The inevitable question. Two series losses, admittedly to two very strong test sides, but does this mean heads have to roll?
Hayden likely has to go. His form slump isn't as bad as the media pressure suggests, but in what looks like a re-building period there is little point persevering with 37 year old openers. Enter Phil Hughes. Katich has shown enough to hold his spot for now, but I question his mental application, being dismissed so often after making solid starts.
Ponting is still the best number three in the world. Nuff said. Hussey will ride out the first major wobble of his career, but its a shame to see his average come back to the pack. Clarke is playing very ordinary cricket, and whilst he is probably safe for now, a few more failures might warrant some attention. Scratchy knocks, poor shot selection, and not showing great leadership or temperament. Hodge's time has passed, but I would like to see David Hussey get an opportunity if Clarke continues along the same path.
A mentally and physically fit Symonds is a walk-up start. I just don't know if we will see a mentally or physically fit Symonds again. At present Watson looks a far better option with youth and more potent bowling on his side.
Haddin looks to be firming up his spot nicely.
Spinners look like they will be played as required from this point on. Don't follow closely enough to know what's what, but hopefully there is some more exciting talent than Hauritz coming through the ranks.
Easy to forget that Lee took career best figures just a couple of tests ago and is the reigning AB medallist. On form deserves his spot, but playing him injured or underdone discredits both team and player. Once his pace drops off there is too much sameness to his bowling, and he doesn't look overly threatening. Personally I think let him recover form and fitness at state level, and allow Siddle or Hifenhaus an opportunity.
Johnson is now our number one strike bowler. Great to see him mature as a player.
Stuart Clark, depsite his age, still gets a starting gig in my team. Offers consistency and variation with his higher armed action and bounce.
So all up, post South Africa my changes would be -
Hayden out Hughes in.
Symonds out Watson in.
Lee out, Clark in when fit, failing that Siddle or Hilfenhaus.
Any other thoughts or left field suggestions?
Hayden likely has to go. His form slump isn't as bad as the media pressure suggests, but in what looks like a re-building period there is little point persevering with 37 year old openers. Enter Phil Hughes. Katich has shown enough to hold his spot for now, but I question his mental application, being dismissed so often after making solid starts.
Ponting is still the best number three in the world. Nuff said. Hussey will ride out the first major wobble of his career, but its a shame to see his average come back to the pack. Clarke is playing very ordinary cricket, and whilst he is probably safe for now, a few more failures might warrant some attention. Scratchy knocks, poor shot selection, and not showing great leadership or temperament. Hodge's time has passed, but I would like to see David Hussey get an opportunity if Clarke continues along the same path.
A mentally and physically fit Symonds is a walk-up start. I just don't know if we will see a mentally or physically fit Symonds again. At present Watson looks a far better option with youth and more potent bowling on his side.
Haddin looks to be firming up his spot nicely.
Spinners look like they will be played as required from this point on. Don't follow closely enough to know what's what, but hopefully there is some more exciting talent than Hauritz coming through the ranks.
Easy to forget that Lee took career best figures just a couple of tests ago and is the reigning AB medallist. On form deserves his spot, but playing him injured or underdone discredits both team and player. Once his pace drops off there is too much sameness to his bowling, and he doesn't look overly threatening. Personally I think let him recover form and fitness at state level, and allow Siddle or Hifenhaus an opportunity.
Johnson is now our number one strike bowler. Great to see him mature as a player.
Stuart Clark, depsite his age, still gets a starting gig in my team. Offers consistency and variation with his higher armed action and bounce.
So all up, post South Africa my changes would be -
Hayden out Hughes in.
Symonds out Watson in.
Lee out, Clark in when fit, failing that Siddle or Hilfenhaus.
Any other thoughts or left field suggestions?
