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Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 9:37 am
by Azza
I'm still concerned about our selections. But it's a great win, and winning at Edgbaston is huge.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 9:56 am
by -PJ-
Don't worry Azza..

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 10:08 am
by greeneyed
-PJ- wrote: August 6, 2019, 9:56 am Don't worry Azza..
Why was Azza ever worried? Always going to beat 'em! :)

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 10:14 am
by -PJ-
greeneyed wrote: August 6, 2019, 10:08 am
-PJ- wrote: August 6, 2019, 9:56 am Don't worry Azza..
Why was Azza ever worried? Always going to beat 'em! :)
Azza worries a fair bit..

Of course we were always gunna beat em.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 10:35 am
by Matt
Looking objectively, I only see 2 players who did nothing in this Test for the Aussies, and both are at the top of the list, Bancroft and Warner. Neither made runs and they don't bowl. Not that Warner will be dropped anytime soon.

Paine has a lot on his plate as captain and keeper, but a 30 is barely a pass mark, even if it matches his career to date.

Siddle gets a reprieve for his back to the wall 1st innings dig that allowed Smith to post a respectable score. HOWEVER... did we pick him to make runs? No. 2 for in the 1st innings.

Lets look at the rest of the list:
Khawaja - 40 in the 2nd dig
Smith - MOTM, NEXT!
Head - 35 and 50
Wade - 110 in the 2nd dig
Pattinson - 47 in the 2nd dig, 2/82 from 27 in the 1st innings
Cummins - handy 26 in the 2nd dig, 3 for and 4 for
Lyon - 3 for and 6 for

A winning side is unlikely to have many changes, so I see Bancroft getting at least a 2nd game. Though I can see the bowling rotation policy causing a change or 2. If they want a steady bowler, then Siddle for Hazelwood.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 10:51 am
by Matt
We should really remember that we won that game largely on Anderson not bowling in the 2nd innings. I know he only managed 4 overs in the 1st, but they had us done and dusted, and somehow we got away on them. Any 1st innings score that is sub 300, shouldnt end up in a win, except maybe the subcontinent.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 10:52 am
by Azza
Khawaja is getting on my nerves a bit, what about you anxious PJ? Doesn't stand up often enough when the going gets tough IMO.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 10:53 am
by Matt
Azza wrote: August 6, 2019, 10:52 am Khawaja is getting on my nerves a bit, what about you anxious PJ? Doesn't stand up often enough when the going gets tough IMO.
His innings went a long way to erasing the deficit the other night.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 10:55 am
by Azza
My point stands. It's not one innings. The guy isn't ruthless enough for someone of his talent. Not that we have many other options.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 11:18 am
by Matt
Azza wrote: August 6, 2019, 10:55 am My point stands. It's not one innings. The guy isn't ruthless enough for someone of his talent. Not that we have many other options.
Ill put it out there and say, there was a Waugh who had a similar issue.

To back that up:
M. Waugh - 8029 runs @ Avg 41.18. 128 Tests. 20x 100, 47x 50.
Khawaja - 2819 runs @ 42.05. 42 Tests. 8x 100, 14x 50.

Uzi's career is about a third of Waugh's, the numbers are about a third too. Waugh will always be 2nd to his brother, but will always been known as a great. Uzi isn't considered that, yet is tracking for a comparative/ similar record (Uzi wont play 100 Tests given he is 32). Both, IMO, under perform/ed on talent.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 11:26 am
by Azza
On the plus side, Mark Waugh was a superb fielder and handy spin bowler. Brought more to the table IMO.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 11:30 am
by Matt
Azza wrote: August 6, 2019, 11:26 am On the plus side, Mark Waugh was a superb fielder and handy spin bowler. Brought more to the table IMO.
Certainly. The point was about under performing on talent though.

M Waugh was a 45-47 avg Test batsmen who only managed 41-42. I don't think there are too many people that would say he didn't leave runs out there. Even the man himself has said he probably should have averaged more. I believe the reason was, he got bored and/or complacent. So he started trying more and more once set. Basically, too talented for his own good, so tried to be too cute.

Conversely, his brother wasn't as talented, so application and determination had to bridge the gap.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 12:36 pm
by -PJ-
Azza wrote: August 6, 2019, 10:52 am Khawaja is getting on my nerves a bit, what about you anxious PJ? Doesn't stand up often enough when the going gets tough IMO.
I try not to worry.

Khawaja will be ok. They'll all make solid contributions over the next 4 remaining tests. You can't be hot all the time(unless you're SSmith). What I'd like to see is Paine score some runs..

Anyway after being 8/122 in our first dig, we should all be very happy with this win.

And Pat Cummins is a beast..

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 1:12 pm
by julian87
How did I know Khawaja’s name would pop up 😂

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 1:12 pm
by Azza
I'm not saying drop him. I'm just frustrated with him.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 2:24 pm
by Matt
Azza wrote: August 6, 2019, 1:12 pm I'm not saying drop him. I'm just frustrated with him.
Again.... M Waugh :lol:

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 2:26 pm
by Northern Raider
Azza wrote: August 6, 2019, 1:12 pm I'm not saying drop him. I'm just frustrated with him.
Do you think he's a lot better player than his results reflect?

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 2:56 pm
by Azza
Yes I do. He's got a lot of talent.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 3:32 pm
by Northern Raider
Lower your expectations Azza and you will reduce your frustrations. :D

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 3:35 pm
by Azza
I want to but I can't :-(

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 5:20 pm
by Northern Raider
Geez, you're a Raiders fan Azza. Lowering expectations should be 2nd nature.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 6, 2019, 5:51 pm
by RedRaider
Mark Waugh was so laid back in a side that could afford to have such a player. Two of his biggest fans were Warne and McGrath because they knew, for the most part, if the ball was catchable he would snaffle it.
Uzman is no where near Mark Waugh as a fielder in any position.

The sides Mark Waugh played in were so strong all round, the odd batting failure made little difference. Whereas in the current side any form slump is Instantly noticeable and affects team outcomes. The backup players are not great either and hence limited players like Bancroft get a run.

Formerly there was the Waugh twins, Ponting and Hussey with the likes of Lehman and Damien Martyn in the wings and then came Clark and Gilchrist.
Good times.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 8, 2019, 9:40 am
by Matt
Warm-up game vs Worcestershire
Harris left one that took his middle stump on 14.
Bancroft dragged on an expansive drive on 33.
Uzi 57, solid as. Out nicking.
Head 109*.
Labu expansive drive out caught at cover.
Marsh LBW again. Really starting to become Watto.
Wade 20*, declared on.

Starc 1/27 from 4. Thats an econ of 6.75, thats YUK.
Big Wood 2/2 from 4.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 9, 2019, 3:05 pm
by Matt
Day 2 update:
Worcester declared at 201/9.
They were 75/8 at one stage. Aussies let the tail wag with #6, Milton, getting 74, while #10, Morris, got 53*.

Starc 2/56 from 15.5 @ 3.53.
H-wood 3/35 from 15 @ 2.26. [He is the steady bowler Id pick. Much better than Siddle.]
Neser 2/32 from 12 @ 3.42. Both wickets were in the same over.
Marsh None for
Labu 2/37 from 11 @ 3.36.
Head None for 16 from 2.

We batted in the arvo.
Bancorft failed, but faced 40 balls for 7.
Harris is 62* from 78 balls, with 12 fours. Looking 1 million bucks apparently.
Marsh batted at 3, and is 22* from 38 balls.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 9, 2019, 3:59 pm
by Northern Raider
Matt wrote: August 9, 2019, 3:05 pm Day 2 update:
Worcester declared at 201/9.
They were 75/8 at one stage. Aussies let the tail wag with #6, Milton, getting 74, while #10, Morris, got 53*.

Starc 2/56 from 15.5 @ 3.53.
H-wood 3/35 from 15 @ 2.26. [He is the steady bowler Id pick. Much better than Siddle.]
Neser 2/32 from 12 @ 3.42. Both wickets were in the same over.
Marsh None for
Labu 2/37 from 11 @ 3.36.
Head None for 16 from 2.

We batted in the arvo.
Bancorft failed, but faced 40 balls for 7.
Harris is 62* from 78 balls, with 12 fours. Looking 1 millions buck apparently.
Marsh batted at 3, and is 22* from 38 balls.
Wouldn't surprise. Harris is a quality bat. Its his shot selection that lets him down as a test player.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 10, 2019, 9:08 am
by Matt
NR will love this, but talk is that we will retain the same XI for Lords

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 10, 2019, 12:48 pm
by RedRaider
If they do retain the same side it will confirm that selectors do not want to pick the best available side.

Starc and Harris would be in the side for mine. Lords is the venue where a straight bowler like Siddle can expect to get movement due to the slope of the ground. Bancroft should go. Starc carried the drinks in the first Test. That should not happen again on this tour.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 12, 2019, 11:17 am
by Makaveli
Another dual failure for Bancroft in the tour game but let me guess, he'll still be picked

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Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 12, 2019, 11:35 am
by Matt
RedRaider wrote: August 10, 2019, 12:48 pm If they do retain the same side it will confirm that selectors do not want to pick the best available side.

Starc and Harris would be in the side for mine. Lords is the venue where a straight bowler like Siddle can expect to get movement due to the slope of the ground. Bancroft should go. Starc carried the drinks in the first Test. That should not happen again on this tour.
The problem is Langer believes Siddle's none for, is the best none for, he has ever seen. IMO, if you want a steady bowling option, its Hazelwood. He is also far more likely to get anything our of the deck because his height. Thats what Broad was doing once the shine was off the ball.

We have all talked about no Starc, and I still dont get it.

As for Bancroft... IMO Langer believes he beat the others to the opening spot in that inter-team game. I think Langer also looked at all 3 sandpaper-gaters as the incumbents. Which means he will have to fail again in this Test to even be in question. At least Harris has put some pressure on with his most recent knock.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 12, 2019, 12:26 pm
by Azza
Bancroft was on shaky ground even before sandpaper gate - his numbers didn't really stack up.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 12, 2019, 12:40 pm
by Northern Raider
Azza wrote: August 12, 2019, 12:26 pm Bancroft was on shaky ground even before sandpaper gate - his numbers didn't really stack up.
Neither does his technique. Several better options than him at opener but he's a Langer lovechild from WA.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 12, 2019, 12:43 pm
by Northern Raider
I love the headline on Cricinfo: "Pat Cummins aims to be Australia's five-Test ironman"

It's like a fast bolwer playing 5 consecutive tests is some amazing feat.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 12, 2019, 2:34 pm
by julian87
I’d honestly have Starc, Hazlewood and Harris come in for Pattinson, Siddle and Bancroft.

I think Australia won in spite of the surprise selections, not because of them.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 12, 2019, 2:39 pm
by Northern Raider
Its the old adage, Cricket is a team sport made up of individual performances. None of the bolters into the team contributed a great deal to the victory with the exception of Wade.

Re: The Cricket Thread

Posted: August 12, 2019, 8:01 pm
by -TW-
Northern Raider wrote:I love the headline on Cricinfo: "Pat Cummins aims to be Australia's five-Test ironman"

It's like a fast bolwer playing 5 consecutive tests is some amazing feat.
Sport science, also Cummins is made of paper

Love him, but he gets injured in a strong breeze

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