[Tsundoku]

Well done to Strauss, Cook and Trott(s). Fuckers.

The first test has certainly highlighted some problems in the Aussie side - notably non-performers like North, Clarke and Johnson. Have they blown their last chance or do they deserve yet another go? Should we be bringing in George, Smith, Hodge, Khaweja, or any other young guns?

I for one do not want to ever see another pathetic bowling and fielding effort like what was displayed during the second Pommy innings. Catches win matches, and it was notable to see the 2 worst culprits already have their names on the chopping block - Johnson and Clarke.

[caladanbrood]

I think there's a possibility that it was quite a good batting pitch, lol. There must have been something in the water though, because even Collingwood was dropping stuff, and since Jhonty Rhodes retired, he's had a decent claim to being the best fielder in the world...

[Tsundoku]

Whoops, forgot Bollinger of course. And Callum Ferguson.

If that pitch was so good, can you explain Clarke, North etc?

Some are already calling for Doherty to be replaced by Krezja, but frankly I thought Doherty did as well as could be expected and has only 1 test under his belt now. Krezja never really impressed me.

I reckon it can't hurt to try say Bollinger or George in for Johnson, maybe Smith or Ferguson in for North and possibly Khawaja (sp?) in for Clarke. I doubt it can get any worse.

This post has been edited by Sombra: 29 November 2010 - 11:37 AM

[Fid]

As Brood said - a good track to bat on after day 1, and arguably probably a good one then but for Siddle's bowling. Think this could become a very competitive series, maybe best since 86/87? Having endured some horrible experiences since that has to be a good thing. At least we now have some batters with some runs under their belts - just need KP and Colly to hit form.

[MTS]

Sombra, on 29 November 2010 - 07:22 AM, said:

Well done to Strauss, Cook and Trott(s). Fuckers.

The first test has certainly highlighted some problems in the Aussie side - notably non-performers like North, Clarke and Johnson. Have they blown their last chance or do they deserve yet another go? Should we be bringing in George, Smith, Hodge, Khaweja, or any other young guns?

It's probably the biggest travesty in Aussie cricket that Brad Hodge has only played 6 Test matches when he's arguably one of the best batters in the country. I'd love to see him bat in North's spot, and definitely give Bolly and Ferguson another go. Clarke and Johnson just aren't performing, although I can't see the selectors dropping Clarke.

[Tsundoku]

Perhaps a bowler like George could get a gig, as he seems to be coming along nicely as a line and length type - cut down the runs, high bounce, just enough movement off the seam to put the batsman in 2 minds etc. Anything more than that (eg late reverse swing) is pure bonus.

I also noticed Finn seemed eerily like McGrath there a few times when he got it right, even down to his action and follow-through. I guess if you're going to copy a formula it might as be one of the most successful ever. Strong, smooth classical action is more efficient and cuts down on the injuries that those bowlers with whacked-out actions seem to get, like the slingers (Thompson being the best example ever, and Malinga these days). I don't care if anyone says it's boring or just strangles the batsman and gets them out through frustration - it's great to watch and excellent tactics. Give me one bowler who can put it on the right spot all day and that's one end sewn up for ages. Team him with a decent spinner or a swing bowler and watch the wickets tumble. McGrath/Warne, or even McGrath/Fleming would seem to indicate it works quite well.

A bit on Glenn McGrath here. I actually knew him slightly in high school at Narromine (he was 2 years ahead of me, I was in his younger brother Dale's year), and even played some under 17s with him when he was just all flat-out pace. A real Jekyll and Hyde - the nicest guy you'd hope to meet off the pitch, and a ruthless bastard on it, a full on competitive streak. He could have had a career in basketball as well, but (thankfully) chose cricket. I can also quite proudly boast that I have hit him for a boundary ... followed rapidly by my stumps being shattered by a delivery that I still have no idea where it went.

http://en.wikipedia....i/Glenn_McGrath

This post has been edited by Sombra: 29 November 2010 - 12:02 PM

[caladanbrood]

Finn is a very promising player - was rather lucky to get into the side originally, due to other players' injuries, but he's definitely earned his spot since then. Personally I would prefer to see Onions or Bresnan play, but there's no doubt Finn is one for the future, and he will gain invaluable experience in this series

[Sir Thursday]

Finn actually said he modelled himself on McGrath growing up .

Shame the pitch didn't provide enough help to produce something closer to a result. This is the first Ashes test I can remember that has fizzled out into a dull draw like that without the help of the weather...the draws in '05 were anything but dull (though I suppose a case could be made that the Oval test was a bit like that), there weren't any in '06/'07, the Cardiff draw in '09 was a thriller, and the Birmingham draw was because of rain. It's a real shame when the contest isn't even between bat and ball...Adelaide's supposed to be pretty flat too, right? Hope we don't end up with another draw...


ST

[Flawed]

I defo think that the pitch was fairly to blame for the basic result. However in an ego / morale sense I think England have the upper hand as a result

[Fid]

So that's a wrap. KP is back. Swanny CAN bowl on Aussie pitches. We have lost Broad and Oz have lost Katich to injury. Still would not write off any Oz team not to win 2 from 3 (or sadly an English team not to lose 2 from 3.... though these boys do have a bit more steel about them). But going to the WACA with the win and our noses in front is sweet

[masan's saddle]

Indeed, i'm only getting to watch the highlights at the moment but there was something deeply satisfying about watching Ponting's face when England were batting. I'm not sure if it's too strong to say that this is one of the worst Australian teams ever. The bowling attack has no teeth, none of the batsmen seem to be in form ( apart from maybe Hussey and Watson) and they don't seem to be able to motivate themselves against the old enemy.

Don't get me wrong England have been fantastic for pretty much 2 test matches, but if they are not careful this Aussie team may go down in flames, big time.

The next test at the WACA is going to be difficult for the Aussies. With Katich out, Clarke nursing an injury and North doing his usual impersonation of a giant fruit fly swinging a shitty stick, the selectors have got their work cut out in the batting dept ( move Hussey up to open with Watson ?). As for the bowlers ? Maybe bring Hauritz and Hilfenhaus back in as Doherty did'nt work and Bollinger is clearly off the pace and has lost his fizz...

The schadenfreude I have with regards to Ponting comes from years of seeing his whiney, pikey little gnome face looking all smug after his TEAM have combined well to dispatch England. Well, his team at the moment have the consistency of catshit and he needs to lead by example and stop whining, otherwise an illustrious career may putter out like a wet fart.

I don't think losing Broad will be too much of a problem for England, his batting is important but to be honest as things stand the Aussie's are going to be lucky to get past Bell let alone Prior so 8-11 don't even need to put on their pads. Bring in Tremlett or Bresnan.


That said, my optimism when it comes to English cricket has been pissed on quite regularly in the past. I therefore predict Australia to win the series 3-1

This post has been edited by masan's saddle: 07 December 2010 - 01:01 PM

[MTS]

Here's an interesting stat. In the last 8 days of cricket England have scored 1137 for 6.

We've scored 1137 for 31.

Just goes to show you how badly we've been outplayed with just the bat so far, never mind the bowling.

As for where I'd like to see some changes, I'd prefer Doherty to be dropped, and Hauritz to come back. Dunno why we even dropped him in the first place, he's clearly our best spinner, at least on our own turf (not that that's saying much ). Possibly get Bolly out for George, like Finn he's the future and is in some pretty decent form. Would like seeing Hilfenhaus or even Mckay getting a call up though (Hilf's outswingers would suit the WACA pitch). North could be replaced by Cameron White, Clarke could be replaced by Smith. I'd like to see Jacques come in for Katich but it'll probably be Hughes that'll be opening. As for Ponting, well, he's been in shocking form lately, but he's a class player, and I expect him to bounce back. I agree though MS, his whining is annoying, and he needs to nut up, shut up and make some runs like pronto. I gave up ages ago on him ever learning how to set a proper field though.

As for the Poms, I don't reckon losing Broad will hurt at all, you've still got Swann, Anderson and Finn to bring the hurt with the ball and with the way your top order are batting, an extra bat isn't really needed. Haven't seen Tremlett or Bresnan bowl though, so can't say I'd rather see either of them. I like Onions though, shame he's not in the squad.

[champ]

Were you Aussies expecting this to happen or has it come as a suprise?

I was amazed that Hauritz and Hilfenhaus were left out as they had a pretty decent Ashes over here in England, also Smith seemed like a pretty decent all-rounder, would of been worth a shot!

Amazing how our top order are doing at the moment after recent displays, almost expect the usual collapse to come about but it seems we've got some real grit about us at the moment! With Jimmy/Swann our bowling attack is looking top notch, still not quite at our 2005 bowling attack but it's getting there!

[MTS]

Well, yes and no, for me anyway. Aussie cricket's been in a downward spiral ever since our recent greats like Gilchrist, Warne and McGrath started to retire, as we've had no one of that calibre to replace them (what I wouldn't give to have them back...*nostalgic sigh*). So we've gone from one of the greatest sides in cricket history to not really standing out at all. We're still a good cricketing nation, don't get me wrong, but we were always going to come back to earth.

To lose to the Poms by an innings and 71 runs though? That was a surprise, and a bloody disgrace to boot. I wouldn't go so far as to say we're the worst side in Aussie history at the moment, but this recent run of form has been pretty atrocious.

[champ]

MTS, on 07 December 2010 - 04:16 PM, said:

Well, yes and no, for me anyway. Aussie cricket's been in a downward spiral ever since our recent greats like Gilchrist, Warne and McGrath started to retire, as we've had no one of that calibre to replace them (what I wouldn't give to have them back...*nostalgic sigh*). So we've gone from one of the greatest sides in cricket history to not really standing out at all. We're still a good cricketing nation, don't get me wrong, but we were always going to come back to earth.

To lose to the Poms by an innings and 71 runs though? That was a surprise, and a bloody disgrace to boot. I wouldn't go so far as to say we're the worst side in Aussie history at the moment, but this recent run of form has been pretty atrocious.

Yeh I think that's the problem you've got...

It wasn't as if you were merely a "good" side when you had Warne/McGrath and Gilchrist and you got lucky, you were an amazing side right through the order and it's only now that the difference is so apparent, the quality you've got! Maybe paying for not developing the young players more whilst the greats were around to guide them...

A big part of it too is the lack of runs for Ponting, always been a key figure and when he plays well you would normally win, just not that he's played well lately! Remember moaning every time he came out expecting him to occupy the crease for hours!

As for the 2nd Test, well... That was just a suprise for everyone, even after the 4th day still expected it to end in a draw... Must be something in the water...

[masan's saddle]

MTS, on 07 December 2010 - 03:52 PM, said:

I gave up ages ago on him ever learning how to set a proper field though.

Yeh, I forgot to mention that I personally don't think he's that good a captain. He's always been surrounded by fantastic players, not anymore. You would think that considering he did his apprenticeship under Steve Waugh he would know how to set a field properly and adapt it accordingly. His bowlers have'nt been that bad with their line and length (although the fielding has been a bit lacklustre to say the least), hmmm, there is of course the rather implausible possibility that England are awesome........nah, i'll stick with Ponting being a douche.

Is Clarke next in line for the crown ? He's got an ok batting average but as he's been learning under Ponting I fear you guys may be in for a decade of hurt.

[Tsundoku]

Re-learning to catch is my first wish for the current Aussie side.

Next is how to plan for a batsman and execute that plan - including setting a field and getting the bowler to stick to the plan. If the plan doesn't work, have another one. Don't just stick as many fielders as you can close to the boundary, or move them after every delivery.

You can't hit boundaries or score many runs off yorkers.

Stop bowling short wide shit for overs at a time. This of course means that Johnson can never get a recall, but I'm OK with that.

Line and length, line and length, line and length. Aim for the top of off stump, then let the pitch/seam/breeze/etc do the rest. This is why George deserves a run.

Pontings' weaknesses as a captain have been exposed, but who to replace him with? Certainly not Cameron "limited overs only" White. And Clarke as VC has always mystified me, he just has no clue. Just because he "markets" well doesn't mean you push him to be a future captain. Real captains aren't made - they emerge.

This post has been edited by Sombra: 08 December 2010 - 06:59 AM

[MTS]

Yeah, Ponting has been blessed by the fact that even though he's a pretty crap captain, we've got no one else that stands out. Clarke has spudded it up half the time he's filled in for Ponting, I'm not convinced he's captain material. Cameron White could do well as our ODI captain, but I agree that he's definitely not Test captain material. I've always wondered how Hussey would do as captain.

And I agree with everything you've said up there Sombra. We need to get back to basics, now we're playing without a clue.

[masan's saddle]

What do my Antipodean chums think about the Aussie press clamouring for Warne to come out of retirement to captain the side ?

Oh dear, things must be bad. You will have to excuse me now as I attempt to sew up my sides

[Tsundoku]

It's more tongue in cheek than anything else. Only the retards are taking it seriously.

And I'm old enough to recall the "Bring Back Beefy" headlines.