Who's Australia's most vulnerable batsman?

[wagstaff]

While it seems unlikely that Australia will drop one of their batsman for tomorrow's Test in Adelaide, it's an interesting question over who they would drop.

The natural presumption seems to be the batsman that would be dropped would be Martyn, with Mark Waugh an outside chance. However, a look at form would suggest that Ricky Ponting should be the one to make way.

His form this year would be at best described as patchy, at worst ordinary. He had a horror tour of India, was ordinary in the first three tests in England and only redeemed himself in the final Two tests when the series was already decided.

Even his form against New Zealand was disappointing, which is hidden by his average for the series being over 80. While he scored a big hundred in Hobart, he was out cheaply to a soft dismissal in Brisbane and also played two poor shots in Perth to be dismissed when he looked in top form. It would be a grave injustice if Martyn were dropped, as his form has been outstanding since his return from the wilderness; his two failures in Brisbane and Hobart being the first time since his comeback that he's failed in consecutive innings.

Anyway, while it's an issue that won't be dealt with tomorrow, it will be sometime in the future. The choice will be interesting.

 

[Darky]

Martyn.

He was lucky to be there in the first place I guess.

He was recalled to the one-day side a couple of years ago, despite a very poor record in one-dayers, and despite consistent good form from others (especially Darren Lehmann). Martyn made the most of his luck, and made runs coming in late, boosted his average to a respectable tally, and eventually secured a Test spot based largely on his accumulation of runs at ODI level.

After regaining a Test spot, he also made runs and has held his spot, so he was lucky to get a chance in the first place, but since getting it he has done everything right.

It might look like his form is patchy now, and that he is vulnerable, but there aren't too many batsmen putting their hands up to replace him at the minute. Can't see him being dropped yet, unless it's to make way for a fifth bowler.

Ponting has struggled in his last few Tests, but is viewed as a long-term #3 and probably captain, so I believe the selectors will stick with him. He's turning 27 - time to stop picking him on potential!

 

[Kane McGoodwin]

I totally agree that Ponting should be the first batsmen dropped based on current form. However, as the selectors wont drop him, they should put him back down the order against the Proteas & bat either Martyn or Mark Waugh @ 3. If Ponting is picked as captain, the Aussies will fast drop down the world rankings - the guy just hasn't got what it takes mentally. As a short-term option (if Steve Waugh retires soon) Warney would be preferable, followed by Langer. Even Lehman would be a better option, as there should then be a free spot for him (not before time).

 

[The Hippie]

If the selectors drop a batsman, they're nuts, the middle order has been struggling as it is. Macgill and Warne don't operate well together, plus Les Burdett has been saying the pitch won't be raging turner like in the Shield games. I think they should stay with an unchanged side.

 

[Dipper]

You've gotta wonder whether the Aussie late order is strong enough to allow a batsman to be dropped at the moment but on the other hand sometimes you just have to bite the bullet & be brave.
Gilchrist's record is as good as any front line batsman so they'd still effectively have 6 batters.It's a tough call but then again Adelaide's usually a good batting wicket in the Tests so it's hard to bowl people out if it is going to offer anything for the spinners then this is the time to take the South Aficans on as their spin attack is pretty average.

It'd be tough on Martyn if he gets the chop, I've said before on here what a good player I think he is.

 

[Victor Trumper]

I'm with Hippie, there won't be any changes.

 

[WCE2000]

Originally posted by DIPPER

It'd be tough on Martyn if he gets the chop, I've said before on here what a good player I think he is.

No doubting he has talent, his technique is as good as anyone in the world, but there is something missing. That something i havent quite been able to put my finger on, but he has the technique to be in the best 5 or 6 bats in the world.

 

[blurton]

I rate Martyn highly, in fact I believe he will be Australia's most prolific scorer in the series against SA.

I know Langer has scored plenty but I think he is the weakest link in out batting. You're obviously not going to drop him now though. I would drop Lee for Macgill. History shows us that SA are all at sea against leg spin bowling and we should exploit that. I know Warne and Macgill don't bowl well together but I can't think why that pattern should necessarily continue.

 

[Gonzo]

If you are talking about CURRENT (last test series) form then the batsman to go would be Steve Waugh!

The test captain is meant to be picked after the side is picked - isn't it?

Cheers

Gonzo

 

[NICK THE PIE MAN]

Mark Waugh.
Very, very inconsistent.

 

[red+black]

Originally posted by blurton
I rate Martyn highly, in fact I believe he will be Australia's most prolific scorer in the series against SA.

good call

Originally posted by blurton
I know Langer has scored plenty but I think he is the weakest link in out batting. You're obviously not going to drop him now though.

stupid stupid call. he is easily our best batsman. the waughs are in the wars, martyn and ponting are thereabouts, hayden has had a decent year, and langer, well, he's the best batsman in the best test playing nation in the world.

nuff said

 

[blurton]

Langer

I've underestimated Langer. I've always known he was a gutsy player, I just felt that he lacked the technique to handle quality bowling. He played a beautiful innings against SA. I hope he can continue to be one half of Australia's opening pair for the rest of his career - but I doubt he can.

 

[WCE2000]

Re: Langer

Originally posted by blurton
I've underestimated Langer. I've always known he was a gutsy player, I just felt that he lacked the technique to handle quality bowling. He played a beautiful innings against SA. I hope he can continue to be one half of Australia's opening pair for the rest of his career - but I doubt he can.

his technique isnt great, although it is improving every innings. With this latest flurry of runs, his confidence in growing, and his technique is becoming much more free flowing, whereas he was a very stodgy player 2 years ago.

 

[red+black]

anyone who brings up their ton with a 6 is alright by me