Analysis The Cricket Thread 2025/26

[_007_]

It’s annoying that we all have to vet any comments we make so carefully in case some obscure person might find a racist connotation.

Did you just assume my species.

 

[freoextra]

Strange this quote.
I read where Uzzie was full of praise for JL in telling him how good he was at playing spin.

Yeah, but also have read that JL was very strict on fitness and fielding and Uzzie was clearly lacking. Hence many speculated that he was left out on a number of series on this basis.

 

[Lach72]

So are we ready for two days of test cricket and 3 days of rain?

 

[King Huskii]

So are we ready for two days of test cricket and 3 days of rain?

An SCG special

Re runs of past tests because it's raining 🌧

 

[go_the_dockers]

 

[Purple_Turtle]

Starting well, but that is a very short line up of bowling options....

 

[Piggy Smalls]

So are we ready for two days of test cricket and 3 days of rain?

3 wickets in the first hour, so on track for a finish around lunchtime day 3

 

[Docker82]

Bizarre decision IMO.

Let's not pretend Green or Webster are even close to test standard with the ball.

 

[Purple_Turtle]

Bizarre decision IMO.

Let's not pretend Green or Webster are even close to test standard with the ball.

It's going to hurt us a lot if Root and Brook keep going. You'd think they'll break the game open if they're around much longer.

 

[go_the_dockers]

Bizarre decision IMO.

Let's not pretend Green or Webster are even close to test standard with the ball.

Or bat

 

[Docker82]

Or bat

At somewhere close to their best they can be test standard batters.

Bowling wise, I'm pretty sure we've seen enough from Green 2-3 times at test level and that's about it. Otherwise its the odd wicket here and there - useful stuff if you're a fifth bowler but not if you're one of the main four.

They're both batting all rounders and you don't pick batting all rounders at no.8.

 

[largebus]

Webster in instead of Murphy or whoever as spinner looking like a mistake so far

 

[Docker82]

Webster in instead of Murphy or whoever as spinner looking like a mistake so far

Got to pick your best four bowlers for the conditions. We haven't

 

[Chris25]

So many conservative calls at selection. Once again, under performing players are kept and no eye to the future.

But I’m sure it’s a good group of guys. Got to keep the friends all together.

 

[go_the_dockers]

At somewhere close to their best they can be test standard batters.

Bowling wise, I'm pretty sure we've seen enough from Green 2-3 times at test level and that's about it. Otherwise its the odd wicket here and there - useful stuff if you're a fifth bowler but not if you're one of the main four.

They're both batting all rounders and you don't pick batting all rounders at no.8.

Neither can average 40, and that is the minimum needed to be rest quality for Aus.

 

[Number29]

Has to be one of the slowest pace attacks we've had in a while. Except for Starc, they are all operating in the low 130's. Need the young pace bowlers around Australia to start bringing the heat. Anyone know when Morris will be back?

 

[Nothing]

Never change Sydney.

 

[Docker82]

Neither can average 40, and that is the minimum needed to be rest quality for Aus.

Don't get used to this the next few years unfortunately.

We're waiting for guys in their early 20s to become test standard. Hopefully that happens but batting talent aged between 25 and 30 is dire.

 

[Chris25]

Don't get used to this the next few years unfortunately.

We're waiting for guys in their early 20s to become test standard. Hopefully that happens but batting talent aged between 25 and 30 is dire.

There’s also been a big shift towards seam friendly wickets in Shield cricket the last couple of years in order to get results within 4 days. Just have to look at the number of quicks averaging under 20 this year.

While the true top line batting talent might not be there, they certainly aren’t being helped either. It’s no wonder young guys burst onto the scene and then plateau.

 

[swanny1234]

Can we seriously consider moving the new years test? Perth or Adelaide would be far better cities weather wise to host it, and Sydney has more reliable weather late Nov/early Dec.

 

[King Huskii]

Can we seriously consider moving the new years test? Perth or Adelaide would be far better cities weather wise to host it, and Sydney has more reliable weather late Nov/early Dec.

The entire nation has been saying this for years. The powers to be won't fix what's broken

 

[Piggy Smalls]

The entire nation has been saying this for years. The powers to be won't fix what's broken

Sydney too busy having a dick swinging contest with Victoria over tradition.

 

[anchor man]

There’s also been a big shift towards seam friendly wickets in Shield cricket the last couple of years in order to get results within 4 days. Just have to look at the number of quicks averaging under 20 this year.

While the true top line batting talent might not be there, they certainly aren’t being helped either. It’s no wonder young guys burst onto the scene and then plateau.

But you must admit that for far too long that the game has been skewed towards the batsmen.
Now the boot is in the other foot, it is suddenly a problem.

 

[swanny1234]

Sydney too busy having a dick swinging contest with Victoria over tradition.

What tradition is even associated with the new years test? It’s not like Boxing Day where a certain date on the calendar matters… you can have McGrath day in Nov/Dec anyway… in fact, you can have a McGrath day not affected by rain.

 

[Chris25]

But you must admit that for far too long that the game has been skewed towards the batsmen.
Now the boot is in the other foot, it is suddenly a problem.

It’s not necessarily a problem. But it does mean we’re unlikely to see players averaging 45+ at shield level. So just have to temper expectations.