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General Cricket => Latest Matches => Topic started by: The_Bird on February 22, 2013, 12:54:51 AM

Title: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 22, 2013, 12:54:51 AM
ok this starts today, i thought id share this very interesting video of the recent tour game.
G Gambhir 112 vs Australian XI - Australia XI v India A highlights day 1 Feb 16th 2013 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tMziAyvcG8#ws)

There are highlights of all the warmup games, all shot from the boundary which give it that club game type feel. Quite cool

http://m.youtube.com/#/user/cricketaustraliatv?&desktop_uri=%2Fuser%2Fcricketaustraliatv (http://m.youtube.com/#/user/cricketaustraliatv?&desktop_uri=%2Fuser%2Fcricketaustraliatv)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vitas Cricket on February 22, 2013, 01:39:23 AM
Cool vid, aside from one appeal, theres no hint of any the bowlers getting anything near any sort of lbw or bowled chance.

Even considering its likely to be a typically placid pitch and a warm up game without the intensity, I can only say it bodes well for England this summer :)

Interesting to see far less of the in your face logos/sponsorship on the Indian players gear, the MRF aside.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: aussiejake on February 22, 2013, 01:41:25 AM
Great videos, thank you.

I have a very bad feeling about this series, especially given how many wickets the spinners took in the first two tour games and our overall lineup.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on February 22, 2013, 04:43:05 AM
Aussies off to a decent start. Not really looking too troubled by the bowling.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 22, 2013, 08:05:29 AM
Ashwin has a 5fer already
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 22, 2013, 08:11:38 AM
AUS not doing very well. Oh dear. Forgot to set it on record so having to watch it now :)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: dmacwana on February 22, 2013, 08:51:09 AM
Ashwin has a 5fer already

Didn't expect that from Ashwin. Is he bowling well or are Aussie batsman not playing him as good as the English ...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 22, 2013, 08:53:32 AM
Ashwin never bowls particularly well - he doesn't have many variations or spin it particularly prodigiously. The Aussies have just, in the main, played round straight ones. Although, without starting the DRS argument all over again, Clarke survived an absolute clanger.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 22, 2013, 08:56:45 AM
Pretty decent start from Aus but the biggest thing in India is taking 20 wickets. Will they do this with 1 recognised spinner? I know Warner and Clarke can bowl a few but still it took england a test to figure out that two frontline spinners is a must!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 22, 2013, 08:58:22 AM
Didn't expect that from Ashwin. Is he bowling well or are Aussie batsman not playing him as good as the English ...

They keep going back to full balls. Hit pads in front of wicket.. night night. Clarke was sooooooo out, another Indian clanger for not having DRS. Still, maybe we should just act like the Indian public and jump and shout and just laud praise on Tendulkar, Shewag etc. Maybe by doing that we forget about every other aspect of cricket?!?!?

Still, I want Australia to win. Just want to see India smashed into the ground in Test cricket. Don't care about the T20 or even ODI's so let them win that all day.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 22, 2013, 09:02:19 AM
I'm torn as to who to support. While I think the Indians are over-lauded and are on the decline, the Aussies have been getting very full of themselves recently, which seems particularly preemptive given that they still have to pick Steve Smith in their Test squad. I mean, seriously, Steve Smith?!

Ah well, we'll teach the Aussies a lesson or two in the forthcoming Ashes
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 22, 2013, 09:08:37 AM
I'm torn as to who to support. While I think the Indians are over-lauded and are on the decline, the Aussies have been getting very full of themselves recently, which seems particularly preemptive given that they still have to pick Steve Smith in their Test squad. I mean, seriously, Steve Smith?!

Ah well, we'll teach the Aussies a lesson or two in the forthcoming Ashes

It's a good thing! If they keep winning with Johnson, Henriques, Smith etc.. Just think, that means they will all play in the ashes!! Which can only ever be good for England :)

Of course, Johnson will have one test (well one spell really) where he rips through people but we'll let him have one spell to keep his place in the side :)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on February 22, 2013, 09:48:04 AM
Good 50 on debut by Henriques. Great effort, showing plenty of composure in tough conditions.

Also a very good partnership between Clarke and Henriques. Hopefully they both continue on to big scores.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 22, 2013, 10:02:52 AM
Good 50 on debut by Henriques. Great effort, showing plenty of composure in tough conditions.

Also a very good partnership between Clarke and Henriques. Hopefully they both continue on to big scores.

He is showing good composure. Hopefully for Aus he can score a ton and then bowl well. If so, may just have a good number 7!! Much better than Broad anyone (having said that he's probably scored more in this innings already than Broad has for the last 2 years) :)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: tussy17 on February 22, 2013, 10:21:17 AM
Never understood why henriques isn't that rated by many. He's always seemed to have a good technique and relishes bowling more than Watson. Perhaps he shouldn't be playing so much t20 as he could be more effective in tests.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: dmacwana on February 22, 2013, 10:21:28 AM
Pretty decent start from Aus but the biggest thing in India is taking 20 wickets. Will they do this with 1 recognised spinner? I know Warner and Clarke can bowl a few but still it took england a test to figure out that two frontline spinners is a must!
Indian spinners not that good either !!! Harbhahjan is not what he used to be and Jadeja is more or less a part time spinner chips in a bit and we all know how ineffective Ashwin is from the recent series.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Kulli on February 22, 2013, 10:28:26 AM
Why on earth have the picked Singh over Ojia, he's been done for years!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 22, 2013, 10:39:03 AM
Why on earth have the picked Singh over Ojia, he's been done for years!

100th test and his record against Aus was pretty decent, has looked a shade of himself for a few years now tho. Agree that Ojha is a far better bowler now.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on February 22, 2013, 10:40:45 AM
Why on earth have the picked Singh over Ojia, he's been done for years!

That was a silly decision based on fact that harbajan and the Aussies don't get on and he has good stats against them.
As an Aussie I'm not exactly complaining. He has leaked runs all day.
A tiger with no teeth.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on February 22, 2013, 10:41:46 AM
Shame to see henriques go. Great innings.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 22, 2013, 10:42:10 AM
Shame to see henriques go. Great innings.

Shocking shot selection!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on February 22, 2013, 10:44:15 AM
Shocking shot selection!

Yeah a bit of a brain fade there!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on February 22, 2013, 11:00:19 AM
Another great ton by Clarke! He is in unbelievable form.
Wonderful captains knock.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Jenko on February 22, 2013, 11:01:36 AM
Yep the tons just keep on racking up for him!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 22, 2013, 11:04:01 AM
The guy really is a class act. The guy is a machine currently. Can I trade you for Bell???
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 22, 2013, 11:07:53 AM
Another great ton by Clarke! He is in unbelievable form.
Wonderful captains knock.

He is a classy run machine and proof that this Indian attack is still very average. Clarke is once again the key with the bat for the Aussies.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 22, 2013, 11:10:16 AM
Please swap for Bell.. He looks really good so you're not losing out on that. He's supposed to be a good player of spin. So all your really losing is actual regular runs.. Not a big deal really :) He'd fit in nicely with your current top 4! Might make Bell look good!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 22, 2013, 11:18:42 AM
He is a classy run machine and proof that this Indian attack is still very average. Clarke is once again the key with the bat for the Aussies.

I wouldn't say it's proof considering he averaged 144 against SA in the last series and they certainly aren't average. You make it sound like he can only score runs against average bowlers which I am sure you never meant it like that.

In saying that the bowling attack is below par.

I'd say he would be up the next to Amla as the no1 batsman in the world at the moment
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 22, 2013, 11:24:00 AM
I wouldn't say it's proof considering he averaged 144 against SA in the last series and they certainly aren't average. You make it sound like he can only score runs against average bowlers which I am sure you never meant it like that.

In saying that the bowling attack is below par.

I'd say he would be up the next to Amla as the no1 batsman in the world at the moment

Clarkes the main man currently in world cricket. Just look at him over the last 12 months. Amla is the best 3 in the world though.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 22, 2013, 11:27:17 AM
Shouldn't he be batting higher than 5 though? Your best batsmen should be 3 or 4 in a side? While it's difficult to argue with is recent average, as captain he should shoulder more responsibility, especially given the relative inexperience in the current top 3.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 22, 2013, 11:32:14 AM
Shouldn't he be batting higher than 5 though? Your best batsmen should be 3 or 4 in a side? While it's difficult to argue with is recent average, as captain he should shoulder more responsibility, especially given the relative inexperience in the current top 3.

What do people think about that statement 'Your Best batsmen should be 3 or 4' ??

My personal opinion is you look at each player as a player and match them to THEIR best position. If you do that you get the best out of people. Just because 'he's' the best player doesn't mean he'd be the best at 3 or 4 as they are different positions ot what are generally required at 5.

I'd personally say 4/5 are the most important positions as these should get the bulk of any teams runs. Openers are over rated as their job is generally just to get the side going. Not bat for hour and hours (in low level 40/45/50 over cricket). 3 is an important position but I do think 4 and 5 are your main men as they should be batting for 30+ overs per game. 6 and 7 are pretty important as well in the last 10 to 15 overs of a match.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 22, 2013, 11:38:58 AM
Shouldn't he be batting higher than 5 though? Your best batsmen should be 3 or 4 in a side? While it's difficult to argue with is recent average, as captain he should shoulder more responsibility, especially given the relative inexperience in the current top 3.

With an average of 66 as captain I'd say he is shouldering enough responsibility..
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 22, 2013, 11:43:07 AM
What do people think about that statement 'Your Best batsmen should be 3 or 4' ??

My personal opinion is you look at each player as a player and match them to THEIR best position. If you do that you get the best out of people. Just because 'he's' the best player doesn't mean he'd be the best at 3 or 4 as they are different positions ot what are generally required at 5.

I'd personally say 4/5 are the most important positions as these should get the bulk of any teams runs. Openers are over rated as their job is generally just to get the side going. Not bat for hour and hours (in low level 40/45/50 over cricket). 3 is an important position but I do think 4 and 5 are your main men as they should be batting for 30+ overs per game. 6 and 7 are pretty important as well in the last 10 to 15 overs of a match.

Most ridiculous statement I have seen on here
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 22, 2013, 11:43:41 AM
I wouldn't say it's proof considering he averaged 144 against SA in the last series and they certainly aren't average. You make it sound like he can only score runs against average bowlers which I am sure you never meant it like that.

In saying that the bowling attack is below par.

I'd say he would be up the next to Amla as the no1 batsman in the world at the moment

Pretty sure I called him a classy run machine.....

Apologies think we got our wires crossed I meant that any class batsman will take this average attack apart. It also highlights that the other Australian batsman bar the Portuguese Freddie Mercury didnt cash in.

I think it would be pretty stupid of me to say Clarke isn't a class act, I personally think he is better than Amla.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on February 22, 2013, 11:47:12 AM
Pretty sure I called him a classy run machine.....

Apologies think we got our wires crossed I meant that any class batsman will take this average attack apart. It also highlights that the other Australian batsman bar the Portuguese Freddie Mercury didnt cash in.

I think it would be pretty stupid of me to say Clarke isn't a class act, I personally think he is better than Amla.

Portuguese Freddie Mercury = Hilarious :)

Totally agree that Clarke should be rated ahead of Amla at the moment, if only slightly.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 22, 2013, 11:52:50 AM
With an average of 66 as captain I'd say he is shouldering enough responsibility..

Not disputing that. He's carrying Australian batting at the moment and with Hussey's retirement will continue to do so. But it would not be more beneficial to young batsmen coming through (Khawaja and Hughes are examples) to learn international cricket a 5 when the ball isn't as new and Clarke, as senior pro and captain, should push himself up. If you look at England's recent success stories, Strauss and Bell (and currently Root) have learnt their game at number 6 and then progressed up the order.

Can't argue too much with an average of 66, but it could be higher still if he batted at 3 and gave himself more time?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 22, 2013, 12:00:08 PM
Just my opinion but I wouldn't move him at all.. He does a great job there, he captains the team superbly... Why change something that may or may not work
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 22, 2013, 12:02:47 PM

I think it would be pretty stupid of me to say Clarke isn't a class act, I personally think he is better than Amla.

I think Amla might've heard me.... He appears to be cruising to another ton!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 22, 2013, 12:03:36 PM
I think Amla might've heard me.... He appears to be cruising to another ton!

I really enjoy watching Amla bat
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 22, 2013, 12:08:08 PM
On the Clarke batting higher thing, Strauss, Bell, Vaughan, Trott were all accused of scoring easy runs and then had to prove themselves higher up the order. Clarke is consistently scoring very difficult match saving runs so moving him now would be wrong in my opinion.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 22, 2013, 12:29:13 PM
Most ridiculous statement I have seen on here

Go on then, explain why your two openers are absolutely vital in LOW LEVEL cricket (I'm not disputing pro level stuff). Also remember to exclude the presence of overseas types who distort teams.

From my experience when I exclude the paid and overseas players most of the openers are either hitters who just go out and 'have a go' or they are blockers how if you work out quickly where they can and can't nudge runs you can block up and make them waste balls (so hurting the rest of their team). However, for some reason a lot of people seem to think openers have to bat for 20+ overs and almost have no care on their strike rates etc. If they get an average of 40 ish but with a SR of 50 to 60 then they are lauded as awesome. The fact that they will lose you more games than win you doing that as the rest have to hit out more which means it becomes more a lottery. Just an opinion but interested to hear why you think openers are vital.

Remember it's just normal low level cricket I'm talking about. Not test or pro matches as that's completely different as they have the ability to accelerate etc. Even Cook and trott can accelerate :)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: tim2000s on February 22, 2013, 12:35:05 PM
Go on then, explain why your two openers are absolutely vital in LOW LEVEL cricket (I'm not disputing pro level stuff). Also remember to exclude the presence of overseas types who distort teams.

From my experience when I exclude the paid and overseas players most of the openers are either hitters who just go out and 'have a go' or they are blockers how if you work out quickly where they can and can't nudge runs you can block up and make them waste balls (so hurting the rest of their team). However, for some reason a lot of people seem to think openers have to bat for 20+ overs and almost have no care on their strike rates etc. If they get an average of 40 ish but with a SR of 50 to 60 then they are lauded as awesome. The fact that they will lose you more games than win you doing that as the rest have to hit out more which means it becomes more a lottery. Just an opinion but interested to hear why you think openers are vital.

Remember it's just normal low level cricket I'm talking about. Not test or pro matches as that's completely different as they have the ability to accelerate etc. Even Cook and trott can accelerate :)
Perhaps worth starting a topic elsewhere on whether Opener is a critical position in amateur cricket, rather than block this thread up with it...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 22, 2013, 12:37:28 PM
Perhaps worth starting a topic elsewhere on whether Opener is a critical position in amateur cricket, rather than block this thread up with it...

Fair one. Apologies.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 22, 2013, 12:40:20 PM
No matter what level of cricket your 2 openers are there to do a job.

They are there to protect 3,4 & 5 from the new ball, take the shine off and negate the swing so 3,4 & 5 can come out and score as freely as possible.

And we were actually were talking about moving Clarke up the order when you made that crazy statement.

What level do you play and what position do you bat?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: petehosk on February 22, 2013, 12:42:08 PM
To be fair, Clarke has to bat under a lot of pressure!
Time and time again, most of the top order are failing, leaving the responsibility of having to get runs on his shoulders! Respect to the guy! He seems to keep delivering. Ok...he should have been out on 39 or whenever that was. But he's certainly made them pay for not having DRS  8)

The one thing I have noticed about Cook, Amla, Clarke and others who have been on excellent form over the last year or two, is the amount of concentration they seem to possess!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 22, 2013, 12:44:40 PM
To be fair, Clarke has to bat under a lot of pressure!
Time and time again, most of the top order are failing, leaving the responsibility of having to get runs on his shoulders! Respect to the guy! He seems to keep delivering. Ok...he should have been out on 39 or whenever that was. But he's certainly made them pay for not having DRS  8)

The one thing I have noticed about Cook, Amla, Clarke and others who have been on excellent form over the last year or two, is the amount of concentration they seem to possess!

I would throw in how relaxed they are while batting too Pete
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on February 22, 2013, 12:57:11 PM
No matter what level of cricket your 2 openers are there to do a job.

They are there to protect 3,4 & 5 from the new ball, take the shine off and negate the swing so 3,4 & 5 can come out and score as freely as possible.

And we were actually were talking about moving Clarke up the order when you made that crazy statement.

What level do you play and what position do you bat?

I am an opening batsman, and I can say without fear that openers are crucial to a good side.

You cannot get away with non specialist openers for very long either.

It is a specialist role.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 22, 2013, 01:40:36 PM
I am an opening batsman, and I can say without fear that openers are crucial to a good side.

You cannot get away with non specialist openers for very long either.

It is a specialist role.

Seconded!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 22, 2013, 01:43:40 PM
I am an opening batsman, and I can say without fear that openers are crucial to a good side.

You cannot get away with non specialist openers for very long either.

It is a specialist role.

I'm not an opener and have no interest in opening. However in the league games I've opened in I've scored 40+ every time (at a SR of 80+) against decent opposition. So, I don't think at the lower level it's as specialist as openers like to make out. I do think it's a different mental process to batting at 3/4/5/6. Nothing more.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 22, 2013, 02:40:17 PM
Clarke was sooooooo out, another Indian clanger for not having DRS.

Clarke should be ashamed of himself for standing there for that because he knew damn well he'd all but middled it.  Dirty cheat if you ask me! ;)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 22, 2013, 02:50:24 PM
Clarke should be ashamed of himself for standing there for that because he knew damn well he'd all but middled it.  Dirty cheat if you ask me! ;)

I agree. It was my thought as well. He knew he'd hit it so should have walked. Not walking when you know you've hit it is basically cheating.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: dmacwana on February 22, 2013, 03:26:21 PM
I agree. It was my thought as well. He knew he'd hit it so should have walked. Not walking when you know you've hit it is basically cheating.
Clarke should be ashamed of himself for standing there for that because he knew damn well he'd all but middled it.  Dirty cheat if you ask me! ;)

Australians have never know to be the ones to walk even when out unless given by the umpire, saw that in the home series against India few years ago ........ wouldn't expect anything else from the current lot as well ! Good players but not good ideals !!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 22, 2013, 03:30:30 PM
I get all of your points on not walking but Why would you walk if you are clarke after seeing the umpires make massive mistakes in the last series. I'd leave every decision down to the umpires now, the gentleman's game has long gone now and has been for a few years. I agree with clarke and rub it into the Indians once again for not having drs. It's their own stupid fault.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 22, 2013, 03:34:40 PM
I get all of your points on not walking but Why would you walk if you are clarke after seeing the umpires make massive mistakes in the last game. I'd leave every decision down to the umpires now, the gentleman's game has long gone now and has been for a few years. I agree with clarke and rub it into the Indians once again for not having drs. It's their own stupid fault.

I totally understand the point on mistakes gone before so this makes up for it. Plus I understand how India needs loads of these dodgy decisions against them as they are pig headed about DRS. However, why is it becoming accepted that Cricket is no longer a gentlemans game, played in the right spirit. Seems a bit depressing to me that it's getting more and more like football.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: tim2000s on February 22, 2013, 03:39:25 PM
I totally understand the point on mistakes gone before so this makes up for it. Plus I understand how India needs loads of these dodgy decisions against them as they are pig headed about DRS. However, why is it becoming accepted that Cricket is no longer a gentlemans game, played in the right spirit. Seems a bit depressing to me that it's getting more and more like football.
They'll be bullying the umpires next...

Oh, wait, Mike Gatting ???
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 22, 2013, 03:41:48 PM
It is upsetting but the very fact that technology has been brought in means that nobody in there right mind would walk. Imagine walking then finding out when you get in the hutch you weren't out? I'm all for walking but it's getting similar to diving in football now in that everyone is doing it so why bother being honest? There will always be dishonesty in sport and invariably they will only be highlighted when its on the winning side. You don't get cited for not walking so the incentive is to stay put and let the umps make the decision, which I can understand entirely.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 22, 2013, 03:43:09 PM
They'll be bullying the umpires next...

Oh, wait, Mike Gatting ???

Don't know what he did as I never saw Gatting but if he was pressuring and mouthing off to umpires then that's bad.

It is upsetting but the very fact that technology has been brought in means that nobody in there right mind would walk. Imagine walking then finding out when you get in the hutch you weren't out? I'm all for walking but it's getting similar to diving in football now in that everyone is doing it so why bother being honest? There will always be dishonesty in sport and invariably they will only be highlighted when its on the winning side. You don't get cited for not walking so the incentive is to stay put and let the umps make the decision, which I can understand entirely.

So 'sportsmanship'. is dead then really? Very sad day. Might be time for me to evaluate how I play the game if it's genuinely how people want the game to go.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: trypewriter on February 22, 2013, 03:44:37 PM
Bradman was famously a 'non walker'.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: trypewriter on February 22, 2013, 03:45:54 PM
The gatt

mike gatting incident (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXhT6P_GHWA#)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 22, 2013, 03:49:39 PM
I hope he got a heavy heavy fine and banned for a shed loads of games??
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 22, 2013, 03:52:21 PM
Bradman was famously a 'non walker'.

WG Grace was a (enter expletive) as well
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: trypewriter on February 22, 2013, 03:59:43 PM
I think WG wrote the manual!  :D
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 22, 2013, 08:56:32 PM
I'm not an opener and have no interest in opening. However in the league games I've opened in I've scored 40+ every time (at a SR of 80+) against decent opposition. So, I don't think at the lower level it's as specialist as openers like to make out. I do think it's a different mental process to batting at 3/4/5/6. Nothing more.

Sorry my mistake after watching your batting videos I thought you were just another village cricketer.. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 22, 2013, 09:03:46 PM
Sorry my mistake after watching your batting videos I thought you were just another village cricketer.. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

I am a village cricketer. Don't get paid so that makes me a village cricketer.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: swamidude on February 22, 2013, 11:09:09 PM
I have opened and had a fair amount of success, have since moved down to about 3/4/5 though.

I'd definitely say that opening on a regular basis against good oppositions is a lot harder. Often you set the tone for the way your team's innings will go and there's a lot of responsibility associated with being an opener.

Tomorrow should have some good cricket, hopefully we can bowl Australia out cheaply in the morning and put ourselves in a good position for the rest of the test match. Going to require some good batting performances however, from a line-up which is delivering poor performances of late.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 22, 2013, 11:53:49 PM
Here's the Melbourne Herald Sun's effort to get around the BCCI's photo ban!

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/Alex_Sparrow/image-16.jpg)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: aussiejake on February 23, 2013, 12:08:46 AM
did lol at those photos in the paper
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on February 23, 2013, 12:09:07 AM
Is this real? It is hilarious!!
I haven't seen todays paper yet.
 
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Jenko on February 23, 2013, 11:12:21 AM
Pattinson takes all 3 of the Indian wickets to fall today but only gets bowled in two 3 over spells.....
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 23, 2013, 11:15:34 AM
What is it with Pattinson?  I mean, they have five bowlers so can afford to let one of them work in short bursts but, well, how can you select a bowler to bowl three overs per session?

Mind you, he was the only Aussie to look like taking a wicket so...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Jenko on February 23, 2013, 11:19:07 AM
I bet you Patto is bloody spewing. Surely if he has been selected then he is obviously fit to play. Finally we have a decent bowling line up in a test and the one bloke taking wickets gets bowled less than the all rounder????

I might be a tad biased, love Patto reckon he is awesome, great aggression, bowls good areas and at pace.....I bet they say they are nursing him back into cricket to avoid injury. Deadset joke
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 23, 2013, 11:24:20 AM
Thats the Autralian selection policy for you though - mind you, he *will* break down before the series is finished...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on February 24, 2013, 04:54:48 AM
Great delivery from Lyon, bowling tendulkar!!
Has to keep it up, needs a big day, has to take a few wickets.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Jenko on February 24, 2013, 04:57:41 AM
Wish I had foxsports....unfortunately I am resigned to having cricinfo on for the whole test match. Sounded like a good seed from Lyon, glad to see he can spin a ball on a dustbowl of a wicket :)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on February 24, 2013, 08:36:29 AM
Just for you Jenko!

http://www.tvkorner.com/ (http://www.tvkorner.com/)

Live streaming.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Alvaro on February 24, 2013, 09:28:24 AM
Or try testmatchsofa.com
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 24, 2013, 11:10:42 AM
Wish I had foxsports....unfortunately I am resigned to having cricinfo on for the whole test match. Sounded like a good seed from Lyon, glad to see he can spin a ball on a dustbowl of a wicket :)

I think it's the only ball he got to turn.  Dhoni is smashing him.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 24, 2013, 11:11:31 AM
I repeat my earlier comments that our Australian posters found so objectionable - Lyon would not make his way into an English county side!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 24, 2013, 11:16:47 AM
I repeat my earlier comments that our Australian posters found so objectionable - Lyon would not make his way into an English county side!

Don't think I objected to that
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 24, 2013, 11:19:02 AM
Don't think I objected to that

A few did - but he's being outbowled by Warner! :)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 24, 2013, 11:21:46 AM
My grandmother could spin it more than Lyon and she has arthritis
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: DiscoStu on February 24, 2013, 11:23:37 AM
I don't know if its the contrast on my computer screen but that wicket looks particularly 'old school India'. Normally would say that I wouldnt fancy batting last on it but if the attack is Lyon and Warner then its not going to hold too many demons.

Cracking knock by Dhoni
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ppccopener on February 24, 2013, 11:32:55 AM
No it really does look like the french open tennis could be played on it
Fabulous knock by msd
Aussies have no quality spinners anymore
The bloke who sold his kit was the best one dont know what happened to him
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on February 24, 2013, 11:34:44 AM
I repeat my earlier comments that our Australian posters found so objectionable - Lyon would not make his way into an English county side!

Agree'd. Unfortunately he is just not up to it.
I really wish dutchy holland was fit for this tour. He would have been a better option.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: swamidude on February 24, 2013, 05:00:58 PM
Awesome double hundred by Dhoni, really showing that he can bat in tests too. Australia have missed a trick with just one spinner here!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 24, 2013, 09:32:17 PM
really? if Lyon is the best they have they might as well have played Khawaja and used Warner as their second twirler...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 25, 2013, 04:15:56 AM
Dhoni starting to tee off again, huge six off Lyon who is increasingly looking like a groundsman who can bowl rather than an actual spinner.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 25, 2013, 04:21:25 AM
200 up for Lyon at 4.67 an over!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: i12breakfree on February 25, 2013, 04:26:43 AM
done now

share warne made good observation about nathan's bowling speed
he should bowl slower with more flight
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: LNB on February 25, 2013, 04:35:07 AM
Should have played Steve Smith, probably still would get smashed same as Lyon but at least Smith can hold a bat.
Good to see Starc has gone wicket less too, most overrated quick bowler in Australia.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on February 25, 2013, 05:22:57 AM
Watson opening the batting! I wonder what's up with Warner...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: LNB on February 25, 2013, 05:27:42 AM
This is what espncricinfo said

"Interesting. Interesting. Shane Watson has walked out to open with Ed Cowan. I hear Warner is down with a gastro. Ouch, that's not a good feeling. And here is R Ashwin. A slip, a gully, a short leg"
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 25, 2013, 06:11:21 AM
May want to get a right/left combo to avoid 3 lefties in on the trot?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on February 25, 2013, 07:01:55 AM
May want to get a right/left combo to avoid 3 lefties in on the trot?

yeah, that probably influenced the decision
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 25, 2013, 07:12:31 AM
yeah, that probably influenced the decision

Doesn't help when the R/H batsman gets out tho...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 25, 2013, 07:41:33 AM
Ashwin and Jadeja are turning it miles and getting huge lift. Really has highlighted the Aussies glaring mistake with the team selection.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Jenko on February 25, 2013, 07:48:39 AM
Get Warney back hahaha. Well Lyon is up there with Dizzy Gillespie as one of the only tail enders to make a double century in a test match...oh wait.....
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 25, 2013, 08:24:56 AM
Baffling selection by the Aussies, really. At least it should put an end to Warney blaring about how great the current side are.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 25, 2013, 08:34:01 AM
Maybe they've picked Starc, Siddle and Lyon as the extra batsman and its a masterstroke?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 25, 2013, 08:46:41 AM
Maybe they've picked Starc, Siddle and Lyon as the extra batsman and its a masterstroke?

Ha! Couldn't do any worse than Phil Hughes or Matthew Wade?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Jenko on February 25, 2013, 08:52:17 AM
Patto is no mug with the willow either :)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 25, 2013, 09:04:28 AM
The tail are going to need to wag now. Innings defeat on the cards?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: tim2000s on February 25, 2013, 09:18:18 AM
Let's not forget that England did exactly the same thing in their first test in India this winter...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 25, 2013, 09:21:57 AM
Let's not forget that England did exactly the same thing in their first test in India this winter...

Which makes it all the more bizarre why they didnt pick 2 or even 3 spinners. I think the lack of experienced heads around Clarke shows with the selection. 4 seamers!! sharma and Kumar have bowled 30 overs out of 190 overs in both Australian innings!!!. It's Deja Vu from the first test v England.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Jenko on February 25, 2013, 09:23:29 AM
We don't have decent spinners though who bowl with any sort of consistancy.....surely they wont give maxwell a run if they go with dual spinners next game....exciting times haha
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 25, 2013, 09:26:33 AM
Anything is better than warners filthy pies
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 25, 2013, 09:27:45 AM
Can't play Maxwell surely as a second spinner? If he were to play it would be at the expense of Henriques as the all-rounder and then draft in a second spinner (Doherty?) in place of Siddle. From what I hear, the Aussies do not rate Doherty as a 5 day spinner though, so that's a problem in itself.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 25, 2013, 09:33:52 AM
Is Fawad Ahmed qualified yet?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Jenko on February 25, 2013, 09:36:28 AM
Not yet. They are loking to rush it through I believe!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 25, 2013, 09:38:02 AM
Not yet. They are loking to rush it through I believe!

Is Julia Gillard aware of this? Could be some stumbling blocks.....
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Jenko on February 25, 2013, 09:39:05 AM
August 18 (by ICC regs -time spent in a country) or as soon as he recieves his passport. Get the printer warmed up Aus Government!!!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 25, 2013, 09:49:32 AM
Haven't they got Doherty over there warming the bench as well
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 25, 2013, 10:08:28 AM
And that's where he will stay. To be fair, Aussies were unlucky that Beer got injured as he would have played, but cupboard is so bare that Clarke was close to selecting Ager, a young Aussies spinner with only 3 first class games to his name. I'm sure Warnie will offer to come out of retirement, AGAIN!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 25, 2013, 10:15:02 AM
They could always revert to The Postman Brad Hogg....

Or even their previous best Ashes spinner, Marcus North...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 25, 2013, 10:23:44 AM
The thing I don't get is when Shane Warne was playing every young kid wanted to bowl spin and every junior team had at least 3 spinners in the team who wanted to bowl like their hero. Now you can't find a decent spinner if you tried here... We should have a 100 spinners trying to break into the national side...

Where have these young kids gone? Why don't Australia have a decent spin program with someone like Shane Warne mentoring?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 25, 2013, 10:28:06 AM
We had a golden run with spinners. Robert Holland, Peter Taylor, Shane Warne, Tim May, Stuart Macgill... And great spinners even before these guys.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 25, 2013, 10:29:58 AM
and then you got Beau Casson, Bryce Mcgain, Xavier Doherty and Nathan Lyon.....

Warnie ate all the pies, now this lot bowl them!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: aussiejake on February 25, 2013, 10:36:56 AM
8 run lead is enough right?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 25, 2013, 10:40:19 AM
Maybe in the days of Waugh and Warne ;)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 25, 2013, 10:43:55 AM
Henriques has had a good test for someone I don't rate
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on February 25, 2013, 10:45:10 AM
Henriques has had a good test for someone I don't rate

I was thinking the exact same thing :)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: johnnyw on February 25, 2013, 10:55:47 AM
What about dan cullen, cullen bailey, cameron boyce???
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: goodarmcindy on February 25, 2013, 11:55:57 AM
Henriques is a terrible player, but you can't really do much more than he's done today. Fair play to him. I bet B Kumar had a fun day, though.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 25, 2013, 11:59:39 AM
Henriques is a terrible player, but you can't really do much more than he's done today. Fair play to him. I bet B Kumar had a fun day, though.
I've said for a while that Moises was worth a go so by that standard I reckon I should be the new head of Aussie selectors....couldn't do any worse, could I?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 25, 2013, 12:02:23 PM
I've said for a while that Moises was worth a go so by that standard I reckon I should be the new head of Aussie selectors....couldn't do any worse, could I?

Your hired!!!!!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 25, 2013, 12:10:36 PM
Jackson Bird on his way home for scans on his back
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on February 25, 2013, 12:15:39 PM
Jackson Bird on his way home for scans on his back

It seems that the prerequisite for being an Aussie pace bowler is that you get injured at least once during a series!!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 25, 2013, 12:18:26 PM
It seems that the prerequisite for being an Aussie pace bowler is that you get injured at least once during a series!!

damn, just when he was going to rotate in...

Interesting side thought - when will an Aussie paceman get an injury to his ROTATOR cuff?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: goodarmcindy on February 25, 2013, 02:23:15 PM
I've said for a while that Moises was worth a go so by that standard I reckon I should be the new head of Aussie selectors....couldn't do any worse, could I?

Fair play to you. He was terrible when he was over here for Glamorgan though, so let's hope he's still knocking about come the English summer.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 25, 2013, 06:38:05 PM
Fair play to you. He was terrible when he was over here for Glamorgan though, so let's hope he's still knocking about come the English summer.

Ambiguous on that one - in that I really don't care too much who the Aussies bring of their current crop - but I think they might be a better balanced side with Moises in there, if not actively a better one.  His performances in international competitions have always sugested a guy who likes the bigger occasions and his temprament in this match has been very good, which suggest to me that - like, say, Banger or Virgil for England when they were at a low ebb, he can be selected as much on temprament as anything. 

The only question that will dog him is whether - in an Aussie attack permanenetly a bowler light because Lyon is garbage and with such an awful history of breaking down mid match - he is quite good enough with the ball to take wickets against good international teams, because he will need to chip in with 2-3 per test.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 25, 2013, 06:45:16 PM
I think to be the best test match side a quality all rounder is crucial. It's no fluke that SA are No.1 and dominating as they have two in Kallis and ABdV. England had so many more options with Flintoff in the side and have struggled to fill that void.

Henriques just needs to stay fit and he will play a lot of cricket for Australia. Whether that's a good or bad thing remains to be seen.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 25, 2013, 10:26:47 PM
even a moderate standard all rounder makes a huge difference (or, for that matter, a specialist in one discipline who can hold their own in another) - look at the runs Petersen and Philander have made in crucial Saffer wins, and Shaun Pollock for years before, or the way Watson, when he was prepared to bowl, was treated like goldust!   
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on February 26, 2013, 04:21:25 AM
So, how much longer will the Aussie innings, and the game for that matter, last?

I wonder if henriques can make it to 100?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on February 26, 2013, 04:26:07 AM
Well that's the end of the Aussie innings. Disappointing, but a good effort from henriques.
Can't be long till the game is over.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: dmacwana on February 26, 2013, 07:58:07 AM
Two wickets to score 50 ....!!! Reminds me of the time when India struggled with opening pair and poor Parthiv Patel was the scapegoat ..opening in England and Australia !! 
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Alvaro on February 26, 2013, 08:40:50 AM
Parthiv was about three in the 90s.
8 wickets is a fair win, given that the pitch was approaching a minefield.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 26, 2013, 08:42:43 AM
I think 8 wickets is pretty comprehensive and perhaps flatters the Aussies a bit. Batting first on that they needed to pile on 500 and then apply scoreboard pressure. There first innings total was only made respectable by Clarke and Henriques. Real worries over the top 4 (is Watson a number 4 anyway?) and how they are going to build in an extra spinner.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 26, 2013, 09:33:27 AM
and how they are going to build in an extra spinner.

you are credibiting Lyon as a spinner?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: i12breakfree on February 26, 2013, 09:38:04 AM
In case you missed Sachin's batting today
The Winning Shots - Sachin Tendulkar [ India vs Australia ] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tIYYnZjRN8#)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Jenko on February 26, 2013, 09:42:25 AM
Well lets see.....Henriques scored runs and Patto took wickets, so going by the scientific calculations the energy expended in the middle to achieve those results makes them a 97% chance of breaking down at training this week, therefore they will be given the break off and the next test match.

This will pave the way for some stupendous selections. The "Big Show" will get his test cap (pretty sure he picked the winning raffle tickets in Bombay last night) and replace Henriques in the team as the allrounder. Then Patto will be replaced by Doherty, for no decent reason other than he puts a few revs on the ball in the air, so on a dusty minefield he is a chance of bagging a few wickets. Lyon will be retained as he "shows promise" and bowls very well for a young guy learning his trade (learning it playing for Australia). Meanwhile, Khawaja, who is young, has talent and great technique, keeps warming the bench, for as much apparent reason as everyone else GETS a game for Australia. :)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: dmacwana on February 26, 2013, 09:53:07 AM
Parthiv was about three in the 90s.
8 wickets is a fair win, given that the pitch was approaching a minefield.

Sorry my bad I stand corrected ...early part of last decade !!  :)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 26, 2013, 09:56:57 AM
Well lets see.....Henriques scored runs and Patto took wickets, so going by the scientific calculations the energy expended in the middle to achieve those results makes them a 97% chance of breaking down at training this week, therefore they will be given the break off and the next test match.

This will pave the way for some stupendous selections. The "Big Show" will get his test cap (pretty sure he picked the winning raffle tickets in Bombay last night) and replace Henriques in the team as the allrounder. Then Patto will be replaced by Doherty, for no decent reason other than he puts a few revs on the ball in the air, so on a dusty minefield he is a chance of bagging a few wickets. Lyon will be retained as he "shows promise" and bowls very well for a young guy learning his trade (learning it playing for Australia). Meanwhile, Khawaja, who is young, has talent and great technique, keeps warming the bench, for as much apparent reason as everyone else GETS a game for Australia. :)

Is Maxwell rated at all in Australia? In England, all we know of him is that he was playing club cricket here last year and Hampshire picked him up as a bit of a biffer for their T20 campaign. Next think you know, he's claiming a £1m sign up for the IPL and Warne is proclaiming him as the saviour of Aussie cricket. To me, he looks like he may have found his level at club cricket...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Jenko on February 26, 2013, 10:03:19 AM
Is Maxwell rated at all in Australia? In England, all we know of him is that he was playing club cricket here last year and Hampshire picked him up as a bit of a biffer for their T20 campaign. Next think you know, he's claiming a £1m sign up for the IPL and Warne is proclaiming him as the saviour of Aussie cricket. To me, he looks like he may have found his level at club cricket...

I think he is right up there with Cameron White....a dirty hack :) which isn't a good thing. Can't stand him and can't stand blokes who bignote themselves and cant back it up game after game
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Gerry SA on February 26, 2013, 11:31:03 AM
Only the second time in Australia's Test history that all 20 wickets fell to spinners.

The only other time was that Jim Laker match.

Now on to Australia's woes.

Poor old Lyon is being slated for not imposing himself to the Indians but his confidence has been harmed by the inept wicket keeping of Wade. During their home summer Lyon had plenty of chances shelled by Wade. The Indians sensed that Lyon was down on confidence and took him apart. Unsurprisingly Wade also shelled a couple of chances of Lyon's bowling in Madras as well...

A Test match keeper primary job is to catch the ball. Wade has shown his keeping is below average. His harming his bowlers morale. Pick a keeper that can catch rather than one that can slog 100.

Secondly I don't understand how Steve O'Keefe, averaging 27 in FC cricket, isn't in the squad. He's the best spinner in Australia by a long distance.

I think for the second Test, Australia should go with the following line up:

1. Watson
2. Warner
3. Hughes
4. Clarke
5. Smith/Maxwell
6. Henriques
7. Wade(as there's no other keeper should be Tim Paine)
8. Johnson
9. Pattinson
10. Lyon
11. Doherty

Depending on how dusty the pitch at Hyderabad is, in the last Test there Ashwin took 12 wickets, then it's a toss up between Smith and Maxwell. Smith's bowling, whilst not great, offers Clarke something different. Maxwell would bat at 7. But his FC bowling record is decent. His in your face attitude would get in the Indians faces.

Pattinson got amongst the Indians with pace, so Siddle and Starc who where non threatening are replaced by Johnson for more aggression.

Doherty to partner Lyon to try and create more pressure.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Buzz on February 26, 2013, 11:50:12 AM
I read a post like that and think of how English cricket was in the 90's.

This Stewart vs Jack Russel
any number of different bowling combo's
Tuffers' confidence
and a mixed batting line up - with the saviour being Chris Lewis as the alrounder or something.

Anyone who grew up watching cricket post the Duncan Fletcher era don't know how lucky you are.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: uknsaunders on February 26, 2013, 11:57:29 AM
Only the second time in Australia's Test history that all 20 wickets fell to spinners.

The only other time was that Jim Laker match.

Now on to Australia's woes.

Poor old Lyon is being slated for not imposing himself to the Indians but his confidence has been harmed by the inept wicket keeping of Wade. During their home summer Lyon had plenty of chances shelled by Wade. The Indians sensed that Lyon was down on confidence and took him apart. Unsurprisingly Wade also shelled a couple of chances of Lyon's bowling in Madras as well...

A Test match keeper primary job is to catch the ball. Wade has shown his keeping is below average. His harming his bowlers morale. Pick a keeper that can catch rather than one that can slog 100.

Secondly I don't understand how Steve O'Keefe, averaging 27 in FC cricket, isn't in the squad. He's the best spinner in Australia by a long distance.

I think for the second Test, Australia should go with the following line up:

1. Watson
2. Warner
3. Hughes
4. Clarke
5. Smith/Maxwell
6. Henriques
7. Wade(as there's no other keeper should be Tim Paine)
8. Johnson
9. Pattinson
10. Lyon
11. Doherty

Depending on how dusty the pitch at Hyderabad is, in the last Test there Ashwin took 12 wickets, then it's a toss up between Smith and Maxwell. Smith's bowling, whilst not great, offers Clarke something different. Maxwell would bat at 7. But his FC bowling record is decent. His in your face attitude would get in the Indians faces.

Pattinson got amongst the Indians with pace, so Siddle and Starc who where non threatening are replaced by Johnson for more aggression.

Doherty to partner Lyon to try and create more pressure.

they won't be dropping cowan I suspect, more likely Phil Hughes but I doubt that as well. You don't need more than 3 seamers in India so just add another spinner.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: tim2000s on February 26, 2013, 12:02:05 PM
I read a post like that and think of how English cricket was in the 90's.

This Stewart vs Jack Russel
any number of different bowling combo's
Tuffers' confidence
and a mixed batting line up - with the saviour being Chris Lewis as the alrounder or something.

Anyone who grew up watching cricket post the Duncan Fletcher era don't know how lucky you are.
Can Hick play the Short Ball? Is Athers fit enough? Who should play at number 3? Do we need to play Pattinson at Headingley, really? SHould we have Richard Illingworth, Ian Salisbury or Peter Such as our first/second spinner? I remember it well...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 26, 2013, 12:02:16 PM
I think Lyon has more to worry about with his bowling than Wade... When a "spin" bowler can't turn a ball on a wicket like that and the opposition spinner, who is average at best, cleans up with sharp turning balls and gets balls to jump up off a good length then he needs to take a look at himself.. Lyon bowled poorly and that is that... When Dhoni took to him he dropped his bundle.. When he needed to use flight he speared it in short and fast and became predictable.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Alvaro on February 26, 2013, 01:37:13 PM
Can Hick play the Short Ball? Is Athers fit enough? Who should play at number 3? Do we need to play Pattinson at Headingley, really? SHould we have Richard Illingworth, Ian Salisbury or Peter Such as our first/second spinner? I remember it well...

Can Devon Malcolm see?

Who bats at eleven? Tufnell, Dev, Such or Mullaly?

Bonkers
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 26, 2013, 01:46:53 PM
I think Lyon has more to worry about with his bowling than Wade... When a "spin" bowler can't turn a ball on a wicket like that and the opposition spinner, who is average at best, cleans up with sharp turning balls and gets balls to jump up off a good length then he needs to take a look at himself.. Lyon bowled poorly and that is that... When Dhoni took to him he dropped his bundle.. When he needed to use flight he speared it in short and fast and became predictable.

Nathan Lyon really did come into international cricket from nowhere and doesn't really have any real stats to back up his selection. The Aussie critics seem to big him up but he has yet to deliver in Tests and his 4th innings bowling record is abysmal.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Gerry SA on February 26, 2013, 02:03:29 PM
I think Lyon has more to worry about with his bowling than Wade... When a "spin" bowler can't turn a ball on a wicket like that and the opposition spinner, who is average at best, cleans up with sharp turning balls and gets balls to jump up off a good length then he needs to take a look at himself.. Lyon bowled poorly and that is that... When Dhoni took to him he dropped his bundle.. When he needed to use flight he speared it in short and fast and became predictable.
You're either Muralidaran or punch drunk to claim R Ashwin is 'average at best'

Against England he was up and down. Bowled too many variations. He's gone back to his coach and worked on ripping the off spinner big and focusing on drift.

Ashwin is pretty inexperienced. Outside Test cricket he's only played 30 odd FC games.

He made rapid improves to fix his issues unlike his teammate H Singh, who after 100 Tests is still throwing down pies.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 26, 2013, 02:03:31 PM
think for the second Test, Australia should go with the following line up:

1. Watson
2. Warner
3. Hughes
4. Clarke
5. Smith/Maxwell
6. Henriques
7. Wade(as there's no other keeper should be Tim Paine)
8. Johnson
9. Pattinson
10. Lyon
11. Doherty

So you'd drop Cowan (who actually batted well here) but not Hughes (who is embarrassing), would play Smith or Maxwell (who doesn't even bat five in state cricket) to bat five ahead of Khawaja, and would play two non turning pie chuckers instead of one...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: cricketbadger on February 26, 2013, 02:18:44 PM
So you'd drop Cowan (who actually batted well here) but not Hughes (who is embarrassing), would play Smith or Maxwell (who doesn't even bat five in state cricket) to bat five ahead of Khawaja, and would play two non turning pie chuckers instead of one...

I agree, the side he named is pretty poor, to even mention Smith and Maxwell within the test side is ridiculous in my opinion, and the 2 spinners are woeful. But they have no other spin options really
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on February 26, 2013, 02:19:04 PM
The mistake was made a few weeks back when the 17-man squad was named. The absence of top-class spinners in the country is hardly a scoop, but if they were serious about considering a second specialist in India - given the injuries to Jon Holland and Michael Beer - it should have been Stephen O'Keefe.

 The NSW left-arm orthodox took eight wickets in a Sheffield Shield match at Blacktown just days before the touring party was named, and is easily the leading domestic wicket-taker among spinners this season. He can bat, too. The word is O'Keefe has a line through his name, though, because he is a chirpy, confident lad not afraid to speak his mind. The suggestion is that kind of personality doesn't suit the team culture.
 Whatever the reason, his snubbing leaves them with few options. Australia played its best bowlers in Chennai and was taken apart - the danger is if it gets spooked in Hyderabad and picks another spinner for the sake of it.


Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/sport/cricket/spinning-out-the-blame-20130225-2f22t.html#ixzz2Ly9tFvmW (http://www.theage.com.au/sport/cricket/spinning-out-the-blame-20130225-2f22t.html#ixzz2Ly9tFvmW)

If the underlined is true...then questions have to be asked about this new metrosexual environment thats being created in the test team. it was no secret that the majority of the late 90s early 00s test team hated each other - but they still managed winning streaks that will never be matched.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 26, 2013, 02:24:45 PM
A tour to India was always going to be the litmus test for this Aussie line up. While no one can argue with the quality of seamers they have coming though (Pattinson, Starc and Cummins are all exceptional talents) there was always a doubt about a) the spin bowling department and b) how well there batsmen would fare on surfaces with which they weren't as familiar.

Let's not forget that England also lost the first Test to India in similar circumstances recently and went on to win the series. There is a lot of cricket still to be played.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 26, 2013, 02:49:06 PM
If the underlined is true...then questions have to be asked about this new metrosexual environment thats being created in the test team. it was no secret that the majority of the late 90s early 00s test team hated each other - but they still managed winning streaks that will never be matched.

What is that saying about a team growing to mirror its captain?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 26, 2013, 02:50:28 PM
Let's not forget that England also lost the first Test to India in similar circumstances recently and went on to win the series. There is a lot of cricket still to be played.

There is.  But England won because they had two world class batsmen at the top of the order who made consistently massive scores (why does Clarke, Australia's one such, choose to bat five still?) and two genuinely World Class spinners (Australia have a nominated spinner who isn't even as good as the five batsmen in the team at twirling!)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 26, 2013, 03:02:10 PM
There is.  But England won because they had two world class batsmen at the top of the order who made consistently massive scores (why does Clarke, Australia's one such, choose to bat five still?) and two genuinely World Class spinners (Australia have a nominated spinner who isn't even as good as the five batsmen in the team at twirling!)

Agree with this. I got berated on here the other day for suggesting this, but shouldn't Clarke, as captain and world ranked number 2 batsman, push himself up to 3 or 4?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: tim2000s on February 26, 2013, 03:02:31 PM
There is.  But England won because they had two world class batsmen at the top of the order who made consistently massive scores (why does Clarke, Australia's one such, choose to bat five still?) and two genuinely World Class spinners (Australia have a nominated spinner who isn't even as good as the five batsmen in the team at twirling!)
And therein lies the point. Australia need to take 20 wickets on dustbowls that England's spinners made look like minefields. There is no one in the Aus side who looks like they will make that happen.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: cricketbadger on February 26, 2013, 03:03:31 PM
witht he likes of maxwell, smith and lyon as the spin options, I'd rate Clarke as their best spinner
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 26, 2013, 03:15:28 PM
Agree with this. I got berated on here the other day for suggesting this, but shouldn't Clarke, as captain and world ranked number 2 batsman, push himself up to 3 or 4?

four would be ideal - it would suit his particular game better than three but still give one of the lesser batsmen a bit more protection.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 26, 2013, 03:16:00 PM
witht he likes of maxwell, smith and lyon as the spin options, I'd rate Clarke as their best spinner

had to laugh in this game just gone - Lyon was chuntering away at haviong to bowl on a road and Warner come on and rips it square.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: johnnyw on February 26, 2013, 03:49:03 PM
Bring katich back as a spinner. He would have been a good bowler if he did not have so many injuiries. He can bat abit aswell
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 26, 2013, 03:50:23 PM
Bring katich back as a spinner. He would have been a good bowler if he did not have so many injuiries. He can bat abit aswell

with qualities like those he'd need to be rested... ;)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: cricketbadger on February 26, 2013, 04:35:16 PM
Just seen the highlights of Dhoni's knock, and im rather bemused by Lyon's body language
Keeps chucking it up there into the slot for Dhoni to slap it into the stands, and he looks bewildered when dhoni launches it, what does he expect?
and look at his 3 wickets, both bowled her chopped onto the stumps, another was a terrible shot from kohli, somethings wrong if he cant trouble a batsmen in those spinning conditions
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Gerry SA on February 26, 2013, 06:36:42 PM
So you'd drop Cowan (who actually batted well here) but not Hughes (who is embarrassing), would play Smith or Maxwell (who doesn't even bat five in state cricket) to bat five ahead of Khawaja, and would play two non turning pie chuckers instead of one...
Ed Cowan has made a habit of getting 20s 30s 40s 50s and getting out.

He rarely looks assured at the crease.

Hughes had a bad Test, but he's had good form in the last 4 months.

Hughes is a serial hundred scorer.

Hughes over Cowan all day every day.

Smith or Maxwell would bat 6/7.

Henriques can bat at 5 as he does for NSW
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 26, 2013, 06:48:40 PM
Hughes got an absolute snorter 2nd innings as well!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Gerry SA on February 26, 2013, 06:55:54 PM
Hughes got an absolute snorter 2nd innings as well!
His dismissal in the 1st dig also involved variable bounce.

Chennai is a pretty unique pitch.

Nowhere else in India plays the same.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 26, 2013, 06:58:24 PM

Henriques can bat at 5 as he does for NSW

Henriques batting at number 5 in a Test side is hilarious. He didn't even bat that high for Glamorgan in Div 2 of the County Championship
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 26, 2013, 06:59:17 PM
But Hughes will always be the guy whose own selectors admitted was only good enough and mentally strong enough to come in against a monumentally weak Sri Lankan attack.  Its one thing for your oppo to sledge you as a gutless flat track bully, its quite another when your own management do it...

Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Gerry SA on February 26, 2013, 07:06:10 PM
Henriques batting at number 5 in a Test side is hilarious. He didn't even bat that high for Glamorgan in Div 2 of the County Championship
As far as I'm aware the second is being played in India and not Wales.

Secondly Henriques has come of age this year.

He's averaging around 80 in Australian FC. He's just scored 140 in his debut Test.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Gerry SA on February 26, 2013, 07:07:57 PM
But Hughes will always be the guy whose own selectors admitted was only good enough and mentally strong enough to come in against a monumentally weak Sri Lankan attack.  Its one thing for your oppo to sledge you as a gutless flat track bully, its quite another when your own management do it...
Not sure what that's gotta do with anything.

Yes he wasn't made to face Steyn and co, but he was in the final process of remodelling his technique.

Facing SL face the selectors the chance to see if the changes had made any difference.

Hughes is a fantastic talent, make no bones about it.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 26, 2013, 07:14:41 PM
Hughes is a fantastic talent, make no bones about it.

I'll not make bones about it - I will, however, tell you that you're deluded.  He'll not score a run in India then will cower like a baby as soon as Steven Finn sticks a few in short.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 26, 2013, 07:29:42 PM
Please play Hughes in the Ashes. Every dog has his day so he'll get the odd good innings BUT he will be found out more often than not and will get done over time and time again. He was completely ripped apart when he played England before and our bowling attack is probably better now than it was then. So, even if he's improved I doubt he'll cope with Anderson, Finn and Onions.

I predict if he plays he'll avg 22 with a highest score of 65.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ppccopener on February 26, 2013, 08:01:36 PM
Hughes is a decent player on true tracks in Oz.in tests so far i've seen two problems that won't go away:
His tecnique is all over the shop-ok if you have unbelievable hand eye co-ordination like KP,Ponting or Lara.
Second he can't play genuine quick bowling.
The ashes may well be closer this time round but our bowlers will toast Hughes
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 26, 2013, 08:48:29 PM
As far as I'm aware the second is being played in India and not Wales.

Secondly Henriques has come of age this year.

He's averaging around 80 in Australian FC. He's just scored 140 in his debut Test.

Time will tell. Maybe he'll join the likes of Andrew McDonald and Cam White and Steve Smith as great Aussie all-rounders. Oh wait...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 26, 2013, 08:54:12 PM
Who would you have in your side.. Stuart Broad or Moses Henriques.... On current form.. Not on past glories!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 26, 2013, 09:05:56 PM
Who would you have in your side.. Stuart Broad or Moses Henriques.... On current form.. Not on past glories!

Hmm, on current form - Moises. In reality, I'd have neither. England should play Onions in NZ.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ppccopener on February 26, 2013, 09:21:59 PM
Spot on,Onions has been very lucky not to play in the last year.
If we play one less batter maybe they will know they have to score to stay in the side
England dont want to be a closed shop
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: swamidude on February 26, 2013, 10:06:20 PM
Tendulkar clearly wasn't happy about being dismissed by Lyon in the 80s! Lovely 6s he hit in the second innings
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 26, 2013, 10:12:09 PM
showed precisely the right amount of respect for the bowler!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on February 27, 2013, 03:52:57 AM
Is Maxwell rated at all in Australia? In England, all we know of him is that he was playing club cricket here last year and Hampshire picked him up as a bit of a biffer for their T20 campaign. Next think you know, he's claiming a £1m sign up for the IPL and Warne is proclaiming him as the saviour of Aussie cricket. To me, he looks like he may have found his level at club cricket...

Maxwell has a first class batting average of 42 and a FC bowling average of 33.

What are your FC averages?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: tim2000s on February 27, 2013, 07:54:59 AM
Maxwell has a first class batting average of 42 and a FC bowling average of 33.

What are your FC averages?
Don't think Binsy was claiming that he could play first class! Still, if he's doing that well in FC in Aus, Sheffield Shield cricket mustn't be as strong as it used to be ;)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ammo on February 27, 2013, 08:00:22 AM
everyone in NSW sems to think he is a bit of a waste of space.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on February 27, 2013, 08:27:15 AM
Maxwell has a first class batting average of 42 and a FC bowling average of 33.

What are your FC averages?

He is the saviour of Australian Cricket all along then.....
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 27, 2013, 08:27:42 AM
Don't think Binsy was claiming that he could play first class! Still, if he's doing that well in FC in Aus, Sheffield Shield cricket mustn't be as strong as it used to be ;)

The problem with Shield cricket at the moment Tim is that they put it on hold for the BBL rubbish... It's crazy shield cricket doesn't seem important to CA anymore.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 27, 2013, 08:29:35 AM
Maxwell has a first class batting average of 42 and a FC bowling average of 33.

and yet he admitted himself that eh was embarassed at how easily the Sri Lankans smashed him to all parts...

Shield cricket is not what it was...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 27, 2013, 08:39:15 AM
Don't think Binsy was claiming that he could play first class! Still, if he's doing that well in FC in Aus, Sheffield Shield cricket mustn't be as strong as it used to be ;)

I'm along way from first class! But then I'm not about to earn a baggy green and claim a £1m salary on the back of biffing a few in a T20 game. Oh, and a FC batting average of 42 and bowling average of 33.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on February 27, 2013, 11:53:56 AM
Trescothick got an England cap with a FC batting average of circa 35 and Michael Vaughan's FC batting average was even lower...around 29 when he was given a test cap.

42 for a batting allrounder is respectable by comparison.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 27, 2013, 12:04:03 PM
You backing him to score 5000 test runs then Vic? :)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on February 27, 2013, 12:25:48 PM
You backing him to score 5000 test runs then Vic? :)

No, I am not.

However, there appears to be a lot of jealousy around here.

Much like the "Dave Warner will never make it as a test batsman" brigade.

Davey Warner is doing OK and I suspect that Maxwell will do OK when he gets his chance. His bowling may be ordinary, but his batting is not.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 27, 2013, 12:56:01 PM
I've always backed Warner to do okay, just don't think he'll ever be anything more than okay!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 27, 2013, 01:01:27 PM
No, I am not.

However, there appears to be a lot of jealousy around here.

Much like the "Dave Warner will never make it as a test batsman" brigade.

Davey Warner is doing OK and I suspect that Maxwell will do OK when he gets his chance. His bowling may be ordinary, but his batting is not.

I actually agree with Vic here, I'm a big David Warner fan. Think he's shown the right attitude to become a successful opener in Test cricket and fair play to him for being able to convert his natural game into the 5 day type. While he will never be a 'traditional' opener, Hayden, Sehwag and  Trescothick showed that there is also room for an attacking player at the top of the order. I think he could become an Aussie great.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on February 27, 2013, 05:43:36 PM
Steady on Binsy!

I dunno about Warner becoming a great...and he is certainly not in the same league as those blokes you just mentioned.

If he is still averaging 45 plus in 5 years time, then yes, he will be considered to be an excellent test batsman.

On his day he is devastating, but Warner also has a propensity to throw it away once he reaches 50 all to often.

At the moment, he is someone who "goes OK".
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: uknsaunders on February 27, 2013, 06:04:41 PM
where's Nathan Hauritz when you need him....
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 28, 2013, 12:18:45 AM
selling his Aussie kit for beer money? ;)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: fros23 on February 28, 2013, 08:17:54 AM
After seeing the aussies dominate for pretty much my entire life I can't say I'm unhappy seeing them struggle now.  10 years ago most of this squad wouldn't be good enough for the Aussie A team let alone the test match squad.

The likes of Stuart Law, Martin Love and Brad Hodge must be wishing they were playing in this era as they would all be getting over 50 caps.

Mike Hussey had to score thousands and thousands of first class runs at a big average before he got a chance in the test side.  If the roles were reversed I can't see the likes of Cowan Maxwell and co being able to score like that.  I think it just shows how far the Aussies have fallen in the last 10 years.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on February 28, 2013, 10:36:00 AM
At first I confess I took a malicious delight in Australian travails - it comes from seeing highlights of Gatting's series downunder as a wee nipper in 86/87 and then spending near on two decades watching our lads being treated like net bowler by sometimes smug, supercilious Aussies.

Now, it actually makes me sad.  Sure, its fun to rip into Nathan Lyon - but I suspect he'd be happy to accept the ribbing on grounds of getting a seemingly ongoing Test career that his talent in no way merits - and to josh with one or twoof the more vocal Aussie posters on here and a few mates in Sydney.  And its nice to look at the Ashes as a warm up for a three test classic in Bangladesh too (only kidding....)

But...like the great English side of the late 50s/60s and the even better West Indian side of the 70s/80s, you expect there to be a trough at some point, often a quite deep one - and you also want it to be relatively brief for the good fo the game as a whole; it was sad to watch the West Indies reduced to losing in New Zealand its becoming sad to watch the Australians blunder around like comedy characters behind incompetent selectors, especially when some good kids careers are going to be badly affectde as a result.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on February 28, 2013, 10:45:27 AM
For the sake of Test cricket, we need a strong Aussie side. Just like we need a strong Indian side and a resurgent West Indies,
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on February 28, 2013, 10:51:43 AM
Why is it though that selectors can't see what everyone is can?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: charlie15 on February 28, 2013, 12:17:39 PM
The word is O'Keefe has a line through his name, though, because he is a chirpy, confident lad not afraid to speak his mind. The suggestion is that kind of personality doesn't suit the team culture.
 If the underlined is true...then questions have to be asked about this new metrosexual environment thats being created in the test team. it was no secret that the majority of the late 90s early 00s test team hated each other - but they still managed winning streaks that will never be matched.

If the underlined is true Australian Cricket as we know it is well and truely dead!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: charlie15 on February 28, 2013, 12:21:38 PM
Tendulkar clearly wasn't happy about being dismissed by Lyon in the 80s! Lovely 6s he hit in the second innings

I wouldn't be happy being dismissed by Lyon and I'm poo! :D
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: goodarmcindy on February 28, 2013, 02:58:57 PM
If the underlined is true Australian Cricket as we know it is well and truely dead!

I can't see that. Mickey Arthur is the sort of coach who can handle 'big' personalities, though it might be more down to the team image that Michael Clarke is trying to establish, I suppose.

With a lot of the old guard gone, Clarke has been given licence to remould the team the way he wants it, which may possibly be without 'big' characters. Give it five years and I'm sure Ed Cowan will write a book ripping the lid of this era of Aus cricket, should make for good reading!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: mickyp on February 28, 2013, 10:03:20 PM
I wouldn't write the Aussies off just yet, either in this series or the Ashes - remember that we bounced back after a pasting in the first test where we made the mistake of only playing one spinner. They've got the spine of a decent side, and India seem to be trying even harder than they did against England to make sure conditions aren't in their favour.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alba caerulea on February 28, 2013, 10:11:55 PM
The difference being that Australia don't have one good spinner let alone two very good ones

Clarke and Hussey have dragged them through many games in the last 12 months, the rest of the batting order has been suspect and/or inconsistent

If they win the series from here then hats off to them but I can't see how they will take 20 wickets in India
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on March 01, 2013, 07:29:38 AM
At first I confess I took a malicious delight in Australian travails - it comes from seeing highlights of Gatting's series downunder as a wee nipper in 86/87 and then spending near on two decades watching our lads being treated like net bowler by sometimes smug, supercilious Aussies.

Now, it actually makes me sad.  Sure, its fun to rip into Nathan Lyon - but I suspect he'd be happy to accept the ribbing on grounds of getting a seemingly ongoing Test career that his talent in no way merits - and to josh with one or twoof the more vocal Aussie posters on here and a few mates in Sydney.  And its nice to look at the Ashes as a warm up for a three test classic in Bangladesh too (only kidding....)


But...like the great English side of the late 50s/60s and the even better West Indian side of the 70s/80s, you expect there to be a trough at some point, often a quite deep one - and you also want it to be relatively brief for the good fo the game as a whole; it was sad to watch the West Indies reduced to losing in New Zealand its becoming sad to watch the Australians blunder around like comedy characters behind incompetent selectors, especially when some good kids careers are going to be badly affectde as a result.

Melodramatic.

If we beat SA in the home summer (and we should have), we would now be sitting at #1 in the test rankings.

For all our "bumbling" incompetent players, we still haven't fallen as far as the Windies or England circa 1989-2003.

Yeah, this is a very ordinary Australian side, but with the calibre of young quicks coming through and some promising young batsmen (cf Burns, Maddinson, Patterson), we will be competitive at the least.

Only a decent spinner completely eludes us.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 01, 2013, 08:02:35 AM
And you well know that if the current Australian side had reached #1 it would completely devalue the rankings - they are no better than fourth in the world at the moment, and that with a number of sides ina similar state of flux as old guards are replaced. 
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: charlie15 on March 01, 2013, 01:20:43 PM
I wouldn't write the Aussies off just yet, either in this series or the Ashes - remember that we bounced back after a pasting in the first test where we made the mistake of only playing one spinner. They've got the spine of a decent side, and India seem to be trying even harder than they did against England to make sure conditions aren't in their favour.

The differnce is we could bring in Monty to supplement Swann, who have the Aussies got that can come even close to those two?

The Aussies will need to play to their strengths and bat first with the aim of scoring big, which will mean Warner, Cowan, Watson et al stepping up to the plate, and then rely on their quicks bowling out India cheaply and following on.  Can they do it...  I've learnt never to bet against Australia when the chips are down in sport, but this will be a huge ask.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: mickyp on March 01, 2013, 03:40:09 PM
Agree that their spin cupboard is looking bare, which will seriously hamper them in this series, but that's not going to be as big a factor come the summer. Let's see how the rest of the series pans out, they might pick themselves up of the floor.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on March 01, 2013, 03:53:04 PM
Will be interesting to see the Aussie's team selection in the morning. Siddle was ineffective in the last but can bowl longer spells - will he make way for Doherty? While Henriques impressed with the bat, is he reliable / effective enough with the ball to balance the side out?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on March 01, 2013, 11:29:55 PM
Wade apparently injured his cheekbone while batting at training. They reckon he will be right to play, but if not it looks like Hughes will keep!!!
http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-australia-2013/content/story/623122.html?CMP=chrome (http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-australia-2013/content/story/623122.html?CMP=chrome)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 02, 2013, 05:26:20 AM
Signs are ominous. Kumar 3 for 36 and Ashwin 4 overs and 4 maidens. Pitch is staying very low and Watson out lbw trying to pull a ball that was a half tracker that struck him just above the knee roll.. Ball is also seaming a little. Interesting indeed
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Jenko on March 02, 2013, 05:28:49 AM
Interesting team too. I know we all bag out the "Big Show" but here is his chance. Lyon goneskis.....Spin twins in Maxwell and Doherty.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 02, 2013, 05:34:10 AM
Ball isn't turning much just yet but Ashwin is bowling with some nice flight and varying pace.

Then Sharma comes on and whips a bouncer past Clarkes nose
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alba caerulea on March 02, 2013, 06:03:08 AM
So two days after Clarke pledged his support to Lyon he is dropped from the team. And for a spinner to be dropped in India in favor of Doherty or Maxwell does not reflect kindly

Whos decision was it?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ppccopener on March 02, 2013, 06:13:21 AM
If the selection system is the same as when Australia dominated in the 90's and early 2000's the captain is given the team without much input.
That policy has been successful in the past
Clarke has to back his players in the media and rightly so.
Its different to how we pick the side where captain and coach have an input
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alba caerulea on March 02, 2013, 07:14:41 AM
Any policy would have worked when you had the players Australia had in previous eras. You or me could have picked those teams and they still would have won. Bit different now that the talent pool is limited and make up of the side could be the deciding factor. I rate Clarke highly as a captain so would want him involved with selection. If I was Australian  ;)

Looks to me as though the selectors and the captain have very different views which cannot be good. To back a player and then drop him is not right it's contradictory and quite ridiculous

I can't find the article now but I'm pretty sure it read something along the lines of Clarke saying - 'I expect Lyon to bounce back and take wickets in the 2nd Test'. I wouldn't he happy if I was Lyon anyway, I'd rather be told straight - 'sorry you have underperformed, we want to change something now while the series is still winnable'
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ppccopener on March 02, 2013, 09:02:00 AM
Fair point and it could be clarke wants more say in selection and is putting on the pressure thru the media.
Im watching the game and one thing i do know is Clarke is far and away the best aussie batsman in recent years
He is high high class .
Not sure ive seen a better player of spin in the modern game,jayawardena excepted possibly.
Clarke is hampered,he must want spinners in his side but cannot find anyone good enough
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on March 02, 2013, 10:04:36 AM
Can't argue with Clarke's performances. I would put him ahead of Amla and Cook as best batsmen in the world currently.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 02, 2013, 10:50:57 AM
Aus declare at 9/237... What tha?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: i12breakfree on March 02, 2013, 11:00:04 AM
Aus declare at 9/237... What tha?

Have to appreciate the fact that they want to try their chances and get a wicket
specially with shewag's form anything is possible
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 02, 2013, 11:02:25 AM
Problem is that Sehwag is due for a big score
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 02, 2013, 11:12:04 AM
I love clarke's captaincy, never afraid to try anything and keep the opposition thinking. Problem is he doesn't have world class bowlers that are able to back up that ingenuity and out of the box thinking. They'd be 4 down by the close of play if warne and McGrath were playing.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 02, 2013, 11:15:04 AM
I love clarke's captaincy, never afraid to try anything and keep the opposition thinking. Problem is he doesn't have world class bowlers that are able to back up that ingenuity and out of the box thinking. They'd be 4 down by the close of play if warne and McGrath were playing.

Totally agree.. I love how he isn't afraid to take a risk... Just don't think this was the time to do it... Or maybe he will just make me look like a goose
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: 400notout on March 02, 2013, 01:12:49 PM
I think he either 1. doesnt fancy batting on a day 4/5 pitch 2. has a game of golf arranged for day 5...

But fair play to him, I like this risktaking, if they'd taken two in that small session, he'd have been classed a genius!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 02, 2013, 01:20:07 PM
Why bother sending Doherty out to bat at all though.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: cricketbadger on March 02, 2013, 03:23:21 PM
what risk did he take?
declared 9 down, so he could bowl 3 overs at the end
all seems rather pointless to me anyway, even if they nipped one wicket out, doesnt make much difference, batters still come back next day and start again.
especially 9 down, with such a low total, whats the point, its hardly going to affect the game in any way by making it finish quicker or altering whether they bat on day 4 and 5
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 02, 2013, 03:40:11 PM
Pattinson can bat and could've got them up to 300.

The element of surprise aspect, Sehwag and Co could've been dreaming of what he's having for tea tonight then suddenly he has to fend off 3 hostile overs.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: 400notout on March 02, 2013, 03:51:43 PM
Surprise is the key, I mean 99% of people would have thought he will just let the last one fall cause they havent got many. Nothing you want less than to face a few overs before the end of the day. I also think its a challenge to Dhoni from Clarke, saying by catching him off guard, he might get a few of the Indians worrying about why he did it rather than the game in hand.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Kulli on March 02, 2013, 04:26:06 PM
I Thibk he just wanted the har over faster. Surely he has to bat at least 4 now give how fragile their top order is.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: charlie15 on March 02, 2013, 10:02:47 PM
Watson's wicket was a shocker, what was he thinking!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: chaudhari21 on March 03, 2013, 02:27:53 AM
I think he was trying to be aggressive almost what Dhoni did in the test before it wasn't a very smart shot but to give him a little credit the ball stayed very low.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: i12breakfree on March 03, 2013, 02:46:05 AM
I think he was trying to be aggressive almost what Dhoni did in the test before it wasn't a very smart shot but to give him a little credit the ball stayed very low.

But it think he needs to understand that he is playing on indian wicket which will have that kind of bonce
i know its easy for us to say but at that standard these are the things that makes one a champ or not
Hats off to Clarke..great innings
i still remember seeing his debut game and he was so confident
he is gonna be in the ranks of all time greats
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 03, 2013, 09:39:48 AM
Brilliant stuff from India, pujara reaches a top hundred and vijay playing a mature innings.

Aussie spinners are very average and maxwell is not a bowler!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Jenko on March 03, 2013, 09:41:02 AM
Haha your preaching to the converted there buddy. Almost comical our spin twins haha
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Jenko on March 03, 2013, 09:43:44 AM
And yeah another test cap given out to someone who is a hack. Almost depressing how the baggy green was once such a reverted honour
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 03, 2013, 09:53:19 AM
Do you think that all the young spinners have been given that 'well he's not as good as warne so what's the point in investing the time in him' treatment? even NZ and West Indies have at least on spinner better than anything australia have got!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Jenko on March 03, 2013, 09:57:03 AM
I really don't know. I think there has been a shift in state cricket where they certainly dont get as much of a run as the quicks.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Ryan on March 03, 2013, 09:59:24 AM
Thought simmy was bowling his leg spin then not Warner.  Shocking first over.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: tim2000s on March 03, 2013, 10:04:20 AM
I don't know. India leading by 20 odd runs for the loss of 1 wicket. What a joke...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: fros23 on March 03, 2013, 10:05:26 AM
Thought simmy was bowling his leg spin then not Warner.  Shocking first over.

Harsh on Simmy that, he can at least land it in the batsman's half!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Ryan on March 03, 2013, 10:12:06 AM
Harsh on Simmy that, he can at least land it in the batsman's half!

Yeah I suppose it was. I can't believe they haven't got two decent spinners especially in the conditions.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 03, 2013, 10:14:33 AM
I don't think they have two proper spinners in the entire country!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: dmacwana on March 03, 2013, 10:17:32 AM
The only specialist spinner they have is not playing !
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 03, 2013, 10:18:34 AM
even though he is, as I have said several times, not even county standard, I have to agree that Lyon is better than Doherty, who surely bowls left arm slow rather than anything that could be termed spin!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: dmacwana on March 03, 2013, 10:24:14 AM
If you have picked him for the tour, I would rather play him than two part time spinners
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 03, 2013, 10:24:41 AM
thats true enough.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 03, 2013, 10:25:30 AM
Interesting thought - they gave Lyon custodianship of the precious team victory song (not that they'll be needed one much in the near future ;) ) and he lasted precisely one game thereafter... 
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Buzz on March 03, 2013, 10:42:48 AM
tendulkar getting some 300 run partnership pad rash. ouch.
the crowd must be getting restless.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 03, 2013, 10:44:07 AM
tendulkar getting some 300 run partnership pad rash. ouch.
the crowd must be getting restless.

I've just turned the recording on (day one). Is it worth sitting through or is it just a typical indian pitch of millions of runs for no wickets?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: fros23 on March 03, 2013, 10:47:07 AM
It's always worth watching the Aussies get smashed.  :D
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 03, 2013, 10:49:44 AM
You could say the India curators have been put in their place and are preparing batting freindly wickets, but you could also say i dont care, I love watching the Aussies get smashed
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 03, 2013, 10:51:13 AM
It's always worth watching the Aussies get smashed.  :D

That is true I suppose :)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Jenko on March 03, 2013, 10:54:13 AM
So much love from our pommy friends :) good to see!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 03, 2013, 10:55:51 AM
So much love from our pommy friends :) good to see!

I would expect the same if the boot was on the other foot!!

 :D
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ppccopener on March 03, 2013, 11:00:21 AM
I think the indian spinners will get far more out of it on day 4 and 5.
Im not aussie bashing although they did it to us thru the 90's but these two spinners are county standard.
I actually feel sorry for clarke,he's got both hands tied behind his back here
What exactly happened to Hauritz? Anyone know?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 03, 2013, 11:04:49 AM
Im not aussie bashing although they did it to us thru the 90's but these two spinners are county standard.

Really?  Dicounting the fact that Maxwell would surely get a game for his batting, as bowler, which county sides do you reckon they'd get in?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: dmacwana on March 03, 2013, 11:12:02 AM
You could say the India curators have been put in their place and are preparing batting freindly wickets, but you could also say i dont care, I love watching the Aussies get smashed
batting freindly wickets!!!ask the Aussies
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alba caerulea on March 03, 2013, 11:14:11 AM
Really?  Dicounting the fact that Maxwell would surely get a game for his batting, as bowler, which county sides do you reckon they'd get in?

Is Rutland still classed as a County?

Have to feel a bit for Doherty there - good ball, healthy nick, but instead of carrying through to Clarke it loops off Wades leg and lobs him! Not a happy day in the field  :(
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ppccopener on March 03, 2013, 11:57:27 AM
Really?  Dicounting the fact that Maxwell would surely get a game for his batting, as bowler, which county sides do you reckon they'd get in?

Um, ok leave that one with me for a while! :)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 03, 2013, 03:25:29 PM
Ok, so I've just watched the Australia innings (the whole lot). Clarke has just gifted his wicket away, nothing to do with India. Purely Clarke having no faith in his last two guys to hang around. I'd say on the whole the Aussies just keep making elementary mistakes (given they are pro's) and that's why they have done so badly again. As Clarke and Wade showed, if you play the percentages and just bat bat bat.. think about batting.. bat some more.. think about batting... bat some more (as Hayden said in 2005) then India just don't have the spinners either to do much. If you keep giong back to full balls or playing silly shots then you are gifting your wicket to them. Basically a bit like us amateurs do week in week out really.

Now to watch the Indians.. Who barring Sloggerwag will just bat on their turgid pitches and bat long, given the Aussie 'spinner' is even worse than India's!.. We shall see.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: swamidude on March 03, 2013, 09:54:59 PM
Ok, so I've just watched the Australia innings (the whole lot). Clarke has just gifted his wicket away, nothing to do with India. Purely Clarke having no faith in his last two guys to hang around. I'd say on the whole the Aussies just keep making elementary mistakes (given they are pro's) and that's why they have done so badly again. As Clarke and Wade showed, if you play the percentages and just bat bat bat.. think about batting.. bat some more.. think about batting... bat some more (as Hayden said in 2005) then India just don't have the spinners either to do much. If you keep giong back to full balls or playing silly shots then you are gifting your wicket to them. Basically a bit like us amateurs do week in week out really.

Now to watch the Indians.. Who barring Sloggerwag will just bat on their turgid pitches and bat long, given the Aussie 'spinner' is even worse than India's!.. We shall see.

Ahahahaha I love your anti-Indian attitude, shows a lovely open-minded opinion to a game of cricket.

And of course a slogger can definitely achieve an average of 50+ for the majority of his long career.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 03, 2013, 10:34:51 PM
Ahahahaha I love your anti-Indian attitude, shows a lovely open-minded opinion to a game of cricket.

I think you'll find I pick on any team that's over rated and just bullies people on flat tracks. Oh and having the BCCI as your 'leadership' doesn't ender the world to the team either.

Anyway, Pujara is awesome. Can we trade them for Bell? Vijay looks quite good but let's wait till he's played in South Africa, Australia and England and scored runs before seeing if he's 'good' or not. As you guys said... Aussies got slaughtered! maxwell and Doherty are poo. Utter poo. Oh and Warner.. What the hell was that excuse for bowling.

Their spin attack really do look amateur. See what day three brings (I'd expect another 3-400 indian runs :)

Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on March 04, 2013, 02:30:16 AM
Doherty was terrible in the Ashes and he is no better here.

I mean, WTF would you even bother?

Maxwell's bowling is crap...but, his batting shows a lot of potential.

This test is already a write-off. Total massacre.

In India, batting is just a game of patience - nothing more. Keep playing straight and do not gift your wicket as Clarke and Wade did once set and many others did when not set (Watson, Hughes).

Dumb, dumb, dumb cricket.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: chaudhari21 on March 04, 2013, 02:50:26 AM
Australia may want start thinking about developing a few young spinners at this point. Because I don't see either of these guys lasting very long or at least in the longer form of the game.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: chaudhari21 on March 04, 2013, 02:58:37 AM
But it think he needs to understand that he is playing on Indian wicket which will have that kind of bonce
i know its easy for us to say but at that standard these are the things that makes one a champ or not
Hats off to Clarke..great innings
i still remember seeing his debut game and he was so confident
he is gonna be in the ranks of all time greats

No that is true at that level you should be ready to deal with those types of deliveries. Isn't it amazing when India played in England and Australia this was almost the same discussion that the Indians were playing terrible shots and now its Australia turn. So I am starting to have more and more respect for the likes of Cook and Clarke who have scored runs everywhere home and away.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Jenko on March 04, 2013, 05:34:37 AM
Surely they will chuck Matty Wade the ball shortly!!!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 04, 2013, 06:03:53 AM
Lets not be so harsh on the Aussie bowlers... Lets look at the batsman... Aussies first 50 runs consisted of 10 boundaries... Surprise Surprise they are out for 237... India gets accused of slow scoring and being boring... Then by the end of play on the second day they have scored 300 runs.. Who are the smartest team?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: chaudhari21 on March 04, 2013, 06:17:07 AM
What great batting by Pujara. He has done a great job at one down position. I do feel bad for Vijay where the crowd cheered his wicket to see Sachin play.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Buzz on March 04, 2013, 06:48:47 AM
So I am starting to have more and more respect for the likes of Cook and Clarke who have scored runs everywhere home and away.

only starting? these guys have 45 test match hundreds between them have consistently scored runs around the world for 8 years.
they will be greats of the game when they are done. they earned my respect years ago!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 04, 2013, 06:54:16 AM
only starting? these guys have 45 test match hundreds between them have consistently scored runs around the world for 8 years.
they will be greats of the game when they are done. they earned my respect years ago!

Cooke will end his career as the leading run scorer in test cricket I believe
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ppccopener on March 04, 2013, 07:12:54 AM
Yeah absolutley,but more so it shows how great our test series win was out there,these are the same wickets and conditions.
England 2 India 1 has got to be one of Englands greatest overseas wins ever!
 :)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: potzy248 on March 04, 2013, 08:17:18 AM
Dropped catch by Cowan, quick chance but had to be taken.
Why on earth is Cowan in the test team?
Is there no one else?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on March 04, 2013, 08:45:58 AM
Lets not be so harsh on the Aussie bowlers... Lets look at the batsman... Aussies first 50 runs consisted of 10 boundaries... Surprise Surprise they are out for 237... India gets accused of slow scoring and being boring... Then by the end of play on the second day they have scored 300 runs.. Who are the smartest team?

I agree with this. Easy to blame the bowlers and true, the spin bowling has been toothless. But the Aussies won toss and batted first. They should be piling up 500+ in the first innings and this would make the bowlers job a lot easier, as this would build pressure on the Indian batters. Besides Clarke, and to an extent Wade, every Aussie batsmen have got themselves in and then thrown their wickets away. I thought Cowan would excel here as he seems to have the right temperament, but he has been disappointing. I come to expect Shane Watson getting a nice 30 and then playing round a straight one now.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 04, 2013, 10:05:56 AM
Warner hits a 6 and Merv Hughes catches it in the stands... Legend
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 04, 2013, 10:30:07 AM
Warner hits a 6 and Merv Hughes catches it in the stands... Legend

And then plays a terrible shot

Listening to Hayden's mindset against spin is brilliant, surely Cowan's wicket is a time bomb if he keeps going back!!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Kulli on March 04, 2013, 10:32:27 AM
Hughes looked terrible, surely they should have left him out of this series (and the summer too) in order to protect him!

I still think Clarke has to come up and bat at 4 (if not 3) otherwise he's going to keep being left with the tail.

That's an outrageous stat the just threw up, in this series Ashwin has the following figures vs Hughes

44 balls 1 run 3 dismissals!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 04, 2013, 10:41:26 AM
And then plays a terrible shot

Listening to Hayden's mindset against spin is brilliant, surely Cowan's wicket is a time bomb if he keeps going back!!

I meant Merv was a Legend  ;)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 04, 2013, 11:05:25 AM
Hughes looked terrible, surely they should have left him out of this series (and the summer too) in order to protect him!
 

Look on the bright side - at least he hasn't been out caught Guptill in this series....

....seriously, if they go on the protection angle he'd only be allowed to play ODIs against Zimbabwe!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: MD2812 on March 04, 2013, 11:10:36 AM
In his last 39 balls against spin Hughes has scored no runs for 4 wickets
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 04, 2013, 11:15:50 AM
In his last 39 balls against spin Hughes has scored no runs for 4 wickets

It's the Australian selectors fault for exposing him to spin bowling, he needed protecting as Manormanic said....

 :D
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: tushar sehgal on March 04, 2013, 12:42:13 PM
Oh how I wish Hussey and Katich were part of this sqaud :( India might win the series and then it will back to "Nothing is wrong, lets keep playing Sehwag for another 100 tests"
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: goodarmcindy on March 04, 2013, 12:57:10 PM
Clarke is playing out of his skin at five. Do you move him up and risk him losing his form, or keep him where he is? Who moves down the order, if you do so?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: goodarmcindy on March 04, 2013, 01:02:29 PM
Also - Shane Warne's plan to help Aussie spinners... bigger stumps.
http://www.shanewarne.com/blog/336/where-is-australian-cricket-at-part-4-the-way-forward-spin-bowling (http://www.shanewarne.com/blog/336/where-is-australian-cricket-at-part-4-the-way-forward-spin-bowling)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: DiscoStu on March 04, 2013, 01:13:24 PM
Clarke is playing out of his skin at five. Do you move him up and risk him losing his form, or keep him where he is? Who moves down the order, if you do so?

I think the Aussies have to move Clarke as he is by far their best batsman. It's not like you are protecting him from a venomous new ball attack when a.) India are opening with a spinner and b.) the pitches are hardly fast and bouncy.

Give your best player the most chance to score runs. In the 1st innings he gave his wicket away as he knew he had to push on the scoring as the rest of the team was getting skittled. Twatto at 3, Clarke at 4, someone at 5 and then you only have to worry about how to get 5 decent bowlers into the line-up.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 04, 2013, 01:14:44 PM
The problems are far more deep seated than where Clarke bats in the order, though I have said previously that stepping up to four would be a sign of positive intent from him.  The fact is that they have four guys at the top of the order who are all in different ways just short of test class (okay, Warner is close and will probably get there and Watson would be as an all rounder) which puts pressure on everyone else.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: fros23 on March 04, 2013, 01:16:37 PM
The best option for them is to replace Hughes with a Clarke lookalike so Clarke can bat twice!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 04, 2013, 01:18:37 PM
Possibly not the worst idea as it goes.   The real problem is that the selectors seem to have somewhere short of no idea what it is they are trying to do though.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: dmacwana on March 04, 2013, 01:33:09 PM
Australia may want start thinking about developing a few young spinners at this point. Because I don't see either of these guys lasting very long or at least in the longer form of the game.
They don't need to ...Pakistan develop some for them and they make him an Australian citizen ...Australia try to fast-track Fawad Ahmed citizenship ...  :D
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: DiscoStu on March 04, 2013, 01:36:18 PM
Did Lyon get the push because they wanted to play Maxwell (to give the tail a few more runs) but didn't want 2 off spinners? Therefore they picked their 3rd best spinner to replace their best spinner for the sake of a few runs.

The fact that Maxwell got 4 wickets might mean they have to stick with the formula.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 04, 2013, 01:39:05 PM
No, I think Lyon got the push because Tendulkar and Dhoni had treated him with such utter contempt.  It seems to be the new Aussie way to hide inadequate players from anyone who might demonstrate their inadequacy (and getting smashed around like that must have been pretty demoralising for him anyway!)

As for Maxwell, a few cheap wickets when the oppo were already 200 ahead does not him a bowler make!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 04, 2013, 07:55:33 PM
Just watched todays highlights (so not got the detail knowledge of todays play)... Another two Aussie batsmen gifting their wickets away with stupid shots. Bowled around their legs!!  Now I'm not an Aussie but they need to sort their heads out as they are gifting games away batting like this, not making the oppo's worth at all for their wickets.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 04, 2013, 08:01:26 PM
Warner hit a six tho!!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 04, 2013, 08:05:02 PM
Warner hit a six tho!!

Showing is T20 skills :)  Shame it's a Test match. He knew what he'd done though when he got out with shows he at least knew he had to bat 'properly' rather than in a care free manor which show's he cared in that innings.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: chaudhari21 on March 05, 2013, 03:16:50 AM
Showing is T20 skills :)  Shame it's a Test match. He knew what he'd done though when he got out with shows he at least knew he had to bat 'properly' rather than in a care free manor which show's he cared in that innings.

Australia might want to play a little more patient tonight otherwise this test will be over tonight. I was a little bit more impressed with their two spinners after watching them bowl last night. What a great day 4 will be tonight.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 05, 2013, 07:38:15 AM
Innings defeat, Wow that was over sharpish. Khawaja in for Hughes and something different again with the attack surely. I'm shocked they haven't turned to 'the Prodigal Son' Mitchell Johnson, even his slinging bowling would be an improvement.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on March 05, 2013, 08:15:16 AM
Mitchell Johnson will come in, has quite a good record in India and can be useful with the bat. I would imagine he would come in for Hughes really and all the batsmen will move up. While I don't rate Maxwell, what is the point of him batting at 8? Clarke has to step up from 5 as well.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Kulli on March 05, 2013, 08:20:13 AM
Mitchell Johnson will come in, has quite a good record in India and can be useful with the bat. I would imagine he would come in for Hughes really and all the batsmen will move up. While I don't rate Maxwell, what is the point of him batting at 8? Clarke has to step up from 5 as well.

Do they really need a 4th seamer though, especially when they've not taken any wickets as it is.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 05, 2013, 08:29:22 AM
Do they really need a 4th seamer though, especially when they've not taken any wickets as it is.

I'd replace Siddle, more batting depth and more potency. They can't play Lyon as that's admitting defeat with the selection.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on March 05, 2013, 08:54:20 AM
Embarrassing, shameful and very disappointing effort from Australia.
Something has to be done. Woeful!!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on March 05, 2013, 08:54:29 AM
Do they really need a 4th seamer though, especially when they've not taken any wickets as it is.

Got to play to their strengths though haven't they? While Maxwell and Doherty did get wickets, that wasn't' until Vijay and Pujara has put on 300+ runs and the were giveaways. I think the Indians would rather face Doherty and Maxwell than Johnson personally.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Kulli on March 05, 2013, 09:05:04 AM
Got to play to their strengths though haven't they? While Maxwell and Doherty did get wickets, that wasn't' until Vijay and Pujara has put on 300+ runs and the were giveaways. I think the Indians would rather face Doherty and Maxwell than Johnson personally.

Are they going toi have any more problems with their 4th choice seamer than the first 3 though, Doherty and Maxwell at least took wickets after they had pout on 300+ runs, the seamers never managed it at all.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: thedon on March 05, 2013, 12:00:58 PM
India made aus look very ordinary. A year ago india were getting beaten 4-0 in aus. lets give india credit.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 05, 2013, 01:12:13 PM
India made aus look very ordinary. A year ago india were getting beaten 4-0 in aus. lets give india credit.
And remember it is in India! On Indian wickets etc. just forget about it and wait for the home series.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: MD2812 on March 05, 2013, 01:24:05 PM
First time in history a team has lost to an innings defeat after declaring in the first innings.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 05, 2013, 01:28:22 PM
And remember it is in India! On Indian wickets etc. just forget about it and wait for the home series.

Hmmm, but its also a fairly weak Indian side who lost at home to England, with bowlers who were routinely hammered by England....
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 05, 2013, 03:22:28 PM
Hmmm, but its also a fairly weak Indian side who lost at home to England, with bowlers who were routinely hammered by England....
True, not saying the Aussies shouldn't be worried about it. More just everyone knew they'd be screwed as they have no decent slow bowling option. While I'd say the Indians spin is also pretty poor their batting with Pujara especially is at home and knows all they need to do is stay in and the runs flow. Aussies have no one really (Clarke excluded) who routinely seems happy to just plod. They all try and score at high rates which when it comes off looks good but more often an not it doesn't.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 05, 2013, 05:21:30 PM
True, not saying the Aussies shouldn't be worried about it. More just everyone knew they'd be screwed as they have no decent slow bowling option. While I'd say the Indians spin is also pretty poor their batting with Pujara especially is at home and knows all they need to do is stay in and the runs flow. Aussies have no one really (Clarke excluded) who routinely seems happy to just plod. They all try and score at high rates which when it comes off looks good but more often an not it doesn't.

Actually you're underselling Clarke there - I don't actually think he is capable of just plodding - he's just so much better than the rest of the batsmen on display and in such amazing form that he can score at 75-80 in a Test match and make it look like he is plodding.

But the side as a whle.  I think the best comparison is with the last side they took to India, which was competitive despite similarly poor slow bowling options (remember, they picked Bear White as a spinner....)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Jenko on March 06, 2013, 10:09:54 AM
Anyone seen that video doing the rounds on YouTube at the moment...hitler finds out about Australian team selections...I won't post it here coz its pretty rude and people may get offended...but reasonably funny :)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 06, 2013, 10:45:25 AM
http://www.espncricinfo.com/page2/content/story/606351.html?selected=4 (http://www.espncricinfo.com/page2/content/story/606351.html?selected=4)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 06, 2013, 10:48:05 AM
Clarke confirmed in an interview that he has no choice but to bat up the order
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 06, 2013, 10:49:01 AM
love the way he phrased that!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 06, 2013, 10:52:54 AM
Yeah and loved how he said he has had to do some coaching too haha
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Pendles10 on March 06, 2013, 11:06:12 AM
I dont think anyone is realising that Phil Hughes cannot play spin to save his life. Shane Watson is the X factor in the aus squad and the ground he made his last 100 on is the next test match. And should definately not be dropped. The batting order should be Warner, Cowan, Clarke, Watson, Khawaja, Wade, Henriques.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 06, 2013, 11:07:28 AM
Shane Watson is the X factor in the aus squad

Love it!!!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Pendles10 on March 06, 2013, 11:11:24 AM
 :D
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 06, 2013, 11:12:25 AM
Ian Bell has recieved loads of flack on here rightly or wrongly. In 83 tests Bell has scored nearly 6000 runs at 46 and scored 17 hundreds and 34 fifties.

Shane Watson has scored 2500 runs at 36 with 2 hundreds and 19 fifties in 40 tests.

Watson is a serial under achiever
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 06, 2013, 11:19:09 AM
Watsons stats says to me he doesn't deserve a test spot at the moment... Drop him and then see how he works on his game and come back a better batsman... Most top batsmen have been dropped early in their career only to come back better.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: fros23 on March 06, 2013, 12:54:43 PM
Shane Watson is the X factor in the aus squad

I thought Maxwell was the self proclaimed X-factor for Australia?  :D
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: petehosk on March 06, 2013, 12:58:12 PM
Watson is a decent all-rounder, but IMO he should be batting down at 5 or 6 really. He then has less pressure on him, and has the option of taking his time (doubtful) or batting more aggresively if wickets are falling around him!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Kulli on March 06, 2013, 01:09:23 PM
Watson is a decent all-rounder, but IMO he should be batting down at 5 or 6 really. He then has less pressure on him, and has the option of taking his time (doubtful) or batting more aggresively if wickets are falling around him!

He's well worth a spot when bowling, but if just playing as a batsman he's going to have to up his game.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: chaudhari21 on March 07, 2013, 05:38:35 AM
I would like to see Henriques and Clark both move up the order. They may stabilize the batting a bit.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: i12breakfree on March 07, 2013, 11:46:44 AM
Sehwag dropped

http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-australia-2013/content/current/story/623876.html (http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-australia-2013/content/current/story/623876.html)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: tushar sehgal on March 07, 2013, 12:29:33 PM
Sehwag dropped

[url]http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-australia-2013/content/current/story/623876.html[/url] ([url]http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-australia-2013/content/current/story/623876.html[/url])


Thank god...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 07, 2013, 12:47:45 PM
Thank god...
Youraj and shewag gone !!! Who's going to slog now ??
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: tushar sehgal on March 07, 2013, 02:36:19 PM
Youraj and shewag gone !!! Who's going to slog now ??

Don't need sloggers in tests!! although Dhoni could still fill in if need for slogging is there...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: thedon on March 07, 2013, 08:00:17 PM
I really think this is the end of sehwag.  Afridi is a slogger, Sehwag was slightly more cultured. You dont score 2 triple centuries being a slogger. He could have been even more successful and prolonged his career, had he applied himself alittle better.
However this man has brought great joy to millions of indians with his ste of play. On his day he could destroy any bowling attack. He is going to be a great loss for cricket.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: swamidude on March 07, 2013, 08:28:15 PM
Youraj and shewag gone !!! Who's going to slog now ??

I'm crying with laughter. Can't believe you can consider Yuvraj as a slogger! One of the most elegant and cleanest strikers in the game.

Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 07, 2013, 08:52:18 PM
I'm crying with laughter. Can't believe you can consider Yuvraj as a slogger! One of the most elegant and cleanest strikers in the game.


Slogger!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 07, 2013, 08:52:52 PM
I really think this is the end of sehwag.  Afridi is a slogger, Sehwag was slightly more cultured. You dont score 2 triple centuries being a slogger. He could have been even more successful and prolonged his career, had he applied himself alittle better.
Sehwag was the Indian Hayden - great as long as the attack and/or pitch weren't against him...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: thedon on March 07, 2013, 09:18:22 PM
Sehwag was the Indian Hayden - great as long as the attack and/or pitch weren't against him...
thats where the applied bit comes in.....
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on March 08, 2013, 05:32:40 AM
Sehwag was the Indian Hayden - great as long as the attack and/or pitch weren't against him...

I think Hayden was a better player than sehwag.
They were similar type of players though.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: m.lalli on March 08, 2013, 06:43:59 AM
Surely its time Tendulkar called it a day an all?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 08, 2013, 01:22:22 PM
http://twitter.com/FredBoycott/status/309992872940290049/photo/1 (http://twitter.com/FredBoycott/status/309992872940290049/photo/1)

Thought I'd share, quite funny
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 08, 2013, 01:23:35 PM
I think Hayden was a better player than sehwag.
They were similar type of players though.

I'd go the other way, albeit only slightly.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on March 08, 2013, 02:27:57 PM
I'd go the other way, albeit only slightly.
Fair enough mate, its a line argument really. Probably comes down to personal preference.

Although from memory Hayden finished with an average of 40+ against 7 out of the 9 test nations and at least 30+ against all of them(im not 100% on these stats), where as Sehwag averages less than 30 against South Africa, England and New Zealand!

Still both are very good players.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: fros23 on March 11, 2013, 08:17:48 AM
It goes from bad to worse for the Aussies.

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/australia-stand-down-four-players-for-breach-of-discipline-20130311-2fw9i.html (http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/australia-stand-down-four-players-for-breach-of-discipline-20130311-2fw9i.html)

Dropped for not being able to use Powerpoint.  :o
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: slcric on March 11, 2013, 08:26:44 AM
It goes from bad to worse for the Aussies.

[url]http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/australia-stand-down-four-players-for-breach-of-discipline-20130311-2fw9i.html[/url] ([url]http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/australia-stand-down-four-players-for-breach-of-discipline-20130311-2fw9i.html[/url])

Dropped for not being able to use Powerpoint.  :o

Wtf!! That is hilarious!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 11, 2013, 08:34:55 AM
Haddin in for the injured wade as well, this is truly staggering. What a shambles!!

Maybe they didn't bring anything to the team so that's why they didnt do their homework?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: uknsaunders on March 11, 2013, 08:45:48 AM
It goes from bad to worse for the Aussies.

[url]http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/australia-stand-down-four-players-for-breach-of-discipline-20130311-2fw9i.html[/url] ([url]http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/australia-stand-down-four-players-for-breach-of-discipline-20130311-2fw9i.html[/url])

Dropped for not being able to use Powerpoint.  :o


love the comparison to KP, however I pretty sure KP wouldn't get dropped for not using powerpoint and I very much doubt Andy Flower would take the same "homework" approach. I bet Warne will love this....
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 11, 2013, 08:50:06 AM
Bet Clarke's homework was quite easy.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: uknsaunders on March 11, 2013, 08:50:58 AM
http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-australia-2013/content/current/story/624494.html (http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-australia-2013/content/current/story/624494.html)

"Line in the sand moment" - what for getting rid of your decent players?

If Clarke's back goes before the next test then that will make my day. It'll serve him and Arthur right.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alba caerulea on March 11, 2013, 09:00:31 AM
What does Khawaja bring to the Australian team?

Simple - the drinks
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 11, 2013, 09:10:16 AM
I can picture poor Mitchell Johnson with his pen in hand, scratching his head. Sat next to a bin full of rolled up bits of paper overflowing out of the top.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alba caerulea on March 11, 2013, 09:13:42 AM
Surely the rolled up bits of paper would have missed the bin and be scattered on the floor?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 11, 2013, 09:14:43 AM
Very good point  8)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ppccopener on March 11, 2013, 09:22:37 AM
just waiting for shane warne to get a whiff of this! seems very odd

think it was Warne who said the role of the Coach was getting the team to and from the ground

 :)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: tim2000s on March 11, 2013, 09:26:31 AM
It does make you wonder what is going on in the upper annals of Cricket Australia. This kind of stuff really looks like what went on with England in the early nineties!

Good for all of Australia's opposition...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Alvaro on March 11, 2013, 10:29:05 AM
Should have stuck to colouring in.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: kouservice on March 11, 2013, 10:32:47 AM
It goes from bad to worse for the Aussies.

[url]http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/australia-stand-down-four-players-for-breach-of-discipline-20130311-2fw9i.html[/url] ([url]http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/australia-stand-down-four-players-for-breach-of-discipline-20130311-2fw9i.html[/url])

Dropped for not being able to use Powerpoint.  :o


The decision was not made on their inability to use powerpoint, but due to the attitude and compitment. I really appreciate them for taking such a step, every team member is required to behave in a certain code of conduct and have comitment toward the game. When you have lost 2 games badly and the team is in a depressing mode, the coach just asked for all the players to provide just 3 points on how they can make a come back. And off couse this is business they are getting paid more than any consulting firm does, so they should respect that.
Come on you dont need to know powerpoint  to just write down 3 suggestions :)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: tushar sehgal on March 11, 2013, 11:26:46 AM
The decision was not made on their inability to use powerpoint, but due to the attitude and compitment. I really appreciate them for taking such a step, every team member is required to behave in a certain code of conduct and have comitment toward the game. When you have lost 2 games badly and the team is in a depressing mode, the coach just asked for all the players to provide just 3 points on how they can make a come back. And off couse this is business they are getting paid more than any consulting firm does, so they should respect that.
Come on you dont need to know powerpoint  to just write down 3 suggestions :)

Mate the point isn't about powerpoint its about the attitude of leadership, overcomplicated & unnecessary...seems like Artur and more so Clarke are on comply or die type crusade and anyone who doesn't gets kicked off the roster...Katich, now these 4...i wonder if Hussey retired graciously due to these kind of things, he had a bit of cricket left in him for sure...

P.s. Johnson jokes are funny :) although I do feel for him and Khwaja
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: uknsaunders on March 11, 2013, 11:30:06 AM
see watson has gone home as well. His departure was planned due to the wife giving birth, but it's been "accelerated". I wonder if this is the last we'll see of him in the test arena. Creaking body, big IPL money and a muppet for a coach.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ppccopener on March 11, 2013, 11:47:14 AM
good points tusher
it's a failure of management, I see 2 legends of Aussie cricket, Border and Mark Waugh have slammed the decision this morning comparing it to under 6's cricket.....

it looks from the outside..shambolic.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: charlie15 on March 11, 2013, 12:27:54 PM
Surely the rolled up bits of paper would have missed the bin and be scattered on the floor?

If there was ever proof this forum needs a like button! :D
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: petehosk on March 11, 2013, 12:50:36 PM
Johnson could have done it quickly - wides and inconsistency whilst bowling, then catching practice when batting!

Seriously though...this all seems a little crazy!
Sack the coach I say! Also may as well sack Clarke for going along with this!
Or if you don't sack Clarke, at least ban him from playing in the Ashes!  ;)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: PedalsMcgrew on March 11, 2013, 12:58:45 PM
I don't get this, what's unreasonable about asking players to think about ways they can improve? If the four players in question honestly can't think of 3 ways the entire team can do better then they're probably not intelligent enough to play International cricket in the first place! All the other players did it din't they?

Maybe it is a bit 'school teacher' of Arthur to take this line with the players but it is obviously indicative of other things that have been going on behind the scenes. Arthur is the coach, his record speaks for itself with SA....maybe he has just found these 4 not to be professional enough for the culture he is trying to build?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: trypewriter on March 11, 2013, 01:17:57 PM
It's great when none of the players are really playing well enough for player power to be a factor...

But having said that, all of this disarray now, could see Aus stronger for the Ashes...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 11, 2013, 01:25:27 PM
England's class of 05 are having a lot of banter about this on twitter, Freddie being the main instigator!!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: uknsaunders on March 11, 2013, 01:55:00 PM
one of the many issues I have with it is:-

You just been stuffed (again) and feeling pretty down. Your coach, who should be providing the answers to some extent or at least rebuilding morale, then wants you to find the solutions. There is an element of knowing what you did wrong as a group but at the same time it's up to the coach to earn his money.

Flower did, by playing 2 spinners, getting the batsman to play straighter and making the big calls (dropping broad / playing root). England adapted to the conditions and backed their players. Australia dropped their best spinner, played 4 seamers on a slow turner and ask for essays from demoralised players, in turn further weakening their team with sanctions. Sometimes players make the coach look good, looking like SA made Arthur look good and not the other way round.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ppccopener on March 11, 2013, 02:06:33 PM
how very well put

could'nt agree more :)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: 400notout on March 11, 2013, 02:23:18 PM
They've been asked to do something - clearly haven't, I don't see why it's a problem, it's harsh no doubt. But if you don't pay your taxes/bills etc you take the consequences. Coach/Captain must show that discipline is the key to good cricket.

Bloomin awful they've brought in Haddin over Hartley....unbelievable.

And chances are they are going to go back to Steve Smith, who's bowled 90 balls all summer. Fantastic.

Clarke has stated in an interview it's about more than this specifically, which doesn't surprise me. But I did hear a rumour (on here possibly) that saying too much (Steve O'Keefe) was worse than not saying enough in Clarkes eyes.

It's an Ashes conspiracy
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: DiscoStu on March 11, 2013, 02:38:37 PM
I'm just wondering why the story came out. You could send Watson home because of the imminent birth of his child, bring in a replacement and nobody would bat an eyelid. Keep Khawaja an Johnson out and say Pattinson has a strain or something. It all just seems like they are airing their dirty laundry in public and this is not going to be the last we hear about it.
They have 2 tests in India, then IPL, then Champions Trophy and then the Ashes. They are leaving it very late to get a line-up together for England.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: 400notout on March 11, 2013, 02:50:49 PM
I agree, the situation could have been dealt with internally. But I feel Watson is loud and arrogant enough that it would have gotten out anyway!

I do think it's a sign of Clarke making an example and flexing his muscles. And to be honest,he's produced the results that arguably allow him to do so. No one really in that 4 (bar Pattinson) had reason to argue back really!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alba caerulea on March 11, 2013, 02:58:59 PM
Khawaja hasnt played in either thrashing, but has been asked how he could improve

I'd tell the coach/captain where to go, at least let a guy fail before he is interrogated about his skills

It's the selectors that should be questioned and sacked - Glen Maxwell, Phillip Hughes and Steven Smith, deary me how the mighty have fallen
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vitas Cricket on March 11, 2013, 03:11:38 PM
England camp must be sat there with grins like Cheshire cats.

I don't agree with everything Warne has been saying about Cricket Australia, but the things he has been proposing are a damn sight more sensible than this shambles.

To quote Bumble: '10 Nil! 10 Nil!'
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 11, 2013, 03:12:02 PM
Watson talking like he's going to call it a day in cricket for Australia, he says there are more important things in life than cricket. What he means is I'd like to play IPL and earn some big bucks please.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: iand123 on March 11, 2013, 03:44:35 PM
Watson talking like he's going to call it a day in cricket for Australia, he says there are more important things in life than cricket. What he means is I'd like to play IPL and earn some big bucks please.

I suspect this is part of it but he's got a kid on the way which can change your perspective massively. Also being dropped for not doing a presentation would question whether you want to be involved IMO
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: charlie15 on March 11, 2013, 05:01:22 PM
Can you imagine asking the likes of Lillee, Marsh, Thomson, Boon, Merv et al to do a powerpoint presentation.  You'd end up with the computer up your a*** sideways!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Buzz on March 11, 2013, 05:06:43 PM
they were only asked to go to the coach and say 3 things about how they and the team could improve, it didn't have to be a ppt or an essay.

Times have changed since the likes of Lillee, Marsh etc - these guys are all given significant sports science training and expected to perform to measured levels, it isn't an amature joke.

Dropping them must be harsh, but the delivery of what was expected was not exactly taxing and they had 3 days to do it. If you can't do a simple task, how are you expected to perform under pressure.

Clive Woodward did similar things, just not so publically
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alba caerulea on March 11, 2013, 05:13:31 PM
It just looks like mollycodling. The Moores/Pietersen fiasco was blamed on over zealous coaching methods, this looks similar to me

My opinion is that it's not the players job to think of ways to improve the team. This is elite cricket and there is a whole coaching structure behind this Australian team. Let the players do what they do best which is play, these are not children, they know their own games

Obviously if people had parts of their game they want to work on you'd expect them to be working on that or mentioning it to their coaches anyway. I expect most of us on here do that, I certainly do

I am speaking from a players perspective, I'm sure the coaches on here will have a different opinion

What I will say to that Buzz is that rugby is much more a team sport, a team spirit and feeling of togetherness is essential in rugby. If you do not do your job properly in a rugby match one of your team-mates is going to get hurt

Although cricket is technically a team sport in reality it is batsman v bowler. You don't do your job in cricket it's only you who looks stupid (most of the time). The players must take responsibility for their OWN games not the whole team
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: tim2000s on March 11, 2013, 05:23:20 PM
The players must take responsibility for their OWN games not the whole team
Each player should take responsibility for both of these things. Every player should not only be looking after their own game but also encouraging other members of the team in their games. Each player is responsible for the team, otherwise the team does not exist. I am speaking from a player's position not a coach.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alba caerulea on March 11, 2013, 05:28:53 PM
I would say that if each player is responsible for their own game the team looks after itself
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 11, 2013, 06:40:04 PM
I'm with Tim on this one. I think it's a players responsibility for their own performances etc BUT, it's also down to each player to take an active part within a team unit. Otherwise it's not a team!! Just a collection of people playing together which will only mean it's a hit and miss side. Oh and less fun to play against and for!!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alba caerulea on March 11, 2013, 07:22:50 PM
I've just read the 2nd article on cricinfo, seems like these 4 have been guilty of more than one offence previously which makes a bit more sense than just being sent home for this

I'm with Tim on this one. I think it's a players responsibility for their own performances etc BUT, it's also down to each player to take an active part within a team unit. Otherwise it's not a team!! Just a collection of people playing together which will only mean it's a hit and miss side. Oh and less fun to play against and for!!

Fair enough point above but as grown men who have reached the elite form of a sport you'd think they know what is best for their own game/body. Watson has been around quite a while as has Johnson. They have paid the price now anyway



Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: fros23 on March 11, 2013, 07:43:37 PM
I've just read the 2nd article on cricinfo, seems like these 4 have been guilty of more than one offence previously which makes a bit more sense than just being sent home for this

Fair enough point above but as grown men who have reached the elite form of a sport you'd think they know what is best for their own game/body. Watson has been around quite a while as has Johnson. They have paid the price now anyway

You would think if they knew what was best for their own game then Watson would have managed more than 2 test hundreds by now and Johnson would know how to bowl well more than once a series!  Or maybe that is the best they can actually do?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 11, 2013, 08:14:33 PM
It's an Ashes conspiracy

yep - Clarke is actually an undercover Englishman called Virgil! ;)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alba caerulea on March 11, 2013, 08:31:09 PM
You would think if they knew what was best for their own game then Watson would have managed more than 2 test hundreds by now and Johnson would know how to bowl well more than once a series!  Or maybe that is the best they can actually do?

Yes I think that is the best they can actually do!

Theres not a coach in the world that could make Mitchell Johnson bowl straight so why bother trying. Either pick him and let him do what he does or don't pick him. He will never change.

If they have breached team discipline multiple times then they only have themselves to blame I guess

Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Pendles10 on March 11, 2013, 08:44:39 PM
Phil Hughes must be able to write a terrific essay, cause he can't bat ;)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Alvaro on March 11, 2013, 09:02:41 PM
Australian Cricket In Crisis: The Dog Ate My Homework (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEioYX7KZUE#ws)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 12, 2013, 08:55:49 AM


http://youtu.be/fOnFah2xBVU (http://youtu.be/fOnFah2xBVU)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: charlie15 on March 12, 2013, 09:13:26 AM
Very amusing article taken from The Times this morning,

Coach, you asked all the players to e-mail you three suggestions for how we can improve our performance, technically, mentally and the team for the third Test now that we are 2-0 down in the series. Here are my thoughts.

1. Technically, I think we need to get better at cricket. There are three parts to this — batting, bowling and fielding. We’re not great at any of them at the moment. This is the heart of the problem, I’d say.

2. Mentally, I think team morale is suffering a bit from the way the management talk in jargon. All that “behaviour patterns” and “line-in-the-sand-moment” talk doesn’t really sit with the guys. I don’t really understand what “latitude for attitude” means. Does it mean anything? I know you said that we all have to make sure of our objective setting so that we build the culture of a ruthless attack-focused unit that takes the learning out of loss-orientated situations. But I don’t know what you’re on about, mate. I also think we might be in danger of over-reacting a bit to guys forgetting to send their e-mails.

3. My team point is that selection has been a bit strange lately. There’s a really thin, startled looking guy called Warney in the commentary box who talks a good game. I reckon the guy used to be able to play a bit. We don’t have any spinners, so can we give him a go? I’ve been reading some history too and the best Aussie teams have had a pair of brothers batting near the top (Chappells, Waughs). My brother’s in town on a business trip. If he can borrow a box and some gloves he can go in at first wicket down.

We’re struggling here but I hope that’s useful. Maybe you can even take the positives out of it.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: kouservice on March 12, 2013, 09:29:53 AM
I was not a big fan of Clarke but after this interview I am. First Interview ,atleast I have seen which presents a clear and honest opinion about a controversial decision.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 12, 2013, 09:35:42 AM
Really?  For saying in management barble that he dropped some guys for forgetting their homework?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alexhilly1492 on March 12, 2013, 12:35:36 PM
i think he's justified himself well, and as he said in the first few minutes there has been more instances on the tour, Australia in disarray? no i don't think so, i believe they're having a bad tour and professionalism as fallen away and Clarke and mickey Arthur don't like that, they've asked the players to do something and they haven't and so its a climax to other issues and they have been disciplined.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 12, 2013, 12:39:24 PM
Hmmm, if they are not being professional enough in their behaviour send them home - I fail to see how the solution to losing two test in embarassing ways is to drop your best bowler, your most likely match winner with the ball, one of your few experienced batsmen and the best damn drinks waiter in the Southern Hemisphere and play game three with a side made up of four "batsmen", an injured keeper and a load of part time bowlers...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: DiscoStu on March 12, 2013, 12:49:38 PM
One thing that will happen is that the Australians will develop a siege mentality (us vs. the world) and perhaps start showing a bit of fight out on the field. Granted, they are going to suffer because of a lack of bowling quality but if they can stop the batsmen getting out to silly shots (like Warner and Hughes in the 2nd innings of the 2nd test) and grind out some scores then they will be all the better come the summer. They have been relying on Clarke too heavily for a while and need the other batsmen to contribute.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 12, 2013, 12:52:20 PM
Problem is, the guys they have are not good enough even with teh siege mentality - Hughes has so many technical flaws that bowlers are queuing up to make him look silly, Smith is nowhere near Test standard, Maxwell either - I could go on!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alba caerulea on March 12, 2013, 02:00:25 PM
http://www1.skysports.com/cricket/news/12175/8559289/Shane-Watson-hits-back-at-Pat-Howard-as-Australia-row-deepens (http://www1.skysports.com/cricket/news/12175/8559289/Shane-Watson-hits-back-at-Pat-Howard-as-Australia-row-deepens)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: cricketbadger on March 12, 2013, 02:09:59 PM
I initially felt that this was all blown out of proportion and they had over-reacted, but having listened to Clarke, i can understand their point of view. I dont normally like him, but he speaks alot of sense in that interview. And like he said if the players arent prepared to help the team improve by completing such a small task, then get rid
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Kulli on March 12, 2013, 03:46:29 PM

[url]http://youtu.be/fOnFah2xBVU[/url] ([url]http://youtu.be/fOnFah2xBVU[/url])

Is 'uphearing' an Australian word!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: fros23 on March 12, 2013, 07:30:45 PM
Some of the Aussies 'homework' has been revealed.  :D

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BFIXiTcCQAAUcw-.jpg:large)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BFJZiroCEAAzAEc.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BFJZdunCAAANIRa.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BFJZt3HCEAAuXZF.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BFJZpLYCcAI9K6k.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BFJZlyECIAAo9-m.jpg)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 12, 2013, 08:51:15 PM
I believe the youth say ROFLMAO!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: charlie15 on March 12, 2013, 10:18:46 PM
Fros, that is excellent!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: fros23 on March 12, 2013, 10:25:27 PM
I can't take credit for them, they came from the Telegraph website
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: hell4leather cricket on March 12, 2013, 10:30:44 PM
The David Warner one  is genius!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: uknsaunders on March 12, 2013, 10:58:17 PM
I've seen you write fros and thought the first one was you lol
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 12, 2013, 11:10:24 PM

http://youtu.be/QJsZNZXfiE8 (http://youtu.be/QJsZNZXfiE8)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: MD2812 on March 13, 2013, 12:00:00 AM
Frozen, can you put the telegraph link?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: chaudhari21 on March 13, 2013, 03:19:40 AM
This is hilarious. Great job guys.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: fros23 on March 13, 2013, 08:01:15 AM
Frozen, can you put the telegraph link?


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/jonathan-liew/9923924/Revealed-The-Australian-cricket-teams-powerpoint-presentations.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/jonathan-liew/9923924/Revealed-The-Australian-cricket-teams-powerpoint-presentations.html)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Alvaro on March 13, 2013, 08:14:00 AM
http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/video_audio/624593.html?genre=51 (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/video_audio/624593.html?genre=51)

An interesting view on this ... cuts away the crap in my opinion.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: petehosk on March 13, 2013, 12:35:51 PM
Excellent post! Made me laugh lots!  :D
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: epbs on March 13, 2013, 04:06:52 PM
These are fantastic
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: charlie15 on March 14, 2013, 10:05:48 AM
It just gets better, courtesy of Ather's in today's Times!

Having dropped Shane Watson, the vice-captain, and three other players for not sending in their homework, Mickey Arthur, the Australia coach, spent the days leading up to the third Test against India that starts on Thursday (4am GMT) sifting through the responses of those players who could be bothered to reply to his cry for help. A mole inside the Australia camp has helpfully forwarded the best of them to The Times.

David Warner “Where’s that feckin’ Cowan bloke when you need him? I thought that’s what team spirit is supposed to be about. He’s my opening partner, he’s got a university degree and all that and he can spell. Christ, I thought I’d left all this schoolboy stuff behind when they kicked me outta the academy.

“What’s more, he’s bound to have an idea or two, wrapped up in his big words to make ’em sound clever, but he’s nowhere to be found. Probably out on the streets taking in what he calls ‘the sights, the smells, the sounds’ of India. WTF. As soon as I find him, coach, I’ll let you know what I think.”

Ed Cowan “My dear Mickey. First of all, congratulations on this new initiative; anything to get these illiterates I’m playing alongside thinking about this great game. Perhaps I can start with a quote from page 19 of my excellent book, In the Firing Line (all good booksellers, etc):

‘I have become a firm believer in left-handed batting coaches for left-handed batters (and vice versa): the worlds of left and right-handers are like different games covered by the same laws.’

“Now, we have a problem here, Mickey. Warner, myself, Hughes, Wade, Khawaja (when available again) are all left-handers. You, Mickey, were a right-hander (of sorts). I know we have Di Venuto here, but where does that leave you? Andy Flower, on the other hand, well, no wonder Alastair Cook scored a mountain of runs out here before Christmas. And they’ve sent Swanny off to get his elbow sorted out before the start of the Ashes, ’cos he doesn’t like bowling at left-handers much, does he? We need some right-handers — Watson, perhaps, although not to open, obviously.

“One more thing (p77): ‘Batting and scoring runs are two very different practices.’ Is that clear now?”

Phillip Hughes “Coach — if I can call you that — you’ve really got to look at your own game. I mean, how long have you been in the job now? Look at me, for example. I’ve still got exactly the same technical flaws as I had when you first arrived. I jump around like a cat on hot coals against pace and I’ve no idea what my scoring options are against spin. Twenty-five runs in four innings here and Ashwin has got me on toast — starts loosening up as soon as I come in. And what are you doing to help?

“Instead of dropping me and bringing in Khawaja, you’ve left him out and now I’ll have to play again. Don’t you know what that’s going to do to my fragile state of mind? The Poms are up next, and they’ve got good quickies and spinners. Any chance of getting in a coach who can sort out my game? Big ask, I know.

“It’s not just me. Take Johnson. If his arm gets any lower he’s going to give an umpire brain damage one of these days. Tie a short piece of string between his wrist and his ear, might keep his arm up a bit. Just a thought.”

Michael Clarke “Buddy, just to let you know that rather than a quick e-mail ironing out our problems, I’ll be giving a full-on PowerPoint presentation to the boys that will include Slide Zoom, Slide Navigator and Auto-extend. I’ll need full interactivity and 4G.

“I want to emphasise the need to improve three things above all: our skill sets, the execution thereof, our processes and our percentages. Those three things should do it. Dovey has talked a bit about the loss of our intellectual property (‘IP’), so I want to touch on that as well (if you can let me know WTF he’s on about before the meeting that would be helpful).

“The other thing is — and it’s a bit tricky for me to bring this one up, so you might have to jump in here — I can’t do it all on my own. I know it’s good for my brand to keep scoring more runs than the rest put together, but if we keep losing then it’s no good for me. By the way, it’s going to take me a bit of time to do all this, so I’ll get Erskine to pop an invoice in the post for the extra work. Let’s stick together and we can come through this. If we don’t, well it’s your head on the block.

Mitchell Johnson (when his reply was eventually found): “Hey, man. I know that this goes against the grain and all (well, you did ask for honesty) but how about a few days’ R&R in Goa before the next game?

“Everyone’s a bit uptight right now and I think we’ve got to chill a bit more. A nice relaxed B&B on the beach, get the boards out, couple of beers in the evening, spread a bit of love around. I know a good tattooist down there. We could all have one done as a bonding exercise and then when things get tough on the field, we can look at them and remind ourselves we’re all in it together. Cool, eh? I was thinking of getting another one done in any case, ’cos the Japanese koi and cherry blossoms haven’t brought me much luck on this trip. If you’ve got any ideas what I might go for, then send me an e-mail. Better still, drop round. Be good to talk. Cool breeze.”

Xavier Doherty “Christ, you want some ideas from me about how the team can improve, when I don’t even know what I’m doing here. Nathan’s supposed to be the No 1 spinner, and he’s the guardian of the team song, although we won’t be needing that on this tour, so get him back in the team, that’s the first thing. And Maxwell — he always had confidence in himself. Wontcha just leave me alone?”

Peter Siddle “Listen, I’m just a dumb fast bowler, but even I can see how ridiculous it all looks. We’ve got a former rugby player in charge of our whole system, a former operations manager of the England rugby team now managing us, and you, a South African, as coach. What’s wrong with someone who knows a bit about Australian cricket?

“It’s not quite as bad as New Zealand, where the chief selector is a former manager of lawn bowls, but come on, everyone’s laughing at us. I’ll just keep running in, breaking my back on these surfaces, spilling my guts for the team. Is that not enough? Three things? You want three things? How about batting better, bowling better and fielding better. That should do it.”

• Letters as imagined by Mike Atherton
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Pendles10 on March 14, 2013, 10:17:30 AM
That Dave Warner one is hilarious, Every time I see it Ijust start laughing. :D
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: charlie15 on March 14, 2013, 11:06:17 AM
That Dave Warner one is hilarious, Every time I see it Ijust start laughing. :D

The Phil Hughes on Mitchell Johnson quote had me in stitches!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ppccopener on March 14, 2013, 12:08:31 PM
brilliant,absolutley brilliant! :)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: epbs on March 14, 2013, 09:41:05 PM
Also, Steven Smith a test match number 5? Do me a favour
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 14, 2013, 09:44:41 PM
Also, Steven Smith a test match number 5? Do me a favour


really?? hahaha. Oh please play him at 5 for the Ashes!! In fairness they probably have no choice for this one test match with the squad they have!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on March 15, 2013, 07:21:53 AM
After a decent start by the Aussies, jadeja has taken two wickets in a row!!
Clarke for a golden after promoting himself to 3!!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Kulli on March 15, 2013, 07:29:23 AM
After a decent start by the Aussies, jadeja has taken two wickets in a row!!
Clarke for a golden after promoting himself to 3!!

Obviously hadn't done his homework on how to bat number 3!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on March 15, 2013, 08:11:59 AM
I haven't really seen him bowl before today, so I was wondering: I am the only one that thinks that Ohja has a very suspect looking action??
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 15, 2013, 08:21:23 AM
Jadeja to Clarke this series,

166 balls
66 runs
4 dismissals
Av: 16.50

All the other indian bowlers to Clarke

348 ball
202 runs
1 dismissal
Av: 202.00
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: tushar sehgal on March 15, 2013, 11:29:46 AM
Hughes against spin: last 70 balls, two runs, out five times
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 15, 2013, 11:54:33 AM
to be fair he was 4 from 39 before today so it represented a slight improvement...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: tushar sehgal on March 15, 2013, 12:10:04 PM
to be fair he was 4 from 39 before today so it represented a slight improvement...

Improvement indeed ;)...at this rate he'd be batting below me in my league team...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: smokem on March 15, 2013, 12:15:05 PM
Phil Hughes has no idea against spin. That much was apparent in the SL series when he faced Herath. I have to say Steve Smith was very impressive against the spinners today. Out of everyone, he looked by far the most comfortable out there and was very decisive in his footwork. I wasn't a fan of his before but he certainly has come a long way.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 15, 2013, 12:34:12 PM
Phil Hughes has no idea against spin. That much was apparent in the SL series when he faced Herath. I have to say Steve Smith was very impressive against the spinners today. Out of everyone, he looked by far the most comfortable out there and was very decisive in his footwork. I wasn't a fan of his before but he certainly has come a long way.

Whether he is test quality or not he has always been a good player of spin bowling. Smith I am talking about  ;)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alba caerulea on March 15, 2013, 06:13:15 PM
Smith I am talking about  ;)

Not the first international to do well recently after being rubbished by a few on this forum
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 15, 2013, 06:17:19 PM
Fingers crossed he bats 5 in the ashes
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on March 16, 2013, 05:37:15 AM
Disappointing to see Starc get out for 99 :(
Still, it was a great innings!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: PM7 on March 16, 2013, 08:23:44 AM
This lad Dhawan is incredible, I dont think ive ever seen a more exciting debut ever!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 16, 2013, 08:51:43 AM
This lad Dhawan is incredible, I dont think ive ever seen a more exciting debut ever!

Virender Who?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Pendles10 on March 16, 2013, 09:09:53 AM
Steve Smith proved all his critics wrong and actually made runs as for Hughes..........
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Twelfth Man on March 16, 2013, 09:25:52 AM
Waking up to Starc's 99 was er, how you say... surprising. This Dhawan bloke doesn't mind these Aussie bowlers by the looks of it, not a bad debut innings I suppose!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Twelfth Man on March 16, 2013, 09:27:43 AM
Steve Smith proved all his critics wrong and actually made runs as for Hughes..........

Steve Smith making runs was a shock to see as well, any Australians think he's good enough to challenge for a permanent place in the side over time? Not sure how he does first class but I guess he alwaus has age in his side.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 16, 2013, 10:09:36 AM
Smith looked good getting them too - is there a chance he has matured a little?  Not sure he's a test 5 but perhaps at six?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Twelfth Man on March 16, 2013, 10:12:18 AM
Smith looked good getting them too - is there a chance he has matured a little?  Not sure he's a test 5 but perhaps at six?

That is what got me, after always looking very suspect against us English. I'm sure I heard that he doesn't really bowl at all anymore so is focusing on his batting. Could be the kind of player who bats 6 and can get a few overs out of him.

- He's just about to come on and bowl now! Lets see how he does...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 16, 2013, 10:15:01 AM
I noticed that he had closed his stance slightly and removed two of the three triggers he was using, which was allowing him to get in line with the ball better this morning, and that he was making a conscious effot to be positive in his choice of strokes, which eliminated the problem he used to experience from having such hard hands.  He still picks the bat up all over the place, but this was evidence that a leopard can at least camouflage his spots.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Twelfth Man on March 16, 2013, 10:29:53 AM
Forget the bowling, he's getting taken apart more than the rest of the Aussies!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: swamidude on March 16, 2013, 12:04:42 PM
Dhawan looked so calm and casual he could've been playing a Sunday friendly! Hope he gets his double hundred, he's batting superbly.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Twelfth Man on March 16, 2013, 12:20:00 PM
Dhawan is looking good, conplete contrast from his ODI debut, a big fat 0!  ;)

(Was three years ago mind!)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on March 16, 2013, 12:35:39 PM
This Dhawan dude is something of a genius.

Makes the fastest debut ton, and does it without resorting to slogging!

Beautiful shots all round the wicket.

What. A. Player.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: thedon on March 16, 2013, 01:13:34 PM
Well done dhawan. I thought tiwary would was ahead if him in the pecking order. Shows what i know!

Smith looked really good. His time in the ipl seems to have helped him in indian conditions
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 16, 2013, 02:13:16 PM
to be fair, he ain't making 'em against much, is he?  How long till runs against Australia are treated the same as Hayden's massive scores against the Zimboks?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Twelfth Man on March 16, 2013, 02:45:27 PM
I don't think Australia will ever be in the same category as Zimbabwe, you can only face what is placed in front of you.  ;)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: petehosk on March 16, 2013, 03:17:52 PM
Dhawan - very impressive indeed!
Looked smooth and made it look effortless to score quickly!
Ok....not against the best bowling, but not the worst! Looking forward to seeing how long they go on for! Then India have some quality batting to come, so Aus may have a daunting time!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 16, 2013, 03:20:21 PM
Suspect that they will try and take what comes until they get into the lead then throw caution to the wind and try to get well clear in time to give Australia a testing, tired hour at teh end of the day.  There doesn't look to be a lot in the Aussie attacjk that will stop them scoring quickly when the accelerator goes down!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 16, 2013, 03:23:02 PM
His innings has accelerated the game and could force a positive result if Himself/Dhoni/Kohli can go at 5/6 an over again tomorrow, it'll leave Australia to bat out 4 or so sessions for the draw!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: mickyp on March 16, 2013, 05:05:51 PM
Dhawan looked tremendous, but some of the bowling was absolute dross. I know Steve Smith is a part time bowler now, but seriously, two full tosses in one over then two half trackers in the next? Wouldn't expect to see that in a Sunday game...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on March 17, 2013, 05:59:22 AM
Not a bad ball that wicket delivery from Smith!!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 17, 2013, 10:45:03 AM
The Clarke at 3 experiment looks to've lasted 1 ball!

Promoting smith to 4! Seriously!!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Pendles10 on March 17, 2013, 11:06:02 AM
Hughesy's batting for his career currently at 53 no.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 17, 2013, 11:23:47 AM
Promoting smith to 4! Seriously!!


Music to England's bowlers ears!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on March 17, 2013, 12:41:58 PM
The Clarke at 3 experiment looks to've lasted 1 ball!

Promoting smith to 4! Seriously!!

Apparently Clarke couldn't bat because of his back, he must have re-injured it.
And I suppose in this test match one could say that Smith is one of the form bats.....
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 22, 2013, 08:18:36 AM
Another seriously tough day at the office for the Aussies.

At least Phil Hughes is scoring runs...

 :(
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on March 22, 2013, 08:29:25 AM
Did you see Glen Maxwell's dismissal?! Deary, deary me!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 22, 2013, 08:41:45 AM
Did you see Glen Maxwell's dismissal?! Deary, deary me!

Johnson's was the funniest!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alba caerulea on March 22, 2013, 09:38:03 AM
Good effort from Siddle here, makes Watsons and Maxwells dismissals look even more stupid
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 22, 2013, 09:43:07 AM
Credit where it's due... Smith has done a good job again with a fighting innings
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 22, 2013, 09:48:32 AM
he's the only australian who's brain doesn't look completely frazzled...

And now he's out...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alba caerulea on March 22, 2013, 09:48:48 AM
What a catch
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 22, 2013, 09:49:36 AM
Was a great catch... It's a pity cause he was doing very well I thought
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 22, 2013, 11:14:30 AM
Smith has actually really impressed me on this tour - usual provisos about technical issues, but he has at least shown that tehre is a bit of dog in him....
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Steveo1000 on March 23, 2013, 09:39:42 AM
It would appear that Australia are a better "team" without the influence of Clarke on the field.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Kulli on March 23, 2013, 09:44:17 AM
Yeah, finally making a game of it at the 4th go.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: procricket on March 23, 2013, 09:47:15 AM
I hope smith comes here in the ashes I suspect he will be found out again..
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: fatbats on March 23, 2013, 10:26:27 AM
Depends if he does his homework nice and neat mate
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Steveo1000 on March 23, 2013, 10:42:34 AM
If Lyon can get sharp turn and bounce from this pitch, I reckon the Aussies will do well to get past 100 in their second dig.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 23, 2013, 04:09:22 PM
you never know....

...erm, well, maybe you do...

;)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: SixOfTheBest on March 24, 2013, 05:20:27 AM
Lyon with 7 in the end, good on him! Makes me a bit concerned about Ashwin/Jadeja/Ojha, 200 would be nice here in the second dig, well 210 to get the lead to 200 if you want to be technical.

Will be tough against the spin attack on this deck though, 3/50 at the moment here with Watto and Cowan at the crease (Maxwell opening?  ???)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: SixOfTheBest on March 24, 2013, 05:33:14 AM

Will be tough against the spin attack on this deck though, 3/50 at the moment here with Watto and Cowan at the crease (Maxwell opening?  ???)
As soon as I say it... now 5/55. Oh wow.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on March 24, 2013, 06:26:52 AM
Aussies are struggling a bit, but hopefully smith and wade can build a solid partnership after lunch and move the aussies towards a competitive lead.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Julesoak on March 24, 2013, 06:39:18 AM
Why was Maxwell opening??
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: iand123 on March 24, 2013, 06:41:12 AM
Why is maxwell playing, he's dire
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Julesoak on March 24, 2013, 06:44:48 AM
I suppose that's more to the point!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: vibrate on March 24, 2013, 07:17:54 AM
I dont see Australia getting to 200 at all.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 24, 2013, 10:00:44 AM
Looks like Tendulkar is becoming Lyons' bunny
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 24, 2013, 10:10:15 AM
thats when you know its time to retire...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: i12breakfree on March 24, 2013, 10:11:30 AM
Rahane's shot selection not helping his cause
he had such a great chance to stay till the end
i guess that is what its called TEST cricket
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Alvaro on March 24, 2013, 10:12:12 AM
If Sachin hadn't choked and made at least 7 he would have finished his career with more test runs against Australia than anyone else ever.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 24, 2013, 10:41:09 AM
don't you think he might make it to Australia again? ;)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 24, 2013, 10:43:29 AM
At a couple of weeks off 40 and poor form I think it's time for him to retire
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Wedge2408 on March 24, 2013, 11:09:58 AM
At a couple of weeks off 40 and poor form I think it's time for him to retire

I think you might be right there mate. He looks a shadow of his prime at the moment.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Kulli on March 24, 2013, 11:52:22 AM
Why is maxwell playing, he's dire
His bowling makes me thing he's a batsman and his batting makes me think he must be a bowler!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Twelfth Man on March 24, 2013, 12:11:48 PM
His bowling makes me thing he's a batsman and his batting makes me think he must be a bowler!

Professional specialist fielder.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: thedon on March 24, 2013, 02:16:20 PM
Great win by India. Things are clicking nicely into place. Vijay needs to work more against the moving ball. Pujara is just Dravid on steroids. I think the selectors should perservere with Rahane. Sharma is gaining the form he showed, when he first burst onto the scene. Yadav and Aaron need to work on their fitness, and I really do believe this team will go places
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Kulli on March 24, 2013, 02:18:33 PM
Great win by India. Things are clicking nicely into place. Vijay needs to work more against the moving ball. Pujara is just Dravid on steroids. I think the selectors should perservere with Rahane. Sharma is gaining the form he showed, when he first burst onto the scene. Yadav and Aaron need to work on their fitness, and I really do believe this team will go places
Goingto be tough to get the balance right abroad, Jadeja and Arshwin are top alrounders, but do they really need/want two spinners in every game.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 24, 2013, 04:39:30 PM
they can probably get away with that if they play five bowlers - the problem will always be that they have very limited seam bowling and average technique at best against the moving ball.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alba caerulea on March 24, 2013, 05:21:35 PM
Great win by India. Things are clicking nicely into place. Vijay needs to work more against the moving ball. Pujara is just Dravid on steroids. I think the selectors should perservere with Rahane. Sharma is gaining the form he showed, when he first burst onto the scene. Yadav and Aaron need to work on their fitness, and I really do believe this team will go places

I'd wait to see how Pujara does away from Asia before you start comparing him to Dravid. Very big shoes to fill.

This is a very,very poor Australian side, easily the worst in my lifetime,  so I wouldn't get too excited. Don't think India are ready to start turning over South Africa and England away from home just yet
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 24, 2013, 05:29:40 PM
I don't even know that they are ready to turn them over AT home yet.  But they have made encouraging strides in bringing Dhawan and Vijay into the team instead of the same old faces
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: swamidude on March 24, 2013, 07:36:09 PM
Really proud of the Indian newcomers in this series, the batting has been of a really high standard with every batsman in the top 6 getting at least 1 century (except Tendulkar). The real test of course is South Africa and that will separate the men from the boys!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Steveo1000 on March 24, 2013, 08:33:21 PM
At a couple of weeks off 40 and poor form I think it's time for him to retire
Based on the stats I reckon Huges, Warner and Watson should be hanging up their boots as well.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 24, 2013, 08:41:04 PM
Based on the stats I reckon Huges, Warner and Watson should be hanging up their boots as well.

There must be better batsmen in Australia than these three.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Steveo1000 on March 24, 2013, 08:45:28 PM
There must be better batsmen in Australia than these three.
Without looking at the career stats I would wager they all average less than 40 in test cricket, which after a decent amount of games is not good enough. If there is not three better players then aus cricket is in trouble for many years to come I think.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Steveo1000 on March 24, 2013, 08:48:02 PM
Just checked the stats and I was correct (just!!)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Alvaro on March 24, 2013, 08:48:57 PM
Beware.
Memories of 1989 still haunt me...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Steveo1000 on March 24, 2013, 08:57:06 PM
Lol, that is a good point.
Still I can't see Warner or Hughes scoring Any runs against England, and the odd 50 from Watson won't hurt.
I don't think it will be a walk over, but this is a dire Aussie side. The bloke opening the batting today was playing club cricket in England only a few months ago, and didn't even score runs at that level! (I know he doesn't open regularly for Aus).
If England don't win by two clear tests in the ashes I would be surprised.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 24, 2013, 09:03:59 PM
Lol, that is a good point.
Still I can't see Warner or Hughes scoring Any runs against England, and the odd 50 from Watson won't hurt.
I don't think it will be a walk over, but this is a dire Aussie side. The bloke opening the batting today was playing club cricket in England only a few months ago, and didn't even score runs at that level! (I know he doesn't open regularly for Aus).
If England don't win by two clear tests in the ashes I would be surprised.

I think Aus will do better in teh Ashes so if England aren't on song then it could go either way (as we're seeing now England aren't that good!). I'm sad to see the state of the Australia side as growing up they were the best team around and just seemed to keep producing good players. It's scary how quickly it's fallen apart really.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Steveo1000 on March 24, 2013, 09:16:54 PM
I suspect you are correct. I don't think it will be one sided, I just think in English conditions with a partisan home crowd we will be to strong.
I'm not that sad about the current state of Aus cricket ( although the world game could do with a good aus side) as I had to endure years of England being a side of similar standard to this Australia side. Guess it goes in cycles.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 24, 2013, 09:19:55 PM
Guess it goes in cycles.

This is correct. However, I'd always question those in charge from the top down adn the coaches failing to bring through the next crop of talent etc. Yeah they may not be McGrath/Warne calibre but they should be able to bring through some quality. It's something I am hoping the ECB are doing and not just resting on the fact we got to number 1 for a few months etc.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Alvaro on March 24, 2013, 09:21:56 PM
Same thing happened with the West Indies - sometimes you just get a collection of supremely talented players all at the same time. It may even be a case of them coming through despite the system rather than because of it.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 24, 2013, 09:28:08 PM
Same thing happened with the West Indies - sometimes you just get a collection of supremely talented players all at the same time. It may even be a case of them coming through despite the system rather than because of it.

Yep, but given the technology we have with kit, wickets, DRS etc etc.. Surely it's not that hard for the ECB/CA etc to put together a decent talent spotting system etc? Not saying it'll mean you win everything but in theory it should mean you are getting the best from everyone that plays the game etc. (maybe these are the best in Australia but I think there is always someone better!)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Steveo1000 on March 24, 2013, 10:24:31 PM
I take it all back. England are just as poor!
I'm going for 1-1 in the ashes.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: procricket on March 24, 2013, 10:27:32 PM
Nope Australia are bad..

Your right where not,much better but there in a mass slump even there half decent players look clueless
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Gerry SA on March 24, 2013, 10:54:49 PM
I don't even know that they are ready to turn them over AT home yet.  But they have made encouraging strides in bringing Dhawan and Vijay into the team instead of the same old faces
A side that's lost one home series in nearly a decade would certainly start favourites against anyone.

In fact India had been in decline long before England got the luck of the draw to pick them off.

They struggled against NZ in 2011, if not for a Harbhajan Singh hundred, they would've lost that series.

The defeat to England made India make the changes needed to start the rebuilding process.

Sehwag, Gambhir and Tendulkar have been deadweight a for along time. With 2 gone and Tendulkar soon to go, India's rebuilding will be complete.

South Africa in India is all ways close, but the lack of an outstanding spinner for the Proteas is what stops us winning a series there

The changes India made post the England series bode well for their future match ups.

M Vijay and Dhawan could be an excellent opening pair. They've played enough FC cricket to know their games.

Jadeja will be the vital 5th bowler, as we all know India aren't good enough to field just 4 bowlers outside India.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Gerry SA on March 24, 2013, 10:57:03 PM
Just read a tweet that India are planning a 3 match series prior to the tour of SA.

It's rumoured to be Tendulkar's retirement gig.

This seems a bit bizarre to me.

It would make more sense if Rahane or Rohit Sharma should be given these matches to gain experience prior to a tough tour.

Tendulkar should be happy with his 198 caps... 
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Steveo1000 on March 24, 2013, 11:18:08 PM
A side that's lost one home series in nearly a decade would certainly start favourites against anyone.

In fact India had been in decline long before England got the luck of the draw to pick them off.

They struggled against NZ in 2011, if not for a Harbhajan Singh hundred, they would've lost that series.

The defeat to England made India make the changes needed to start the rebuilding process.

Sehwag, Gambhir and Tendulkar have been deadweight a for along time. With 2 gone and Tendulkar soon to go, India's rebuilding will be complete.

South Africa in India is all ways close, but the lack of an outstanding spinner for the Proteas is what stops us winning a series there

The changes India made post the England series bode well for their future match ups.

M Vijay and Dhawan could be an excellent opening pair. They've played enough FC cricket to know their games.

Jadeja will be the vital 5th bowler, as we all know India aren't good enough to field just 4 bowlers outside India.
Based on Australia's performance I would say that England were not lucky to pick them off! They were just better than a decent Indian side in their own back yard which deserves a little more credit.
And Tendulkar's value to that side might extend beyond his actual runs scored, as it did with Ricky Ponting and Australia. I'm not Indian, an even I think calling tendulkar "dead weight" is disrespectful.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Gerry SA on March 24, 2013, 11:25:37 PM
Based on Australia's performance I would say that England were not lucky to pick them off! They were just better than a decent Indian side in their own back yard which deserves a little more credit.
And Tendulkar's value to that side might extend beyond his actual runs scored, as it did with Ricky Ponting and Australia. I'm not Indian, an even I think calling tendulkar "dead weight" is disrespectful.
NZ nearly(probably should've) beat India in India, so yes England got the luck off the draw. If it was the Proteas, SL or Pak would've picked India off. 

If Indians I know think Tendulkar's shouldn't be in the team, then I'm certainly not disrespecting him.

He's a legend, but times up.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Steveo1000 on March 24, 2013, 11:29:46 PM
NZ nearly(probably should've) beat India in India, so yes England got the luck off the draw. If it was the Proteas, SL or Pak would've picked India off. 

If Indians I know think Tendulkar's shouldn't be in the team, then I'm certainly not disrespecting him.

He's a legend, but times up.
SA yes, but they are the best team in the world. SL would have got a draw at best. Pakistan? I can only assume you haven't watched the latest series in South Africa as they were dreadful.
I know plenty of Indians and they all see the benefit of Tendulkar in the team for now.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Gerry SA on March 24, 2013, 11:33:16 PM
SA yes, but they are the best team in the world. SL would have got a draw at best. Pakistan? I can only assume you haven't watched the latest series in South Africa as they were dreadful.
I know plenty of Indians and they all see the benefit of Tendulkar in the team for now.
Pakistan in SA isn't comparable to Pakistan in the sub continent.

India struggled big time against Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Irfan in their recent ODI series. Throw in Abdur Rehman and Junaid Khan/Umar Gul and that's a bowling attack easily good enough to rip India to shreds.

Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Steveo1000 on March 24, 2013, 11:43:09 PM
Pakistan in SA isn't comparable to Pakistan in the sub continent.

India struggled big time against Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Irfan in their recent ODI series. Throw in Abdur Rehman and Junaid Khan/Umar Gul and that's a bowling attack easily good enough to rip India to shreds.
Don't compare ODI to test cricket. Pakistan have proved they are a decent ODI side recently in SA and that is not what we are talking about.
The bowlers you have quoted would not "rip India to shreds". Even taking Tendulkar out of the equation 4/5 of india's top order would not be ripped to shreds by the attack you have quoted in the sub continent. 
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alba caerulea on March 24, 2013, 11:47:38 PM
In my opinion Pakistan have better bowlers. India have better batsman. They are both atrocious in the field. This has been the case for at least 15 years

One thing is for sure - they are always matches worth watching!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Gerry SA on March 24, 2013, 11:54:08 PM
Don't compare ODI to test cricket. Pakistan have proved they are a decent ODI side recently in SA and that is not what we are talking about.
The bowlers you have quoted would not "rip India to shreds". Even taking Tendulkar out of the equation 4/5 of india's top order would not be ripped to shreds by the attack you have quoted in the sub continent.
Even Tendulkar, as his best, couldn't  pick Ajmal. He admitted as much.

Ajmal by himself is unplayable. He taught England a few lessons...

Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: procricket on March 24, 2013, 11:56:01 PM
Ok I going to say it your in a position of power we all bow down to South Africa best side to ever play cricket shame your police are not quite as good
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Gerry SA on March 24, 2013, 11:57:14 PM
In my opinion Pakistan have better bowlers. India have better batsman. They are both atrocious in the field. This has been the case for at least 15 years

One thing is for sure - they are always matches worth watching!
I think the fielding aspect for India has changed since Kirsten and now Fletcher took the reigns.

Kohli, Jadeja, Rahane(all their 12th man prior to Test debut), Vijay etc are fantastic fielders.

The Sehwag's Gambhir's Laxman's etc weren't to keen on fielding
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Gerry SA on March 24, 2013, 11:58:01 PM
Ok I going to say it your in a position of power we all bow down to South Africa best side to ever play cricket shame your police are not quite as good
So by praising pakistan's bowlers, I get a bizarre reply like this?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: procricket on March 25, 2013, 12:00:24 AM
Tongue in cheek not bizarre mate
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Steveo1000 on March 25, 2013, 12:05:07 AM
Even Tendulkar, as his best, couldn't  pick Ajmal. He admitted as much.

Ajmal by himself is unplayable. He taught England a few lessons...
Is this the 35 year old with 133 test wicket world beater we are talking about? I agree England struggled, but England have struggled against far less capable spinners than him.
Tendulkar at his best? Ajmal didn't play test cricket until 2009, anyone with a basic understanding of test cricket knows Tendulkar's best was way before this.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alba caerulea on March 25, 2013, 12:05:25 AM
Still below the standard of South Africa, England, NZ in my opinion but yes they have improved

Good coach Fletcher, India are lucky to have him
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: vibrate on March 25, 2013, 02:07:38 AM
Im an Aussie and this actually might sound weird but i do not go for them. Hate the australian team and i am actually glad they lost this series maybe now the selectors and players will get a good understanding that the team needs fixing in whole. Even tho England are playing average cricket atm against New Zealand I see them beating the Australians if the teams stays this way.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Jenko on March 25, 2013, 04:05:28 AM
Im an Aussie and this actually might sound weird but i do not go for them. Hate the australian team and i am actually glad they lost this series maybe now the selectors and players will get a good understanding that the team needs fixing in whole. Even tho England are playing average cricket atm against New Zealand I see them beating the Australians if the teams stays this way.

Wow haha. So tell us who you do support then?? And please don't tell us you were a proud Aussie when they were winning...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: vibrate on March 25, 2013, 11:44:24 AM
Hahaha Im actually a huge Pakistan fan. Funny thing is in every sport i follow and watch I never go for Australia. Not a proud supporter even when they are winning i think that's what puts me off them actually. To me I Find the Australians to arrogant and cocky and to me i find some of their antics unsportsman like.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The 22nd Yard on March 25, 2013, 05:08:50 PM
Check out this post on the new Custom Bats Blog and see what you think of my opinion!

http://blog.custombats.co.uk/2013/03/25/what-next-for-whitewashed-australia/ (http://blog.custombats.co.uk/2013/03/25/what-next-for-whitewashed-australia/)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 26, 2013, 12:05:58 AM
Check out this post on the new Custom Bats Blog and see what you think of my opinion!

Please don't think I'm being deliberately nasty but I'm not sure you're cut out for punditry - your whole article, riddled with inconsistencies and inaccuracies, amounts to "pick the same team" which I doubt even the most egocentric Australian would go for as a serious policy come Ashes time.  What point are you trying to make?  What is the focus of your piece? And how seriously did you sense check it? I ask because I can't see how Clarke had a poor series with the bat (130 and 91 out of six completed knocks is pretty decent in alien conditions) nor can I see how a player can be described a form player when they will have played no cricket for five months, which would be the position were Doolan suddenly selected in the Austalian summer...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The 22nd Yard on March 26, 2013, 12:38:14 AM
Please don't think I'm being deliberately nasty but I'm not sure you're cut out for punditry - your whole article, riddled with inconsistencies and inaccuracies, amounts to "pick the same team" which I doubt even the most egocentric Australian would go for as a serious policy come Ashes time.  What point are you trying to make?  What is the focus of your piece? And how seriously did you sense check it? I ask because I can't see how Clarke had a poor series with the bat (130 and 91 out of six completed knocks is pretty decent in alien conditions) nor can I see how a player can be described a form player when they will have played no cricket for five months, which would be the position were Doolan suddenly selected in the Austalian summer...

I understand where your coming from but my opinion is that Australia have a solid base, Cowan and Warner's form last year was fantastic and Clarke is the only born leader in the squad, I must have been harsher on him in the post than I realised and I put that across poorly so apologies for that, I also think Hughes could be a very decent number 3 if they stick with him. The idea behind it was that they shouldn't make knee-jerk decisions on an Indian series, which as you say is played in alien-conditions. I understand Doolan has dropped in form but he is still striking good half centuries, 2 weeks ago he hit 83 against Queensland and of course the 87 against the West Indies XI for the PM's XI late in January. I still think he could do a job if asked, Australia don't have bundles to choose from batting wise without going to Hussey and Ponting.

I'll look more closely at my research for the next post (if you choose to visit the blog again!) Thanks for your feedback though.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 26, 2013, 10:46:57 AM
The idea behind it was that they shouldn't make knee-jerk decisions on an Indian series, which as you say is played in alien-conditions. I understand Doolan has dropped in form but he is still striking good half centuries, 2 weeks ago he hit 83 against Queensland and of course the 87 against the West Indies XI for the PM's XI late in January. I still think he could do a job if asked, Australia don't have bundles to choose from batting wise without going to Hussey and Ponting.

If that was indeed the idea behind it, you should have pitched the piece as such, rather than trying to put forward a review of Australian cricket which suggests to the reader that they are going to be offered something that gets to the heart of the issues and suggests solution, rather than saying "it ain't broke..."

As regards Doolan, the point I was making was that if they were selecting him as a fom player they would have had to do it by now - to do so after the Ashes would be ridiculous as, wel, what form would he have at tht point.  Thats the same logic as brought Rob Quiney into the side...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on March 26, 2013, 11:30:26 AM
That was the most spineless effort from Oz batting line up I have ever seen this last series.

Utterly useless.

We have bowlers coming through...good fast bowlers who will do damage.

The only batsmen that have any potential are young kids who are nowhere near test ready.

Kurtis Patterson
Jordan Silk
Joe Burns
Nic Maddinson

...are all quality young kids, but they are all kids with Burns being the oldest of the lot.

In the 24 to 30 age bracket, we have a doughnut. It is a sea of NQRers (Hughes, Khawaja, Smith) and other blokes who simply haven't come on at all for what ever reason (S. Marsh, Ferguson etc).

This will be our achilies heal over the next year or two until those kids come on, IF they come on.

England are in disarray - but still more settled overall than Australia...and I expect England to win easily.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Buzz on March 26, 2013, 11:33:51 AM
England are in disarray

really, why do you say that??
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on March 26, 2013, 11:51:28 AM
really, why do you say that??

Crushed by Pakistan 3-0.
Drew series with SL
Annihilated on home soil by SA.
Struggled to avoid defeat by lowly New Zealand

...all in the last year and a bit.

If you consider that an impressive form line, then you must really be setting the bar low.

We might be totally (No Swearing Please), but you guys are hardly in red hot form yourselves.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: charlie15 on March 26, 2013, 12:02:31 PM
Crushed by Pakistan 3-0.
Drew series with SL
Annihilated on home soil by SA.
Struggled to avoid defeat by lowly New Zealand

...all in the last year and a bit.

If you consider that an impressive form line, then you must really be setting the bar low.

We might be totally (No Swearing Please), but you guys are hardly in red hot form yourselves.

You missed out the hugely impressive win in India (and the series win against WI)  ;)

I agree we're not in red hot form, but a draw in Sri Lanka isn't to be scoffed at either.

As for the Pakistan series, that was an utter shambles and I offer no excuses for it nor the annihilation by South Africa, and considering their form at the moment I don't think anyone can begrudge them their ranking.

Our performances in New Zealand too have been inexcusable and IMHO I think England took their eye off the ball for this series, which sets it up nicely for the return in May.

I'd hardly call it disarray, the squad is settled bar who bats at 6 and we appear to be getting our homework in on time!!!  ;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Buzz on March 26, 2013, 12:02:58 PM
Crushed by Pakistan 3-0.
Drew series with SL
Annihilated on home soil by SA.
Struggled to avoid defeat by lowly New Zealand

...all in the last year and a bit.

If you consider that an impressive form line, then you must really be setting the bar low.

We might be totally (No Swearing Please), but you guys are hardly in red hot form yourselves.

beaten by a good Pakistan side in tough conditions, sure, recoved to draw a tough series in SL, which is a solid result, SL at home are a tough side.
Thumped the WI at home. Got beaten by a formidable SA side (no disgrace). Beat India in India which virtually no one does. Ensured we didn't lose in NZ, the last day fight showed great character in the dressing room.

We have a solid unit of players who all know their roles, with competition for places in all positions.
I wouldn't say we are in disarray, Ali Cook is still maturing as a leader.

Disarray is where we were in the 90's
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The 22nd Yard on March 26, 2013, 12:04:31 PM
If that was indeed the idea behind it, you should have pitched the piece as such, rather than trying to put forward a review of Australian cricket which suggests to the reader that they are going to be offered something that gets to the heart of the issues and suggests solution, rather than saying "it ain't broke..."

As regards Doolan, the point I was making was that if they were selecting him as a fom player they would have had to do it by now - to do so after the Ashes would be ridiculous as, wel, what form would he have at tht point.  Thats the same logic as brought Rob Quiney into the side...

I completely understand where you coming from and reading it again it seems I did not go into it with a clear conclusion, so thanks for the feedback.

In regards to Doolan, should injuries come then every Australian first-class player not involved in the IPL, English game or ODI and twenty20 squads would be in the same position. So if you go about it that way then it lessens the players pool quite considerably. I'm sure Swann will be thrown right into the Champions Trophy despite not played a competitive game in 3 months.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Alvaro on March 26, 2013, 12:15:17 PM
beaten by a good Pakistan side in tough conditions, sure, recoved to draw a tough series in SL, which is a solid result, SL at home are a tough side.

Thumped the WI at home. Got beaten by a formidable SA side (no disgrace). Beat India in India which virtually no one does. Ensured we didn't lose in NZ, the last day fight showed great character in the dressing room.

We have a solid unit of players who all know their roles, with competition for places in all positions.
I wouldn't say we are in disarray, Ali Cook is still maturing as a leader.

Disarray is where we were in the 90's

And, NZ drew in Sri Lanka too, as well as in Australia. The England team seem to be with their captain too...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on March 26, 2013, 12:30:21 PM
beaten by a good Pakistan side in tough conditions, sure, recoved to draw a tough series in SL, which is a solid result, SL at home are a tough side.
Thumped the WI at home. Got beaten by a formidable SA side (no disgrace). Beat India in India which virtually no one does. Ensured we didn't lose in NZ, the last day fight showed great character in the dressing room.

We have a solid unit of players who all know their roles, with competition for places in all positions.
I wouldn't say we are in disarray, Ali Cook is still maturing as a leader.

Disarray is where we were in the 90's

If the Pakistan series went for four tests, you would have lost 4-0. If it went for five, it would have been 5-0.

How is that different or in any way better than what Australia have just endured in India?

You drew in SL which you consider a "solid result" - Australia won there.

You got annihilated by SA at home - but that is apparently no disgrace, yet Australia nearly toppled that same SA team less than 5 months later with rain thwarting us in Brisbane and Pattinson unavailable and Hilfy going down during the test in Adelaide leaving us a fast bowler short when we had SA on the rack.

The desperate batting to save a humiliating series defeat at the hands of lowly New Zealand masks over the fact that New Zealand smashed your bowlers twice in the same match and declared the second time with only time being their enemy, never a possibility of England manufacturing a win. How you draw any solace out of that is reminiscent of the Iraqi Information Minister telling Al Jazeera "there are no American tanks in Bagdad, in fact, we are cutting them to pieces in the desert and they are fleeing for their lives" ....while US tanks were rumbling right behind him!

....but you won a series in India (when they were ripe for the picking) for the first time in 28 years and apparently all is well in the cricketing universe!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on March 26, 2013, 12:32:52 PM
And, NZ drew in Sri Lanka too, as well as in Australia. The England team seem to be with their captain too...

The inside word is that the players are 100% behind Clarkey.

Watson is the one they all loathe. Much like your boys loathe Pieterson and Compton.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: charlie15 on March 26, 2013, 12:42:57 PM
....but you won a series in India (when they were ripe for the picking) for the first time in 28 years and apparently all is well in the cricketing universe!

And a matter of months later that Indian side that was as you put it "ripe for the picking" annihlated you!

Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: charlie15 on March 26, 2013, 12:44:29 PM
Much like your boys loathe Pieterson and Compton.

The former is old news and has been dealt with, and unless I've missed something Compton isn't loathed??
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on March 26, 2013, 12:52:51 PM
And a matter of months later that Indian side that was as you put it "ripe for the picking" annihlated you!

...and the Pakistani side we annihilated 3-0 then annihilated you 3-0 (let's not kid ourselves, if that series went for five tests, you would have lost 5-0)

...and the SA team that annihilated you AT HOME was lucky not to lose in Oz soon after.

It can go around in circles for ever.

You guys are basically average...if that.

We are (No Swearing Please).
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on March 26, 2013, 12:54:00 PM
The former is old news and has been dealt with, and unless I've missed something Compton isn't loathed??

Both are hated...don't kid yourselves otherwise.

Trott is respected, but not particularly loved either.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Binsy on March 26, 2013, 01:27:44 PM
Both are hated...don't kid yourselves otherwise.

Trott is respected, but not particularly loved either.

Why is Compton hated and how do you know this? Similarly, why is Trott hated? Admittedly, both seem pretty focused individuals who perhaps don't strike you as being on the same wavelength as Anderson, Finn, Prior etc, but to say they're hated seems a stretch?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 26, 2013, 04:23:14 PM
I can state with reasonable confidence that Trott is popular in the England dressing room - unlike KP, he can take the frequent ribbing about his South African roots!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: cricketbadger on March 26, 2013, 04:31:38 PM
where has this talk of Trott and Compton being hated come from
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: The_Bird on March 26, 2013, 04:35:06 PM
where has this talk of Trott and Compton being hated come from

An Australian
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: cricketbadger on March 26, 2013, 04:44:24 PM
trying to shift some of the focus of his own shambolic side
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: charlie15 on March 26, 2013, 09:56:41 PM
I'll be fair to Vic sometimes his posts are very good, but then you get the extreme which verges on vitriolic trolling, no offence Vic.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on March 27, 2013, 03:18:32 AM
I never said that Trott was "hated", you guys did.

I said he is "respected, but not loved".

A big difference.

Micky Vaughan is no fan of Trott's though - and that is very well known. Never forgave Trott for celebrating with his SA pals after they stitched up England in a home series.

<shrugs shoulders>

You guys already knew all the above - no need for me to remind you.

Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on March 27, 2013, 03:20:34 AM
trying to shift some of the focus of his own shambolic side

You can't shift focus off a side that has just lost 4-0, plonker.

Though I do notice that small reality never stopped you rejects after the 0-3 vs Pakistan and 0-2 vs SA, pretending that those series never happened.

Hypocrites.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: tim2000s on March 27, 2013, 07:10:38 AM
Vic, as you guys have come down off being "Kings of the world" for a long period, I think it's only natural that you look at the side you have and describe it appropriately.
 English supporters, who remember the beat part of the last twenty years where at one point there was only Bangladesh below us in the rankings, we shrug our shoulders knowing how often we have had a mediocre team and that salvaging a draw versus the best team in the world in a series we lost the other two matches, while being disappointing, isn't as bad as a whitewash. We've also, too often been guilty of measuring ourselves against Australia, and judging by what's been going on recently, that's perhaps not such a good yardstick...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Steveo1000 on March 27, 2013, 07:21:14 AM
The inside word is that the players are 100% behind Clarkey.

Watson is the one they all loathe. Much like your boys loathe Pieterson and Compton.
I would suggest the fight and togetherness shown by the Aussies in that last test despite losing suggests the complete opposite re Clarke and Watson.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: FattusCattus on March 27, 2013, 09:14:58 AM
Why is watson loathed?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Kulli on March 27, 2013, 09:18:36 AM
Why is watson loathed?
Because the dog at his homework?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Dan W on March 27, 2013, 09:19:11 AM
And is it true Hussey (along with Watson) don't get on with Clarke?
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on March 29, 2013, 03:45:45 AM
And is it true Hussey (along with Watson) don't get on with Clarke?

Watson gets along fine with Clarke - other members of the team dislike Watto.

Hussey disliking Clarke?

No idea. Hussey is too much a gentleman to ever tell. Hussey has a sick child and I suspect that he didn't fancy continuous cricket all the way to September....that surely helped make his mind up to retire maybe a year ahead of schedule.

He is greatly missed, but nothing would have stopped us getting a beating in India where we never win no matter who we send.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on March 29, 2013, 03:50:21 AM
Why is watson loathed?

Self absorbed plonker.

As captain recently kept using "I" instead of "we" in all public utterances.

Idiot announces he wants to open again at a press conference - how do you reckon Warner and Cowan reacted to this?

Knucklehead said he was dropping bowling for good to concentrate on batting...then after completely failing in India (to go with his failures with the bat over the last two years) he suddenly announces he is going to bowl again!

Watto only cares about what is good for Watto.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on March 29, 2013, 03:54:35 AM
I would suggest the fight and togetherness shown by the Aussies in that last test despite losing suggests the complete opposite re Clarke and Watson.

Inspite of, not because of.

Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Vic Nicholas on March 29, 2013, 04:14:25 AM
Vic, as you guys have come down off being "Kings of the world" for a long period, I think it's only natural that you look at the side you have and describe it appropriately.
 English supporters, who remember the beat part of the last twenty years where at one point there was only Bangladesh below us in the rankings, we shrug our shoulders knowing how often we have had a mediocre team and that salvaging a draw versus the best team in the world in a series we lost the other two matches, while being disappointing, isn't as bad as a whitewash. We've also, too often been guilty of measuring ourselves against Australia, and judging by what's been going on recently, that's perhaps not such a good yardstick...

I hope I am not misunderstanding the tenor of your post Tim, but no offence, you were CRUSHED....AT HOME by SA last year.

What part of that do you not understand?

That same SA was rather fortunate to not lose teh series in Australia only months later.

Still don't get it?

Pakistan were pantsed 3-0 by OZ...and then this same Pakistan destroyed England 3-0 - and if that series went for 5 tests, yiu guys would have lost 5-0 and you know it.

Australia beat Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka then soon after England struggled to a draw in Sri Lanka.

All that is irrelevant to you guys, but somehow "we beat India and India thrashed you" is the ONLY thing that has any relevance?

Mate, recent form is certainly a pointer, but we got crushed in India in 1997 with McGrath, Warne, Waugh x 2, Slater etc...and again in 2001 when after winning 17 tests CONSECUTIVELY, India beat our brains in...and we again had Warne, McGrath, Gillespie, Slater, Hayden, Langer, Waugh x 2, Ponting, Gilchrist...

After both those thrashings in India, we played Ashes series in England.

You know the rest.

We are a pretty poor side right now, BUT a beating in India has never been a guide to our fortunes, because we ALWAYS lose there.

Recent form as in indicator shows that Oz lost in India where we always lose and where India generally play well.

Recent form also shows that England were rather fortunate to escape with a drawn series in NZ...and NZ struggle to even draw with anyone, let alone win a series which they so nearly did.

So keep your blinkers on and your dream of 10-0 alive.

 
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Bulldog Cricket on March 29, 2013, 06:37:13 AM
I agree with you Vic. The 2 sides are much more closely matched than most are making out. I think England will just edge it at home with the bowling they have but it will be tight.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: alba caerulea on March 29, 2013, 07:20:12 AM
Didn't NZ draw with Australia in the last series they played?

And S.A beat Australia. Because you deem it lucky it doesn't suddenly change the result. A loss is a loss

Where did Australia play Pakistan? England would whitewash Pakistan at home too






Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 29, 2013, 07:24:21 AM
I hope I am not misunderstanding the tenor of your post Tim, but no offence, you were CRUSHED....AT HOME by SA last year.

That same SA was rather fortunate to not lose teh series in Australia only months later.

Vic, you do talk some absolute sh1te.  "Crushed" at home?  England lost 2-0 but a dispassionate analysis shows that they were brilliantly batted out of the game at The Oval, had the better of the Headingley test and lost a close game at Lords. 

And then South Africa were fortunate not to lose the series in Australia?  How precisely do you make that out?  The one test that went to a result you lost very conclusively, the others were drawn... 

Trolling is so unbecoming!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Buzz on March 29, 2013, 07:27:59 AM
I am not sure. I think the kiwi top 6 is now better than Australia's.

Viv keep fighting the good fight.
I don't agree with you, but that is not relevant!
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: procricket on March 29, 2013, 07:31:29 AM
I think both sides are mediocre at the minute too be honest both sides lacking more than 3 world class players in there ranks it just England average men are better than Australia by a long way.

Do a composite 11 see who gets more men in the side but I agree I think it will be a close series for sure.

If England get back to form then they have enough in my eyes to win home and away series.

England are better but not by a long way.

As for New Zealand I think there a half decent outfit they play hard and have some talented youngsters I think if they has a couple more decent quick bowlers they would be a very decent outfit but then again wouldn't most sides.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Manormanic on March 29, 2013, 07:45:46 AM
Oh, I think as a general point that South Africa are a long way ahead of any other side in Test cricket.  England are about where they deserve to be at number two - a gutsy side with some quality players and some real battlers; indeed, the only side who are arguably done a disservice by the ICC rankings would be Pakistan, who are probably a bit better than fifth.

How do I think the Ashes will go?  A lot depends on which Australian side turns up - if they manage to get their best side selected and on the field throughout the series and if England do their usual thing of preparing pitches that are fair to both sides rather than screwing Australia with turning decks and winning 5-0 - then it could be a close 2-1 England.  If they do as they have recently done, then there is still the chance that they will take a hiding.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 29, 2013, 07:58:16 AM

As for New Zealand I think there a half decent outfit they play hard and have some talented youngsters I think if they has a couple more decent quick bowlers they would be a very decent outfit but then again wouldn't most sides.

Dave,

I think NZ are fine with bowlers and think they were the highlight of the tour against England... I do however think they need a couple more class batsmen... Then they would be seriously hard to overcome.

How embarrassing would it be for England if they did lose the ashes... Can't see it happening but it would be seriously embarrassing considering how poor we are as a team at the moment.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: procricket on March 29, 2013, 08:06:33 AM
Dave,

I think NZ are fine with bowlers and think they were the highlight of the tour against England... I do however think they need a couple more class batsmen... Then they would be seriously hard to overcome.

How embarrassing would it be for England if they did lose the ashes... Can't see it happening but it would be seriously embarrassing considering how poor we are as a team at the moment.

It will not be a embarrassment at all any team that takes the field has a right to compete.
England are not light years ahead and as I think the New Zealand series was a good one for England.

They and the public will not take Australia likely I remember a certain Allan Border dragged  a mediocre side to England and he began the walloping.

ENGLAND V AUSTRALIA anything can happen it the big one and what makes the sport great I have already booked my days off for the year funny thing there around the ashes I simply can not wait.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Number4 on March 29, 2013, 08:11:15 AM
It will not be a embarrassment at all any team that takes the field has a right to compete.
England are not light years ahead and as I think the New Zealand series was a good one for England.

They and the public will not take Australia likely I remember a certain Allan Border dragged  a mediocre side to England and he began the walloping.

ENGLAND V AUSTRALIA anything can happen it the big one and what makes the sport great I have already booked my days off for the year funny thing there around the ashes I simply can not wait.

I know that and you know that but others on here haven't quite caught on yet ;)
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: jamielsn15 on March 29, 2013, 08:19:14 AM
A lot of folk tend to forget that we're talking about elite sportsmen - if you have an off day as an individual or as a team (as England did in days 1-4 of the last test) you will get found out.

Unfortunately, England aren't as good as some people -and possibly they - think.  The Ashes will be close, though a lot will depend on Clarke's fitness.  Going into an Ashes having lost Ponting, Hussey and possibly Clarke would be huge.  England currently have the experience that the Aussies had for years in Hayden, Langer, Ponting, Gilchrist, Warne, McGrath, etc - but look what happened in 2005...
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: Steveo1000 on March 29, 2013, 10:27:39 PM
I think it is brilliant that two sides who are not at their best are going to compete the ashes. The patriot in me hopes England smash the Aussies and embarrass them. The cricket fan in me hopes it is close and goes to the final test.
With no other major sporting events this summer, the ashes has the opportunity to stand out, I hope England win, but I hope Cricket as whole gets the elevation it needs in this country.
Title: Re: Australia in India 2013
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 29, 2013, 10:48:56 PM
I think it is brilliant that two sides who are not at their best are going to compete the ashes. The patriot in me hopes England smash the Aussies and embarrass them. The cricket fan in me hopes it is close and goes to the final test.
With no other major sporting events this summer, the ashes has the opportunity to stand out, I hope England win, but I hope Cricket as whole gets the elevation it needs in this country.

Here here. Cricket is in desperate need of a 'shot in the arm' in the UK. Grass roots is struggling after the last few years so needs a '2005 ashes' type boost. (Not that this will be anywhere near as good as 2005 but fingers crossed)