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[Jenko]

Stuff this whole search for a left handed quick. Maybe if we had like a Bruce Reid type left armer. Both Starc and MJ are inconsistent. Im a huge fan of Starc but in the test arena he leaks too many runs. Why settle for a left armer when we have so many other quality quicks.

[langer17]

Would you've said that before the last test? Johnson will be brilliant one game and useless the next. He has all the natural talent and ability to be the best all rounder in the world but mentally he's like a kitten when the going gets tough.

Also when are the Aussies going to sort their fitness out? Glenn Maxwell in for Watson and Clarke a major doubt as well. God knows which Australia will turn up in the summer.

He is can turn a match with a single spell of bowling though. If he can keep being consistent with his areas, and keep looking solid with the bat, then I think he should stay. He has changed his run up a bit too and looks to be much taller when he releases the ball, which is what is going to help his consistancy.

[The_Bird]

He is can turn a match with a single spell of bowling though. If he can keep being consistent with his areas, and keep looking solid with the bat, then I think he should stay. He has changed his run up a bit too and looks to be much taller when he releases the ball, which is what is going to help his consistancy.

Completely agree, I suppose time will tell and over the next two ashes series we will find out about a lot of these players very quickly and I include us English in that as well.

[tushar sehgal]

When in form MJ is a pleasure to watch, when off it he can be a car wreck. I always root for bowlers so I hope he does well and stays consistent, with time mental strength will come.

No offence to the English but both Jimmy and Broad have looked ordinary at one time in their careers but look at Jimmy now, although Board needs a kick up his backside...so I think Aussie quicks will get better as well..

[ProCricketer1982]

Broad has been over rated for years now. Barring the odd good spell (when he pitches it up, funny that) he's just arrogant and rubbish (for that level). Johnson is a wicket taker type bowler and you can't overlook his ability with the bat. Broad is lorded about his 'awesome batting'.. umm, I can only remember one decent innings and that was years ago.

The ashes will be closer this time than most Englishman will care to admit. Get Cook early and we could be in trouble. Of course as an Englishman I like the look of Aus opening with Cowen and Slogger.. sorry Warner with the back up power of Hughes .. Oh and an unfit Watson (who I like by the way) but just can't get past 60 ish mark regularly.

[smokem]

First day of the Third Test almost done and dusted. Jackson Bird's numbers are very impressive. As of the 86th over, he is leading the attack with the best figures. Not only that, he has more maidens than the other 5 bowlers combined! Very impressive and in time, may just fill the void left by McGrath.

[smokem]

4 wickets for Bird. Great stuff! Another one of those days for Mitchell Johnson... 

This is going to be an interesting game. Especially with Sri Lanka and Herath bowling last on an SCG pitch, after Clarke had won the toss. I think Sri Lanka won't be to disappointed with 294 in the first dig after being sent in.

[Alvaro]

First day of the Third Test almost done and dusted. Jackson Bird's numbers are very impressive. As of the 86th over, he is leading the attack with the best figures. Not only that, he has more maidens than the other 5 bowlers combined! Very impressive and in time, may just fill the void left by McGrath.

Don't count your chickens. He may do a passable impression of Stuart Clark.
Remember this SL side drew at home with NZ...

[Number4]

First day of the Third Test almost done and dusted. Jackson Bird's numbers are very impressive. As of the 86th over, he is leading the attack with the best figures. Not only that, he has more maidens than the other 5 bowlers combined! Very impressive and in time, may just fill the void left by McGrath.

I think his success is coming from consistency and also he is probably the only Aussie bowler who is moving it off the seam both ways which SL are finding it difficult to handle

[Vic Nicholas]

Don't count your chickens. He may do a passable impression of Stuart Clark.
Remember this SL side drew at home with NZ...

I also remember that this SL side drew with England in a series not too long ago as well.

[Alvaro]

True. But that Sri Lanka side was less-riddled by spats, injuries and politics.
But Stuart Clark was a hell of a good bowler - too good for England.
Glenn McGrath was something else entirely, however.

[procricket]

I remember

I also remember that this SL side drew with England in a series not too long ago as well.

Also the side that blew Australia away quite comfortably home and away aye that be England.

Think Bird looks decent for sure.

England are a different beast nowadays and so are Australia.

Sri Lanka away is quite a tough place to play but this injury riddled side is closer to a New Zealand type side currently

[Tail Ender]

I remember
Also the side that blew Australia away quite comfortably home and away aye that be England.

Think Bird looks decent for sure.

England are a different beast nowadays and so are Australia.

Sri Lanka away is quite a tough place to play but this injury riddled side is closer to a New Zealand type side currently

And that Australia side that was blown away by England - the same England who drew in Sri Lanka - had no trouble brushing that same Sri Lanka aside in Sri Lanka after that Ashes series. Just sayin'  You can't always read too much into these things.

[cheese]

I think what they did for Tony Grieg was lovely.
Also did anybody notice that most of the Australian team were wearing pink Oakley sunglasses for the McGrath foundation and Wade had pink keeping gloves on?
Pink oakleys...
http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia-v-sri-lanka-2012/content/image/599491.html?object=572994;page=1
Wade...
http://www.cricket.com.au/images/australian-men?gallery=Vodafone-Pink-Test-Sydney

[Wedge2408]

Quite a shame to see what could very well be Mike Hussey's last ever test innings end in a run out!