Ongoing Test match XI speculation thread.

[Snarls Barkley]

Are we being a little hasty in dropping Harris after 1 test.Failed in the 1st innings and got 30 odd in the 2nd.I think would be on the tour to SA or if we are going to drop him perhaps a new opener like Street should be with the squad.

Short answer - Yes

Long answer - I think he is one of those types that is dominant in Shield cricket but isn’t quite up to international level. I don’t trust him to make the jump to be a solid, consistent Test player. Currently he is the best opener outside of Warner and Pucovski and deserves to be the backup and next one in.

 

[big_e]

It was always going to be hard to justify a Khawaja inclusion, although he probably would’ve performed as well as any of the openers did in hindsight.

He averaged 28 in his last three series (9 tests) against India, Sri Lanka and England, inflated by a second innings 100no in a game we probably should’ve enforced the follow on. Then after getting dropped he made 202 at an average of 18.36 in last seasons Sheffield Shield. He hadn’t had a flash start to this season until he made a century in the last Shield game.

Would’ve been a big call to ignore his last 30 odd innings of sub par form and bring him back in after one good knock but he probably wouldn’t have performed any worse than Burns or Harris. The fact that he wasn’t in the Australian A teams for the warm up games suggests that his international days are over

Fair point, but once we got to seriously considering (and eventually selecting) a makeshift opener to partner a guy who couldn't buy a run, surely Khawaja and Shaun Marsh should have been brought in to do a job.

It's funny how things work out. He was dropped in the Ashes and Warner wasn't, which means Khawaja missed being able to beat up on NZ and Pakistan last year. Meanwhile, Joe Burns didn't play in the Ashes, which means he gets to play at home last year and goes under the radar with an average average (32) because Davey's smashing them all over the park at the other end.

He's not the future, and he has a poor record in South Africa so you probably wouldn't take him there, so yeah, he's probably done, but I think we missed a trick by not bringing him in this summer.

 

[Voice of the G]

Short answer - Yes

Long answer - I think he is one of those types that is dominant in Shield cricket but isn’t quite up to international level. I don’t trust him to make the jump to be a solid, consistent Test player. Currently he is the best opener outside of Warner and Pucovski and deserves to be the backup and next one in.

Similar thoughts,I am not convinced Pucovski is a test opener at this stage and rather see him bat at 5 but looks a future test player that could bat any where in the order if he stays on the park.Still have a question mark against Warner and I would preserve with Harris short term but gawd we are really need another opener and the reason I have brought up Bryce Street.

 

[Westend]

Fair point, but once we got to seriously considering (and eventually selecting) a makeshift opener to partner a guy who couldn't buy a run, surely Khawaja and Shaun Marsh should have been brought in to do a job.

It's funny how things work out. He was dropped in the Ashes and Warner wasn't, which means Khawaja missed being able to beat up on NZ and Pakistan last year. Meanwhile, Joe Burns didn't play in the Ashes, which means he gets to play at home last year and goes under the radar with an average average (32) because Davey's smashing them all over the park at the other end.

He's not the future, and he has a poor record in South Africa so you probably wouldn't take him there, so yeah, he's probably done, but I think we missed a trick by not bringing him in this summer.

I still have time for Usman. What annoyed me and I posted this back in DEC is why the f**K after scoring a great hundred as opener for Australia he comes back to QLD and bats himself down the order??. There is an opportunity there IMO Usman is best suited as an opening bat as he is a good player of pace and needs time in before facing the spin which he struggles with.

If I was Usman I would open for QLD and have Burns go down the order

 

[Scratchy05]

After some though, this is how I think we line up against both NZ (T20s) and South Africa (Tests)

South Africa Squad (17 Players)
Openers
- W.Pucovski
- D.Hughes
- U.Khawaja (Versatility as an opener or in the middle order)
Middle Order
- M.Labuschagne
- S.Smith
- T.Head
All-Rounders
- C.Green
- M.Henriques
Wicket Keepers
- T.Paine
- J.Inglis
Fast Bowlers
- P.Cummins
- J.Hazlewood
- J.Pattinson
- M.Neser
- J.Richardson
Spinners
- N.Lyon
- M.Swepson

New Zealand Squad (16 Players)
Batsmen
- A.Finch
- D.Warner
- D.Short
- M.Wade
- B.McDermott
All Rounders
- M.Stoinis
- M.Marsh (If he is fit)
- G.Maxwell
Keepers
- A.Carey
- J.Philippe
Fast Bowlers
- R.Meredith
- W.Agar
- M.Starc
- A.Tye
Spinners
- A.Zampa
- A.Agar (If he is fit)

I have opted to go strong to New Zealand for 2 reasons. Firstly, as we have a t20 world cup this year, I think it is important if we get games into guys like Warner, Starc & Wade as they will all be in the squad. Secondly, as they haven't been performing that well (and in Warners case, coming off a somewhat serious injury) it is better they travel to New Zealand and we give others a chance at their roles. Riley Meredith, Andrew Tye & Wes Agar will get the chance to earn their sripes in the t20 squads through strong performances in the big bash and having attributes I personally like. McDermott, Philippe and others will also be pushing for permanent selection in this area. Other players we could bring if we want a larger squad are Lynn, Sams, Chris Green or Turner. We could opt to bring youth like Ollie Davies, Max Bryant or Mackenzie Harvey as well but I personally have other ideas.

As for South Africa, I have opted for a squad of 17. I want to try Daniel Hughes as an opener alongside Pucovski. He has been super consistent for a lot of shield seasons and could prove to be a handy opener. I have taken Khawaja as depth as he is a very versatile player. Moises Henriques might also play a 5 if Head doesn't perform. Josh Inglis probably doesn't start and we keep Tim Paine but he seems promising and IMO, our future keeper so taking him in the squad could improve his development. Swepson can maybe debut for Lyon one game but I still think Lyon is our first choice spin. Jhye Richardson, Michael Neser & James Pattinson will battle for the title of 3rd string fast bowler. Gives us the option, to give one of the main 2 a rest as well and play 2 off them. If we want more players, we can bring along Harris, Handscomb, Patterson, Abbott, Sayers or Bird.

What taking so many players also does is give our shield teams a great opportunity to play youth. Guys like Harvey, McGurk, Davies, Jason & Tanveer Sangha among others all get the chance to play a few shield games and get more practice in the red ball format.

 

[Scratchy05]

Similar thoughts,I am not convinced Pucovski is a test opener at this stage and rather see him bat at 5 but looks a future test player that could bat any where in the order if he stays on the park.Still have a question mark against Warner and I would preserve with Harris short term but gawd we are really need another opener and the reason I have brought up Bryce Street.

I like what I've seen from Bryce Street as well. Was really good last year in the shield and think we could look at taking him to South Africa.

 

[Westend]

Am I naive to think that Kurtis Patterson could still be that guy? Averages 40 in FC cricket, still only 27.

Know he didn't start the season well in Shield but still coming back from the quad injury. Think he has the quality to be a consistent number 5 for us. Made 94 against England A last year.

No still a class player with a good technique and a good set of hands. Its just a shame both him and Richardson got injured . I don't think they will pick Patterson for the SA tour...but I think he is an option for the ASHES next year.....just needs to finish off the shield well and put his name up

 

[eddiesmith]

No still a class player with a good technique and a good set of hands. Its just a shame both him and Richardson got injured . I don't think they will pick Patterson for the SA tour...but I think he is an option for the ASHES next year.....just needs to finish off the shield well and put his name up

He’s averaged 23 over the last 12 months in the Shield, it wasn’ t injury keeping him out of contention...

 

[Voice of the G]

I like what I've seen from Bryce Street as well. Was really good last year in the shield and think we could look at taking him to South Africa.

If they are taking 17 to SA I would think about taking Street for the experience,no way he will be going to NZ with the T20 squad.

 

[Voice of the G]

After some though, this is how I think we line up against both NZ (T20s) and South Africa (Tests)

South Africa Squad (17 Players)
Openers
- W.Pucovski
- D.Hughes
- U.Khawaja (Versatility as an opener or in the middle order)
Middle Order
- M.Labuschagne
- S.Smith
- T.Head
All-Rounders
- C.Green
- M.Henriques
Wicket Keepers
- T.Paine
- J.Inglis
Fast Bowlers
- P.Cummins
- J.Hazlewood
- J.Pattinson
- M.Neser
- J.Richardson
Spinners
- N.Lyon
- M.Swepson

New Zealand Squad (16 Players)
Batsmen
- A.Finch
- D.Warner
- D.Short
- M.Wade
- B.McDermott
All Rounders
- M.Stoinis
- M.Marsh (If he is fit)
- G.Maxwell
Keepers
- A.Carey
- J.Philippe
Fast Bowlers
- R.Meredith
- W.Agar
- M.Starc
- A.Tye
Spinners
- A.Zampa
- A.Agar (If he is fit)

I have opted to go strong to New Zealand for 2 reasons. Firstly, as we have a t20 world cup this year, I think it is important if we get games into guys like Warner, Starc & Wade as they will all be in the squad. Secondly, as they haven't been performing that well (and in Warners case, coming off a somewhat serious injury) it is better they travel to New Zealand and we give others a chance at their roles. Riley Meredith, Andrew Tye & Wes Agar will get the chance to earn their sripes in the t20 squads through strong performances in the big bash and having attributes I personally like. McDermott, Philippe and others will also be pushing for permanent selection in this area. Other players we could bring if we want a larger squad are Lynn, Sams, Chris Green or Turner. We could opt to bring youth like Ollie Davies, Max Bryant or Mackenzie Harvey as well but I personally have other ideas.

As for South Africa, I have opted for a squad of 17. I want to try Daniel Hughes as an opener alongside Pucovski. He has been super consistent for a lot of shield seasons and could prove to be a handy opener. I have taken Khawaja as depth as he is a very versatile player. Moises Henriques might also play a 5 if Head doesn't perform. Josh Inglis probably doesn't start and we keep Tim Paine but he seems promising and IMO, our future keeper so taking him in the squad could improve his development. Swepson can maybe debut for Lyon one game but I still think Lyon is our first choice spin. Jhye Richardson, Michael Neser & James Pattinson will battle for the title of 3rd string fast bowler. Gives us the option, to give one of the main 2 a rest as well and play 2 off them. If we want more players, we can bring along Harris, Handscomb, Patterson, Abbott, Sayers or Bird.

What taking so many players also does is give our shield teams a great opportunity to play youth. Guys like Harvey, McGurk, Davies, Jason & Tanveer Sangha among others all get the chance to play a few shield games and get more practice in the red ball format.

After some though, this is how I think we line up against both NZ (T20s) and South Africa (Tests)

South Africa Squad (17 Players)
Openers
- W.Pucovski
- D.Hughes
- U.Khawaja (Versatility as an opener or in the middle order)
Middle Order
- M.Labuschagne
- S.Smith
- T.Head
All-Rounders
- C.Green
- M.Henriques
Wicket Keepers
- T.Paine
- J.Inglis
Fast Bowlers
- P.Cummins
- J.Hazlewood
- J.Pattinson
- M.Neser
- J.Richardson
Spinners
- N.Lyon
- M.Swepson

New Zealand Squad (16 Players)
Batsmen
- A.Finch
- D.Warner
- D.Short
- M.Wade
- B.McDermott
All Rounders
- M.Stoinis
- M.Marsh (If he is fit)
- G.Maxwell
Keepers
- A.Carey
- J.Philippe
Fast Bowlers
- R.Meredith
- W.Agar
- M.Starc
- A.Tye
Spinners
- A.Zampa
- A.Agar (If he is fit)

I have opted to go strong to New Zealand for 2 reasons. Firstly, as we have a t20 world cup this year, I think it is important if we get games into guys like Warner, Starc & Wade as they will all be in the squad. Secondly, as they haven't been performing that well (and in Warners case, coming off a somewhat serious injury) it is better they travel to New Zealand and we give others a chance at their roles. Riley Meredith, Andrew Tye & Wes Agar will get the chance to earn their sripes in the t20 squads through strong performances in the big bash and having attributes I personally like. McDermott, Philippe and others will also be pushing for permanent selection in this area. Other players we could bring if we want a larger squad are Lynn, Sams, Chris Green or Turner. We could opt to bring youth like Ollie Davies, Max Bryant or Mackenzie Harvey as well but I personally have other ideas.

As for South Africa, I have opted for a squad of 17. I want to try Daniel Hughes as an opener alongside Pucovski. He has been super consistent for a lot of shield seasons and could prove to be a handy opener. I have taken Khawaja as depth as he is a very versatile player. Moises Henriques might also play a 5 if Head doesn't perform. Josh Inglis probably doesn't start and we keep Tim Paine but he seems promising and IMO, our future keeper so taking him in the squad could improve his development. Swepson can maybe debut for Lyon one game but I still think Lyon is our first choice spin. Jhye Richardson, Michael Neser & James Pattinson will battle for the title of 3rd string fast bowler. Gives us the option, to give one of the main 2 a rest as well and play 2 off them. If we want more players, we can bring along Harris, Handscomb, Patterson, Abbott, Sayers or Bird.

What taking so many players also does is give our shield teams a great opportunity to play youth. Guys like Harvey, McGurk, Davies, Jason & Tanveer Sangha among others all get the chance to play a few shield games and get more practice in the red ball format.

I also thought Warner might go to NZ especially with his injury issues but I think Harris would have to go to SA in that case.I have mentioned Street for SA but Hughes is another good option.Good point about the T20 World Cup and that puts Maxwell out of the running for SA as I and some others have suggested.As for the shield excellent comment about all these players missing it gives those young players more of a chance of playing shield criicket.

 

[Scratchy05]

If they are taking 17 to SA I would think about taking Street for the experience,no way he will be going to NZ with the T20 squad.

You could actually even take a 2nd XI to SA. Like a combination of depth players such as Khawaja and Youth who look very promising such as Street, Sutherland & Bartlett. But if they aren't playing, they'd probably be better off playing for their states.

 

[Voice of the G]

You could actually even take a 2nd XI to SA. Like a combination of depth players such as Khawaja and Youth who look very promising such as Street, Sutherland & Bartlett. But if they aren't playing, they'd probably be better off playing for their states.

That is a problem with touring parties these days and 3 or 4 players are basically just net bowlers/batsman.But look what happened to India with all their injuries and those type players got a chance to play test cricket and did well. BUT you are right,some of those young players would be better off playing shield.

 

[Scratchy05]

That is a problem with touring parties these days and 3 or 4 players are basically just net bowlers/batsman.But look what happened to India with all their injuries and those type players got a chance to play test cricket and did well. BUT you are right,some of those young players would be better off playing shield.

I feel in Bryce Streets case though. If we opt to use him instead of Khawaja, he could play if Burns fails but I think putting him up against the SA bowlers would be a very tough start as like us, their bowling is superior to their batting.

 

[big_e]

Bryce Street has 635 first class runs in his whole career.

He won't need his passport for another year or two.

 

[corbies]

There's a local sports show here in NSW that is so bad to listen to that it somehow becomes mildly entertaining called Talkin' Sport. It has former Australian Test spinner and Six'n'Out band member Gavin Robertson on it. Anyway, someone has just rang up and said they saw Ollie Davies in the Big Bash and thinks they should get him around the test team because of it.

It's at these moments that you realise Bigfooty is in the more knowledgeable end of the cricket following spectrum and it is deeply concerning.

 

[Altum Volantes]

There's a local sports show here in NSW that is so bad to listen to that it somehow becomes mildly entertaining called Talkin' Sport. It has former Australian Test spinner and Six'n'Out band member Gavin Robertson on it. Anyway, someone has just rang up and said they saw Ollie Davies in the Big Bash and thinks they should get him around the test team because of it.

It's at these moments that you realise Bigfooty is in the more knowledgeable end of the cricket following spectrum and it is deeply concerning.

Dicky Knee in a baggy green?

maybe one day..

 

[BrownYouGun]

Warner
Pucovski
Labuschagne
Smith
Wade*
Green
Paine
Cummins
Pattinson
Hazlewood
Lyon*

Squad: Harris, Henriques, Richardson, Neser, Swepson [Inglis, Starc]

Wade makes it on virtue of there being no one else and no time for shield cricket prior to the squad leaving. Is also back up keeper assuming 16man squad. If 18 man Inglis should be backup. Head can't have worked out his deficiencies in his time out of the team, so he stays with the aim of making big shield runs to get back into the side.
Lyon in the side because RSA is an awful place for a spinner to debut so would be vastly unfair on Swepson to debut there. Swepson should be into the side as soon as possible.
Starc should be told to focus on white ball, has never been good enough in tests and the attack needs a bowler who doesn't just bang it in which both Cummins and Hazlewood are vastly superior at than Starc. Pattinson is the next best and plays if fit, Richardson should be getting games where fit with a view to being heavily involved in the Ashes series. Neser a reliable option who deserves a shot and should be played if injuries or resting requires.

 

[eddiesmith]

There's a local sports show here in NSW that is so bad to listen to that it somehow becomes mildly entertaining called Talkin' Sport. It has former Australian Test spinner and Six'n'Out band member Gavin Robertson on it. Anyway, someone has just rang up and said they saw Ollie Davies in the Big Bash and thinks they should get him around the test team because of it.

It's at these moments that you realise Bigfooty is in the more knowledgeable end of the cricket following spectrum and it is deeply concerning.

In fairness he already has his baggy green

 

[ozaddy]

Warner
Pucovski
Labuschagne
Smith
Wade*
Green
Paine
Cummins
Pattinson
Hazlewood
Lyon*

Squad: Harris, Henriques, Richardson, Neser, Swepson [Inglis, Starc]

Wade makes it on virtue of there being no one else and no time for shield cricket prior to the squad leaving. Is also back up keeper assuming 16man squad. If 18 man Inglis should be backup. Head can't have worked out his deficiencies in his time out of the team, so he stays with the aim of making big shield runs to get back into the side.
Lyon in the side because RSA is an awful place for a spinner to debut so would be vastly unfair on Swepson to debut there. Swepson should be into the side as soon as possible.
Starc should be told to focus on white ball, has never been good enough in tests and the attack needs a bowler who doesn't just bang it in which both Cummins and Hazlewood are vastly superior at than Starc. Pattinson is the next best and plays if fit, Richardson should be getting games where fit with a view to being heavily involved in the Ashes series. Neser a reliable option who deserves a shot and should be played if injuries or resting requires.

Irks me that heads deficiencies get him a better record than wade, yet he is ruled out because it and a lot younger

Sent from my Mi9 Pro 5G using Tapatalk

 

[bh90210fan]

There won’t be many changes to the next 11 in SA but a couple of glaring issues are a number 5 and Mitchell Starc. I’d be sending Wade and Starc to NZ for the white ball series. For the SA tour I’d go

Warner
Pucovski
Labuschagne
Smith
Green
Carey
Paine
Pattinson
Cummins
Lyon
Hazelwood

Head
Harris
Inglis
Neser
Richardson
Swepson

Give Carey a run in the team in place of Wade as he has the leadership qualities we need and a batting technique that could see him succeed in all conditions. I think he’s our safest bet right now and if he goes alright would be a candidate to captain the side when Paine retires. Harris travels only because we’ve got no other option and Inglis heads over to get a taste of it

For the NZ tour I’d go

Finch
Phillipe
Stoinis
Maxwell
McDermott
M Marsh
Christian
A Agar
Starc
Zampa
Meredith

Wade
Lynn
K Richardson
W Agar
Short
Abbott

 

[Dogga]

For South Africa...

Warner
Usman
Marnus
Smith
Pucovski
Green
Paine (c)
Pattinson
Cummins
Lyon
Hazelwood

J Richardson, Starc, Swepson, Renshaw, Henriques, Carey

I read somewhere on this board and agree, Khawaja is a far better player than Burns, Harris, Wade, Head, etc. Has 10 (ish?) test hundreds and averages 40, just pick him for the South Africa series with a view to partnering Warner in the Ashes. South African pitches are most similiar to Australia where Khawaja's record is good.

Allows Pucovski to find his feet at 5, with Green continuing to get experience on the job at 6. Both have technique and temperament, 2 traits often missing with those i've left out.

Paine is one more poor series away from it being over. A complete lack of alternatives for the (c), bar Smith and i don't think Cricket Aus will want to go there, keep Paine in the role. He's done a good job overall, hoping he can redeem himself after the debacle of the last few weeks. Carey goes as the back up keeper to keep the pressure on.

Starc gets a tour spot but Patto gets first crack, he should be good for one test . Rotate Starc and J Richo thru the 2nd and 3rd tests. Lyon under the pump also, Swepson the standout back up if GOAT cant get his act together.

Renshaw and Henriques the back up bats, sticking with technique and temperament mantra. Ben McDermott please...if it wasn't for his old man's mates throwing his name around, he wouldn't even be in the conversation!

 

[CrazyJoeFevola]

Pucovski
Warner
Marnus
Smith
Maddinson
Green
Carey
Neser/Patto
Cummins*
Hazelwood
Lyon

Khawaja
Inglis (seeing as it will be hard to fly a second keeper over)
Swepson
J.Richardson

 

[Docker82]

There won’t be many changes to the next 11 in SA but a couple of glaring issues are a number 5 and Mitchell Starc. I’d be sending Wade and Starc to NZ for the white ball series. For the SA tour I’d go

Warner
Pucovski
Labuschagne
Smith
Green
Carey
Paine
Pattinson
Cummins
Lyon
Hazelwood

Head
Harris
Inglis
Neser
Richardson
Swepson

Give Carey a run in the team in place of Wade as he has the leadership qualities we need and a batting technique that could see him succeed in all conditions. I think he’s our safest bet right now and if he goes alright would be a candidate to captain the side when Paine retires. Harris travels only because we’ve got no other option and Inglis heads over to get a taste of it

For the NZ tour I’d go

Finch
Phillipe
Stoinis
Maxwell
McDermott
M Marsh
Christian
A Agar
Starc
Zampa
Meredith

Wade
Lynn
K Richardson
W Agar
Short
Abbott

Far out that limited overs squad is average...

Can’t say I could do better though. Grim.

 

[magpiemaniac44]

Interesting question. Who gets sent over to SA has the back up keeper?

Carey is the T20 keeper and with a World Cup coming up you’d probably want him getting ready for that rather than sitting on the bench in SAF. Although he is next keeper in line for the test side.
Not sure what squad Wade will be in. Is he good enough to be the second keeper in a test squad.
Throw McDermott in the same boat he’ll be in one of the squads but don’t know which one.
Phillipe will likely be in the T20 squad.

Keen to get others thoughts?

 

[CrazyJoeFevola]

Interesting question. Who gets sent over to SA has the back up keeper?

Carey is the T20 keeper and with a World Cup coming up you’d probably want him getting ready for that rather than sitting on the bench in SAF. Although he is next keeper in line for the test side.
Not sure what squad Wade will be in. Is he good enough to be the second keeper in a test squad.
Throw McDermott in the same boat he’ll be in one of the squads but don’t know which one.
Phillipe will likely be in the T20 squad.

Keen to get others thoughts?

Inglis