Re: The Ashes - Second Test @ Lords
Reply #6 –
I didn't get a chance to watch the last test, but to be honest with what I did see, I had little faith of us winning. That huge last wicket stand with Agar was amazing, but how often will that happen. Then the second innings fail with the bat by batsmen that are payed thousands of dollars to do their job, place all the pressure on another last wicket miracle. Sure they came close when I thought they wouldn't but they are getting larger partnerships further down the order than what should be happening with the first 5 batters. This isn't the first game we see issues with the bat. This has been happening for years now. Watching cricket today and in the last few years really makes me miss Gillcrist, Border, Greg Chappell, Dean Jones, Mark Waugh, Steve Waugh, Hayden, Langer, Slater, Symmonds, Boon, Hussey, Hussey, Healy, Taylor, Ponting (In form) and even Boof. Don't want to even start on the bowlers. I could have rolled out a bigger list but I didn't want to jam up our new system. 
Need to pick a squad based on players that can play a role. Openers x2, 1st drop all the way through to keeper and an all rounder and pace bowlers. Change a couple of players per match to add spin, and extra pace, or an injured batter and make them work together to get it all happening. If they start mixing and chopping every game, they will completely do our heads in.
Batsmen:
When a ball is bowled to you remember this;
If it is swinging outside the line of off stump, LEAVE IT ALONE. Don't dab the bat at it. Get to the pitch of a delivery bowled with the bat close to the pad and stroke the shot. Don't half heartedly dab at it with the bat wide of your pad. Use your footwork to get to the pitch of the ball, or get onto the back foot and watch the ball all the way up to where it hits the bat. Play with some confidence you won't be bowled out. Don't half guess a shot. Play the ball with the respect it deserves. If its short hit it. Play your shots with a straight bat and drive it down the line. Use the clever shots once you are in and have read the pace of the pitch, and the swing of the ball. Play like a Kallis. Not like a nervous McGrath. Don't try to be too clever. Be smart. If you aim to play square of the wicket, hit the ball to ground to avoid being caught, but hit with the intension of hitting a boundary. Otherwise play square and elevate it over fielders in catching position. Don't get caught up on the popping crease too often. Stand outside the crease and use your feet. MOVE FFS.
Too many times I am watching the game and I want to throw a bat through the TV screen at the batsmen to let them know I am watching and that they are being too clever, or just plain dumb. Batting isn't as much of a science as our players make it look. Occupy the crease and keep the score board rolling over. Play each delivery with the respect it deserves. Not every delivery is a winner. Not every delivery is a hack. Use your eyes and use your head. Most importantly use your friggen feet. Sorry CIMM, just venting what is probably the bleeding obvious, or just crazy talk. 
Topic: The Ashes - Second Test @ Lords (Read 41647 times)
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