The Australian cricket non-official thread!
- Thread starter Matty76
- Start date
I think that in Travis Head and Marcus Harris, the selectors theoretically have two of the top six batting positions pencilled in for the next five years. However, the selections of Finch (as an opener!), Marsh and Handscomb can’t be sustained due to their inconsistency and/or current technical frailties.
If “runs are the currency”, then Matthew Wade with 571 Sheffield Shield runs @ 71.37 should be considered for selection soon if a replacement/reshuffle is needed in the top order. He needn’t take the gloves, mind. I think his fight and grit and snarl in that top six could be beneficial.
I also think that the big decision has to come soon regarding Australia’s new ball pairing of Hazlewood and Starc. To paraphrase Shane Warne: “Mitchell Starc hasn’t played 45 Tests - he’s played the same Test 45 times”. Too often Starc’s new ball offerings are left untouched or arrowed down leg side. It then puts enormous pressure on Hazlewood to strike early and compensate for Starc’s profligacy. I would almost consider pairing Pat Cummins with Hazlewood and give Mitch the slightly older ball.
If “runs are the currency”, then Matthew Wade with 571 Sheffield Shield runs @ 71.37 should be considered for selection soon if a replacement/reshuffle is needed in the top order. He needn’t take the gloves, mind. I think his fight and grit and snarl in that top six could be beneficial.
I also think that the big decision has to come soon regarding Australia’s new ball pairing of Hazlewood and Starc. To paraphrase Shane Warne: “Mitchell Starc hasn’t played 45 Tests - he’s played the same Test 45 times”. Too often Starc’s new ball offerings are left untouched or arrowed down leg side. It then puts enormous pressure on Hazlewood to strike early and compensate for Starc’s profligacy. I would almost consider pairing Pat Cummins with Hazlewood and give Mitch the slightly older ball.
The Mad Hatter
OzCardTrader
I vote this. You are 100%.
Mitchell Starc is coasting on reputation. Fairly rubbish with the bat now too and seems to collect injuries - too much stretching and net sessions and not enough battle hardening game time.
It's a pity Pattinson is made of glass.
Wade is worth a shot. We've nothing go lose.
The Mad Hatter
OzCardTrader
I can't see this getting past lunch today.
The Aussies don't have the mental mettle unfortunately.
Never thought I'd say India's pacemen were better than Australia’s, in Australia.
Low ebb, dark days of the mid 80s look great compared to this.
The Aussies don't have the mental mettle unfortunately.
Never thought I'd say India's pacemen were better than Australia’s, in Australia.
Low ebb, dark days of the mid 80s look great compared to this.
bigrob2307
OzCardTrader
Almost at that stage where they get us to start to think. Oh might be a chance here
Then they collapse in another heap and break our hearts haha
Side note: actually found myself watching the wbbl Saturday rather than the test match. First time that has ever happen...
Then they collapse in another heap and break our hearts haha
Side note: actually found myself watching the wbbl Saturday rather than the test match. First time that has ever happen...
Scotty_WCE
West Coast card collector!
We fought to the very end, but were just not quite good enough. Some sliding doors moments, some questionable shots in the second innings - we weren't that far off and I reckon the series is well and truly alive. Well done to all the batsmen who gave us a sniff today, hopefully we can carry this fight over here for the second Test.
Joe Burns, forgotten man of Australian cricket
Averages nearly 37 at test level, 3 tons, great hands. Last test v SA top scored with 40 odd in our pathetic second innings.
Shield form has been solid, not sure of average but plenty of decent scores. Also, and perhaps most importantly, taking into account our inability to turn strike over, defensive Indian fields and pressure build up, he strikes at nearly 60 in tests and rotates strike.
So many of our dismissals in this test were terrible cricket shots due to a build up of pressure. Employ the Huss as a full time consultant on how to rotate strike and build an innings.
Averages nearly 37 at test level, 3 tons, great hands. Last test v SA top scored with 40 odd in our pathetic second innings.
Shield form has been solid, not sure of average but plenty of decent scores. Also, and perhaps most importantly, taking into account our inability to turn strike over, defensive Indian fields and pressure build up, he strikes at nearly 60 in tests and rotates strike.
So many of our dismissals in this test were terrible cricket shots due to a build up of pressure. Employ the Huss as a full time consultant on how to rotate strike and build an innings.
Grace Harris has hit a spectacular unbeaten 101 off 42 deliveries for the Brisbane Heat against the Melbourne Stars today! Her innings included 13 x 4 and 5 x 6. It’s the fastest ever WBBL century and at the time of writing she is “trending” at number 4 on twitterbook or something. @Keatoboy help me out here, I am too old for this! 
