Ongoing Test match XI speculation thread.

[The Cattery 1980]

I wouldn't pay any credence to that stat. Do you know who held the previous record of that particular stat? Matthew Wade. Who is far and wide acknowledged as a poor keeper.

Carey could make it as a batsman. I don't think he'll make it as a keeper.

Carey wouldn't have done any worse than Paine in the last two Tests. And on Wade, what's the point of him even being in the side? He's not part of Australia's future. Get him out.

 

[The Cattery 1980]

Australia had a match winning role with Paine in Adelaide, he also had a good cameo role alongside Green in Sydney that put us in a strong position to win.

He cracked in Sydney but to say he isn't cool under pressure after his 73* in Adelaide... Silly silly

Paine's captaincy had very little to do with our win in Adelaide. In Sydney and Brisbane where we needed leadership, he dropped the ball both literally and figuratively speaking.

 

[Seedsfan]

Carey wouldn't have done any worse than Paine in the last two Tests. And on Wade, what's the point of him even being in the side? He's not part of Australia's future. Get him out.

What are we picking Carey on the back of? He hasn’t played a shield game in 14 months

 

[MisterMarcus]

What are we picking Carey on the back of? He hasn’t played a shield game in 14 months

That's not his fault, though....if he's been playing white ball cricket or has other commitments.

You can't punish a player because the schedule screws them over.

 

[Seedsfan]

That's not his fault, though....if he's been playing white ball cricket or has other commitments.

You can't punish a player because the schedule screws them over.

He has no exposed form in red ball cricket so you simply can not pick him

 

[Gough]

He has no exposed form in red ball cricket so you simply can not pick him

If you are in Australian set up and not playing Tests you barely get a look at a red ball these days, it's a huge problem.

 

[Howard Littlejohn]

If you are in Australian set up and not playing Tests you barely get a look at a red ball these days, it's a huge problem.

And the red ball cricket you do get is often debased. We're going to have two (larger than normal?) squads out for the much of the remainder of the Shield. How much will runs or wickets be worth against the states that are fielding a combination of 1st and 3rd XI? It might be good for players who simply need to regain confidence, but for developing a game against quality opposition it seems on the surface highly dubious.

This summer was more messed up than normal for obvious reasons, and CA were lucky to get away with some of the risks taken, so this once maybe its unavoidable. Such a shame it has come at a time when up to half the team should not be in the team, or should be very questionable choices, and there are no replacements even in a position to prove their case (not that any seem likely that they would do so).

 

[The Cattery 1980]

What are we picking Carey on the back of? He hasn’t played a shield game in 14 months

What did we pick David Warner on the back of when he made his debut?

 

[Seedsfan]

What did we pick David Warner on the back of when he made his debut?

He averaged 63 in the shield season he made his debut with 3 tons and had just made a double ton for Australia A. He was picked off red ball form

 

[Richard Pryor]

Apologies to the Isa fanboys but has taken a big hit in credibility with this one imo:

Isa Guha backs Alex Carey for next Test captain as key bowling question looms

Left-field candidate tipped to take Test gloves AND captaincy from Paine

www.foxsports.com.au

Speaking on the Fox Cricket podcast, Guha said Carey loomed as a likely option for Australia should it opt for a change in leadership.

“I like his chances whether it’s (maybe) after The Ashes. The question is whether he’s going to be too old, I personally don’t think so.

“I think he’s someone that has the respect of the dressing room, one of the nicest blokes in cricket, seems gentle and kind on the exterior but underneath that there’s definitely a determination and competitiveness that’s really suited to being and Australian cricketer and being an Australian captain as well.”



Guha said the 29-year-old is “the all-round package” and once again showcased his scoring potential with a superb BBL knock last week, making 101 off just 62 balls.

“Brad Haddin reckons he’s the next best keeper, he’s got the ability to score runs and the all-round game to be able to play on the subcontinent on fast pitches that do a bit and he’s got a cool, calm head and the respect of the dressing room,” she said.

 

[Gough]

Apologies to the Isa fanboys but has taken a big hit in credibility with this one imo:

Isa Guha backs Alex Carey for next Test captain as key bowling question looms

Left-field candidate tipped to take Test gloves AND captaincy from Paine

www.foxsports.com.au

Paine's earned the right to choose the time of his departure within reason, I think after next summer's Ashes is about the right time.

 

[Richard Pryor]

Paine's earned the right to choose the time of his departure within reason, I think after next summer's Ashes is about the right time.

I think Ashes is definitely end of the line for him, will be interesting to see if his poor performance with the gloves was a bad patch or the 'cliff' though. Can't see him lasting into Ashes if that is the new norm for him. My issue was more with anointing someone unproven who isn't in the side, and can't be 'blooded' in the side without dropping the Captain as the heir apparent. Makes little to no sense for Carey to be the next Captain, moreso than a lot of shouts.

 

[Richard Pryor]

He averaged 63 in the shield season he made his debut with 3 tons and had just made a double ton for Australia A. He was picked off red ball form

I blame Slater for this misconception. He did debut in T20I before making his FC debut and Slats went on about him debuting for Australia before playing FC ad nauseum to the point everyone seems to think he just parachuted into the Test team on the back of his T20I debut.

 

[Gough]

I think Ashes is definitely end of the line for him, will be interesting to see if his poor performance with the gloves was a bad patch or the 'cliff' though. Can't see him lasting into Ashes if that is the new norm for him. My issue was more with anointing someone unproven who isn't in the side, and can't be 'blooded' in the side without dropping the Captain as the heir apparent. Makes little to no sense for Carey to be the next Captain, moreso than a lot of shouts.

Next captain is something I can imagine those at the top of CA coughing and changing the subject when it's raised.

 

[Richard Pryor]

Next captain is something I can imagine those at the top of CA coughing and changing the subject when it's raised.

In the BBL yesterday commentary was basically giving Labuschagne an on-air job interview for the captaincy I felt, asking him about field placings and what his thoughts on tactics where when Heat were bowling (threw in several digs at Paine for not bowling him as well). Maybe getting a bit conspiratorial, but feels like it could be a backroom nod towards him being groomed for the role (see how he handles softball media fronting of that nature sort of thing).

 

[Gough]

In the BBL yesterday commentary was basically giving Labuschagne an on-air job interview for the captaincy I felt, asking him about field placings and what his thoughts on tactics where when Heat were bowling (threw in several digs at Paine for not bowling him as well). Maybe getting a bit conspiratorial, but feels like it could be a backroom nod towards him being groomed for the role (see how he handles softball media fronting of that nature sort of thing).

An Afrikaans captaining Australia, just when you thought Jon Hastings opening the bowling in Perth was a nadir for cricket.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

In the BBL yesterday commentary was basically giving Labuschagne an on-air job interview for the captaincy I felt, asking him about field placings and what his thoughts on tactics where when Heat were bowling (threw in several digs at Paine for not bowling him as well). Maybe getting a bit conspiratorial, but feels like it could be a backroom nod towards him being groomed for the role (see how he handles softball media fronting of that nature sort of thing).

Yep I agree was what I was thinking too.

 

[JackOutback]

Not at all impressed with the squad. Carey, Henriques and Head are not the answer to the number 5 problem. If I had to guess, they’ll play Carey so that he’s established when Paine calls it quits. Then he can either remain as a batsman if he does well and Inglis comes in or he drops down the order and takes over the gloves.

Steketee and Abbott are the answer to a question absolutely no one is asking.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

To be fair to Steketee he's in great form this season for QLD. I can understand that selection.

 

[eddiesmith]

If they’re going to keep dragging Harris around then leave him opening and have Puck at 5. If he fails in first two tests then change it up

 

[rippersnipper]

At least one of Steketee and Abbott are completely obsolete selections. Already 5 pure fast bowlers in the squad plus Green and Henriques if it really comes down to it. Would rather Inglis go as a keeping option and bring in another batsman like Whiteman. Move Puc to no. 5 and let someone else open if the others continue to struggle.

 

[Greenery]

Such weak uninspired selections, nothing bold or even acknowledgement of how badly they performed against India.
Dropping Wade isn't even a statement, this is like doubling down on their tame selections and performances against India.
We'll have to lose this series too to get any real change it seems.

Even if they do swap paine with carey (which they won't mid series) does it really make the squad any stronger or weaker, both similar quality make carey would do better with the bat.

Very tame, how could you give harris another go but so quickly discard renshaw, maxwell, Patterson.
How about stoinis?
On ability alone he and maxwell should at least be in the squad, especially after their insipid performance against India, their international experience would count for a lot I imagine and at 32 maxwell would have several good years in him.

 

[JezzasOnTheAsphalt]

Not at all impressed with the squad. Carey, Henriques and Head are not the answer to the number 5 problem. If I had to guess, they’ll play Carey so that he’s established when Paine calls it quits. Then he can either remain as a batsman if he does well and Inglis comes in or he drops down the order and takes over the gloves.

Steketee and Abbott are the answer to a question absolutely no one is asking.

That leaves Pucovski as the best answer to the number 5 problem. On balance I think I’d be most content with that which means retaining Harris, or doing something left field again with the opening pair if they so desire.

I’m just hoping that with all that fast bowling the selectors won’t be afraid to pull the trigger on dropping one of them if ineffective. Pattinson or Neser starting ahead of Starc has to be in the conversation now.

 

[Scratchy05]

I dont mind the 2 squads tbh for both tours. The glaring omission from New Zealand is Wes Agar. With the form he has been in, it seems as if he is a must but was overlooked. As for south africa, I feel Marcus Harris should not have been picked and an untried opener who has been performing at shield level should be considered such as Whiteman or Hughes should've been picked instead IMO. We could've also considered another middle order batsmen but we are just so short on options in that department.

 

[JackOutback]

That leaves Pucovski as the best answer to the number 5 problem. On balance I think I’d be most content with that which means retaining Harris, or doing something left field again with the opening pair if they so desire.

I’m just hoping that with all that fast bowling the selectors won’t be afraid to pull the trigger on dropping one of them if ineffective. Pattinson or Neser starting ahead of Starc has to be in the conversation now.

I am not at all convinced on Harris, but yes, that’s a definite possibility and perhaps the best with what they’ve got.