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Australia v West Indies, first Test
Bracken swings in ahead of Hodge
Cricinfo staff
October 27, 2005
Nathan Bracken offers the selectors more options on a pitch expected to seam ? Getty Images
Nathan Bracken's left-arm swing bowling has earned him a recall after he replaced Brad Hodge in the 12-man squad for the first Test against West Indies at Brisbane. Bracken, who played the last of his three Tests for Australia in 2004, was picked ahead of state rival Stuart Clark as Trevor Hohns, the chairman of selectors, insisted on more options for a wicket that traditionally suits the fast men.
"We felt it was prudent to introduce another paceman to the squad in place of an extra batsman," Hohns said. Stuart MacGill was retained and the decision means Shane Watson will almost certainly be given a short-term run at sealing the allrounder's spot.
Hohns said a decision on whether MacGill and Shane Warne would again be used in tandem depended on the pitch and weather conditions in the lead-up to the start on Thursday. "Since the end of the Super Test in Sydney there has been a lot of speculation about the option of playing the two spinners," he said. "With both Shane and Stuart in the squad we still have that option."
The announcement was another setback for Hodge, who has been the reserve batsmen on the tours to India, New Zealand and England without playing a match, and was 12th man for the Super Test. "It's disappointing to miss out on a place, but following our solid start to the season I'm looking forward to playing for Victoria," he said. "Hopefully I can put together some solid performances and put my name up before the selectors again."
Australia squad 1 Matthew Hayden, 2 Justin Langer, 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Michael Clarke, 5 Simon Katich, 6 Shane Watson, 7 Adam Gilchrist (wk), 8 Shane Warne, 9 Brett Lee, 10 Nathan Bracken, 11 Glenn McGrath, 12 Stuart MacGill.
? Cricinfo
Great to see Shane Watson still there at 6 though I stay firm in my belief we can take the two leggies into this test with Watson the 3rd seamer.
DeeGan
○ 27/10/05 1:45PM WW.Hinds has suffered a fractured his little finger on his left hand, will take no further part in thr match. he will also miss the first test and the 2nd warm up game
Thats the last thing the West Indies need. thats bad because i really want to see the West Indies go well but Aussy still win the matches
Steelers
27-10-05, 06:34 PM
I think the Aussies should of played the 2 spinners for this test. Warney has admitted that the Gabba is his favourite pitch to bowl on, so why shouldn't we play both him and MacGill?
PARANoIR
27-10-05, 06:55 PM
Wavell Hinds is a big loss for the Windies. Thatll hurt them.
I'll be surprised if they go in with MacGill, wouldnt surprise me one bit to see them leave him out. Watson is not a good enough bowler to be the 3rd quick, Ive said it before, and Ill say it again, hes straight up and down, hes got pace but thats it, no swing, no movement, and you need that to be a good test bowler
PARANoIR
27-10-05, 06:59 PM
Why the hell is Bichel 12th man!? What a rip!! Its because theyre blooding that young quick I guess!
The fact that Watson got bugger all runs against the Windies, furthers my point that he shouldnt be there yet, his battings not up to scratch for the tests either.
If he comes out and gets runs and wickets in the first test, i will be more than happy to admit i was wrong.
The Original Idiot
27-10-05, 07:46 PM
To me, Watson is overrated. The position-of-choice today is the bowling all rounder.
J-Storm
28-10-05, 12:32 AM
Patience is a virtue! Wait and see how Watson goes before we throw him in the trash bin as he, Clarke and some other youngsters are going to be the future after the World Cup in 2007. Good to see Bracken get a run again, another under utilised guy in my eyes. Only downside I see to this team is that Stuart MacGill had to miss out again ...
Shane Watson is written off after one test? Thankfully selectors persisted with a certain overweight, blonde hair leggie over a decade ago when he went 1 for 151 (or there abouts) vs India in his test debut.
Shane Watson's First Class Career
Matches 46 INN 79 N.O. 8 Runs 3283 H.S. 203* AVG 46.23 100s 9 50s 17
Balls 4356 Runs 2591 Wkts 85 BBi 6/32 AVG 30.48 S/R 51.24
There is plenty of potential in Shane Watson to fulfill the flavour of the month that being out test all-rounder and the selectors will persist with him as they will Michael Clarke as they are both 24 years of age.
Up and down bowler? We will see. Watson is a very good swing bowler especially at the GABBA.
DeeGan
PARANoIR
28-10-05, 08:05 AM
Im not writing him off, I'm saying he's not ready for it yet as hes not a good enough bowler to be third quick in a test match. If they were picking him, as well as 3 other quicks and a spinner, then I wouldnt have an issue with him being there as there wouldnt be so much focus on his bowling.
If you don't think hes straight up and down, you must be watching a different bloke to me and the rest of the cricketing community. Even when you watch the tests the commentators have said countless times that all Watson is, up and down. Sure he can swing it abit, but not enough for a test match. Most bowlers can swing it a bit at the Gabba anyway, so if he doesnt even do that my point will be furthered.
Once again, I HOPE he proves me wrong, but at the Gabba and the WACA, even more so, he has to be able to swing it and get a movement, otherwise he's gonna be useless.
He needs abit longer in pura cup to learn how to swing, have Waquar Younnis do some net sessions with him, hes already indicated his willingness to teach these young guys so get him in, and go through some net sessions with Watson. The Bulls also have 2 very valuable resources in Michael Kasprowicz and Adam Dale, these 2 guys have forgotten more about swing bowling than Watson knows, they should be in there helping him too.
Your speaking for the rest of the cricketing community now PaRaNoIR? I thank you for speaking on their behalf.
As much as "If you don't think hes straight up and down, you must be watching a different bloke to me and the rest of the cricketing community" whilst that sounds terrific and adds to the post, it is incorrect as many sat and marvelled at the exhibition Watson served up at the GABBA in season 2004/05.
Your judging seemingly Watsons exploits with the ball after only two tests which both happened to be at the spin friendly SCG where the spinners dominate. Watson is pacey as they say, he is quick enough to be our 3rd or 4th seamer and will swing the ball.
Can Watson come out a winner after the GABBA Test PaRaNoIR? You have done a Phil Gould and covered both outcomes.
Even when you watch the tests the commentators have said countless times that all Watson is, up and down. Sure he can swing it abit, but not enough for a test match. Most bowlers can swing it a bit at the Gabba anyway, so if he doesnt even do that my point will be furthered.
Once again, I HOPE he proves me wrong, but at the Gabba and the WACA, even more so, he has to be able to swing it and get a movement, otherwise he's gonna be useless.
If he bowls well, swings the ball...you give him no credit as it is at the GABBA or WACA.
If he bowls with no success...we will get a Gould-like "I told you so" when you get the chance. Very clever.
The art of swing bowling is not a matter of rocking up to the ground, rolling your arm over and the ball starts 'dancing' through the air. There are many variables that contribute to the ball moving and even the great bowlers can have trouble inducing swing with the ball if the conditions do not suit.
Shane Watson is at the moment a batsmen/bowler all-rounder. With the bat he is technically sound, with the ball he does need to improve and he will playing at test level in a team with McGrath and Warne.
Again, Watson is 24, like Clarke, we will persist with them as they are the future of this cricketing maching that is the Australian cricket team. Watson will be a mainstay in the Test side at number 7 as long as he remains injury free.
On a side note - anyone know what Terry Alderman - one of the best swingers WA has produced - doing now days? Why cant they get someone like him to coach the young 'uns!
On a side note - anyone know what Terry Alderman - one of the best swingers WA has produced - doing now days? Why cant they get someone like him to coach the young 'uns!
Great question, he would be great to bring in to the team with a Bruce Reid, Geoff Lawson or what about Billy McDermott?
We need a bowling coach, our bowlers need that support whether they admit it or not. Brett Lee is too expensive and wayward, Watson needs to continually develope in that area and Bracken needs the re-assurance.
DeeGan
Most bowlers can swing it a bit at the Gabba anyway, so if he doesnt even do that my point will be furthered.
Once again, I HOPE he proves me wrong, but at the Gabba and the WACA, even more so, he has to be able to swing it and get a movement, otherwise he's gonna be useless..
Watsons home ground is the Gabba and he swings it really well their
The Bulls also have 2 very valuable resources in Michael Kasprowicz and Adam Dale, these 2 guys have forgotten more about swing bowling than Watson knows, they should be in there helping him too.
I don't know how much you know about cricket but Adam Dale has been retired fro 3 years now. i think you mean bichel. Kaspers coming back from injury aswell.
PARANoIR
28-10-05, 06:31 PM
Your judging seemingly Watsons exploits with the ball after only two tests which both happened to be at the spin friendly SCG where the spinners dominate. Watson is pacey as they say, he is quick enough to be our 3rd or 4th seamer and will swing the ball
Im not judging him after 2 tests, Im judging him after watching him play since he was about 19. I'm not saying hes not quick enough to be our 3rd quick, hes got the pace, no worries, I dont know how many times I have to say that. I have also said that Watson would be great as our 4th quick in test matches, as there is not as much emphasis on him, as our 4th quick hed be great, but as a third, hes not good enough.
In the first test if they go with McGrath, Lee and Bracken aswell, I have no doubt that Watson will bowl much better with a lot more focus on the 3 specialist quicks.
The art of swing bowling is not a matter of rocking up to the ground, rolling your arm over and the ball starts 'dancing' through the air. There are many variables that contribute to the ball moving and even the great bowlers can have trouble inducing swing with the ball if the conditions do not suit.
Gee. You don't say? Thank you for such intelligent insight. I would never have been aware of such a claim had you not made such a statement.
If he bowls well, swings the ball...you give him no credit as it is at the GABBA or WACA.
If he bowls with no success...we will get a Gould-like "I told you so" when you get the chance. Very clever.
No no no Deegan, youve got that wrong aswell, I will not be like I told you so, I will give the guy the credit he deserved, Im not gonna come out and say he should have swung it. I hope he does well, but whether he does or not remains to be seen.
I don't know how much you know about cricket but Adam Dale has been retired fro 3 years now. i think you mean bichel. Kaspers coming back from injury aswell.
lol...haha. I'm quite aware that Adam Dale is retired, so I don't know how much you know about Cricket, but Adam Dale is now in on the Coaching side of things.
It doesnt matter whether Kaspers injured or not, he can still teach the guy how to swing the thing.
I love the attempt at sarchasim in your post:
"Gee. You don't say? Thank you for such intelligent insight. I would never have been aware of such a claim had you not made such a statement."
You give us an insiders look into the workings of PaRaNoIR. Sarchasim can be used in a few ways, this is simply straight out of an episode of Home and Away ;)
Again, he (Watson) and Michael Clarke are long term projects with the Australian selectors and we will persist with them at test level. Watson is a batsmen/bowler all-rounder (not bowler/batsmen) who with time will be viewed as a legit test all-rounder IMO.
Truth be known, unlike PaRaNoIR who has since 13 y.o. has been following Shane Watson, I do get to the GABBA to watch the Bulls more often than most and will stick to the opinion he is worthy of selection as a number 6/7 batsmen who can be relied upon to be the 3/4 seamer in our team.
Apparently I have got a few things wrong here, that's fine I can live with that given it is my opinion, though we'll see how it all pans out at the end of the summer and in 5 years time with Shane Watson.
DeeGan
PARANoIR
29-10-05, 04:50 PM
Again, he (Watson) and Michael Clarke are long term projects with the Australian selectors and we will persist with them at test level. Watson is a batsmen/bowler all-rounder (not bowler/batsmen) who with time will be viewed as a legit test all-rounder IMO.
Exactly why he should not be relied upon as the third fast bowler for the side.
Truth be known, unlike PaRaNoIR who has since 13 y.o. has been following Shane Watson, I do get to the GABBA to watch the Bulls more often than most and will stick to the opinion he is worthy of selection as a number 6/7 batsmen who can be relied upon to be the 3/4 seamer in our team.
I never recall saying that hes not worthy of batting a 7, and Im pretty sure I said that he would be great as the 4th quick, he would be much more effective if there were 3 specialist quicks there. No doubt in 5 years or so, when he is better for the experience, he will be much more effective as a 3rd quick, but right now he simply is not. Hes barely even used for the Bulls as a 3rd quick, so hows he gonna go for the Test side?
Apparently I have got a few things wrong here, that's fine I can live with that given it is my opinion, though we'll see how it all pans out at the end of the summer and in 5 years time with Shane Watson.
Exactly. In 5 years time, Watson will be considered near the same league as Kallis and Flintoff.
i just hope they don't put to much pressure on shane watson and let him develop into the terrific allrounder we all know he could be.alot has been written and said after the ashes series loss about developing a genuine allrounder just because flintoff creamed us.but shane watson isn't andy flintoff he's shane watson and i think we have to remember the aussies have some other aspects of their game to take care of before we throw the weight of the world on watsons shoulders.the more experience he gets the better he will be,i just hope fans and the media don't crucify him if he doesn't perform because they want him to be the next kallis or flintoff.
On Sunrise this morning - Hussey looking likely to be called in to replace Langer.
Langer showing bravery but facing 4 quicks on a pace friendly GABBA if he isnt absolutely 100% he should be rested.
On Sunrise this morning - Hussey looking likely to be called in to replace Langer.
Langer showing bravery but facing 4 quicks on a pace friendly GABBA if he isnt absolutely 100% he should be rested.
Agreed and Mike Hussey is finally getting a shot he deserves which will be the first of many once Langer and Hayden leave the test arena.
DeeGan
Hussey is a favourite of mine now after seeing him perform in the ODI's. Didnt know a real lot about him before - but thoroughly enjoy his cricket now!!!
Who do you think the next opener will be? Jaques has been looking good and has a solid technique. Any other stand out openers?
Hussey poised as Langer concedes
By Andrew Ramsey and Malcolm Conn
November 1, 2005
MICHAEL HUSSEY arrived in Brisbane poised to make an unexpected Test debut after his friend and West Australia teammate Justin Langer all but ruled himself out of the season opener with a fractured rib.
Hussey ... his path to the elite level has been blocked by Langer.
Video: Courtney Walks talks about the West Indies attack
A final decision on Langer's availability will not be made until this morning, but Australia medical staff and even the ever-courageous Langer conceded he was fighting a losing battle.
Having suffered a fracture to the seventh rib on his right side after being struck while batting in Melbourne last Saturday, Langer attempted to join in training with the Test squad yesterday morning but could not raise a jog because of the searing pain.
The 35-year-old then held a lengthy conversation with team physiotherapist Errol Alcott during which Langer is understood to have been told he faces two to three weeks on the sidelines to allow the injury to fully heal.
Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns was informed, and Hohns immediately phoned Hussey, who had just finished a walk along a Perth beach with his wife and daughter and was told to "get on a plane to Brisbane as soon as possible".
"I'm definitely just over on standby at the moment," Hussey said yesterday. "It's a bit of a weird feeling I guess because Justin and I are very good friends.
"For his sake I obviously hope he's all right and fit to play but, then on the other hand, I'm quite excited about the chance to maybe wear the baggy green (cap). I've got to try and prepare as though I'm going to play so that if the opportunity comes, I'll be ready. I said that I'd expect him (Langer) to play and you'd probably have to cut one of his arms or his legs off not to, but even then he'd probably still try and play."
That was Langer's view when he optimistically declared on arrival in Brisbane last Sunday that he was "100 per cent" ready to tackle the West Indies in the first of three Tests, which begins at the Gabba on Thursday.
But, despite suffering a bevy of body blows and bruises since making his Test debut against a rampaging West Indian pace attack more than 12 years ago, Langer had never before sustained a broken bone and underestimated the physical toll.
"To be honest, it was a lot more painful than I was expecting it to be this morning," Langer said yesterday. "I said to Errol (Alcott) and Trevor Hohns and (coach) John Buchanan this morning that if they could just give me another 24 hours to see if there's any improvement. I've seen over the years how quickly the body can recover, so if I give it another day and a decision will be probably be made (this morning) one way or the other.
"The fact is it's not a soft tissue injury, it's a broken bone and you need to give broken bones a bit of time to heal.
"From that point of view he (Alcott) probably wasn't as optimistic as I was hoping for and I'm not as optimistic now as I was 24 hours ago."
Langer, who was on target to play his 100th Test against South Africa in Sydney next January until this setback, is acutely aware of the risk of allowing a replacement of Hussey's ability a shot at Test level.
Langer's floundering Test career was revived when he was called up as a shock replacement for a wayward Michael Slater during Australia's 2001 Ashes tour. The dogged opener responded with a century (retired hurt) and has played every one of Australia's 52 Test matches since that game at The Oval as an opener, alongside his great mate Matthew Hayden.
But Langer welcomed Hussey's call-up and claimed that if he was to surrender his place in the Australian XI - albeit temporarily, as he hopes to be fit for the second Test in Hobart starting on November 17 - he could think of no better replacement.
"I've watched him since he was an 18-year-old kid and I'm not sure I've ever met a guy who wants to wear the baggy green cap as much as Mike Hussey does," Langer said.
Hussey is a contracted Cricket Australia player who recently captained the Australia A team to Pakistan and led Durham in England's county championship during the 2005 northern summer. His accomplished batting during the one-day series which preceded the Ashes this year left many England critics perplexed as to why he was not in the Test squad, but his path to the elite level has been blocked by Langer and Hayden's incumbency.
"It's a bit of a weird feeling if the opportunity does come into play because it feels like it's been a lifetime since I first started playing for WA with aspirations to play for Australia," Hussey said yesterday. "I definitely feel a lot more relaxed with my game (than in the past). I know my game very well now. My goal, if I do play, is to go out there and really enjoy it and try and get Australia off to a good start."
After a rest day yesterday, the West Indies will train at the Gabba this afternoon. Opening batsman Wavell Hinds (fractured finger) is the only member of the 15-man squad unavailable for selection for the first Test.
The Australian
Alright Hussey gets a start. Be great to see how he bats with Hayden.
anyone else going to the test,i'm thinking of goin sat if it last's that long!
I am sure you there will be cricket to played Saturday.
Who will the other opener be Dakink? Phil Jacques is promising and I think WA's Marcus North can bat further up the order if required.
Jacques and Hussey though IMO will be the next opening pair for Australia.
DeeGan
Cliffy GC
01-11-05, 02:02 PM
i wanna go sunday
I am sure you there will be cricket to played Saturday.
Who will the other opener be Dakink? Phil Jacques is promising and I think WA's Marcus North can bat further up the order if required.
Jacques and Hussey though IMO will be the next opening pair for Australia.
DeeGan
Wat about James Hopes. he deserves a chance
PARANoIR
01-11-05, 07:24 PM
I am sure you there will be cricket to played Saturday.
Who will the other opener be Dakink? Phil Jacques is promising and I think WA's Marcus North can bat further up the order if required.
Jacques and Hussey though IMO will be the next opening pair for Australia.
DeeGan
Agreed, Hussey and Jacques will open for years to come.
Marcus North should fill the number 5 role for Australia for many years, and James Hopes..well I don't think we'll see him in a test match unless something happens to Watson.
Steelers
01-11-05, 07:26 PM
I am going to this game on either Sat or Sun.
James Hopes I am sure will never be a Test opener. He will be battling with Shane Watson and the like for a spot in the test side, not the openers Teegy.
DeeGan
Yea that was my thoughts Hussey and Jaques - both look the goods.
What about after Hussey? He is 30 ish (30 I think)
There is a young batter Tom Cooper who is playing grade in Sydney who has potential? Does anyone know if QLd has anyone lined up to fill in behind Hayden and Maher?
James Hopes I am sure will never be a Test opener. He will be battling with Shane Watson and the like for a spot in the test side, not the openers Teegy.
DeeGan
Hopes played brilliently as the opener for QLD last year. he can bowl aswell
2 November, 2005
Bracken in for McGill
New South Wales left-arm speedster Nathan Bracken will win his fourth Test cap after being given the selection nod ahead of Stuart MacGill for the opening Test against the West Indies starting at the Gabba in Brisbane on Thursday.
Australian captain Ricky Ponting announced at his pre-match media conference on Wednesday that the conditions demanded that Bracken should join the attack led by fellow pacemen Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath, with support from all-rounder Shane Watson and leg-spinner Shane Warne.
MacGill, who claimed nine wickets in last month's one-off Super Series Test against the World XI, will not officiate as 12th man, but will be made available to play for New South Wales in the Pura Cup match against Western Australia at the WACA starting next Sunday.
Should the Australians require a substitute in the first Test, it's expected that a local club cricketer will be called-up to assist.
Bracken joins Test debutant Michael Hussey as one of two changes to the Australian line-up for the first Test. Hussey replaces his Warriors teammate, opener Justin Langer who will miss with a fractured rib.
Super Cronk
03-11-05, 01:54 PM
SPIOLER
it is AUS 2/102
overs: 27.1
ponting has 50 and clarke has just came in for hayden who was out LBW
Queenslander
03-11-05, 01:57 PM
:fyi: Hussey poor start on debut, hopefully he will be better in the second innings
Steelers
03-11-05, 05:49 PM
AUS 7/295 off 75 overs
Titanium_BD1103
03-11-05, 06:22 PM
Warne is doing well and Ponting was really good.. :D :D
AUST 7/335 after 82 overs.. :)
I was really annoyed to see Mike Hussey play a hurried shot in his debut to be dismissed for a paltry 1, but you get that. I hope he gets another opportunity in the second innings.
I went to work and we were cruising at 1 for something and in 20 minutes or so it was 4 for....disappointing though I was informed we fell to some impressive bowling from Collymore.
Ponting looked in ominous form for the summer, put money on him to be our leading run scorer after the 6 tests in Oz.
How much on McGrath getting the wicket of B. C. Lara? :)
DeeGan
Wasnt the ball that got poor Clarke an absolute cracker!!!!
That would have got most bastmen. Enough movement to get the edge - not enough to miss the bat completely.
Research Station Drive
04-11-05, 01:08 PM
Wow what an impressive effort from our tail. :thumbsup:
The boys can bat down the order! It's almost getting to the point where our tail is consistantly outperforming the middle order :embarasse
Super Cronk
04-11-05, 01:12 PM
Wow what an impressive effort from our tail. :thumbsup:
The boys can bat down the order! It's almost getting to the point where our tail is consistantly outperforming the middle order :embarasse
lol...yeah i was thinking the same thing. maybe warne can move up and take over for clark and mcgrath can take katic h;s spot :laugh:
Steelers
04-11-05, 04:11 PM
How much on McGrath getting the wicket of B. C. Lara? :)
My money is on Warney to get him :p
Queenslander
04-11-05, 05:29 PM
Lara got robbed with the lbw, it was going away from the wicket. And it had to be Lee to get the wicket, :curse:
Titanium_BD1103
04-11-05, 06:35 PM
Go the lower order.. Go Binger and Warnie and Bracken.. very impressive.. :D :D
The Windies started well, but once again the bowlers got the better of him... and well done to Bracken for slowing down the run rate.. that helped McGrath and Warne to clean up the Windies side... and now they are in some trouble again.. :)
Steelers
04-11-05, 06:39 PM
Wi 6/180
Super Cronk
04-11-05, 07:15 PM
Wi 6/180
mcgrath was great and so was warne today....WI will be gooone tomorrow.
Steelers
04-11-05, 07:18 PM
mcgrath was great and so was warne today....WI will be gooone tomorrow.
I hope WI can step up, but it is VERY unlikely :p
At Stumps Day 2
Australia 435
West Indies 182/6 (62.0 ov)
West Indies trail by 253 runs with 4 wickets remaining in the 1st innings
That dismissal of Lara was a tragedy for this test. He was looking sound and in the mood for a big hundred. With Lara and Smith at the crease the Windies were a chance of getting close to our score. Here's hoping for a tail end fightback from them as well - though they dont have the calibre of bowler like Warnie who loves finshing tails.
Steelers
05-11-05, 10:42 AM
That dismissal of Lara was a tragedy for this test. He was looking sound and in the mood for a big hundred. With Lara and Smith at the crease the Windies were a chance of getting close to our score. Here's hoping for a tail end fightback from them as well - though they dont have the calibre of bowler like Warnie who loves finshing tails.
I hope the Windies can fight back for 2 reasons.
1. It would be good for the test and make it more exciting
2. I am going to the test tomorrow, and I want a full days play :p
Wouldnt worry Steelers - You will get a full days play either way Id say.
Steelers
05-11-05, 11:06 AM
Wouldnt worry Steelers - You will get a full days play either way Id say.
Unless WI have to follow on and get bowled out for nothing :!:
LOL hope to hell that doesnt happen. Their batting is meant to be their strength too!
Shane Warne picks up 5 for 48, he is bowling better at any time in his career IMO. The flipper is back to where it was in 94', the wrong'un is looking really, really good which is important vs a side full of top order LH batsment and the leg break is near enough perfection.
Stuart MacGill would not of got any wickets vs the West Indies would he Mr Trevor Hohns :whatd:
Waiting to see if Ponting bats again or enforces the follow on.
DeeGan
PARANoIR
05-11-05, 05:49 PM
Gee these selectors work well with the captain. If you're going to pick a bowling allrounder..wouldn't it make sense to actually bowl the bloke? If Ponting had no plans to bowl Watson, he should have said so, so they couldve played MacGill instead, because Watson didn't get any runs either.
Anyways, Australia are in control, this ones over. 1/256, unfortunately Hussey failed again, but its good to see Matty Hayden get a hundred for the 3rd test in a row.
Gee these selectors work well with the captain. If you're going to pick a bowling allrounder..wouldn't it make sense to actually bowl the bloke? If Ponting had no plans to bowl Watson, he should have said so, so they couldve played MacGill instead, because Watson didn't get any runs either.
Well said PaRaNoIR, though Watson is a batting all-rounder in my books.
Stuart MacGill should have played if Ponting was not going to give Watson a bowl.
DeeG an
Coaster
05-11-05, 07:33 PM
I get the feeling with Mcgill he doesnt fit into the teams harmony very well, He has openly admited that he walks around the dressing room, trying to break the others Myths or superstitions.
Mcgill might get wickets, but he bowls about 3 loose balls an over, there is no need to spin them if they are hitting the batsman on the full.
Also when Warne or Mcgrath are tying up an end, Mcgill is getting slaughtered at the other, a miss hit gives him a wicket, and his figues look great, but he isnt bowling well, just the only chance for teams to score runs and it backflips.
I dont rate the guy.
Also with Watson, i think Symonds should be there.
he is a better Batsman
a better fielder
a better team player
and i think has more variety as a bowler. :afro:
PARANoIR
05-11-05, 11:07 PM
Well said PaRaNoIR, though Watson is a batting all-rounder in my books.
I consider him a batting allrounder aswell. But theyve made it clear that they're picking him for his bowling. So they should atleast give him a trundle.
I agree on the Symonds front, hes a much more complete player than Watson imo. If Symonds doesnt get another test because of what he did in Sri Lanka in 2 tests, it will be a joke. Watson making his debut in Sri Lanka would've done even less than Symonds. The best thing about Symonds is that hes always positive, unlike Watson, whose head can drop pretty easily.
Steve Dangerous
05-11-05, 11:14 PM
at the moment he's a bit of a nothing-allrounder lol. let's hope fortunes change.
PARANoIR
05-11-05, 11:15 PM
Has he got a test wicket yet?
He did get one against Pakistan didn't he??
Steve Dangerous
05-11-05, 11:22 PM
Yeah, he's got one at a cost of 98 runs heh. And has a top score of 31. Let's hope he fires soon, he's great for qld.
Steelers
06-11-05, 07:45 PM
I was at this game today, was anyone else? I was sitting about 10 metres away from these 3 drunk blokes with KFC bucket hats. They were starting and controlling all the chants. It was the best day of cricket I have been to, ever! We were right on fine-leg so we would chat to the bowlers (Bracken mostly) and when Bracken was walking back to fine leg after taking 2 wickets in a row, I got everyone on the boundary to do the 'bow'. Just got back then :D
Ipswich Fan
07-11-05, 02:06 AM
I was there for the last two days & i must say that as well as Warne, Hayden & Ponting's heroics yesterday, Bracken & Lee's bowling was sensational as well as the Aussies catching. It was also great to see a fellow Ipswichian Watson grab a wicket although his injury later put a dampener on the victory.
I feel for Watson - he wasnt really needed in the first inns so why would Ponmting bowl him? McGrath and Warne looked after the Windies well enough. Despite Chanderpaul's LBW not really being close to out I have no problem with Umpires giving those decisions if the Batsmen refuses to use his bat. Not offer ing a shot should negate any benefit of doubt, I actually (as a batsmen myself) believe not offering a shot should throw the benefit of doubt to the bowler.
Ipswich Fan
07-11-05, 11:24 AM
I'm a believer that they are given a bat for a reason & if they don't use it they deserve everything they get.
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