Changes for the Melbourne Test.

[Howard Littlejohn]

a bit left field , but henriques is tracking ok this summer.

batting well and has taken a few wickets.

henriques for wade (or head) anyone?

Why is a fifth bowler required?

if you need five bowlers, you're probably chasing a big score and need six batsmen.
Lab can fill in for a few overs; with Smith, Wade and Head as extra part-timers they should be able to get a few reasonable overs out between them when necessary.
There really should not (practially ever) be a need for a fifth bowler. If there is one that deserves to bat top six, great, but picking all-rounders when there aren't any is plain out madness. If his form is enough to replace Wade or Head on batting, then fine, but not until then.

 

[Pykie]

Surely we have better options than Siddle. Neser must be feeling hard done by I reckon. His form is alright but at international level I just feel he's coming in to hold up an end.

Neser is already in the squad.

 

[Ducky Tie]

Why is a fifth bowler required?

if you need five bowlers, you're probably chasing a big score and need six batsmen.
Lab can fill in for a few overs; with Smith, Wade and Head as extra part-timers they should be able to get a few reasonable overs out between them when necessary.
There really should not (practially ever) be a need for a fifth bowler. If there is one that deserves to bat top six, great, but picking all-rounders when there aren't any is plain out madness. If his form is enough to replace Wade or Head on batting, then fine, but not until then.

Exactly. Zero need to bring in a fifth bowler at the moment. Would be classic complicating it entirely.

 

[ImperialPurple]

Just joined the conversation.

As much as I would love Neser to come in and have a red hot go, Pattinson has the experience at test level, plus he's a fiery bastard and he'll be throwing down bouncers all day, so Starc and Cummings can concentrate on taking wickets.

WTF was Wade doing letting all those ball smack into him. It was like he was playing dodge ball with a rock flying at him at 130ks, but not actually trying to dodge it. AND while I'm here, he is NOT a Test #5. If they want to keep him in, drop him down to #6, drop Head altogether, and find a proper #5 batter. OR, promote Head to #5, and drop Wade, although I really don't think that is the answer. I don't think Head is Test level, tbh.

We finally look to have our top order sorted, but the middle order is a shambles IMO. I don't know what the answer is, because I admit I haven't been following the Sheffield Shield (not with the WBBL on), but they need to sort 5 and 6 out I reckon.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Just joined the conversation.

As much as I would love Neser to come in and have a red hot go, Pattinson has the experience at test level, plus he's a fiery bastard and he'll be throwing down bouncers all day, so Starc and Cummings can concentrate on taking wickets.

WTF was Wade doing letting all those ball smack into him. It was like he was playing dodge ball with a rock flying at him at 130ks, but not actually trying to dodge it. AND while I'm here, he is NOT a Test #5. If they want to keep him in, drop him down to #6, drop Head altogether, and find a proper #5 batter. OR, promote Head to #5, and drop Wade, although I really don't think that is the answer. I don't think Head is Test level, tbh.

We finally look to have our top order sorted, but the middle order is a shambles IMO. I don't know what the answer is, because I admit I haven't been following the Sheffield Shield (not with the WBBL on), but they need to sort 5 and 6 out I reckon.

Head is just as bad, at least Wade made two tons in the Ashes. We probably need to wait for these younger options to become ready. I'm a fan of Sam Hazelett from QLD though. Only issue is yet another left hander.

 

[Ducky Tie]

Head is just as bad, at least Wade made two tons in the Ashes. We probably need to wait for these younger options to become ready. I'm a fan of Sam Hazelett from QLD though. Only issue is yet another left hander.

I think we’re looking pretty good in the middle order long term. Lab, Smith, Pucovski, Green looks terrific. Still unknowns with Puc and Green but if they both make the transition then it’s a great middle order. If Head irons out some issues, there’ll be good competitions for spots.

 

[ImperialPurple]

Head is just as bad, at least Wade made two tons in the Ashes. We probably need to wait for these younger options to become ready. I'm a fan of Sam Hazelett from QLD though. Only issue is yet another left hander.

Agree re Head. That's why I said he's not Test level. But Wade is definitely not a No 5. No 6 I can handle, but you need someone who is going to actually try and hit the ball coming in at #5. Well, batting at all, except maybe at 10 or 11. I'd say drop Head (another VC going the way of Marsh), drop Wade down to #6, and get a proper batsman in for the #5 position.

And I reckon why not blood some of these younger options. I remember a 19yo Craig McDermott debuting for Aus, Jhye Richardson was only 20 (bowlers, yes), some of the Pakistanis were 20/21 (yes I know we smashed them), but maybe chuck a young bloke into the fire and see what he is made of. 18/19/20 used to be 'young', now it's 24/25. Anyone out there in the 22-23 range who wants to put their hand up and grab the #5? But Wade and Head at 5 and 6 are seriously doing my head in.

20-30 from a young prospect with a good future ahead of them is better than 20-30, with the occasional half century, from Wade/Head.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

I think we’re looking pretty good in the middle order long term. Lab, Smith, Pucovski, Green looks terrific. Still unknowns with Puc and Green but if they both make the transition then it’s a great middle order. If Head irons out some issues, there’ll be good competitions for spots.

I wouldn't pick Pucovski again unless he shows he can play for 12 months domestically. Can't have these issues coming up mid match!

 

[LukeParkerno1]

And I reckon why not blood some of these younger options. I remember a 19yo Craig McDermott debuting for Aus, Jhye Richardson was only 20 (bowlers, yes), some of the Pakistanis were 20/21 (yes I know we smashed them), but maybe chuck a young bloke into the fire and see what he is made of. 18/19/20 used to be 'young', now it's 24/25. Anyone out there in the 22-23 range who wants to put their hand up and grab the #5? But Wade and Head at 5 and 6 are seriously doing my head in.

20-30 from a young prospect with a good future ahead of them is better than 20-30, with the occasional half century, from Wade/Head.

Not sure we have that player. Pucovski who knows whats with him, Green can't bowl. Who else is there. Hazelett is one I guess, then you have those really young bats coming through. I'm happy to stick with Wade and Head for 12 months.

 

[Ducky Tie]

I wouldn't pick Pucovski again unless he shows he can play for 12 months domestically. Can't have these issues coming up mid match!

Yeah I wouldn’t bring him in for a while. Ideally, Wade can play well enough to keep the spot for a couple of years and then Pucovski can come in.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Yeah I wouldn’t bring him in for a while. Ideally, Wade can play well enough to keep the spot for a couple of years and then Pucovski can come in.

Yep or Green. There's no rush really

 

[ImperialPurple]

Not sure we have that player. Pucovski who knows whats with him, Green can't bowl. Who else is there. Hazelett is one I guess, then you have those really young bats coming through. I'm happy to stick with Wade and Head for 12 months.

True, at least Head (and Wade - who knew?), can throw down a few. But with 4 specialist bowlers and Marnus, how badly do we need them? I just want the selectors to shake up the middle order, because at the moment, I think we have a very good team, except 5 and 6. Khawaja at #5 and let him settle in the one spot, with Wade down to 6 and Head 12th man? Dunno, just a thought.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

True, at least Head (and Wade - who knew?), can throw down a few. But with 4 specialist bowlers and Marnus, how badly do we need them? I just want the selectors to shake up the middle order, because at the moment, I think we have a very good team, except 5 and 6. Khawaja at #5 and let him settle in the one spot, with Wade down to 6 and Head 12th man? Dunno, just a thought.

Please for the love of goodness sakes NO! Khawaja was a huge problem and it would be 100 times worse at 5 or 6 where he is woeful against spin and the spinners are on. Wade has bowled a bit for Tasmania actually not too shocked he's bowling a bit here and there.

 

[cricketnut14]

Why is a fifth bowler required?

if you need five bowlers, you're probably chasing a big score and need six batsmen.
Lab can fill in for a few overs; with Smith, Wade and Head as extra part-timers they should be able to get a few reasonable overs out between them when necessary.
There really should not (practially ever) be a need for a fifth bowler. If there is one that deserves to bat top six, great, but picking all-rounders when there aren't any is plain out madness. If his form is enough to replace Wade or Head on batting, then fine, but not until then.

i agree, i was just throwing it out there.

i've always been a believer pick your best 6 bats and best 4 bowlers and if 1 of the top 6 can bowl, it's a bonus.

other part of me is i aint a massive wade fan, but if he's making runs and warrants a spot then fine.

its not as if we have batsmen banging down the door at the moment and if they are hell bent on an allrounder then moises should be considered. yes he is 32 but comes with a bit of experience.

 

[carloss]

Siddle back in the squad after taking seven Ashes wickets in England ( same number as Mitch Marsh ).

 

[PhatBoy]

The turd that won’t flush

 

[Barlos Crathwaite]

They have completely changed the base trays to the pitches as far as I know to similar of what is used in Adelaide and Perth..other than that I can say that I’m not a qualified greens keeper or groundsman and I’m tipping your not either. These blokes are working with natural elements and trying to work in stadiums that are used for many and competing events and competing priorities of stakeholders. Us arm chair experts...most of whom probably struggle to grow grass in our backyards..expect them to roll out perfection every single time and that’s not realistic

LP would actually have to get off big footy for him to be a qualified groundsman so no chance of that happening

 

[crows dude]

Siddle won’t play. They will play both Neser and Patto as they can both bat. Paine will bat 6 and one of Wade or Head will drop out

 

[Barlos Crathwaite]

Siddle won’t play. They will play both Neser and Patto as they can both bat. Paine will bat 6 and one of Wade or Head will drop out

Hopefully it's not Wade. I want to see a grown man shoulder charging short balls again that was funny af

 

[ImperialPurple]

Please for the love of goodness sakes NO! Khawaja was a huge problem and it would be 100 times worse at 5 or 6 where he is woeful against spin and the spinners are on. Wade has bowled a bit for Tasmania actually not too shocked he's bowling a bit here and there.

fair call!

 

[Scotland]

Siddle took 7 wickets @ 42 in the Ashes. Looked like a great horses for courses pick for the first test where he was very economical, didn't look threatening and wasn't economical in the other two tests he played. I don't think a 130 km/h toiler is the right option to replace Hazlewood on a likely dull pitch but can see why he's in the mix. If it's a road then the pace of Starc and Pattinson can leak runs.

Bit over the Langer playing favourites thing. He didn't play with Siddle nor has Siddle ever played for WA. It's not like he's an up and comer Langer has coached at WA and the Scorchers who he sees something in. Langer picked him for 2 tests in the UAE then to be part of a Ashes bowling unit which helped us retain the urn. Had to LOL at Geoff Lawson chiming in. The same Geoff Lawson who couldn't fathom Starc not playing in the Ashes. The same Geoff Lawson who wanted Cummins as captain this Summer. The same Geoff Lawson who wanted Kurtis Patterson in the squad against Pakistan, not Bancroft. The same Geoff Lawson who was unsuccessful in applying to be a national selector who now thinks the system is broken. If it was up to him it would be just him and Mark Waugh weighing up whether Shaun Abbott or Moises Henriques should come in.

 

[PT Bar None]

Thinking based upon the coach's comments Siddle comes into the squad, but Neser ends up in the XI. Based upon being the most recent next in line.

Re an all-rounder: I thought after Mitch Marsh's Oval Test we'd have him in the XI for for the next year minimum. Bad luck on the injury front. But doesn't this current team have a moneyball style all rounder anyway? Marnus, Head, then Smith, Wade and even Warner can chime in for a few. Marnus even picked up a wicket last test. Plus we basically lost a primary bowler 2nd over last Test, and despite it being 40+ every day we won the Test without killing either of the other quicks. Something to that. Play moneyball and stop looking for Aussie Fred

 

[Leeda]

Yep or Green. There's no rush really

you are definitely not catching the wave.. hang ten.. rough..

 

[Leeda]

Thinking based upon the coach's comments Siddle comes into the squad, but Neser ends up in the XI. Based upon being the most recent next in line.

Re an all-rounder: I thought after Mitch Marsh's Oval Test we'd have him in the XI for for the next year minimum. Bad luck on the injury front. But doesn't this current team have a moneyball style all rounder anyway? Marnus, Head, then Smith, Wade and even Warner can chime in for a few. Marnus even picked up a wicket last test. Plus we basically lost a primary bowler 2nd over last Test, and despite it being 40+ every day we won the Test without killing either of the other quicks. Something to that. Play moneyball and stop looking for Aussie Fred

there are already only ten players who are players and rough nuts Siddle is only getting on board because he is Victorian.. he doesn't deserve to///

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

Siddle won’t play. They will play both Neser and Patto as they can both bat. Paine will bat 6 and one of Wade or Head will drop out

6 is too high for Paine.