The Cricket Thread

[Spanish Sahara]

I've got that too but I hit the radio stream button on get nothing.

I'm hating being at work without the cricket. Even brought in an old clock radio but gets no reception up in my office.

Anyone else got any streaming suggestions/sites?

I've only streamed from my iphone and it seemed to work. Maybe ive found a glitch

I will PM a link

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

Being a chronic back sufferer with apparently a very similar complaint to Clarke, today's knock further cements in my mind what a wonderful cricketer Michael Clarke really is. To be walking on and off the ground, continually having to prepare to get back out there, amazing. With a degenerative back condition as he has, sometimes it's all you can do to get out of bed in the morning, and there he is making a Test century.

I think he is one of the greatest players to ever wear the green baggy. Pure class, pure courage, pure champion. Such a pity some people need to criticise him for the silliest reasons.

 

[grizzlym]

Being a chronic back sufferer with apparently a very similar complaint to Clarke, today's knock further cements in my mind what a wonderful cricketer Michael Clarke really is. To be walking on and off the ground, continually having to prepare to get back out there, amazing. With a degenerative back condition as he has, sometimes it's all you can do to get out of bed in the morning, and there he is making a Test century.

I think he is one of the greatest players to ever wear the green baggy. Pure class, pure courage, pure champion. Such a pity some people need to criticise him for the silliest reasons.

There is no player I like watching bat than Clark when he's on song. Think he's been superb since taking over the captaincy. Not just batting, but his leadership too.

Many years ago my brother dragged me out to some ground to watch Clarke play - think it was under 19s or something - because he said he was going to be Australia's next great batsman. How true he was.

 

[Wundo]

How'd the links I sent you go?

NO joy here at work, thanks anyway.

 

[crazywildhorse]

I wrote a bit about this a while back, but I still don't get Shane Watson's involvement in the test team. He is no doubt one of the best limited overs players in the world, but after 50+ tests and only 4 centuries, I am still trying to figure out why guys like Ian Chappell think he should be the #3 in the test side. There is also this argument that he is in the side because he is the best alrounder in the game, but he can barely bowl 5 overs in a row. Again that is fine for one day cricket, but in tests? There was even that period where he was the lynchpin in regards to the team disunity. Another argument is the 'who else is out there' one, but I reckon if there was another player that was given as much of an armchair ride as him, then they could also get and keep their average around 36 as a no. 3.

 

[arupist]

We have a problem at #3 and I think Watson is just the current sacrificial lamb. He has the ability to stay there, but simply doesn't perform well enough often enough. There really isn't anyone else good enough to bat at 3. We simply haven't been able to replace Punter. Clarke is best at 4 and I think Smith needs to stay at 5. The other problem spot is the opener. Don't think Rogers is the answer. Thought Cowan might have developed but he obviously ate someone's dog. As for the all-rounder, it appears they are investing in Mitch Marsh and he could work out well.

I also think Haddin has had his day.

 

[Spanish Sahara]

We have a problem at #3 and I think Watson is just the current sacrificial lamb. He has the ability to stay there, but simply doesn't perform well enough often enough. There really isn't anyone else good enough to bat at 3. We simply haven't been able to replace Punter. Clarke is best at 4 and I think Smith needs to stay at 5. The other problem spot is the opener. Don't think Rogers is the answer. Thought Cowan might have developed but he obviously ate someone's dog. As for the all-rounder, it appears they are investing in Mitch Marsh and he could work out well.

I also think Haddin has had his day.

Cowan has made a few tons for Tasmania this season. Back to back I believe

 

[crazywildhorse]

We have a problem at #3 and I think Watson is just the current sacrificial lamb. He has the ability to stay there, but simply doesn't perform well enough often enough. There really isn't anyone else good enough to bat at 3. We simply haven't been able to replace Punter. Clarke is best at 4 and I think Smith needs to stay at 5. The other problem spot is the opener. Don't think Rogers is the answer. Thought Cowan might have developed but he obviously ate someone's dog. As for the all-rounder, it appears they are investing in Mitch Marsh and he could work out well.

I also think Haddin has had his day.

I believe Rogers and Haddin were added to the side more in a bid for some leadership stability. One of them needs to move on now though. Haddin for Wade would be the most logical. The #3 is massively problematic at the moment, but is it not worth continuing to find someone, or at least getting a few young players a chance. I reckon Khawaja, and Cowan (not that he is that young) are worth another look over Watson. Unfortunately I thinking a few weeks ago that Hughes might have been a good candidate.

 

[grizzlym]

I really like the look of Mitch Marsh. Looks like the sort of player that needs to play at the highest level and settle in. Looks a natural to me.

In days gone by you would park him at 6 and give him time.

Can't see them playing Wade in tests - just not good enough a keeper. Was horrible keeping to Lyon last time around.

Sam Witeman might be the guy who gets the call-up.

 

[Spanish Sahara]

Well we need a batsman into the side for the next test (at minimum) since Clarke has done his hamstring

Looks like Rogers and Watson will get a repreive

 

[Hawks1994]

Erasmus must be the worst umpire going round.

I believe he was also the one with some dodgy decision during the Ashes and his couple against Lyon and giving a couple of the Indian batsman out are not helping his cause

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

What a wonderful Test match. The batting of Warner, Kohli, Clarke, and Smith, and the bowling performance of Lyon, this was one of the most enjoyable Test matches in my many years of watching. A fitting tribute to good old number 408. Kohli became one of my very favourite players today.

Us Adelaide people have been spoilt over the years with great Test matches.

Now, to fill my tank with cheaper petrol prices and settle back to watch a replay of the 2014 Hawks premiership.

 

[Bedi]

What a wonderful Test match. The batting of Warner, Kohli, Clarke, and Smith, and the bowling performance of Lyon, this was one of the most enjoyable Test matches in my many years of watching. A fitting tribute to good old number 408. Kohli became one of my very favourite players today.

Us Adelaide people have been spoilt over the years with great Test matches.

Now, to fill my tank with cheaper petrol prices and settle back to watch a replay of the 2014 Hawks premiership.

absolutely, what's with Adelaide and classic test matches! That one was right up there. And agree with you on Kohli. Always dismissed him as being an arrogant prick, but really impressed not only with his masterful batting but with the way he spoke post match. He seems like a decent guy.

As for man of the match, i still reckon Warner should've got it. That first innings was one of the all time greats. What was it, 5 boundaries with his first 8 balls or something? Unheard of in the first morning of a first test, let alone such an emotionally charged one. Esp given he was the guy who rode off with Hughes . Then to back it up with another ton in the 2nd innings is just unbelievable.

 

[Spanish Sahara]

Steve Smith named as our new vice captain and will captain the side in the absence of Clarke.

Good move I feel as long as it doesnt hinder the progress he has made with the bat over the past 12-18 months.

He becomes our third youngest captain ever

 

[Brishawk]

That test truly was amazing to watch although I actually only watched the last day! Hopefully that is Lyon's coming of age. Took 12 of 33 wickets for the whole test match. That is impressive! Loved his flight and turn.

Nick Maddinson has to be the next opener they bring in. Has the most talent and has started scoring centuries. S.Marsh is not the answer! If they are going to take a punt on a young middle order bat I hope they go for Burns. In solid form and super talented. Callum Ferguson going ok atm too. The rest of the top run getters are oldies like Cowan and Voges or one season wonders.

 

[arupist]

I will concede Lyon did well in Adelaide. But I will reserve judgement until he can take a bag without conceding 260+ runs for the match. India almost had it won until the collapse at the end.

BH, I agree Maddinson needs a shot, but I am not so sure it is now. Rogers is not the answer. Thought Cowan might have been. Shaun Marsh is capable and everything would depend on whether he can stick around. Don't see anyone else being good enough. Maybe bring back Huss (how old was Bob Simpson when he returned post-Packer?). And I hope we have seen the last of Maxwell in a test match.

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

I will concede Lyon did well in Adelaide. But I will reserve judgement until he can take a bag without conceding 260+ runs for the match.

Two batsmen scored a century in each innings, 6 hundreds were made overall. There was another score of 99, one of five 50s. This mean there were 11 individual scores of 50 or more, and you still question a spin bowler who took 12 wickets out of the 32 to fall?

Why can't people understand that Lyon is one of the few off spinners in the world trying to bowl within the rules of the game, and that he is not far from becoming the most successful Australian off spinner in Test history?

 

[Garf]

I do like the appointment of Steve Smith as caretaker captain, probably only because Haddin is approaching 40 and must certainly be in his last season or two of Test Cricket. Smith's career is unfolding from a dubious start into something remarkable. He reminds me of another Steve (named Waugh) in terms of his accumulation of runs at least. Steve Waugh took about 4 years to get going before he nailed some large scores on the 89 Ashes tour, and the rest was history.

 

[Brishawk]

Two batsmen scored a century in each innings, 6 hundreds were made overall. There was another score of 99, one of five 50s. This mean there were 11 individual scores of 50 or more, and you still question a spin bowler who took 12 wickets out of the 32 to fall?

Why can't people understand that Lyon is one of the few off spinners in the world trying to bowl within the rules of the game, and that he is not far from becoming the most successful Australian off spinner in Test history?

Not only that his figures stack up with most of the best off spinners from recent times. The thing to remember is that Lyon is only 27!! Once he becomes a mature player he can quite possibly lift that rate of wickets up to something like 4 per test. He is yet to reach his prime and already doing better than Vettori and May in that regard. He also has the second best strike rate of the group (only Swan is better). He will learn to bowl in subcontinent conditions better and continue to improve his technique and control. In 5 years he will still only be 32 and still be in his prime. Will easily be the best off spinner we have ever had and will probably take 400+ wickets. Won't top warne of course but no one ever will. If Lyon isn't good enough for test cricket then not many off spinners in history are.

Lyon
Wickets 127 (36 Tests)
Avg 34.66
Econ 3.13
SR 66.3

Tim May
Wickets 75 (24)
Avg 34.74
Econ 2.37
SR 87.6

Daniel Vettori
Wickets 362 (113)
Avg 34.36
Econ 2.59
SR 79.5

Saqlain Mushtaq
Wickets 208 (49)
Avg 29.83
Econ 2.64
SR 67.6

Harbajan Singh
Wickets 413 (101)
Avg 32.37
Econ 2.83
SR 68.5

Swan
Wickets 255 (60)
Avg 29.96
Econ 2.98
SR 60.1

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

Not only that his figures stack up with most of the best off spinners from recent times. The thing to remember is that Lyon is only 27!! Once he becomes a mature player he can quite possibly lift that rate of wickets up to something like 4 per test. He is yet to reach his prime and already doing better than Vettori and May in that regard. He also has the second best strike rate of the group (only Swan is better). He will learn to bowl in subcontinent conditions better and continue to improve his technique and control. In 5 years he will still only be 32 and still be in his prime. Will easily be the best off spinner we have ever had and will probably take 400+ wickets. Won't top warne of course but no one ever will. If Lyon isn't good enough for test cricket then not many off spinners in history are.

Lyon
Wickets 127 (36 Tests)
Avg 34.66
Econ 3.13
SR 66.3

Tim May
Wickets 75 (24)
Avg 34.74
Econ 2.37
SR 87.6

Daniel Vettori
Wickets 362 (113)
Avg 34.36
Econ 2.59
SR 79.5

Saqlain Mushtaq
Wickets 208 (49)
Avg 29.83
Econ 2.64
SR 67.6

Harbajan Singh
Wickets 413 (101)
Avg 32.37
Econ 2.83
SR 68.5

Swan
Wickets 255 (60)
Avg 29.96
Econ 2.98
SR 60.1

Great reading and I agree with everything you said. People of my era can recall a lot of ordinary spin bowlers in Test cricket, especially off spinners. Handy players such as Tom Veivers who once bowled 95.1 overs in a Test innings. The contemporary cricket fan around 30 years or age or younger didn't know spinners pre-Warne. Warne turned leg spin bowling into an art form, he made it look ridiculously easy. The fall out from this is the bar has been set at a ridiculously high level that most spinners could only dream about.

 

[grizzlym]

Not only that his figures stack up with most of the best off spinners from recent times. The thing to remember is that Lyon is only 27!! Once he becomes a mature player he can quite possibly lift that rate of wickets up to something like 4 per test. He is yet to reach his prime and already doing better than Vettori and May in that regard. He also has the second best strike rate of the group (only Swan is better). He will learn to bowl in subcontinent conditions better and continue to improve his technique and control. In 5 years he will still only be 32 and still be in his prime. Will easily be the best off spinner we have ever had and will probably take 400+ wickets. Won't top warne of course but no one ever will. If Lyon isn't good enough for test cricket then not many off spinners in history are.

Lyon
Wickets 127 (36 Tests)
Avg 34.66
Econ 3.13
SR 66.3

Tim May
Wickets 75 (24)
Avg 34.74
Econ 2.37
SR 87.6

Daniel Vettori
Wickets 362 (113)
Avg 34.36
Econ 2.59
SR 79.5

Saqlain Mushtaq
Wickets 208 (49)
Avg 29.83
Econ 2.64
SR 67.6

Harbajan Singh
Wickets 413 (101)
Avg 32.37
Econ 2.83
SR 68.5

Swan
Wickets 255 (60)
Avg 29.96
Econ 2.98
SR 60.1

Kohli had some nice things to say about how Lyon bowled too. Genuine praise.

 

[Spanish Sahara]

Kohli had some nice things to say about how Lyon bowled too. Genuine praise.

Kohli impressed me with his interviews both pre and post test match

 

[grizzlym]

Good article by an Indian cricket writer.

That changed at Adelaide. Virat Kohli had a stunning debut as captain. He was bold with his selection, led from the front with the bat, and chased a difficult win. Under him, India played Test cricket like it is meant to be played. This Test was always special – a tribute of sorts to the departed Phil Hughes – and I am sure Australia and the rest of the cricketing world wanted it to be a memorable one. Virat Kohli, and India, gave them that.

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/crick...sces-of-a-test-cricket-fan/article6697976.ece

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

It's amazing how quickly public attitude towards Kohli has turned. He was generally regarded as a precocious little tosser but proved to us there is much more to the man to like.

It's just a pity that a dwindling sector of the cricket public still see Michael Clarke as a precocious 21 year old in a sports car and bimbo girlfriend.

People mature, people change, and I look forward to what Kohli will bring to the world of cricket.

 

[Brishawk]

It's amazing how quickly public attitude towards Kohli has turned. He was generally regarded as a precocious little tosser but proved to us there is much more to the man to like.

It's just a pity that a dwindling sector of the cricket public still see Michael Clarke as a precocious 21 year old in a sports car and bimbo girlfriend.

People mature, people change, and I look forward to what Kohli will bring to the world of cricket.

I think the way Clarke carried himself through the passing of Phil Hughes raised his level of esteem for most people. Shame it took so long and for such a sad situation to bring it about.

Kholi has been very impressive and so far it seems a great choice as captain.