Changes for 3rd Test, SCG

[bird_man]

Well, looks like this match will be done by tea, what will happen for the SCG test? I don't see any point in risking Watson, should we replace him with an all rounder or a batsman? With Johnson in such good form I'd go with the all rounder. Would be a good chance to look at Maxwell looking ahead to India in Feb.

Warner
Cowan
Hughes
Clarke
Hussey
Maxwell
Wade
Johnson
Siddle/Bird
Starc
Lyon

 

[MG MG]

Warner
Cowan
Hughes
Ferguson
Clarke
M.Hussey
Wade
Johnson
Siddle
Lyon
Bird

12th: Starc

Watson takes a break and like on Channel 9 commentary doesn't play ODIs, T20s or the India series. Does play only Shield also in preparation for 10 Ashes tests. Starc misses out, if it ain't broken, don't fix it. Siddle has only played the last 2, Johnson 1 and Bird 1 so no need to rest. Leave it as it is. Tempted to rest Hussey as well for Maxwell, Doolan, Quiney or maybe Khawaja

 

[bird_man]

Warner
Cowan
Hughes
Ferguson
Clarke
M.Hussey
Wade
Johnson
Siddle
Lyon
Bird

12th: Starc

Watson takes a break and like on Channel 9 commentary doesn't play ODIs, T20s or the India series. Does play only Shield also in preparation for 10 Ashes tests. Starc misses out, if it ain't broken, don't fix it. Siddle has only played the last 2, Johnson 1 and Bird 1 so no need to rest. Leave it as it is. Tempted to rest Hussey as well for Maxwell, Doolan, Quiney or maybe Khawaja

I'm not sure what Ferguson has done to warrant a test match, he'd be about 5th in line I reckon? I agree with the bowlers, I wouldn't rest anyone and leave it how it is but you know they probably will.

 

[Slax]

Out: Watson
In: Khawaja

Can't drop Johnson or Bird, can't use the overworked excuse as I can't see any bowler getting to 25 overs for the match let alone innings. So that means no change in the bowling line up and Khawaja is clearly next in line as far as batsmen go.

 

[big_sav]

Starc has to get a game. That's the only reason why he was rested. As good as Johnson has been don't be surprised if he misses a game to make way for starc. The series is a lock. More of a look towards India and ashes squads. Johnson is a great backup but is no longer in out best 3 bowlers when all fit

 

[Blue Heart]

How about we "rest" all of this team, and play Australia A in Sydney ? Maybe the Sri Lankans will be more competitive against them. They would nearly have to be the worst touring team I have seen in recent yrs.

I know that they don't get paid much in comparison to the Australians, but apart from Sangakkara and Dilshan (1st Test) and a couple of others, they should refuse to take their pay for their efforts on tour so far . One of the more inept, gutless and heartless displays I have seen on the Test arena.

And TBH, I don't think Australia are that good either, they are just better just that the 3rd grade Test teams, but not as good as the topline teams like S. Africa and England.

 

[Zach Package]

unchanged except for watson for me.

do you go khawaja and use warner and clarke to bowl some tweakers? or do you go maxwell and sacrifice some batting?

 

[Kyptastic]

Maxwell would be alright if they feel Mitch can be relied on to make 35-40 odd.

 

[MG MG]

Maxwell can handle a willow

 

[superfreak]

Maxwell bats at three for the Vics. Is definitely a batsman before bowler

 

[Surkin]

Unchanged

 

[TheyCallMeNafan]

Out: Sri Lanka
In: Mulgrave 3rd grade

 

[1990crow]

Preferably unchanged. I'd be disappointed if Starc was brought in for any of the bowlers after their performance this match. Watson out, Khawaja in would be the only possible change if Watson needs to rest his calf. It would be more ideal however if Watson got time out in the middle and get some confidence in his batting.

 

[Carbine Chaos]

Thoughts on the Sri Lankan XI? I think they should call in Perara, playing Big Bash but he's a handy player.

T. Dilshan
F. Karunaratne
M. Jayawardene (c)
T. Samaraweera
A. Mathews
D. Chandimal (+)
T. Perera
S. Randiv
N. Kulesekara
R. Herath
S. Eranga

 

[Plugger35]

They could bring in Billy Brownless for Watson and still thrash Sri Lanka.

 

[Badesumofu]

I would have Starc in and Watson out. Mostly because I want to give all four quicks a game, and well, we can. Wade bats at 6, Mitch at 7. Essentially Starc regains his spot, and Johnson effectively replaces Watson.

 

[Carbine Chaos]

I would have Starc in and Watson out. Mostly because I want to give all four quicks a game, and well, we can. Wade bats at 6, Mitch at 7. Essentially Starc regains his spot, and Johnson effectively replaces Watson.

I don't see what we gain from giving Starc a game ahead of, say, Usman.

 

[MG MG]

My XIs

Australia:

Warner
Cowan
Hughes
Ferguson
Clarke (c)
M.Hussey
Wade +
Johnson
Siddle
Lyon
Bird

Sri Lanka:

Karunratne
Dilshan
Mathews
M.Jayawardene (c)
Samaraweera
Chandimal +
Kulasekera
Prasad
Malinga
Herath
Eranga

 

[MG MG]

I would have Starc in and Watson out. Mostly because I want to give all four quicks a game, and well, we can. Wade bats at 6, Mitch at 7. Essentially Starc regains his spot, and Johnson effectively replaces Watson.

I actually wouldn't mind that.

 

[grizzlym]

Well, the only thing that's certain, apart from Watson being out for months, is for the entire bowling line up to be rested.

 

[Carbine Chaos]

Sri Lanka:

Karunratne
Dilshan
M.Jayawardene (c)
Mathews
Samaraweera
Chandimal +
Kulasekera
Prasad
Malinga
Herath
Eranga

Malinga won't play a Test again. Why would he?

Kulasekara at 7? Yeesh. As I said before, call up Perera.

Anybody not having Randiv in that XI is automatically wrong.

 

[Marlin01]

Looking at the Shield stats, there isn't a great deal to be excited about in terms of batsmen.

 

[carnthemlions]

My XIs

Australia:

Warner
Cowan
Hughes
Ferguson
Clarke (c)
M.Hussey
Wade +
Johnson
Siddle
Lyon
Bird

Sri Lanka:

Karunratne
Dilshan
M.Jayawardene (c)
Mathews
Samaraweera
Chandimal +
Kulasekera
Prasad
Malinga
Herath
Eranga

Why does Ferguson get a game?
Also, jayawardene at 3 is a very bad idea for sl

 

[MG MG]

Why does Ferguson get a game?
Also, jayawardene at 3 is a very bad idea for sl

Oh yeah, sorry was supposed to put Mathews at 3.

 

[Badesumofu]

I don't see what we gain from giving Starc a game ahead of, say, Usman.

Starc was considered part of the best non-injured xi for Melbourne, but didn't play because they felt he was at risk of being injured. So in theory he should regain his spot for Sydney. I don't think either of Bird or Johnson should be dropped, and I doubt it makes sense to not play Siddle. He only bowled 13 overs in Melbourne, and probably won't play limited overs. I like having 4 quicks available to bowl, we've struggled when we've had fewer available to us. Johnson seems about as likely to make runs as Watson, and, well - 92 is more than Usman has ever made in a Test. Unless we've decided to simply not play a spinner anymore, it doesn't make any sense for Lyon to not play in Sydney. All four quicks have put their hands up and demanded selection. Khawaja has not. His first class performance this Summer has been creditable, but that's all.

I don't think playing Johnson at 7 unbalances the team too much, if at all. Everyone in the current squad has earned selection, so that's who I'd play. Also, I want to see more of Bird at Test level - he looks like he has the control to be very effective in England. I want to see if Johnson can back that performance up, because when he's that destructive he's a huge asset to the side.