09/10 Summer of Cricket - Page 5

g220ba · 05-01-2010, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RG

While Hughes didn't make a big score he did the job of opener extremely well. Cool, calm, collected and quite confident for a bloke fighting to get back in the team.

Move Kat to 3 or 4 and drop Ponting or Clarke.

I would really love to agree with you but i couldn't justify dropping a proven player like Clarke or Ponting. Yes North has 3 test centuries and is 5 years younger than Ponting but i'm not he has it in him to make 35+ centuries at a 50+ average. Clarke really has copped a lot unfair flack this summer, while he has hit a patch of bad form you don't make 150 on debut in india and not be a half bad player. I'd think Pontings in a similar situation to Steve Waugh a couple of years ago. He's likely to put a run of run centuries on at any time.

Again i'd like to agree with you but at this stage i just can't, maybe if they both continue to fail i'd change my opinion.

HTCURRY · 05-01-2010, 07:26 PM

against any other team, you would say Australia are definite losers...but against pakistan, one can still harbour some hope.

If Hussey can shepard the tail properly...you never know, plus after being dropped thrice, he really needs to make it count.

Heading towards the end of his test career this could knock could be one for the ages, if Australia somehow avoid defeat.

Pakistan on the other will be livid with Kamran Akmal...can anyone remember a worse day for a keeper? He takes any one of those chances, and australia are bowling with a lead less than 100, instead its all up for grabs atm.

RG · 05-01-2010, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 84ltd

I would really love to agree with you but i couldn't justify dropping a proven player like Clarke or Ponting. Yes North has 3 test centuries and is 5 years younger than Ponting but i'm not he has it in him to make 35+ centuries at a 50+ average. Clarke really has copped a lot unfair flack this summer, while he has hit a patch of bad form you don't make 150 on debut in india and not be a half bad player. I'd think Pontings in a similar situation to Steve Waugh a couple of years ago. He's likely to put a run of run centuries on at any time.

Again i'd like to agree with you but at this stage i just can't, maybe if they both continue to fail i'd change my opinion.

I can't see Punter being dropped but Clarke really needs to be shown that the team is bigger than the man. He used to be a good part time bowling option but no more, he's too scared that he'll cop an injury.

g220ba · 05-01-2010, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RG

I can't see Punter being dropped but Clarke really needs to be shown that the team is bigger than the man. He used to be a good part time bowling option but no more, he's too scared that he'll cop an injury.

The problem in regards to his bowling is a persistant back injury. You can see him stretching his back when he's fielding to prevent it. It would be great to see him roll the arm over more often but i wouldn't want to see that at expense of his batting or injury. Ponting should utilise Katich more often with the ball. He's proven he can certainly bowl some good deliveries as shown in Melbourne.

prydey · 05-01-2010, 10:25 PM

i remember a few summers ago, hussey was on 33 when mcgrath strode to the crease. hussey made 100+. not sure he is the same hussey that was batting back then but lets hope he can give our bowlers something.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RG

Another failure by Ponting. A great catch but he really needed to go out there and have a captains knock.

if S.Waugh was striding to the crease with the team with their back to the wall, you'd almost put your house on him being there at stumps. if ever there was a captain who could pull out a captains knock when needed...

reminiscing gets you nowhere though.

where's bing? we need him! extra 10km/h, better line and length control and an unplayable inswinging yorker. sure he has a few bad balls but no more than the current crop. i guess his 'national duty' days are over. where's the next '150+km/h' bowler for australia?

HTCURRY · 05-01-2010, 10:32 PM

I think those wanting Clarke out are being a tad reactionary...

he actually had a better 2009 than 2008

Quote:

year 2008

tests: 13
Innings: 23
Runs: 1063
Average:50.61
Strike rate:46.64
Centuries:4
Half Centuries: 5

was not out 2 times

Opponents: India(home and away), West Indies(away)

Quote:

year 2009

tests: 13
Innings: 23
Runs: 1042
Average:54.84
Strike rate:55.6
Centuries:3
Half Centuries: 5

was not out 4 times.

Opponents:South Africa(home and away), England(away), Pakistan(home)

Clarke and Ponting just need to get through this rough patch...and things will be sweet again, one averages nearly 50, and the other 55, both would talk into Every test nation in the world...no way should we leave them out.

I also dont think Clarke needs a kick up the backside anymore, he had that 3 seasons ago, and since his return has been a different player, more mature, more of a leader.

Paxton · 06-01-2010, 11:09 AM

Go Hussey. I've always been a fan of his, and I'm glad that he has got his century. This is nail biting, and I'm out of nails.

RG · 06-01-2010, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paxton

Go Hussey. I've always been a fan of his, and I'm glad that he has got his century. This is nail biting, and I'm out of nails.

A brilliant shot in what is a brilliant innings. He is showing as much poise and talent as anyone could ever ask for. His decision making with the face 3-4 make 1 run let Siddle face 1-2 retain the strike is awesome.

What will be interesting is if Aus can make it to 333. That would put us at 127 in front, the same as what we got knocked over for in the first innings. Things like that can play on the mind....

Paxton · 06-01-2010, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RG

A brilliant shot in what is a brilliant innings. He is showing as much poise and talent as anyone could ever ask for. His decision making with the face 3-4 make 1 run let Siddle face 1-2 retain the strike is awesome.

What will be interesting is if Aus can make it to 333. That would put us at 127 in front, the same as what we got knocked over for in the first innings. Things like that can play on the mind....

And there it is mate.

Siddle is playing well above his position.

It really is excellent cricket.

RG · 06-01-2010, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paxton

And there it is mate.

Siddle is playing well above his position.

It really is excellent cricket.

21 off 68 and they are attacking him and not Hussey. He has done a bloody good job and some of his shots are top notch.

prydey · 06-01-2010, 11:33 AM

woot mr cricket. his innings hasn't been without luck (3 times) but he's doing the job he does so well.

hussey has now got 2 of the last 3 100's by an aussie with watson recently getting the other one. i'm not sure why he still has media pressure regarding his spot in the side.

RG · 06-01-2010, 11:50 AM

Pakistan seem to be getting a little desperate and frustrated. A couple of appeals for LBW's that were never there. If they continue like that the umpire will crack it and they may have a decision go against them, do they have any referrals left?

Geez Siddle got lucky there!

Swordsman88 · 06-01-2010, 11:50 AM

Well done Hussey so far. Taking full advantage of those dropped catches.

For me, its Siddle that has shown real merit. I felt Bollinger was more suited to the stick around, defensive mode but Siddle is really working on keeping it clean. Solid batting from the no. 10....

Swordsman88 · 06-01-2010, 12:06 PM

This pakistani keeper is going for some sort of record. In the time i've been watching first class cricket, this guys is the: Worst Wicketkeeper. Ever.

RG · 06-01-2010, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swordsman88

This pakistani keeper is going for some sort of record. In the time i've been watching first class cricket, this guys is the: Worst Wicketkeeper. Ever.

DROPPED HIM. How bad would that poor bloke be feeling right about now?

prydey · 06-01-2010, 12:12 PM

akmal couldn't catch a cold!

Quote:

Originally Posted by swordsman88

i've been watching first class cricket, this guys is the: Worst Wicketkeeper. Ever.

geraint jones?

getting back to the keeper, i was listening to kerry thismorning and they were musing as to where they could get the runs. kerry says, 'nick it to the keeper and call 2'!! love his work!!

Swordsman88 · 06-01-2010, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RG

DROPPED HIM. How bad would that poor bloke be feeling right about now?

Yeah i feel sorry for the poor guy....but at first class level you have to do better than that.

In a way this is further sign of the degradation of wicketkeeping as a specialist position. I realise most keepers are now employed as defacto middle order batsmen but FFS it IS a difficult job when you consider how many balls you are keeping each day and how split second some of the opportunities are. I think concentration is the problem mostly, but there are quite a few technical areas that alot of the current crop of keepers need to work on. And that includes Hadin for that matter...

prydey · 06-01-2010, 12:25 PM

how good is this. good old fashioned test cricket. defend your castle with your life!! too bad that attitude wasn't there with a few of the top order.

the bowling isn't too flash but it shows that if you can get yourself in, you can stay in. when the aussies get around to defending whatever total they set, they need to keep the pressure on and not let them settle.

RG · 06-01-2010, 12:28 PM

And this kiddies is why you must use your referrals wisely and not over appeal for LBW. I reckon Hussey may have been in a little trouble there.

Swordsman88 · 06-01-2010, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

how good is this. good old fashioned test cricket. defend your castle with your life!! too bad that attitude wasn't there with a few of the top order.

.

Yes, that is what cricket is all about. Part of the reason why 20/20 cricket will never impress me is that it removes the batsmen's concern for their own wicket....lose that and the goes all the suspense and pressure in the game....

prydey · 06-01-2010, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swordsman88

Yes, that is what cricket is all about. Part of the reason why 20/20 cricket will never impress me is that it removes the batsmen's concern for their own wicket....lose that and the goes all the suspense and pressure in the game....

this is some of the most gripping cricket of the summer. only 1 or 2 overs till lunch. who'd have thought we would be in this situation.

RG · 06-01-2010, 12:43 PM

So we've made it to lunch. Siddle is now on his highest test score and is doing his average no harm at all. Both batsmen got lucky, or should I say Pakistan choked a few chances. We definitely won that session and if this goes on much longer it will really start to have a negative effect on the Pakistani players mentally.

They would have come out thinking they would knock the last couple of wickets over for maybe 20-30 runs and then come out to bat chasing 100 at most. Instead two great players have made 87 runs (I think that's right) and are putting on one of the grittiest fighting displays in recent memory.

All of a sudden we have what is nearly a defendable total.

gtxb67 · 06-01-2010, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

geraint jones?

he couldn't keep beer cold

and the only one he caught wasn't even out - didn't matter because it won england the ashes

Bearman · 06-01-2010, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swordsman88

Yes, that is what cricket is all about. Part of the reason why 20/20 cricket will never impress me is that it removes the batsmen's concern for their own wicket....lose that and the goes all the suspense and pressure in the game....

Too right!! This is test cricket at its best!! Who would have thought we'd still be in this let alone with a fighting chance of pulling off a win?? Hussey and Siddle are legends getting us back in the game. Lucky?? Sure but you have to make the most of your opportunities as well. Shout out to Watson too. Ponting might just get out of jail on this one.......

Test cricket is the real stuff, always will be. 20/20 is CRAP!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swordsman88

In a way this is further sign of the degradation of wicketkeeping as a specialist position. I realise most keepers are now employed as defacto middle order batsmen but FFS it IS a difficult job when you consider how many balls you are keeping each day and how split second some of the opportunities are. I think concentration is the problem mostly, but there are quite a few technical areas that alot of the current crop of keepers need to work on. And that includes Hadin for that matter...

Agreed. Adam Gilchrist has a lot to answer for, he was a freak!! Since then it seems the keeper is picked on batting as the main priority with teams hoping to find their own Gilly. This is a mistake, it should always be seen as a bonus if the keeper can bat up to the standard of the middle order.

**TUF_302** · 06-01-2010, 01:26 PM

Go Hussey and Siddle!, both of these guys are playing the way the rest of the team should!, i really think we have a chance of winning now, that pakistany keeper loves to drop em like there hot lol!

RG · 06-01-2010, 01:41 PM

NOOOOOOOO

Oh Siddle. A great performance and a great partnership and was only taken with a great delivery. I applaud you fine sir.

Here's hoping Bollinger can stick around for a while, even if he doesn't 174 is defendable.

EDIT: Oh Dougy you are truly a number 11 lol. You better make up for that with some good bowling!

Swordsman88 · 06-01-2010, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RG

NOOOOOOOO

Oh Siddle. A great performance and a great partnership and was only taken with a great delivery. I applaud you fine sir.

Here's hoping Bollinger can stick around for a while, even if he doesn't 174 is defendable.

EDIT: Oh Dougy you are truly a number 11 lol. You better make up for that with some good bowling!

Bit harsh on dougy no? It was a bit of a crazy dismissal with a ball that spun a very long way indeed..... Either way its up to the bowlers now.....at least hussey/siddle made a game of it....

RG · 06-01-2010, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swordsman88

Bit harsh on dougy no? It was a bit of a crazy dismissal with a ball that spun a very long way indeed..... Either way its up to the bowlers now.....at least hussey/siddle made a game of it....

Dougy is alright, there is a reason why he is a number 11 though. Poor bloke.

Pakistan have started their chase well, let's see how we go.

EDIT: He did make up for it. FARHAT gone!!!

RG · 06-01-2010, 02:47 PM

And Johnson strikes!!! Faisal Iqbal gone and Pakistan are now at 50/2!!

EDIT: AND HE STRIKES AGAIN!!!!! Salman Butt GONE 51/3

blueoval · 06-01-2010, 02:51 PM

isnt it 3 for 50 Russ?