Wednesday 20 May 2009

Well, it's official

Brad Hodge has clearly violated Merv's wife. Surely Hussey dobbed him in.

The Ashes squad.

Ricky Ponting (c) (Certainty)
Michael Clarke (vc) (As above)
Stuart Clark (Dead eye)
Brad Haddin NSW (When has a keeper not picked himself?)
Nathan Hauritz (Pressure on this guy)
Ben Hilfenhaus (Good pick)
Phillip Hughes (Patience young one)
Michael Hussey (Tinniest man on the planet. Should be Hodge)
Mitchell Johnson (Best in the world right now)
Simon Katich (Mr Durable)
Brett Lee NSW (WTF!!, on what form??)
Graham Manou (Cleaner gloveman than Haddin)
Andrew McDonald (More runs please)
Marcus North (For when Watson breaks down)
Peter Siddle (Solid)
Shane Watson, QLD 27, subject to fitness (A big subject, the man's an invalid)

And there you have it. Sorry Brad, maybe next life. Go and have a beer with Jamie Siddons.

Tuesday 19 May 2009

Isn't a Gayle just a lot of wind?

Thanks Leftriteout for pointing out WI captain Chris Gayles comments on test cricket.

Quite clearly, Gayle did not have his 'game face' on when he stepped off the plane for the English series. Given that the fixture was relatively late in be finalised, it would seem the top Windie doesn't have the fast paced mind his love of short form cricket would imply! Or is his mind so fast paced that he can't comprehend the intricacies of the 5 day game? The results of that series leads me to believe the later.

Or, is he so money focused that he can't see a value to cricket (Test). It has always been a bit of an issue in the West Indies moral (when not winning) that there is no "Nation" to play for, only a region. But I'm sure there would be plenty of young players that would give an unprotected left nut to play at an international level... any form of the game.

Whether Gayle's remarks were just a knee jerk reaction to the rushed nature of the tour, a long flight and the cold weather of Blighty juxtaposed against the tropical Caribbean, it doesn't behove a team captain to denigrate the great game. If Gayle is not inclined to play 5 days for a pay check, I'm sure he can make a years income in the IPL- or is he just too greedy. And that is where I'd prefer him with this attitude!

stoph verismo
down the wicket