So if Brett and Stuart were fully fit and rearing to go would you pick them???
Highpathetical obviously....so in this case there are no injuries to Siddle, Johnson or any other Aussie bowler.
Clarke over Lee surely (I reckon Brett is done) and only to make sure Clark is match fit for the tour of Pomgolia.
Personally I dont think there should be any change and the next bowlers in line for a crack should come from:
Harwood (So many reasons, even cricket ones)
Bollinger (A Sub-Editors wet dream)
Bracken (Does he have the head for the 5 day game? methinks he does)
Davis (I know, I know another Left armer)
Any other young up and comer who lives fast, bowls fast, breathes fire, and aches to kill his first batsman with a piece of leather.
Any others?
It's time to let all the up and comers know that we have wiped the slate clean and the spots are there for the taking.
Unless your from NSW
Outside Sledge
downthewicket
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
A New Beginning
Thanks Stoph for the invite.
It's such a pity that sport is surrounded by politics and fanatacism. Already a dangerous mix, cricket becomes positioned to be run over by the politics and fantatacism train: rather than a contributor to its birth. Now the PCB has no cards left to trade with to enable test, or as likely, any cricket in Pakistan for a very long time.
The many local fans of Younis and others, in Karachi and Lahore, won't be watching blokes in white playing on a road any time soon. I hope the awful situation at least diminishes for the poor people of Pakistan. Perhaps then sport can be celebrated and enjoyed by so many that can't presently.
But on a more positive note........
How good is this series in South Africa going to be? Unbelievably freaking good! I think any focus on an ICC world test ranking is pointless because Aus and RSA are simply two equally matched, geat sides. I reckon Aus will get over them again before flying back though.
It's two-all now in a 6 test series with both teams having times of brilliance with the bat and ball. South Africa are playing the exact same 11 as they did in Aus; while Aus played three blokes for their first time. Aus selectors will be patting themselves on the back smugly. It did look like a different Australia in the middle of the bullring over the first few days of the test match.......and the last one. Well done boys, well done.
Bring on the next test!
Leftriteout
It's such a pity that sport is surrounded by politics and fanatacism. Already a dangerous mix, cricket becomes positioned to be run over by the politics and fantatacism train: rather than a contributor to its birth. Now the PCB has no cards left to trade with to enable test, or as likely, any cricket in Pakistan for a very long time.
The many local fans of Younis and others, in Karachi and Lahore, won't be watching blokes in white playing on a road any time soon. I hope the awful situation at least diminishes for the poor people of Pakistan. Perhaps then sport can be celebrated and enjoyed by so many that can't presently.
But on a more positive note........
How good is this series in South Africa going to be? Unbelievably freaking good! I think any focus on an ICC world test ranking is pointless because Aus and RSA are simply two equally matched, geat sides. I reckon Aus will get over them again before flying back though.
It's two-all now in a 6 test series with both teams having times of brilliance with the bat and ball. South Africa are playing the exact same 11 as they did in Aus; while Aus played three blokes for their first time. Aus selectors will be patting themselves on the back smugly. It did look like a different Australia in the middle of the bullring over the first few days of the test match.......and the last one. Well done boys, well done.
Bring on the next test!
Leftriteout
next stop, isolation!
Scorecard:
Fundamentalist -1
Pakistan people/players/cricket/supporters/world cricket -0
Sadly, and for the sake of player security, the people of Pakistan must be denied the world cup.
The government will be deemed remiss in their duty of care to these players that stepped up to fill a vacated schedule.
The lunatic element of this society that is incapable of ANY tolerance to difference will get what they want through these actions... less outside contact.
When wholesale change is made to the mindset of the people within this region, so that no one at any level of society will tolerate these hateful attitudes and actions, acceptance will come from the rest of the global community.
I'm not holding my breath!
stoph verismo
downthewicket
Fundamentalist -1
Pakistan people/players/cricket/supporters/world cricket -0
Sadly, and for the sake of player security, the people of Pakistan must be denied the world cup.
The government will be deemed remiss in their duty of care to these players that stepped up to fill a vacated schedule.
The lunatic element of this society that is incapable of ANY tolerance to difference will get what they want through these actions... less outside contact.
When wholesale change is made to the mindset of the people within this region, so that no one at any level of society will tolerate these hateful attitudes and actions, acceptance will come from the rest of the global community.
I'm not holding my breath!
stoph verismo
downthewicket
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Test of the Test
Day three will be the test of the Test.
This is it for the Aussies, whilst the series does not hang on this day, Australia's mindset for the future of this series -and the Ashes- does.
I felt over the past three series that much of our batting has been under performing; as a team, not individually. But no one needs me to state that the real problem has been the lack of destructive bowling. That is why THIS day three is so important for the team in the future. If our bowlers can truly defend the solid total built by five of our batting side, we can then say that we again have an effective bowling element to the team.
The impending rain makes a result unlikely, but success will not only be measured by a win.
stoph verismo
downthewicket
This is it for the Aussies, whilst the series does not hang on this day, Australia's mindset for the future of this series -and the Ashes- does.
I felt over the past three series that much of our batting has been under performing; as a team, not individually. But no one needs me to state that the real problem has been the lack of destructive bowling. That is why THIS day three is so important for the team in the future. If our bowlers can truly defend the solid total built by five of our batting side, we can then say that we again have an effective bowling element to the team.
The impending rain makes a result unlikely, but success will not only be measured by a win.
stoph verismo
downthewicket
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
four matches and then fore-sight
2 all now in the Aus NZ ODI series, obvious the difference the stability of M.Hussey makes!
Has our team got enough in reserve if the "stars" don't fire?
I think yes, obvious by the last 2 results, but one thing is for sure, this is now a team that plays on confidence... not self belief.
Let's hope we can carry over this confidence and roll it into self belief before the SA tour.
At least England are looking pathetic if all we care about is results and not the quality of cricket!
I personally don't believe we have what it takes to de-rail South Africa at home given the excellent balance of their current side, but a lot can be said for self belief: and if we continue with the selection policy from the SCG test there may be hope.
What do you think?
stoph verismo
downthewicket
Has our team got enough in reserve if the "stars" don't fire?
I think yes, obvious by the last 2 results, but one thing is for sure, this is now a team that plays on confidence... not self belief.
Let's hope we can carry over this confidence and roll it into self belief before the SA tour.
At least England are looking pathetic if all we care about is results and not the quality of cricket!
I personally don't believe we have what it takes to de-rail South Africa at home given the excellent balance of their current side, but a lot can be said for self belief: and if we continue with the selection policy from the SCG test there may be hope.
What do you think?
stoph verismo
downthewicket
Friday, 6 February 2009
A DOG fight!
What is going on with team plans at the moment? I'm all for increased experiences of younger players, but leaving Ponting out of this ODI game is just stupid!
If Ponting isn't injured, and is resistant to being rested for this crucial game against NZ, why risk increasing pressure by leaving him out and potentially losing to the Kiwis?
Sure Punter has a "full dance card" for the upcoming months- on top of the summer gone- but this is his business; his job is to play cricket! The time to take something from this summer is now: book-ending the Australian season with defeats of New Zealand is now the only way to generate real self confidence within the side. A side that is at present playing without confidence.
Secondly, how suspect was it that the pup/cat fight from the end of the 3rd test didn't come to light until the eve of Pup taking the lead in a crucial ODI. What is going on there? Teams have these moments, why did it come to light now? Something is suss! The two involved seem happy, why did anyone else need to become involved?
Clarke dealt well with the toss interview- i like the way he acknowledges their (Lara and himself) celebrity status, yet has a wonderfully Aussie way of keeping it in perspective- but the nature of the media is to try and bring exceptional people down to the level of the mob-mental-ity. Clarke proved too good for this and left the 9 commentators obviously on-side.
Lets hope he can do the same with the side too!
stoph verismo
downthewicket
If Ponting isn't injured, and is resistant to being rested for this crucial game against NZ, why risk increasing pressure by leaving him out and potentially losing to the Kiwis?
Sure Punter has a "full dance card" for the upcoming months- on top of the summer gone- but this is his business; his job is to play cricket! The time to take something from this summer is now: book-ending the Australian season with defeats of New Zealand is now the only way to generate real self confidence within the side. A side that is at present playing without confidence.
Secondly, how suspect was it that the pup/cat fight from the end of the 3rd test didn't come to light until the eve of Pup taking the lead in a crucial ODI. What is going on there? Teams have these moments, why did it come to light now? Something is suss! The two involved seem happy, why did anyone else need to become involved?
Clarke dealt well with the toss interview- i like the way he acknowledges their (Lara and himself) celebrity status, yet has a wonderfully Aussie way of keeping it in perspective- but the nature of the media is to try and bring exceptional people down to the level of the mob-mental-ity. Clarke proved too good for this and left the 9 commentators obviously on-side.
Lets hope he can do the same with the side too!
stoph verismo
downthewicket
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
all the good things
A slack performance from yours-truly given how much cricket has been in the news this week.
What will we look at:
Andrew "Roy" Symonds
Selection for SA tour (and the Ashes)
The AB medal
All here that are not fans of Roy should be jumping for joy; the whip has finally come down!
What was that for again? Because he had an opinion on McCullum. I don't think what he said about McCullum was right- the man was only trying to capitalise on his chosen career path- but does having a CA contract mean you can't have an opinion? Is it because Symonds was harsh in his remarks, or in the "condition" he may have been in during the radio interview. Either way, it showed poor judgement by Symonds to allow himself to once again step into the CA crosshairs: potentially fatally for his international career.
So now he can't go to RSA because he is 'dealing with his alcohol and anger management issues' and all and sundry have voiced an opinion on that; i suppose once your CA contract has expired -S.Waugh- you can remark in any way about anyone!
At least Roy will feel that while Ponting is still captain, all is not lost; although the reality of getting back in favour after poor form and 2 disciplinary actions of late would imply CA might take this chance to totally blackball him. Time will tell.
The RSA team should be up by the time you read this- if not, does anyone think Krajza will get another away tour? Will any specialised spinner? Or does it really not matter as we are going to get properly pumped on the Proteas home tracks? Surely someone needs some test time before the Ashes, you'd think we'd certainly take some one to blighty! Also, what about having both Hilfenhaus and Bollinger, they can swing the ball and we know the potential for that over there.
I didn't watch the AB medal (something about award countdowns that is just too tranquilising!), but i did find the result interesting. Bracken was an easy pick; so was Klinger for state player (what does he have to do now to get a run in the ones?), same goes for P.Hughes for young cricketer. Clarke for mine has so regularly saved the test side from embarrassment it is good to see him get the test player and the AB medal, as for Ponting... well, i'm just not sold on that one yet; the votes are there, but... oh well, I'll let him have this one without ripping strips!
What will we look at:
Andrew "Roy" Symonds
Selection for SA tour (and the Ashes)
The AB medal
All here that are not fans of Roy should be jumping for joy; the whip has finally come down!
What was that for again? Because he had an opinion on McCullum. I don't think what he said about McCullum was right- the man was only trying to capitalise on his chosen career path- but does having a CA contract mean you can't have an opinion? Is it because Symonds was harsh in his remarks, or in the "condition" he may have been in during the radio interview. Either way, it showed poor judgement by Symonds to allow himself to once again step into the CA crosshairs: potentially fatally for his international career.
So now he can't go to RSA because he is 'dealing with his alcohol and anger management issues' and all and sundry have voiced an opinion on that; i suppose once your CA contract has expired -S.Waugh- you can remark in any way about anyone!
At least Roy will feel that while Ponting is still captain, all is not lost; although the reality of getting back in favour after poor form and 2 disciplinary actions of late would imply CA might take this chance to totally blackball him. Time will tell.
The RSA team should be up by the time you read this- if not, does anyone think Krajza will get another away tour? Will any specialised spinner? Or does it really not matter as we are going to get properly pumped on the Proteas home tracks? Surely someone needs some test time before the Ashes, you'd think we'd certainly take some one to blighty! Also, what about having both Hilfenhaus and Bollinger, they can swing the ball and we know the potential for that over there.
I didn't watch the AB medal (something about award countdowns that is just too tranquilising!), but i did find the result interesting. Bracken was an easy pick; so was Klinger for state player (what does he have to do now to get a run in the ones?), same goes for P.Hughes for young cricketer. Clarke for mine has so regularly saved the test side from embarrassment it is good to see him get the test player and the AB medal, as for Ponting... well, i'm just not sold on that one yet; the votes are there, but... oh well, I'll let him have this one without ripping strips!
Sunday, 1 February 2009
12 sentences, 7 questions!
I had previously asked if Aus were still No 1 in ODI cricket; it seems that answer too has been given by this SA side.
I know i really should have posted in regard to the match and then series loses last week, but really, what was the point!
Given that the initial 3 ODI games were interesting and came down to the final overs, the massive capitulation in the last 2 games by Australia spoke for its self and needed no comment by me! So now, what is left to make and do with the summer?
NZ are a far more competitive side in this format than test, so what should the brains trusts of CA/selectors and Ponting be focusing on to get the most out of this series?
Should they attempt to stabilise the team?
Should they try new combinations?
Should they try new players?
Should they play for a demolition job to try and rebuild moral?
I called for a true rebuilding of the side after the Indian result, citing that a 2 test series was nothing more than a warm up for SA and held no value within its self. As we know, that didn't happen and the selectors chose the "steady as she goes, get yourself back into form" approach for many of the team, and when that clearly didn't work had to scramble for some wholesale change when it was too late.
What should be done now?
stoph verismo
downthewicket
I know i really should have posted in regard to the match and then series loses last week, but really, what was the point!
Given that the initial 3 ODI games were interesting and came down to the final overs, the massive capitulation in the last 2 games by Australia spoke for its self and needed no comment by me! So now, what is left to make and do with the summer?
NZ are a far more competitive side in this format than test, so what should the brains trusts of CA/selectors and Ponting be focusing on to get the most out of this series?
Should they attempt to stabilise the team?
Should they try new combinations?
Should they try new players?
Should they play for a demolition job to try and rebuild moral?
I called for a true rebuilding of the side after the Indian result, citing that a 2 test series was nothing more than a warm up for SA and held no value within its self. As we know, that didn't happen and the selectors chose the "steady as she goes, get yourself back into form" approach for many of the team, and when that clearly didn't work had to scramble for some wholesale change when it was too late.
What should be done now?
stoph verismo
downthewicket
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