1st Test: Australia v West Indies @ Adelaide Oval Jan 17-19, 2024

[bazza]

I would pick Bancroft, leading run scorer for the Shield but he doesnt seem to be favored, instead theyre looking at Smith and Green.

pick Bancroft against someone like South Africa so he can fail and never get selected again

 

[AlwaysGreen]

Lol, Jordan Silk? I love your work KG94 but I'd be bringing Graeme Wood out of retirement before mekaneck.

 

[PARRA_FAN]

pick Bancroft against someone like South Africa so he can fail and never get selected again

Against their B side?

 

[JJ]

Tbh I'd say it's more obvious that we need to pick an actual opener

I like Renshaw… the others not so much…. But plenty of middle order players have done well, Langer, Watson, Katich, Richardson, Latham etc… and Hussey went the other way.
Will be an interesting call, lots of drums beating for Smith…. Def not what I’d do

 

[AlwaysGreen]

This is why I wouldn't pick Smith. For the last 2 years he's been playing like he's trying to reach some sort of batting nirvana rather than score runs. Putting him at opener just encourages his experimentation phase.

 

[simmo1]

I like Renshaw… the others not so much…. But plenty of middle order players have done well, Langer, Watson, Latich, Richardson, Latham etc… and Hussey went the other way.
Will be an interesting call, lots of drums beating for Smith…. Def not what I’d do

Also Khawaja who has been fantastic at opener after starting as middle order bat. Plenty of examples to show it doesn't have to be a specialist.

 

[Twizzle]

Smudge's technique is all over the place, doesn't suit opener for mine.

Labs has a sound technique, he'd be a better option I reckon

 

[JJ]

Also Khawaja who has been fantastic at opener after starting as middle order bat. Plenty of examples to show it doesn't have to be a specialist.

Forgot him, lol he’s been very good

 

[Fangs]

https://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/cameron-bancroft-overlooked-for-australian-test-squad-for-west-indies-series/news-story/61865f0d2d348c3d34bc11d53abb9ddf

No surprising news. Bancroft left out.

 

[Pippen94]

Burn me with JL I still want Labs.

The 3 batting position has a phallic nature to it in Australian cricket. Give it back to Smith and his super powers will return.

Selectors won't due to the 4 spot. Extra pressure for Head. And they would be reluctant to move Marsh up after finally finding his feet at this level.

Bet the selectors are also frothing over getting left/right hand at the top of the order. Probably why Green is seen as an option. But too early IMO. Are we going to chuck him if he fails in 2 tests? I'd rather pick one of the other 3 opening options as option B at this point.

Ignoring the weird sexual analogy; Smith is done as top test batsman. Should be moving down order instead.

 

[Pippen94]

I just hope Harris is not in the equation.

View attachment 83105

Ppl are anti Harris because he's Warner's preference & tall poppy syndrome extends to one's opinion too, but Harris is quickest fc scorer among candidates. Warner's strike rate is what Aussies will miss most ..

 

[Fangs]

Ignoring the weird sexual analogy; Smith is done as top test batsman. Should be moving down order instead.

You can't ignore Bradman, Chappell and Ponting. They went all the way.

I'll remember you said that.

 

[Pippen94]

SMITH'S AVERAGES WHEN ARRIVING AFTER...
1-2 overs: 6 innings; 3x100s; 1x50; 531 runs @ 106.2
3-5 overs: 18 innings; 2x100s; 4x50; 726 runs @ 42.7
6-10 overs: 23 innings; 4x100s; 7x50s; 1452 runs @ 66

0-5 overs: 24 inns; 5x100s; 5x50s; 1257 @ 57.13
0-10 overs: 47 inns; 9x100s; 12x50s; 2709 runs @ 61.56

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/cricket/australia-v-west-indies-who-will-replace-david-warner-the-stats-that-say-steve-smiths-the-man/news-story/c28b6b0c405f87e3f2ab584c43d41b62

If Smith opens against weak west indies team he'll do well, but going forward will struggle against quality opponents.

 

[Pippen94]

You can't ignore Bradman, Chappell and Ponting. They went all the way.

I'll remember you said that.

Yeah I remember ponting's last year's..

 

[_snafu_]

Ppl are anti Harris because he's Warner's preference & tall poppy syndrome extends to one's opinion too, but Harris is quickest fc scorer among candidates. Warner's strike rate is what Aussies will miss most ..

I’m anti Harris because he is shit at Test level.

 

[Fangs]

Yeah I remember ponting's last year's..

Moving him down the order is going off early.

It's not Ponting mk2 just yet. It also just creates another problem at the top of the order.

 

[King-Gutho94]

Ppl are anti Harris because he's Warner's preference & tall poppy syndrome extends to one's opinion too, but Harris is quickest fc scorer among candidates. Warner's strike rate is what Aussies will miss most ..

Its not Anti-Harris its just facts he isnt up to it.

He has played 14 tests and averages 25 with just 3 fifties from 26 innings.

Has he ever looked like an imposing opener that will dominate attacks.

Throw in the fact he is a shit fieldsman what else does he offer.

 

[Pippen94]

Its not Anti-Harris its just facts he isnt up to it.

He has played 14 tests and averages 25 with just 3 fifties from 26 innings.

Has he ever looked like an imposing opener that will dominate attacks.

Throw in the fact he is a shit fieldsman what else does he offer.


View attachment 83159

Hayden averaged 21 after 14 tests. Langer about 20 after 13.
Still early days..

 

[Bazal]

I was wrong. @Pippen94 isn't as dumb as AntiLag


He's comfortably dumber

 

[mozza91]

Rates Marcus Harris but doesn’t rate Steve Smith. One of your best Hoops.