Ponting's replacement

[legend166]

So as of the first test against Sri Lanka the number four spot will be vacant. Who should replace him?

From the top run scorers in the Shield:

Hughes, 518 runs at 51.80 - They probably won't pick him in the middle order, although I don't think it would be the worst idea.

Ferguson - 463 runs at 42.09 - Was favoured a few years ago but he's stunk the place up for years so can't imagine him being picked off one decent half-season.

Khawaja - 438 runs at 39.81 - Maybe half a shot, but probably needs to knock down the door before getting back in, and isn't doing it with that average.

Doolan - 409 runs at 58.42 - Probably the most likely. Made that big hundred in the Australia A game and having a great season. Career average of 39 isn't the most inspiring though, but could be a late bloomer ala Cowan.

Cosgrove - lol.

What say you, Big Footy?

 

[DeadlyAkkuret]

Should have made it a poll. It'll be Hughes.

 

[Ron]

Problem with Hughes is that you have Warner, Cowan, Watson and Hughes. Four players who are best suited to opening.

Who plays where?

 

[Ducky Tie]

Ussie please. He is our long term number 3. No more stop gap options, put him at 3/4 with Watson and give him an extended run.

 

[Cousin Jed]

Never seen him bat.

So Doolan

 

[TassieEagle]

Bias opinion, but Doolan

 

[Gee Dub]

Any chance Quiney comes straight back in? Blewett seemed to think he would be a big chance on Fox Sports News. But it should be Khawaja, although Hughes is the most in form but he won't get in unless Watsin shuffles down another spot which I don't think he will do.

 

[Outshined]

Hughes might be better off at 4 with the new ball (slightly) blunted. No one's been consistently putting their hand up over the past 2 seasons, but Hughes and Doolan are at least currently in form. Ussie is a long term option, but those figures shouldn't be worthy of a recall.

 

[Nuke Fremantle]

Never seen him bat.

So Doolan

I like the thinking. Hell, he can't be worse than the rest of those spuds in the OP.

We're about halfway through the Shield fixtures (already) and Haddin is the only player who's made more than 1 century. Khawaja has just recorded a duck and 8 against a NSW attack misssing Starc, Hazlewood and Copeland. Whatta player!

Its a lottery.

 

[BarneyBent]

 

[Selective Retention]

Doolan was picked at 6 for the A team and batted below McDonald. That says to me the selectors just picked him to make up the numbers because he had been scoring runs, not because he was in their long term plans at all.

Since that game he failed x 2 against SA, and had a decent knock against WA. With shield cricket finished until after the big bash I doubt he has done enough to convince selectors.

I tend to think that Hughes and Khawaja would benefit from longer in the wilderness.

They could back their initial judgement on Quiney and give him another go against SL

 

[brisbane13]

So as of the first test against Sri Lanka the number four spot will be vacant. Who should replace him?

From the top run scorers in the Shield:

Hughes, 518 runs at 51.80 - They probably won't pick him in the middle order, although I don't think it would be the worst idea.

Ferguson - 463 runs at 42.09 - Was favoured a few years ago but he's stunk the place up for years so can't imagine him being picked off one decent half-season.

Khawaja - 438 runs at 39.81 - Maybe half a shot, but probably needs to knock down the door before getting back in, and isn't doing it with that average.

Doolan - 409 runs at 58.42 - Probably the most likely. Made that big hundred in the Australia A game and having a great season. Career average of 39 isn't the most inspiring though, but could be a late bloomer ala Cowan.

Cosgrove - lol.

What say you, Big Footy?

it would be nice and perhaps a bit fitting that another player from Tasmania replaces him,

Hughes has already had a few opportunities in the test side so let him have a few seasons solid of shield cricket instead of a few good scores again

 

[U Little Beauty]

would Peter Forrest be in the mix?

 

[The Speaker]

 

[Selective Retention]

Dussey would be spewing all his good knocks have been in odd's this summer.

If he had shield runs on the board, his experience in county cricket combined with lack of solid options, might have made the selectors finally desperate enough to turn to him for the ashes (and SL series as a warm up).

 

[Super Hans]

Hughes. Killed it so far.

 

[Selective Retention]

would Peter Forrest be in the mix?

Nope.

Averaged 16 with the bat in shield. Even if they are going to play in the system favourites rather than shield form they would pick Bailey ahead of him.

 

[Buzzasto DaSilva]

would Peter Forrest be in the mix?

Six months ago, probably. I certainly wouldn't think so now. He hasn't had a good start to the summer at all.

 

[Buzzasto DaSilva]

I'll see your Steve Smith, and raise you Moises Henriques.

 

[i_hate_scams]

i would say hughes at 3 and watson at 4. or warner can move down the order a little

 

[BarneyBent]

 

[demon21]

I would like to see Khawaja giving another crack.

 

[The Falcon Strike]

I'd be putting Hughes in at 5

Clarke at 3 and Hussey at 4 - Watson at 6

 

[Super Hans]

1 Warner
2 Cowan
3 Watson
4 Hughes
5 Clarke
6. Hussey


When Huss retires Khawaja will come in for him.

 

[BluesMan]

It'll be Khawaja or Hughes no doubt. But would love to see Doolan given a go. Won't happen though.