I know injuries, form and umpires have been discussed. I don't want to continue making excuses, but Jesus.
Crows, Hawks, Sydney, Fremantle, Melbourne in our double-ups. And Brisbane, Gold Coast, Geelong and Port all away. You'd think we would have won the flag last year.
If we bat tonight, I would be sending Khawaja out instead of Head. Would rather Head come out with hopefully 100+ on the board in the sun tomorrow than in the last half hour of the day. But that's just me.
So many great individual performers, but huge shout-out to Smith. Solid 60-odd helped us set up the game, took some amazing catches, captaincy-wise wise he didn't panic, knew Neser was bowling well, and the wicket would eventually come. I think a lot of other captains would've panicked and...
Smith has literally gotten out to that Hook shot on countless occasions. I reckon Wagner got him out five times playing that shot in 2019. Regardless of the run rate and pace of the game, that shot is nothing new for him. I've seen him do that in slow test matches. It's not like it was a crazy...
I said before we started batting today, if we can finish around England's score with either Neser or Starc in with a set batter. We're in front. So I'm taking that. Still livid with Green. I can't even watch that replay.
I'd give Boland a rest, considering we will need him in Melbourne. Hopefully, Hazlewood can come in; if not, maybe give Neser one more run, or do a wildcard and try out J Richardson if he is fit. Lyon and Cummins are straight walk-ins for Adelaide.
Cummins walked in an hour later than everyone else and is still in a Polo. Smith inspected the pitch with McDonald as well.
Neser, Doggett, Boland and Starc have marked their run-ups.
Make of that what you will
Can't wait until 2:30 pm. Picture this:
Stokes is waiting for Smith in the middle. He checks his watch, then asks Isha what the holdup is. All of a sudden, the stadium falls silent. Everyone turns and sees Pat Cummins walking out in a Blazer, tossing a pink ball in his hand.
Since Murphy retired, we've given Number 2 to two players who had promising early signs for us, then fell off. Lewis Young and JUH.
God forbid, don't give Freijah or Davidson Number 2. It's a curse.