The Cricket Thread

[Brishawk]

We did get some runs last summer v SA if I recall though. Just couldn't close out the matches we had the better of.

I think that tends to be the major difference between us and England and South Africa at the moment. Whether it's belief, confidence, talent or all of the above - we seem to manage draws from the games we have the best of. They get the wins. In part I think this is where the lack of a spinner who can take 5th day wickets is really hurting us.

We are still reliant on Clarke to get a score for the team to get a score. The guy averaged 144 against SA and we didn't win a test. He averaged 79 against Sr Lanka and we won three tests. We averaged 47 and we lost three tests in India. And thus far he has averaged 63 and we have lost 2 of 3 and drawn the last. Our bowling is mostly good with the occasional bad day but our batting is just pathetic. Until we can string together partnerships that don't involve Clarke we are going to struggle.

 

[moginie]

Spot on, Brishawk.

Our top six is still very unsettled & until we can get consistent efforts from the other 5 of those 6 we are going to struggle.

And if there aren't a couple of twentysomething batsmen in Australia, or touring with Australia A, who are seriously going to put the top order under pressure to hold their spots the situation isn't going to improve.

 

[MinerBoy]

Which goes back to the initial point - we need consistent runs from the top 6.

At least Boof is highlighting this and publically putting the pressure on that he wants top order 100s.

 

[moginie]

Which goes back to the initial point - we need consistent runs from the top 6.

At least Boof is highlighting this and publically putting the pressure on that he wants top order 100s.

Further to that, MB, we need a consistent top 6 - not one where almost everybody is batting outside their preferred/most effective spot.

 

[Dixie Flatline]

Shame it rained out. Got the feeling Root was about to go.

Given Clarke dropped him just before Pietersen went out, he should have already been in the sheds before the rains came.

 

[Henry Jr]

So... given that Warner is back in the side for the time being.. where does he bat?

 

[Spanish Sahara]

So... given that Warner is back in the side for the time being.. where does he bat?

Open and get rid of Watson?

 

[Henry Jr]

Open and get rid of Watson?

I wouldn't get rid of Watson. Why not open with Watson and Warner with Rogers at 3?

Gives a bit more shielding to Special K whom can bat at 5.

Warner
Watson
Rogers
Clarke
Special K
Smith
Haddin

 

[Langford4FBOTC]

I wouldn't get rid of Watson. Why not open with Watson and Warner with Rogers at 3?

Gives a bit more shielding to Special K whom can bat at 5.

Warner
Watson
Rogers
Clarke
Special K
Smith
Haddin

If Watson's batting is cooked, which I think it is, he's really holding his spot on the back of his bowling. So if he's a bowling all-rounder, and we're going to head down that path, I think we'd be better served developing Faulkner.... flawed thinking I know because we actually need 6 specialist batmen in form. I struggle to find a place for Watson which ever way I look at it.

Maddinson stood out in the last Australia A game..... should they draft him into the squad rather then have him play the pyjama leg of the tour?

 

[Brishawk]

If Watson's batting is cooked, which I think it is, he's really holding his spot on the back of his bowling. So if he's a bowling all-rounder, and we're going to head down that path, I think we'd be better served developing Faulkner.... flawed thinking I know because we actually need 6 specialist batmen in form. I struggle to find a place for Watson which ever way I look at it.

Maddinson stood out in the last Australia A game..... should they draft him into the squad rather then have him play the pyjama leg of the tour?

I like Maddison. Looks a talent. Maybe not being consistent enough at first class level but appears to be on the rise and his form for aus a is excellent. Can it hurt him to come in for Watson or Rogers? Averages 40 and only 21 so something to be excited about. Maybe blood him now for ashes in aus as Rogers probably won't get a gig back in aus. I am completely over Watson. Finished at test level as far as I can see.

 

[moginie]

Maddinson stood out in the last Australia A game..... should they draft him into the squad rather then have him play the pyjama leg of the tour?

I wouldn't do it now, but I'd be trying to get as much international cricket into him so when England arrive here he is up & ready to go at them.

He's an exciting talent, no mistaking that.

 

[Brishawk]

I wouldn't do it now, but I'd be trying to get as much international cricket into him so when England arrive here he is up & ready to go at them.

He's an exciting talent, no mistaking that.

The only international cricket we play between now and November is short form cricket against England and India. Not sure he is suited to that. He is in the form of his life having scored 2 of his 5 first class tons playing for Australia A this year. Also, I just want an excuse to get rid of Watson.

 

[Henry Jr]

Given the Big Show just smashed 145 for Australia A.. pencil him in for the 4th test

 

[Langford4FBOTC]

Given the Big Show just smashed 145 for Australia A.. pencil him in for the 4th test

I prefer to focus on the pair he made in the previous match

 

[Spanish Sahara]

Great work Gaz!

 

[Spanish Sahara]

Bird is the word! Big wicket

 

[Spanish Sahara]

Ian bell just donated his wicket to Lyon. Great start after the tea break

 

[grizzlym]

That ball from Bird...

 

[Spanish Sahara]

That ball from Bird...

Cracking ball.

Good to see Lyon taking wickets

 

[Willie_Rioli]

now it's a dead rubber what's people's approach to watching these last 2 tests?
it's great to see us on top, but am struggling to shrug the feeling of what's the point.
Even if we win, it'll only make all the more frustrating how close we were with rain depriving us of 3rd test, and the nailbiting loss in the first.

 

[Spanish Sahara]

now it's a dead rubber what's people's approach to watching these last 2 tests?
it's great to see us on top, but am struggling to shrug the feeling of what's the point.
Even if we win, it'll only make all the more frustrating how close we were with rain depriving us of 3rd test, and the nailbiting loss in the first.

Still as keen as ever. Especially now we are showing some promising signs. I thought we would lose 2-1 before the series started, i hope we can win one of the final 2 tests

 

[Willie_Rioli]

Still as keen as ever. Especially now we are showing some promising signs. I thought we would lose 2-1 before the series started, i hope we can win one of the final 2 tests

shame nothing ever came of the test match World Cup where top 4 teams play off, meaning one would keep a closer eye on the ICC rankings to provide some sort of additional motivation for dead rubbers.

But I guess it's like watching the footy when you're team is no chance of making finals. Still good to watch a game. But just hurts a bit with the knowledge the Poms have retained the Ashes

 

[Spanish Sahara]

shame nothing ever came of the test match World Cup where top 4 teams play off, meaning one would keep a closer eye on the ICC rankings to provide some sort of additional motivation for dead rubbers.

But I guess it's like watching the footy when you're team is no chance of making finals. Still good to watch a game. But just hurts a bit with the knowledge the Poms have retained the Ashes

While it hurts knowing they have retained the Ashes, we get another crack at regaining them very soon . Another reason why I am still very keen. Spots up for grabs for the return series thats for sure

 

[moginie]

We really, really need a number 3 batsman.

 

[Brishawk]

If ever proof was needed that hawkeye is useless, we now have it. Rogers gets feather flick on the pad. The ball doesn't appear to deviate and clears the stumps comfortably. Hawkeye shows it hitting the stumps. Would have been a disgrace to be given out for that!