1st Test: Sri Lanka v Australia @ Galle Jan 29 - Feb 2, 2025

[TheParraboy]

Cant get enough of test cricket

We are in the WTC Final, so no pressure in this two test series , both tests at Galle stadium

The Warne=Muralitharan Trophy

330pm kick off on Wednesday 29/1

Probably not too many surprises with the squad
Add a couple of spinners
plus Inglis, Haze if they are fit??

 

[Bazal]

I didn't realise this was so soon tbh. Thought it was end Feb for some reason

Anyway I know this forum feel the same for the most part and I absolutely know CA won't think this way...but with the WTC locked in and then the Ashes and a fading side age wise, I'd be using the SL and WI tours to look at some possible future players. For SL I'd go something like

Konstas
Renshaw
McSweeney
Smith
Head (c)
Webster
Inglis
O'Neill
Lyon
Murphy
Hazelwood

Jhyhyheyhye Richardson if fit/Abbott
Patterson
Kuhnemann (just cos he went last time and did well)
Hunt or a backup keeper.

Labs, Starc rested. Uzi thinking about his future. Cummins has been confirmed staying home I think.

 

[TheParraboy]

I didn't realise this was so soon tbh. Thought it was end Feb for some reason

Anyway I know this forum feel the same for the most part and I absolutely know CA won't think this way...but with the WTC locked in and then the Ashes and a fading side age wise, I'd be using the SL and WI tours to look at some possible future players. For SL I'd go something like

Konstas
Renshaw
McSweeney
Smith
Head (c)
Webster
Inglis
O'Neill
Lyon
Murphy
Hazelwood

Jhyhyheyhye Richardson if fit/Abbott
Patterson
Kuhnemann (just cos he went last time and did well)
Hunt or a backup keeper.

Labs, Starc rested. Uzi thinking about his future. Cummins has been confirmed staying home I think.

Champions trophy end of Feb brah…

 

[Fangs]

Haze and Marsh out. We've got capable replacements, in some cases just flat out better options.

Hazelwood plays the WTC, some of the Ashes tests and that will be it for him. He gets the James Anderson treatment.

Marsh isn't even our best back up with Webster here now. It's an obvious opportunity to bring youth into the team so pick a different all rounder if Green isn't fit.

I'd take Usman because unlike the two above we don't have obvious choices. Outside of moving Labs or Head to opener and the rest up the order.

We've got plenty of other bowling options. Batting will be a bit trickier.

 

[JJ]

Lucky bastards having tests…

 

[Bazal]

Hazlewood gets a royal dais back in when fit lol. His bowling average for 2024 was 13 at a SR of 32, both the best of his entire career.

I'd rest Starc myself, he was clearly not fit this test and he's a white ball GOAT for the Champs Trophy.

 

[Marshall_magic]

Would bring Murphy & Haze in for Starc and Cummins. Let our top order spend time in the middle and also get Murphy read to replace Lyon

 

[AlwaysGreen]

What about da big show? He was crying that he wasn't considered for test cricket despite not playing shield for 57 years.

You could mike him up, imagine the entertainment!

 

[AlwaysGreen]

Old mate Hanscombe is apparently being geared up for the tour. Not sure to play cricket or as a bogan desecrating the temples.

 

[Bazal]

Old mate Hanscombe is apparently being geared up for the tour. Not sure to play cricket or as a bogan desecrating the temples.

Lol a CA special that is.

I mean I don't mind old Handsome Pete. He's a good cricketer, plays spin well, can keep wickets if you're not carrying a dedicated reserve keeper...but he's not exactly the future

 

[Chins get the wins]

I was fine with Konstas getting funky against Bumrah but today's effort was putrid. Unfortunately we simply don't have any other opening options so he gets this tour to bat somewhat properly. A 15 year career is right there if he wants it.

 

[Bazal]

I was fine with Konstas getting funky against Bumrah but today's effort was putrid. Unfortunately we simply don't have any other opening options so he gets this tour to bat somewhat properly. A 15 year career is right there if he wants it.

Although he'll probably belt whatever random medium pacers Sri Lanka are rolling out as opening bowlers these days

 

[AlwaysGreen]

I can't see him playing that way again.

He's either been given a licence to play crazy this series or he'll settle down.

 

[blue bags]

We need our hero in the team
The people's champion

 

[King-Gutho94]

I hate 2 test series.

Play 3 or don't bother seriously.

ICC need to man up and regulate all test series are 3 test series.

 

[Fangs]

I hate 2 test series.

Play 3 or don't bother seriously.

ICC need to man up and regulate all test series are 3 test series.

WI tour will be 3 matches at least.

No doubt a response to their upset win last summer.

 

[TheParraboy]

I can't see him playing that way again.

He's either been given a licence to play crazy this series or he'll settle down.

Playing this way didnt get him in the test team. Definitely got the go ahead to be annoying and put Bumrah off in particular

Ive seen him bat live, he is technically quite good, puts away the poor delivery, great eye

 

[Twizzle]

Hazelwood plays the WTC, some of the Ashes tests and that will be it for him. He gets the James Anderson treatment.

Haze is 33, Boland is 36. Boland will retire before Haze does you would think.

 

[Fangs]

Haze is 33, Boland is 36. Boland will retire before Haze does you would think.

Potentially. Haze is the one breaking down though.

He'd be great in SL but we have qualified for the WTC already. Save him for the WTC and the Ashes. And even the Champions trophy if we really see that as an important tournament for us.

 

[Twizzle]

Potentially. Haze is the one breaking down though.

He'd be great in SL but we have qualified for the WTC already. Save him for the WTC and the Ashes. And even the Champions trophy if we really see that as an important tournament for us.

if he's 100% fit I think they'll pick him in SL, Paddy not going