open the batting and set the example. Just me but maybe the captaincy got to Wade last night as well. One thing I wont question about Finch, is tactically he is usually pretty switched on and has a dare about him. Alot of the times the decisions he makes are usually right than wrong.

 

[BStaff17]

Reflecting again on last night, maybe Matthew Wade at whatever age he is, isn't that great a captain.

Gotta remember he has to have some role in the team selections. Not sure doing 3 major changes in a match like that, was possibly the right call?

Tactically , the batting order was questionable. In a game like that, you would think it was the opportunity for him to make a stance, and open the batting and set the example. Just me but maybe the captaincy got to Wade last night as well. One thing I wont question about Finch, is tactically he is usually pretty switched on and has a dare about him. Alot of the times the decisions he makes are usually right than wrong.

People may laugh but i reckon Maxwell should be the T20 captain.

At least he has experience with the stars and no matter how s**t maxy goes he is basically a lock.

Got what we deserved really didn't deserve to make semis. We lack a killer instinct atm in white ball cricket.

The great Australian teams in the past would have rolled Ireland for 70 odd the other night and would have been a completely different mindset last night being ahead of England on the NRR.

 

[Tugga27]

Reflecting again on last night, maybe Matthew Wade at whatever age he is, isn't that great a captain.

Gotta remember he has to have some role in the team selections. Not sure doing 3 major changes in a match like that, was possibly the right call?

Tactically , the batting order was questionable. In a game like that, you would think it was the opportunity for him to make a stance, and open the batting and set the example. Just me but maybe the captaincy got to Wade last night as well. One thing I wont question about Finch, is tactically he is usually pretty switched on and has a dare about him. Alot of the times the decisions he makes are usually right than wrong.

Seriously doubt Wade had any input in selections as a fill in captain for one game TBH.

The replacements for David and Finch pretty much picked themselves. Richardson for Starc was contentious.

I don't think the batting line up was that bad.
Losing Smith on the last ball of the power play hurt.

I honestly reckon a full strength Scorchers side would push the Aussies.

Reckon an attack of Richardson, Tye, Berehndorf, Agar and Green is arguably better than what was out there last night.

Hazelwood and amps are A graders only IMO.

 

[big_e]

18500 was a very poor turnout for a friday night in a major capital city for an Aussie match IMO

Especially when compared to the 25,000 on a Tuesday night to see Australia vs "Group A Qualifier" in Perth.

A crowd which everyone ripped into to.

 

[cricketnut14]

with the next T20 international being in late August (providing that was our last game of the tournament) it's a chance for some fringe players to stand up and put a good season of BBL together.

our T20 side in august could look somewhat different - predictions:
finch (retired)
wade (interesting one , seeing he was appointed captain last night) - if philppe has a good summer then he may replace both wade & finch.

selectors will semi-retire:
cummins (out - too busy capt test/odi' teams) may play time to time eg. in next T20 world cup or from time to time ?
smith - now time to move on from T20 - concentrate on tests/odi's - thought he may have had a good T20 WC , but overlooked - again he is about if required, but the preference seem to be big aggressive batting allrounders

end of the day this tournament is asking questions of the team on the back of the kiwi's pulling our pants down and having one bad day.
we'll never know if the wash out against england has also cost us , although if england don't qualify they could say the same thing (as well as the ireland hiccup).

 

[Stopher]

A very average tournament for the Aussies so far. If England win tonight, as expected, Australia can't complain about being hard done by.

The annoying thing is that in terms of format, it's just about the best I've seen. The group stage round robin feeding into the Super 12s, to then get a solid 5 games each, is brilliant.

The late additions to the S12 have been fairly competitive, plus the bigger teams have been afforded a stumble, with time to recover their tournament.

India, South Africa, New Zealand & England would make for a cracking set of semis though.

 

[NYRB]

with the next T20 international being in late August (providing that was our last game of the tournament) it's a chance for some fringe players to stand up and put a good season of BBL together.

our T20 side in august could look somewhat different - predictions:
finch (retired)
wade (interesting one , seeing he was appointed captain last night) - if philppe has a good summer then he may replace both wade & finch.

selectors will semi-retire:
cummins (out - too busy capt test/odi' teams) may play time to time eg. in next T20 world cup or from time to time ?
smith - now time to move on from T20 - concentrate on tests/odi's - thought he may have had a good T20 WC , but overlooked - again he is about if required, but the preference seem to be big aggressive batting allrounders

end of the day this tournament this tournament is asking questions of the team on the back of the kiwi's pulling our pants down and having one bad day.
we'll never know if the wash out against england has also cost us , although if england don't qualify they could say the same thing (as well as the ireland hiccup).

Cummins had a kid recently and its been of a coincidence that its also seen the start of his decline in this format of the game, T20 that is.

Priorities change, and for Cummins, Steve Smith to prolong their careers which more and more like it will be ODI cricket and Test cricket, they are going to have take the route Ben Stokes and possibly concentrate on 2 forms of the game (Boult I think also decided to stop test cricket). I think those two specifically would be foolish to think at their age and where they are at with their careers to think they can play every game for Australia in all formats. With the amount of cricket being played, you will be burn yourself out.

T20 Cricket is a young mans game now. Watching a lot of T20 cricket, the game is actually different to what it was say 10 years ago. Tactically teams have got better, you can very much beat any top 12 nation on your day. Yep you heard right. It shouldn't be now a surprise if an Ireland or and Afghanistan come and give us a close game in any conditions.

Things like : reflexes, fitness, life priorities, prolonging careers, other T20 franchise opportunities are all factors to name just a few.

 

[JUSTWORK]

To be fair that was Maxwell first significant contribution with the bat in about 2 years and he was struggling with his batting this WC.....also he does have issues with pace ...so opening is probably out. I do think maxi should of stayed at four instead of smith though

I thought maybe stoinis due to his early form might of opened but they went greenie instead..fair enough

Agree that Starc should of played

Thats fair, but theres no doubt how good he is when on and his epic 145 came when he opened the batting. Id of liked to see what sort of start he could have git us off to with the field in.

We really needed to win by 100+ so thats the sort of call we needed to make and have play off.

 

[NYRB]

Thats fair, but theres no doubt how good he is when on and his epic 145 came when he opened the batting. Id of liked to see what sort of start he could have git us off to with the field in.

We really needed to win by 100+ so thats the sort of call we needed to make and have play off.

I just had a quick look at his numbers. Do understand that his spinners very handy, but someone like him when he gets to bat, should be batting well at least once every 4 innings or so. It seems to me he fails more often the not. Seen him playing this reverse sweep, reverse slog of his, when he simply has the power to play a lot more conventionally.


He is approaching his mid 35 age bracket and one would doubt if the selectors would go for him as captain. I mean he probably has tops, 3 years good left in him I reckon. He might be a good choice of captain for the next 2-3 years though, given there isn't really anyone really knocking on the door at the moment.

 

[Westend]

Thats fair, but theres no doubt how good he is when on and his epic 145 came when he opened the batting. Id of liked to see what sort of start he could have git us off to with the field in.

We really needed to win by 100+ so thats the sort of call we needed to make and have play off.

Yeah he did but that was a few years ago so he has declined a bit...I just thought he should of stayed at four instead of smith

Stoin who has shown the only batter this wc to look in from ball one ...thought he was a better option...As stoin plays pace better and does struggle over the spin more than maxi in the middle orders.. Thought they would use maxi against Rashid as he has a good record against him

He played well though maxi good to see

 

[NYRB]

By batting well I dont mean you have to get a 50 every innings.

Sometimes I quick squiz at the innings, something like a 25 off 14 balls can be handy or a pass mark.

I think looking at averages alone in T20 can be deceiving, especially for middle order batsman. Ive watched a lot of Maxwell a lot and he is the most frustrating player to watch. The difference between his good and bad with the bat, is way too much.

A sign with the very good players, is usually the difference between their bad and good, are small.

 

[Aussie_boy]

People may laugh but i reckon Maxwell should be the T20 captain.

At least he has experience with the stars and no matter how s**t maxy goes he is basically a lock.

Got what we deserved really didn't deserve to make semis. We lack a killer instinct atm in white ball cricket.

The great Australian teams in the past would have rolled Ireland for 70 odd the other night and would have been a completely different mindset last night being ahead of England on the NRR.

If I'm CA I'm giving Maxwell the captaincy for 2 years til the next world cup and a 'blank canvas' where he can make adjustments that he deems necessary. Would probably be the best T20 brain in the country.

 

[JUSTWORK]

If I'm CA I'm giving Maxwell the captaincy for 2 years til the next world cup and a 'blank canvas' where he can make adjustments that he deems necessary. Would probably be the best T20 brain in the country.

Unfortunately the people at CA & the selectors are the biggest problem. They'd be more likely to give it to Cummins.

 

[Westend]

If I'm CA I'm giving Maxwell the captaincy for 2 years til the next world cup and a 'blank canvas' where he can make adjustments that he deems necessary. Would probably be the best T20 brain in the country.

Could be an option

Or alternatively they can look at Warner who has also been talked about having the best tactical brain in aussie cricket by his fellow peers....Retire Warner from tests and let him play t20..another option

I do find it ironic though that we have all jumped aboard the maxi train..you do understand that was basically Maxis first contribution for about two years in the t20 scene....his recent record has been average and he did not really contribute to last years World Cup

Last night if maxi got out cheaply which he has done lately....the talk would all be about dropping him

People only see what's in front of them i guess

 

[Beau_Waters for PM]

We just have to accept we're not very good at T20 currently.

And we must acknowledge that we were very fortunate in last year's WC. We kept winning the toss, and got to play Pakistan and the Kiwis in the finals who have a habit of choking in big games (and able to avoid England).

The squad needs a massive turnover and I feel we didn't as we wanted to reward last year's squad. Finch, Wade and Warner need to go, and we can't play Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood in the same squad. We need more variety.

It's a shame that this had to happen at home but it doesn't look like anyone really cared about the tournament anyway. One thing that concerned me however is our poor fielding. I hope the change in administration hasn't created a player-led friendly environment where we're not upholding high standards consistently. I don't want Langer back, but I just hope we have strong leadership. I'm probably just paranoid.

My thoughts exactly. I think we fooled ourselves thinking that because we won the last T20 WC that we didn't need to change the team. The selectors and players drank the kool-aid sadly.

Cummins and Starc in poor T20 form for quite a while. When we've got guys like Agar (playing a second spinner on some of these decks would have been ideal), Ellis (specialist death bowler) and Richo who deserve a go based on domestic T20 form.

The batting is a worry, obviously Finch was a real drag in most games with the bat. Getting 10-20 more balls each innings to guys like Stoinis, Wade, David in the tournament could have been a different outcome.

Or swapping Green in for Cummins or Starc gives us an extra bat, allowing our top and middle orders to play more freely.

They showed the catching %s and Australia were towards the bottom of the list. From memory we had caught 8 dropped 3 going into the final game, and I think Cummins was responsible for two of those. Took a tricky catch in this game though.

T20 is a hit and giggle game, but I felt the selectors let us down thinking that the XI and gameplan that worked in UAE could simply be repeated this time around. Classic leadership fail. And we too slow to adapt once it was clear that form of Finch, Starc, Cummins were poor (which, should have been decided before the WC and those guys not in the first XI).

 

[Beau_Waters for PM]

Apparently this happened tonight in Aussies 14th over:

I just checked this and it's legit. How does this happen?

That 3-run overthrow must've really thrown the umpire...