1st Test: South Africa v Australia at Centurion Feb 12-16, 2014

[Timbo]

The problem is we can get some spin out of our top 6 but South African decks are more about pace. You need someone who can bowl seam up, even if it's just in the style of Jesse Ryder or Jonathan Trott - we don't even have that in our top 6.

I am hoping and praying after a final pitch inspection Henriques is named ahead of Marsh.

 

[lockyno1]

Timbo, I think Marsh bowls seam up, no more than Hussey though!

 

[hineyrulz]

Bring back Ronny Mac!!!!!

 

[Dutchy]

The problem is we can get some spin out of our top 6 but South African decks are more about pace. You need someone who can bowl seam up, even if it's just in the style of Jesse Ryder or Jonathan Trott - we don't even have that in our top 6.

I am hoping and praying after a final pitch inspection Henriques is named ahead of Marsh.

Timbo, I think Marsh bowls seam up, no more than Hussey though!

Bring in scissor hands! Qual bowler ha

 

[lockyno1]

Really?

A rookie & a failed test batsmen at 3&4 is a recipe for being 3 for f*ck all against the south African bowling line up.

Yes. I'd rather pick Clarke in a position he averages 80 odd! Marsh and Doolan are okay numbers 3 and 4. Realistically they will have a bat off to see who bats 3 in the next test when Watson returns.

 

[JJ]

Yes. I'd rather pick Clarke in a position he averages 80 odd! Marsh and Doolan are okay numbers 3 and 4. Realistically they will have a bat off to see who bats 3 in the next test when Watson returns.

meaningless stat, what's more important is the context in which he goes in, number of overs, score, wicket etc...

Maybe you should stretch your silly argument further and suggest he only bats in Australia, because he averages 60 there...

Clarke should bat 4... he's not IMO a number 3, and 5 is too low. you don't line up a bunch of inexperienced and/or not terribly talented bats for Steyn and Philander... Will be interesting, a lot will depend on Clarke, I expect early wickets and quality pace bowling for both sides... just the Effrickans have established class in the top order, Smith, your nemesis from Adelaide and Duminy are all class, and Amla and de Villiers (with Sangakarra) are simply the best bats in international cricket

 

[herbert henry1908]

Yes. I'd rather pick Clarke in a position he averages 80 odd! Marsh and Doolan are okay numbers 3 and 4. Realistically they will have a bat off to see who bats 3 in the next test when Watson returns.

The positional average argument is classic failed logic.

He hit a purple patch ( likely the best of his career) when he played there.

He didn't hit the purple patch because he played there.

 

[herbert henry1908]

Cairns also > Flintoff FWIW

But yes, you .

Pretty even for mine.

Although I also forgot Pollock who probably trumps them & sits behind kallis.

 

[umina panther]

Yeah to move Clarke from 4 would be ridiculous

 

[herbert henry1908]

Doolan playing. Has received his baggy green.

 

[Horrie Is God]

Craddock is right about Darsh being shit scared when he bats in Australian test matches..

 

[hineyrulz]

Funny thing is Darsh for a WA player doesn't bat well on fast bouncy wickets, a lot of his form is on the low slower wickets. But he gets selected because he is from WA lol.

 

[Twizzle]

Clarkie should be putting his hand up and bat at 3 and let the newbies come in when the shine is off the ball.

Looks to me like we are trying to protect Clarkie a bit, dont like him batting at 5 with sacrificial lambs at 3 and 4.

 

[Twizzle]

Funny thing is Darsh for a WA player doesn't bat well on fast bouncy wickets, a lot of his form is on the low slower wickets. But he gets selected because he is from WA lol.

you dont think our resident space cadet has something to do with this, he's good mates with Boof

After all it was a brilliant move to bring in Agar and bat him at 11, apparently he bowls a few offies as well

 

[Timbo]

I think Cairns was more consistent over time, but Flintoff more likely to win you a game with a one off performance.

Anyway the die is cast. Dear god I hope we pick the right team.

 

[Helmet Man]

Good move bringing Doolan in. If he puts up some performances the we can say see ya later to Watson. But i'm not too confident in him performing simply because of the situation. It's his test debut and he will be facing the likes of Steyn, Morkel, Philander. The guy is going to be nervous as hell that's for sure.

 

[jargan83]

South Africa win the toss and choose to bowl

 

[Twizzle]

we're in the deep end

 

[hineyrulz]

We lose the toss and are batting.

Even worse that f**king jizzMop Nickelarse is over there :x

 

[Timbo]

No all-rounder, insanity in my view.

25 minutes and we find out if it was a good call.