Australia v India, 1st Test at Adelaide Oval Dec 6-10.

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SSwans2011

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His incredible eye and no technique, and making tons of runs on flat tracks, I see as the beginning of the rot that we are deep in now.
Smith's technique is still questionable too.

Would you have rathered we continued our form at the start of this decade and selected average batsmen with good technique?
 
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Adelaide Hawk

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Can't say that this was a shock.

Wouldn't surprise me if TV ratings/attendances continue to decline over the summer like in the 2010/11 Ashes, further denting this side's prestige and reputation.

The average Australian cricket fan might state otherwise, but they're not dedicated like most of us on this forum - they're not that interested in watching losing sides.

I dislike chopping and changing sides, but surely Marsh's position is untenable bar a second innings miracle, given Ashwin's record against him? Apparently Burns has been travelling well; could he open and have Finch move down to the middle order (maybe #5)? Also I would bring back Maxwell, if only because he's a right-hander, but that will never happen.

At least having an order full of right-handers might blunt Ashwin's effectiveness.



I think a 6 month ban would have sufficed if CA wanted to placate a baying media/public. They could still say that they were sending a message about bad behaviour (given that no-one has been banned for 6 months for ball-tampering). Plus by the end of the ban the media and public would have moved on to other things. The reputation/prestige of the side would also have not taken any further hits on the field, which looks quite likely ATM.

A good example of such is how Mark Waugh's past association with bookmakers was exposed during the 1998/99 Ashes series (a worse offence than what Smith/Warner/Bancroft did). He was booed during the Adelaide Test but by the Boxing Day Test the media and public had largely moved on to other things.

When Harbhajan Singh of all people suggests that the bans were too harsh, it does give you pause.
Harsha Bhogle was interesting yesterday when he said ball tampering is a minor offence in cricket that usually carries a 1 match suspension and Indian cricket cannot believe the players copped a 12 month suspension. It doesn't appear Australia disciplining players has made any impression on other countries but to laugh at us.
 

frankrizzo

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The first match of the series isn't even at the half-way mark but on behalf of this forum I demand an escape goat.

Marsh is looking prime for the job. Finch right behind him.
The Australian public maybe, people wanted the nuclear option to change the culture they have to accept it could cost us this series.
 

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Spook

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Whatever happened to "Howzat"? When did "Ahhhh!!!Arrrrhhhhhh!!!! ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRHHHHH!! ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGHHHHH!!!!" become an acceptable way to appeal :)
Mate really, you’re understanding of different cultures and languages is bloody embarrassing.
 
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