1st Test :: AUS defeated RSA by 162 runs @ Wanderers Stadium :: Feb 26-Mar 2

[Jobdog]

South Africa Squad:
Graeme Smith (c), Mark Boucher (vc), Hashim Amla, AB DeVilliers, JP Duminy, Paul Harris, Jacques Kallis, Neil McKenzie, Morne Morkel, Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe

12th Man TBA​

Australia Squad:
Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke (vc), Doug Bollinger, Nathan Hauritz, Brad Haddin, Ben Hilfenhaus, Phillip Hughes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Andrew McDonald, Bryce McGain, Marcus North, Peter Siddle

12th Man TBA​

For all discussion on the return 3-test series against the Saffas. How about we beat them this time

Thoughts on the starting XI etc

 

[Bazal]

Phil Hughes
Simon Katich
Ricky Ponting
Michael Clarke
Michael Hussey
Marcus North
Brad Haddin
Mitchell Johnson
Peter Siddle
Bryce McGain (until he does a hip)
Doug Bollinger

SA 3-0

 

[Twizzle]

god I hope we dont play our "all rounder"

we need a real batsman at 6

 

[Matt23]

Phil Hughes
Simon Katich
Ricky Ponting
Michael Clarke
Michael Hussey
Marcus North
Brad Haddin
Mitchell Johnson
Peter Siddle
Ben Hilfenhaus
Doug Bollinger

 

[Timmah]

Phil Hughes
Simon Katich
Ricky Ponting
Michael Clarke
Michael Hussey
Marcus North
Brad Haddin
Mitchell Johnson
Peter Siddle
Ben Hilfenhaus
Doug Bollinger

Looks bang on IMO.

 

[aussies1st]

Phil Hughes
Simon Katich
Ricky Ponting
Michael Clarke
Michael Hussey
Marcus North
Brad Haddin
Mitchell Johnson
Peter Siddle
Ben Hilfenhaus
Doug Bollinger

This article http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25079141-23212,00.html suggests that could well be the side.

 

[Twizzle]

needs McGain in there

 

[Biglance]

I think Australia will play a spinner. I mean i see a point to 4 fast men with North and Clarke mixing it up and i would lean that way too. But they took 2 spinners, cant see the logic in that in the first place so they must be planning on playing one no matter what. I also think Bollinger will beat Hilfenhaus to the spot.

Interesting to see Hauritz never played in that warm up match. Can take that two ways they are comfortable with him just coming and doing the job when required for Australia or he has no chance at all at playing in the series unless injuries hit.

I hope to say 2-1 Australia but ill be a diplomat and say 1-1 with a rain affected game.

 

[Biglance]

Phil Hughes
Simon Katich
Ricky Ponting
Michael Clarke
Michael Hussey
Marcus North
Brad Haddin
Mitchell Johnson
Peter Siddle
Ben Hilfenhaus
Doug Bollinger

The most concerning thing as well for that side and even with mcgain coming into it possibly that could be Australias worst tail? Certainly weak compared to past years with 8. Warne 9. Lee. 10. Gillespie 11. MCGrath

Is it a case of 7 out all out?

 

[Tonearm Terrorwrist]

siddle proved he could bat in the home series this season

 

[lockyno1]

He still bats 11 for Victoria

 

[aussies1st]

If Hilfenhaus gets a go he is also handy with the bat. And funny enough McGain has a OD 50 to his name which not even Johnson has. But it shouldn't be up to them to score runs.

 

[Dutchy]

Thats about 8 spots too low in the Prictoria team

 

[Tonearm Terrorwrist]

He still bats 11 for Victoria

test average of 15 so far and a first class just a tick under it, he can handle himself

 

[JJ]

Johnson and Siddle look good lower order bats, the real question is not whether they chip in with the bat, but whether they (and the rest of the attack) can take wickets

 

[lockyno1]

True, it is one of the reason Bollinger should be dumped. He is worse than Bruce Reid as a batsman, and is hopeless in the field. I feel much more confident with McGain at 9, siddle at 10, and Hilfenhaus at 11.

 

[Matt23]

True, it is one of the reason Bollinger should be dumped. He is worse than Bruce Reid as a batsman, and is hopeless in the field. I feel much more confident with McGain at 9, siddle at 10, and Hilfenhaus at 11.

F*ck up, Locky, that's one of your worst ever.

 

[Twizzle]

True, it is one of the reason Bollinger should be dumped. He is worse than Bruce Reid as a batsman, and is hopeless in the field. I feel much more confident with McGain at 9, siddle at 10, and Hilfenhaus at 11.

since when do we pick bowlers on their batting ability ?

 

[Bazal]

True, it is one of the reason Bollinger should be dumped. He is worse than Bruce Reid as a batsman, and is hopeless in the field. I feel much more confident with McGain at 9, siddle at 10, and Hilfenhaus at 11.

f**k up you dribbler...Bollinger and Hilfy have practically the same FC batting average, both can hang around and both can chip in a good 10-15 every now and again. Not to mention why the hell would you pick a bowler based on his batting ability? And why would you play a spinner on a ground that traditionally spinners don't bowl? Harris bowled 7 overs for the entire match last test at the Wanderers...why waste a spot on McGain simply because he's a marginally better tail ender? Utterly ludicrous

 

[hineyrulz]

LOL @ Locky again........