THE full gravity of England's Ashes implosion is unfolding with former England skipper Michael Vaughan predicting a 5-0 walkover by Michael Clarke's resurgent Australians.
Sir Ian Botham predicted England would crush Australia 10-0 in home and away Ashes series. However it is Australia leading 2-0 and on course to repeat the 5-0 drubbing Ricky Ponting's side meted out to Andrew Flintoff's shambolic England outfit in 2006-07.
This is the Test we need to win to secure The Ashes, if we can do that then the other two Tests can be used to blood some new up & coming players.
On a quick Perth deck, Lyon should be rested and another speedster bought in to replace him.
Watson surely needs to be dropped also, he is the weak link in the line-up at present too.
THE full gravity of England's Ashes implosion is unfolding with former England skipper Michael Vaughan predicting a 5-0 walkover by Michael Clarke's resurgent Australians.
Sir Ian Botham predicted England would crush Australia 10-0 in home and away Ashes series. However it is Australia leading 2-0 and on course to repeat the 5-0 drubbing Ricky Ponting's side meted out to Andrew Flintoff's shambolic England outfit in 2006-07.
This is the Test we need to win to secure The Ashes, if we can do that then the other two Tests can be used to blood some new up & coming players.
On a quick Perth deck, Lyon should be rested and another speedster bought in to replace him.
Watson surely needs to be dropped also, he is the weak link in the line-up at present too.
Lyon is not being used as a wicket taker.
He's also more effective on a bouncy deck (much better at the Gabba), plus he's bowling better than Swann.
I doubt they'll drop him.
Poms won't last 3 days. Lyon might not even get a bowl.
I'd like to see Faulkner in, maybe Smith out.
Smith's time has run out too !!
Smith's time has run out too !!
Both he and Watson are on thin ice IMO. No one knocking down the door and the reluctance to change a winning side may not be enough to save Smith, would love to see Watson out as he raps me off no end.
Smith's time has run out too !!
He appears another golden child.
They won't make a change while the keep winning, unless someone is not contributing anything or there is somebody screaming for selection, nothing will change.
Smith's time has run out too !!
He appears another golden child.
They won't make a change while the keep winning, unless someone is not contributing anything or there is somebody screaming for selection, nothing will change.
Not much difference to a footy side. If the unity of the club is helping get them over the line, change will not take place unless extreme circumstances.
Smith's time has run out too !!
He appears another golden child.
They won't make a change while the keep winning, unless someone is not contributing anything or there is somebody screaming for selection, nothing will change.
Not much difference to a footy side. If the unity of the club is helping get them over the line, change will not take place unless extreme circumstances.
And that's not necessarily a bad thing. Both Smith and Watson could yet run themselves into form during this current season and all will be forgotten. Just thinking...Smith and Watson..357 Magnum!! Good copy right there. ;)
Just thinking...Smith and Watson..357 Magnum!! Good copy right there. ;)
Yep, shoot ém both !!
Just hope Hughes keeps scoring runs as he is surely next back in when Smith or Watto or Rogers slips up.
(SA going nicely too for once! yay!)
Mind you if we keep winning they wont change the top 6.
Phil Hughes should never play Test cricket ever again !!
Phil Hughes should never play Test cricket ever again !!
found your flake yet?
Phil Hughes should never play Test cricket ever again !!
Has ammassed a number of centuries at first class level at a tender age, he will play plenty of test cricket in the years to come me thinks.
Phil Hughes should never play Test cricket ever again !!
found your flake yet?
When I get to Melbourne I will.
Phil Hughes should never play Test cricket ever again !!
Has ammassed a number of centuries at first class level at a tender age, he will play plenty of test cricket in the years to come me thinks.
Hughes is a dud with a very questionable technique !!
No change to the team from the Adelaide Test, Clarke has won the toss and decided to bat.
Poms brought in Bresnan and left Monty out.
THREE SLIPS AND A GULLY. crap EY. :D
Stupid runout, when will we learn !!!
What will Watson do this time ??
Stupid runout, when will we learn !!!
Unbelievable.
Watson fails again ................ surprise surprise !!
Watson fails again ................ surprise surprise !!
And a poor poor shot.
Stupid runout, when will we learn !!!
What do you mean by this? Do we suffer from many run outs at tests?
Duds
Haddin keeps leaving the periscope up when he tries to evade a bouncer, only a matter of time before it hits the ball and spoons an easy catch.
Stupid runout, when will we learn !!!
What do you mean by this? Do we suffer from many run outs at tests?
When you call "yes", you run like the clappers, not stop-start like he did, that's what I'm referring too !!
Full marks to Smith & Haddin, the latter for the 3rd test in a row.
Watson - must be dropped. But they'll pick him again and he'll make a big 100 when the heat is off.....
Haddin doing it again. Smith giving him a hand this time.
Smith is doing a decent job. We looked like we were completely gone at one stage. Just need Mitchell to stick around with him for a while.
Full marks to Smith & Haddin, the latter for the 3rd test in a row.
Watson - must be dropped. But they'll pick him again and he'll make a big 100 when the heat is off.....
I'd drop Bailey and move Watson to 6th.
Full marks to Smith & Haddin, the latter for the 3rd test in a row.
Watson - must be dropped. But they'll pick him again and he'll make a big 100 when the heat is off.....
I'd drop Bailey and move Watson to 6th.
Bailey is failing badly and Watson has run out of credit, both have to go.
Smith bought himself the rest of the Test series on that knock today.
I'd move Watson to open as his last chance. Rogers can go and I'd drop Bailey.
Bring in Khawaja and Cowan.
Perfect deck for Smith but you still have to make them. This kid could have an Test average of 50 but I reckon he'll end up mid thirties unless he tightens up his technique and that's not enough if we want to be a dominant team again.
Watson is going way to hard for a number 3. Bailey? We'll see, certainly hope he makes it but I have my doubts. Rogers was unlucky or just a bit dumb , not making runs but not really troubled.
Get a decent three and 5 and we can challenge the best.
Watson at 3 , complete failure.
A one day flat track bully, time to give him the flick
Test average of 35, if he can't bowl more than a handful of overs, he is a liability.
Any chance Shane you can play off the back foot?
Instead of trying to blast through the off side on the front foot
Mentally soft at test level.
Watson at 3 , complete failure.
A one day flat track bully, time to give him the flick
Test average of 35, if he can't bowl more than a handful of overs, he is a liability.
Any chance Shane you can play off the back foot?
Instead of trying to blast through the off side on the front foot
Mentally soft at test level.
He still hasn't figured out that his pet shot is his biggest weakness.
He still thinks he's just unlucky.
Bonehead.
....and Smiths dismissal today is another example of why he won't average in the high 40's Without tightening up.
With a better technique his bat is closer to the pad and there's no chance he gets out.
Waste of a wicket.
Perfect deck for Smith but you still have to make them. This kid could have an Test average of 50 but I reckon he'll end up mid thirties unless he tightens up his technique and that's not enough if we want to be a dominant team again.
Watson is going way to hard for a number 3. Bailey? We'll see, certainly hope he makes it but I have my doubts. Rogers was unlucky or just a bit dumb , not making runs but not really troubled.
Get a decent three and 5 and we can challenge the best.
Khawaja and S. Marsh.
Perfect deck for Smith but you still have to make them. This kid could have an Test average of 50 but I reckon he'll end up mid thirties unless he tightens up his technique and that's not enough if we want to be a dominant team again.
Watson is going way to hard for a number 3. Bailey? We'll see, certainly hope he makes it but I have my doubts. Rogers was unlucky or just a bit dumb , not making runs but not really troubled.
Get a decent three and 5 and we can challenge the best.
Khawaja and S. Marsh.
Maybe.
TBH I'd love a barnacle at 3 given we still have some brittleness in the line up.
Watson at 3 , complete failure.
A one day flat track bully, time to give him the flick
Test average of 35, if he can't bowl more than a handful of overs, he is a liability.
Any chance Shane you can play off the back foot?
Instead of trying to blast through the off side on the front foot
Mentally soft at test level.
He still hasn't figured out that his pet shot is his biggest weakness.
He still thinks he's just unlucky.
Bonehead.
You really have to wonder seeing as Di Venuto has been able to teach Lyon how to play some quality shots off the same attack.
Smith lacks technique and is just an eye player who will get lucky every now and then....
The 3rd umpire system is a joke...it screwed us over in England and Root pardon the pun has been screwed over after being given out caught behind of Watson.....there was no evidence of an edge yet got given out on even after he appealed and the replays showed only the bat haviing slight contact with the pad.
The system has to be changed, this idea that you have to prove the umpire wrong isnt right and common sense needs to be shown.....
Sadly common sense isn't so 'common' any more.....
Sadly common sense isn't so 'common' any more.....
I reckon they should call it uncommon sense. Heheheh, made that one myself. ;D
Sadly common sense isn't so 'common' any more.....
I reckon they should call it uncommon sense. Heheheh, made that one myself. ;D
Common sense these days is a fart in the wind.
Aussies should steal the ashes from here.
Nothing stolen by the Aussies. We have outplayed them, as our lot a hungrier for the Urn.. 8)
It should be a 5 zip result too.
Watson saves his best for when the opposition has thrown the towel in.
In 4 of his last 5 Tests he's made 68, 176, 51 and 103. Today though hopefully broke the nervous shackles so he can feel comfortable about his position and play naturally.
In 4 of his last 5 Tests he's made 68, 176, 51 and 103. Today though hopefully broke the nervous shackles so he can feel comfortable about his position and play naturally.
It's a question of whether he has the cricket smarts. Too often he gets out playing in a manner befitting the short form of the game. Even Warner has figured this one out.
The way Watson went out today was an absolute laugh.
Good technique has Watson but he tends to play well in dead innings...today was more like 20/20 cricket and England without Broad were a bit more light on...like to see him make some runs vs the strongest attack in test cricket which is South Africa.
Handy bowler though and gives us that extra bowler we need at times and can take wickets as well as keep the runs down..
KP....is there a dumber batsman playing test cricket.....hits a six then tries again to the same spot with a man camped on the boundary in Harris...overhyped is KP and if I was an english selector I'd kick him and his ego out of the team until he applied himself better.
Liked Bailey vs Anderson too...the latter is a smartarse who has mouthed his way through the last few ashes series but had little to say today....
They have found a player though in the kiwi Stokes...got the goods has this kid, tall, hits the ball hard and his bowling is sharp. Also has some attitude and grit, great experience playing in Aus and who ever he plays next test series might be on the receiving end with ball and bat.
Best first ball of an innings I've ever seen bowled that one from Rhyno Harris yesterday......just as Clarke copped all the good balls in England early on when things weren't running the Aussies way, Cook is getting belters left right & center this time round.
Watson saves his best for when the opposition has thrown the towel in.
Spot on, when the heat's on, Shane's in the shower.
Three slips and a gully.
The Poms today actually looked like they were in a position to win this test. Then it all just fell to pieces for them as usual. Clarke looked nervous for the first half of todays play. More playing with his clothing than Rafa Nadal at Wimbledon. It will be interesting to see peoples thoughts on Mitchell and his slide for the ball near the boundary. Taking out 10 pounds of earth in the process. How can the outfield be this soft and wet. Dangerous if you ask me. Mitchell could have taken out his knee in an instant. The curators should think twice about watering the outer field area this much. it will cost a player sliding in desperation to save a boundary one day.
Anyhow, well done Aussies, 3-0. ;)
The Poms today actually looked like they were in a position to win this test.
Imagine if Watson had only made 10
The Poms today actually looked like they were in a position to win this test.
Imagine if Watson had only made 10
Good point. Imagine if he was out for bugger all like a couple of runs. The story would have been different, but then again we wouldn't have declared before Clarke had a lead he was happy with. I think we only had 6 wickets down in the second innings. Another would have had to keep batting to get our score up where it was.
The Poms today actually looked like they were in a position to win this test.
Imagine if Watson had only made 10
Johnson and Bailey would have made 100 each.
The Poms today actually looked like they were in a position to win this test. Then it all just fell to pieces for them as usual. Clarke looked nervous for the first half of todays play. More playing with his clothing than Rafa Nadal at Wimbledon. It will be interesting to see peoples thoughts on Mitchell and his slide for the ball near the boundary. Taking out 10 pounds of earth in the process. How can the outfield be this soft and wet. Dangerous if you ask me. Mitchell could have taken out his knee in an instant. The curators should think twice about watering the outer field area this much. it will cost a player sliding in desperation to save a boundary one day.
Anyhow, well done Aussies, 3-0. ;)
Simon Jones would attest to that - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mt1OQXfnPE0
Also, 3-3 for 2013. ;)
really impressed the way warner has turned himself around. He was the ACB's Fev
He really can be anything now
power of the petrosino!
The remarkable thing about this series win is that it's been done by a team not stacked with superstars.
Clarke is an established player warranting superstar status.
Warner is a gun finding his way.
Rogers is yet to cement a spot
Watson is Hit and Miss, more miss.
Smith isn't a lock in player.
Bailey is yet to stake a true claim.
Haddin has defied critics at 36
Johnson is the hero of the moment with a fractured past.
Siddle is a soldier of consistency
Harris is a hard worker who has staked his claim.
Lyon is cannon fodder who has answered his critics.
The remarkable thing about this series win is that it's been done by a team not stacked with superstars.
Clarke is an established player warranting superstar status.
Warner is a gun finding his way.
Rogers is yet to cement a spot
Watson is Hit and Miss, more miss.
Smith isn't a lock in player.
Bailey is yet to stake a true claim.
Haddin has defied critics at 36
Johnson is the hero of the moment with a fractured past.
Siddle is a soldier of consistency
Harris is a hard worker who has staked his claim. Maybe just a little better than that.... Have you looked at his average and strike rate? Ave 22.46 - S/R 47.43 - They are elite figures
Lyon is cannon fodder who has answered his critics.
Harris is a gun... enjoy what he can contribute before his knee packs it in.
The remarkable thing about this series win is that it's been done by a team not stacked with superstars.
Clarke is an established player warranting superstar status.
Warner is a gun finding his way.
Rogers is yet to cement a spot
Watson is Hit and Miss, more miss.
Smith isn't a lock in player.
Bailey is yet to stake a true claim.
Haddin has defied critics at 36
Johnson is the hero of the moment with a fractured past.
Siddle is a soldier of consistency
Harris is a hard worker who has staked his claim.
Lyon is cannon fodder who has answered his critics.
Harris is a skillful bowler and a bit better than just a hard worker...only time I have seen him bowl poorly is when he over does the short stuff but thats rare as he is always on or outside off and getting a little movement. He is a better bowler than Johnson who relies on brute pace only to intimidate batsman but as Stokes showed if you play straight get behind the ball then he gets frustrated and starts bowling short too much. I view Harris as the leader of the attack not Johnson......
The remarkable thing about this series win is that it's been done by a team not stacked with superstars.
Clarke is an established player warranting superstar status.
Warner is a gun finding his way.
Rogers is yet to cement a spot
Watson is Hit and Miss, more miss.
Smith isn't a lock in player.
Bailey is yet to stake a true claim.
Haddin has defied critics at 36
Johnson is the hero of the moment with a fractured past.
Siddle is a soldier of consistency
Harris is a hard worker who has staked his claim.
Lyon is cannon fodder who has answered his critics.
...and doesn't it amplify the importance of a good coach. That pr1ck from Seeth Ifreeca should had back his salary. Noticed one of the players having a dig with a comment along the line that since Boof/Shrek had taken over 'we're now playing the Aussie way...'
As I said in many earlier posts the series in England wasn't that important, more a build up for this one. The current series is the only one that counted. It was the series here where the winner got to hold the Ashes for 4 years nor 4 months.
Harris is a gun... enjoy what he can contribute before his knee packs it in.
Yep, a better bowler than MJ.
Just to clarify, I did say that Harris has staked his claim. This was a reference to those pushing for selection behind him, including Cummins, Pattinson, Bird, Faulkner, Starc and Hazelwood. IMO he's not a superstar yet but continues to tick the boxes.
Just to clarify, I did say that Harris has staked his claim. This was a reference to those pushing for selection behind him, including Cummins, Pattinson, Bird, Faulkner, Starc and Hazelwood. IMO he's not a superstar yet but continues to tick the boxes.
We hear you buddy. We hear you loud and clear. ;)
Just to clarify, I did say that Harris has staked his claim. This was a reference to those pushing for selection behind him, including Cummins, Pattinson, Bird, Faulkner, Starc and Hazelwood. IMO he's not a superstar yet but continues to tick the boxes.
We hear you buddy. We hear you loud and clear. ;)
Thank you Mants. :)
Harris is a gun... enjoy what he can contribute before his knee packs it in.
Yep, a better bowler than MJ.
Harris is a different type of bowler to MJ...
As I said in many earlier posts the series in England wasn't that important, more a build up for this one. The current series is the only one that counted. It was the series here where the winner got to hold the Ashes for 4 years nor 4 months.
Year and a half actually, but still longer than the Poms got to hold it for.
Tell you what the tour to South Africa is going to be some sort of measure. They'll be damned hard to beat at home.
We've played well this series but the next two tests will be much tougher now as England have nothing really to lose and are playing for pride. In many ways the pressure if off so I expect Cook to get runs in either Melbourne or Sydney and probably they'll snag one back from us. Do they go with Monty and Swann in Sydney, roll the dice in Melbourne and play young Stokes as a fourth seamer and then have two spinner there. If they can dismiss Australia for under 300 then they're in the match and with six bowlers could put enough runs on the board still to win a close one.
Their possible six would be:
1. Anderson
2. Broad (if fit)
3. Bresnan
4. Stokes
5. Swann
6. Panesar
I think the next two tests will be tough grinding test cricket.
Love the Calls for Khawaja over Watson.
One plays dumb shots but looks at home at international cricket. The other struggles to get runs domestically and looks out of his depth on the Test Arena.
Unfortunately, the next batsmen of note is Phil Hughes, who was unlucky to be dropped and the only one peeling off consistent runs.
I'd have Cowan ahead of Rogers and Khawaja ahead of Watson or Bailey.
Three slips and a gully.
Graham Swann has retired :o
“I came to Australia in the hope of winning our fourth Ashes series on the trot but that's now impossible," Swann told British newspaper The Sun.
“So it's time for someone else to buckle in and enjoy the ride. I could have made myself available for the last two Tests and maybe had a bit of a send-off from the Barmy Army.
“But that's no reason to hang on for two more games. I like to be the centre of attention - but for the right reason by winning games of cricket.”
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/graeme-swann-in-shock-retirement-from-cricket-20131222-2zsm7.html#ixzz2oA3OD2Hl
Graham Swann has retired :o
“I came to Australia in the hope of winning our fourth Ashes series on the trot but that's now impossible," Swann told British newspaper The Sun.
“So it's time for someone else to buckle in and enjoy the ride. I could have made myself available for the last two Tests and maybe had a bit of a send-off from the Barmy Army.
“But that's no reason to hang on for two more games. I like to be the centre of attention - but for the right reason by winning games of cricket.”
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/graeme-swann-in-shock-retirement-from-cricket-20131222-2zsm7.html#ixzz2oA3OD2Hl
Good career for Swann but I would have thought he had unfinished business in proving he could take wickets in Australia and Melbourne and Sydney should have offered him more.
Graham Swann has retired :o
“I came to Australia in the hope of winning our fourth Ashes series on the trot but that's now impossible," Swann told British newspaper The Sun.
“So it's time for someone else to buckle in and enjoy the ride. I could have made myself available for the last two Tests and maybe had a bit of a send-off from the Barmy Army.
“But that's no reason to hang on for two more games. I like to be the centre of attention - but for the right reason by winning games of cricket.”
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/graeme-swann-in-shock-retirement-from-cricket-20131222-2zsm7.html#ixzz2oA3OD2Hl
Good career for Swann but I would have thought he had unfinished business in proving he could take wickets in Australia and Melbourne and Sydney should have offered him more.
I might be being harsh but I reckon it's weak and selfish of him to retire half way through a tough tour where they have already lost one of their key players to illness. He chose to come on the tour and he should see it through to the end and then bow out, not a good sign for the rest of the Poms tour here.
Graham Swann has retired :o
“I came to Australia in the hope of winning our fourth Ashes series on the trot but that's now impossible," Swann told British newspaper The Sun.
“So it's time for someone else to buckle in and enjoy the ride. I could have made myself available for the last two Tests and maybe had a bit of a send-off from the Barmy Army.
“But that's no reason to hang on for two more games. I like to be the centre of attention - but for the right reason by winning games of cricket.”
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/graeme-swann-in-shock-retirement-from-cricket-20131222-2zsm7.html#ixzz2oA3OD2Hl
Good career for Swann but I would have thought he had unfinished business in proving he could take wickets in Australia and Melbourne and Sydney should have offered him more.
I might be being harsh but I reckon it's weak and selfish of him to retire half way through a tough tour where they have already lost one of their key players to illness. He chose to come on the tour and he should see it through to the end and then bow out, not a good sign for the rest of the Poms tour here.
I suspect that he is physically and emotionally spent and realises that anyone else will do better. The Aussies' plan to target him both when batting and bowling seems to have taken a toll.
Swann posted a comment on Facebook responding to a post from his brother who had gone to see a band play at home in England.
"Rather have been there than being a--- raped in Perth!" Swann wrote.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-19/swann-causes-storm-comparing-ashes-loss-to-rape/5167100
With Swann gone it might be time to rape them again in the Boxing Day test. I was surprised to see Swann throw in the towel and retire, but maybe he can see he just isn't enough to get his side out of a sticky mess. No point going out on a all time low.
Changing of the guard for England...they have been up for a while and now need to rebuild...Swann did the right thing IMO. They have picked up a good kid in Stokes and will probably go from some more youth when they play their next home series...
As Swann suggested they have a good rookie leg spinner in Durham's Scott Borthwick who can also bat a bit and I expect him to be fast tracked into the team...
I'd hit em hard and hit em good in Melbourne..Panesar is a dud IMO and should go for plenty..lets keep the pressure up and grind em into the dirt.....
I wouldn't have thought the Poms are sitting on their hands when it comes to refreshing their Test team; their three best performed players - Broad, Stokes and Root - are among their youngest.
I'm not in favour of tossing blokes out of the team once they turn 30 but it would be nice if we had the equivalent of Stokes and Root breathing down the necks of some of our blokes.
I'd have Cowan ahead of Rogers and Khawaja ahead of Watson or Bailey.
On what basis?
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/cricket/graeme-swann-says-some-in-england-team-are-up-themselves/story-fnkc9h32-1226788794061 (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/cricket/graeme-swann-says-some-in-england-team-are-up-themselves/story-fnkc9h32-1226788794061)
Friction in the English camp? Directed at more than KP I'd suspect.....
"Some people playing the game at the minute have no idea how far up their own backsides they are," Swann said in comments carried by London's Daily Telegraph ahead of the fourth Test which starts in Melbourne on Thursday.
"It will bite them on the arse one day and when it does I hope they look back and are embarrassed about how they carry on."
Swann did not identify the players he was most disenchanted with, but in his autobiography "The Breaks Are Off'" published two years ago, he doubted Kevin Pietersen's credentials as a captain.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/cricket/graeme-swann-says-some-in-england-team-are-up-themselves/story-fnkc9h32-1226788794061 (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/cricket/graeme-swann-says-some-in-england-team-are-up-themselves/story-fnkc9h32-1226788794061)
Friction in the English camp? Directed at more than KP I'd suspect.....
"Some people playing the game at the minute have no idea how far up their own backsides they are," Swann said in comments carried by London's Daily Telegraph ahead of the fourth Test which starts in Melbourne on Thursday.
"It will bite them on the arse one day and when it does I hope they look back and are embarrassed about how they carry on."
Swann did not identify the players he was most disenchanted with, but in his autobiography "The Breaks Are Off'" published two years ago, he doubted Kevin Pietersen's credentials as a captain.
Swann is a mate of Andrew Strauss and doesnt talk to KP....those comments were made at KP for sure.
10 days of cricket left at the most, on a tour where leadership and performance is required. Who do they have that is going to go better? Monty? Suck it up and give selectors a chance think about the future.
Selfish to retire now? Absolutely.
I'd have Cowan ahead of Rogers and Khawaja ahead of Watson or Bailey.
On what basis?
On the basis that Rogers has done sweet FA compared to Cowan in his test call up. Cowan is 5 years younger and is ahead or even on most comparisons.
Khawaja is much younger than Bailey with a more impressive record based on balls faced.
Watto has 40 tests on Khawaja, but overall his stats remain underwhelming. Khawaja at 27 could easily argue that he can surpass him.
It's the old saying it's harder to get out of the team than into it......
Cowan, Khgawaja at present aren't doing enough to warrant a change.
Boof is old school....
on a funnier note.....Swann's gran blames the "nasty" Aussies!
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/cricket/cricketer-graeme-swanns-granny-blames-nasty-aussies-for-ashes-exit/story-fnkc9h32-1226789209391 (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/cricket/cricketer-graeme-swanns-granny-blames-nasty-aussies-for-ashes-exit/story-fnkc9h32-1226789209391)
;D ;D ;D
Yehh. That's right. Our nasty behaviour has turned Swann into sooky La La, and made him retire. Even Haddin in the interview had to laugh and so he should. I think these grown men are a little tougher than being sensitive to a verbal here and there during a game. Seriously.
Clarke is a dickhead for winning the toss and sending the Poms to bat. Yeah he wants to chase but he needs to win when it's in front of him.
Three gullys and a slip.
Classic Shane Watson. Scores a ton when there's no pressure then goes back to his usual crap when it means something.
yep, take out that ton and he's averaging about 17 in the Series.
Spud.
WTF are both sides still bothering to play if the Ashes has already been won? Just doesn't make sense to me.
Yep, the old 'we got ahead of ourselves' routine. Talk of going 5 zip was ridiculous. Hate to say it but the old 'one day/week at a time' routing works best. Undisciplined, bullsh1t effort from the Aussies today. Smith, Bailey and Watson have to go.
Yep, the old 'we got ahead of ourselves' routine. Talk of going 5 zip was ridiculous. Hate to say it but the old 'one day/week at a time' routing works best. Undisciplined, bullsh1t effort from the Aussies today. Smith, Bailey and Watson have to go.
I disagree just too much 'aren't we the best now stuff' in the press and everywhere.
Smith, Watson and Bailey have all been sub standard with the bat all series bar one innings each.
Made a mistake bowling and this wicket suits the English quicks who bowl length and line......hopefully we wont end up too far behind on the 1st innings and can get them out cheaply although chasing more than 250 on this wicket wont be easy.
You have to expect England to show some pride at some stage and win a few days in the remaining tests.....batting remains a worry and if we think we have problems now wait till the likes of Watson, Smith, Bailey etc have to face the Saffies pace attack on their own dung heap. Haddin cant keep bailing out the middle order and its a heavy reliance on Clarke to make big scores which isnt healthy.
Glad to see the back of Kallis who might have retired to save that precious average before Mitch Johnson dragged it down a few points or put some bruises on that tired body...
Chris Rodgers?...........has the opening job for now mainly due to a lack of other candidates but needs some big scores and some more fluency to his game...I like him as a player but his age and lack of runs in a series where we have dominated worries more for the future and I hope to see another opener challenge him for his spot.
Not Phil Hughes though........
We win the TOSS and don't bat first is just a joke. Warners choice of shot was pathetic. Clarke was even worse. Bailey was just a laugh. Mitchell, I won't even comment on. They dropped easy catches as usual. Smith in a pathetic stroke and Mitchell too. How we are looking at a loss in this test is completely beyond me. We needed to bat first an concentrate on our batting. 2 long days in the field would have killed the Poms entire squad. As for how few runs were scored in 2 days is a laugh. That is a good pitch to bat on and 600 runs in 2 days is not a huge ask. What did we see ? A little over 400.
Great to see us play the Englishmen back into form. Weak effort. Too much party time winning the ashes in the first 3 tests. Looks like we will have the foot off the throttle and try an cruise through the rest of the ashes series. Not what we watch the game for at all. I might go and watch some 20/20 to get some entertainment back. Something I might have a laugh over. Maybe we need to squeeze Chris Lynn into the squad. :o
Simply can't have Smith and Watson in the side.
Neither are good enough at Test level imo (ditto for Bailey).
Both averaging 34 odd at Test level, this Series, if you take out one big score each, they average mid teens against a very mediocre attack.
Great summation:
http://www.espncricinfo.com/the-ashes-2013-14/content/story/704405.html (http://www.espncricinfo.com/the-ashes-2013-14/content/story/704405.html)
Brisbane, November 21, 2013: Australia are 6 for 132 on the first day of their home Ashes campaign. The top order has failed. Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson rescue them, push the total up to 295. Australia win.
Adelaide, December 5, 2013: Australia are 5 for 257 on a good pitch for batting. The top order has failed. Brad Haddin and Michael Clarke rescue them with centuries. Australia declare on 570. Australia win.
Perth, December 13, 2013: Australia are 5 for 143. The top order has failed. Brad Haddin and Steven Smith rescue them. The total reaches 385. Australia win.
Melbourne, December 27, 2013: Australia are 6 for 122. The top order has failed. Brad Haddin...
Sense a theme developing? The problem on the second day at the MCG was that Haddin tried to rescue Australia again but nobody joined him. By stumps they were 9 for 164, Haddin still there on 43. It was Australia's worst day of the series, only because Haddin and a variety of team-mates had saved others that could have been equally bad.
Dropped into the pub on the way home, mate says Billy Brownless let slip that Sam Newman has only months to live during a lunch break interview. Did anyone hear that, was it a joke?
Dropped into the pub on the way home, mate says Billy Brownless let slip that Sam Newman has only months to live during a lunch break interview. Did anyone hear that, was it a joke?
I took it as a fairly ordinary joke. Billy might take a different tact with his time over again..........
We win the TOSS and don't bat first is just a joke. Warners choice of shot was pathetic. Clarke was even worse. Bailey was just a laugh. Mitchell, I won't even comment on. They dropped easy catches as usual. Smith in a pathetic stroke and Mitchell too. How we are looking at a loss in this test is completely beyond me. We needed to bat first an concentrate on our batting. 2 long days in the field would have killed the Poms entire squad. As for how few runs were scored in 2 days is a laugh. That is a good pitch to bat on and 600 runs in 2 days is not a huge ask. What did we see ? A little over 400.
Great to see us play the Englishmen back into form. Weak effort. Too much party time winning the ashes in the first 3 tests. Looks like we will have the foot off the throttle and try an cruise through the rest of the ashes series. Not what we watch the game for at all. I might go and watch some 20/20 to get some entertainment back. Something I might have a laugh over. Maybe we need to squeeze Chris Lynn into the squad. :o
Amazing how fast the English have lost their mojo!
(several of our top 6 are a liability all the same)
I reckon Clarke's decision to bowl first was correct. We could have batted, set England a difficult task, and taken the contest out of the game. However, by bowling first, he (and Boof) has challenged the team to win in different and more difficult circumstances and that will pay dividends in future.
We look like we are back in the drivers seat. Haddin and Lyon batting this morning was doing my head in. Their choice of strokes is puzzling to say the least. Two days to go so there is plenty of time to win. Just need to avoid losing easy wickets. Sure a great delivery will undo any batsmen, but use your feet and play the delivery on its merits.
The test is winnable but no certainty.
Can't afford Unders from Clarke, Warner and Watson.
Need steel resolve from Rogers, Smith and Bailey.
The bowlers have done their part and are excused as is the 36 y/o keeper.
The pitch is certainly playing its part in this match. While it is generally good for batting, it is two paced and the odd ball doesn't come on to the bat. I suspect that this had produced several false shots.
The pitch is certainly playing its part in this match. While it is generally good for batting, it is two paced and the odd ball doesn't come on to the bat. I suspect that this had produced several false shots.
I agree but with patience it still favours the bat. There are runs to be made if a player keeps his cool. The shot Warner tried to execute was simply stupid. He is way better than that. Rodgers and Watson appear to be doing the job they need to.
Reckon Boof read the riot act to them (especially the batsmen) about their 'cocky' almost arrogant attitude... to me a symtom of getting ahead of yourself. They sure did bat with strong discipline today... and had a few breaks which helps.
Pom captaincy and attitude today was below amateur.
It was great to see Buck get his century (even if it was just on TV). His immediate future as a Test cricketer is assured and a couple of good scores against the South Africans will cement his position.
Reckon Boof read the riot act to them (especially the batsmen) about their 'cocky' almost arrogant attitude... to me a symtom of getting ahead of yourself. They sure did bat with strong discipline today... and had a few breaks which helps.
Pom captaincy and attitude today was below amateur.
They did have a better attitude to batting today. However the Poms missed so many opportunities it just isn't funny. The old "Catches win matches" is something they need to study. I didn't think Bairstow did his glove work in this test at all. Just doesn't get in the right place keeping. I'm not sure he offers much with the bat either. Prior will be back for certain I would think. Can't see any changes with the Aussie squad. They are working well as a team at the moment. They need to focus with the bat though. They have the bowling well sorted, but can still get lazy with the stroke play with the bat. I always thought this MCG was quite flat and would offer big scoring with the bat. Today at 2 for 233 is enough evidence of that. Best of luck to the Aussies in the last one at the SCG. ;)
Don't get me wrong because I love seeing us win test matches especially against the Poms, but I've a few questions for Boof.
What about Patrick Cummins?
What about Jackson Bird?
What about James Faulkner?
What about James Pattinson?
What about Ashton Agar?
What about Fawad Ahmed?
Don't get me wrong because I love seeing us win test matches especially against the Poms, but I've a few questions for Boof.
What about Patrick Cummins?
What about Jackson Bird?
What about James Faulkner?
What about James Pattinson?
What about Ashton Agar?
What about Fawad Ahmed?
Throw in Starc as well. Our bowling depth is probably the best in the world so no issues there if they can stay injury-free.
Our batting is still a worry and I'm expecting us to be found out in SA. Watson may have batted well yesterday but he's too inconsistent at number 3 for mine. I'd love to see him batting at six when there's not as much pressure. Can't have Watson at 3, Smith at 5 and Bailey at 6 if we want to challenge for top spot. Can't keep expect Haddin to recsue us. Problem is who do we bring in?
Often our bats have often done well in one innings of the two. Means although they might only average 35 for the series they're making a score in one of the two innings. For example one might make 60 & 10 another 10 & 60 meaning with Rogers, Haddin, Warner consistently going well a half century contribution by another means a good total.
Watson's made 68, 176, 51, 103 and 83no in 5 of his last 6 Tests but made not much in the other innings.
Often our bats have often done well in one innings of the two. Means although they might only average 35 for the series they're making a score in one of the two innings. For example one might make 60 & 10 another 10 & 60 meaning with Rogers, Haddin, Warner consistently going well a half century contribution by another means a good total.
Watson's made 68, 176, 51, 103 and 83no in 5 of his last 6 Tests but made not much in the other innings.
Maybe but it hasn't served us very well up until this current series. I see Doolan has been called up for the Sydney test. If he gets a start let's hope he performs well and puts some pressure on the likes of Bailey and Smith.
Re Watson, his 176 in England was made when the series result was over and his 103 in Perth was made with no pressure. I'll give him credit for yesterday's innings, but more times than not he goes missing when the pressure is on, not what you want from a number 3. I do think he'd go better at 6 though.
Don't get me wrong because I love seeing us win test matches especially against the Poms, but I've a few questions for Boof.
What about Patrick Cummins?
Under an injury cloud and will only play the short game for the next 2 years.
What about Jackson Bird?
Another bowler with back problems. A few in front of him.
What about James Faulkner?
Injured during training for 3rd Test, could come in for Watson.
What about James Pattinson?
Starting his comeback from injury - played one T20 game.
What about Ashton Agar?
14 wickets at 48, nowhere near good enough yet.
What about Fawad Ahmed?
14 wickets at 34 - miles behind Lyon at the moment.
Often our bats have often done well in one innings of the two. Means although they might only average 35 for the series they're making a score in one of the two innings. For example one might make 60 & 10 another 10 & 60 meaning with Rogers, Haddin, Warner consistently going well a half century contribution by another means a good total.
Watson's made 68, 176, 51, 103 and 83no in 5 of his last 6 Tests but made not much in the other innings.
Maybe but it hasn't served us very well up until this current series. I see Doolan has been called up for the Sydney test. If he gets a start let's hope he performs well and puts some pressure on the likes of Bailey and Smith.
Re Watson, his 176 in England was made when the series result was over and his 103 in Perth was made with no pressure. I'll give him credit for yesterday's innings, but more times than not he goes missing when the pressure is on, not what you want from a number 3. I do think he'd go better at 6 though.
He does well in one innings and makes nothing in the other, like a few of our blokes. Makes it look like some are struggling more than they really are. Fortunately their bigger scores are in different innings to the overall total is still good.
The 176 were made in a Test match, in the first innings. No match is ever played as a dead rubber. He led the runscorers in England. whichever way it's argued the runs are on the board. The only innings made without any pressure at all was the 2nd innings slog on at the end of the Perth Test. Problem is, like a few of our blokes, they make a good score in one innings, and nothing in the other. No.6 mightn't be a bad thing.
If Watson's injured for the last Test the Doolan will come in and bat 3. That means Bailey will miss as Faulker will come in as the all-rounder. If that works out Doolan will hopefully go to SA, bat 3 or 4 allowing Clarke to go back to 5, then smith at 6. If Harris is rested then Coulter-Nile will come in
Don't get me wrong because I love seeing us win test matches especially against the Poms, but I've a few questions for Boof.
What about Patrick Cummins?
Under an injury cloud and will only play the short game for the next 2 years.
What about Jackson Bird?
Another bowler with back problems. A few in front of him.
What about James Faulkner?
Injured during training for 3rd Test, could come in for Watson.
What about James Pattinson?
Starting his comeback from injury - played one T20 game.
What about Ashton Agar?
14 wickets at 48, nowhere near good enough yet.
What about Fawad Ahmed?
14 wickets at 34 - miles behind Lyon at the moment.
Agree with those assessments DJC. All those players are good young cricketers, Fawad Ahmed a more mature type, but have a way to go for various reasons. Some injured and some outta form to a degree.
We desperately need Doolan to do well. Haddin ha been superb so credit has to go to him. he has saved our skin many times. Guys like Bailey and Smith are average bats but Smith is improving somewhat but regardless needs more runs on the board. Would have loved for Bails to do better. Maybe some runs in Sydney.
Doolan Id hope goes to Sth Africa and Id like a development position there also for a bat such as Nic Maddinson for instince. Of the bowlers, injured players like Bird, Starc and Pattinson havent played enough cricket IMHO to warrant going so get them right for the next test series and the nest Aus summer of test cricket. Id take backups in Faulkner, Coulter-Nile and even Bollinger if need be - keep them all around the test team to be cover for Harris, Johnson and Siddle. Of the spinners possibly only Lyon required to go.
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We desperately need Doolan to do well. Haddin ha been superb so credit has to go to him. he has saved our skin many times. Guys like Bailey and Smith are average bats but Smith is improving somewhat but regardless needs more runs on the board. Would have loved for Bails to do better. Maybe some runs in Sydney.
Doolan Id hope goes to Sth Africa and Id like a development position there also for a bat such as Nic Maddinson for instince. Of the bowlers, injured players like Bird, Starc and Pattinson havent played enough cricket IMHO to warrant going so get them right for the next test series and the nest Aus summer of test cricket. Id take backups in Faulkner, Coulter-Nile and even Bollinger if need be - keep them all around the test team to be cover for Harris, Johnson and Siddle. Of the spinners possibly only Lyon required to go.
Bird's back bowling and doing well and Pattinson will be well and truly up and going by South Africa.
Smith is looking the part, young with potential. You're right about Doolan. He goes well and it allows Clarke to go back to no.5 and Smith at 6. Our batting line-up is slowly starting to stabilise. Like Watson to play with more confidence and as he has done well lately, in one innings a game at least. He looks like a nervous nellie though, not inspring alot of confidence until he gets to 40, worrying about technique and getting out. After that he tends to open right up and look confident like he does in the ODIs.
I think Coulter-Nile and Faulkner would be lock ins for South Africa....both been 12th man and in the formers case due a test debut.
Pattinson I really like as a quick bowler but I think will work his way back to test level through the one day series and see if his body holds up....with Harris looking sore and needing a break I'd be inclined to play Coulter Nile in Sydney and save Harris for the Saffies who are the No 1 test team.
Poms will make chances and I reckon will play Ballance, young leggie Borthwick who is a good prospect and I reckon the giant Boyd Rankin will also get a game and will try and return fire as he is fairly quick but tends to bowl everything short.....
Doolan has to come in for Bailey at some stage.....and I remain unconvinced with Smith and reckon he will be fodder in South Africa....