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

[bazza]

Assume team for first test will be

Khwaja
Konstas
Labs
Smith
Head
Webster
Carey
Starc
Lyon
Murphy
Boland

In second test swap one of the pacers out for Abbott and maybe one of the spinners/bats depending on how they go

 

[Twizzle]

This is the first time I think I've ever said this, I like what the selectors have done.

It's good to see Webster back in, where he hopefully gets another chance. Connoly is obviously one for the future. He probably won't play, but it will be a good experience for him with lots of net bowling and coaching.

f**k the toy man, what would be the point of picking him at this stage of his career, he won't play test cricket again, these tours are for the likes of Connoly et al.

 

[bazza]

Fast stocks are light. Either Abbott will be playing some cricket or we will rely on Webster to throw down a lot of overs.

assuming both are 100% start with Starc and Boland in first test. In second test swap in Abbott for whoever is injured or Starc if resting for the Champions Trophy

 

[bazza]

also seems a big squad for 2 tests and no warm up games

 

[Bazal]

also seems a big squad for 2 tests and no warm up games

Probs cos they're not 100% sure what the deck will be like, especially with 2 games on it or the square

Could easily be a bit of a road first up and then a bunsen second. Galle usually turns so the second test pitch could be pretty dire, or they could roll out a really flat deck to last longer.

 

[mozza91]

Team unity and morale to be at an all time low:

 

[Chins get the wins]

Missed out:

Handscomb
Maxwell
Marsh
Agar

All over 30 and in line to play champions trophy. Some of them are 3rd or 4th choice back ups for spots in the test team so I'm happy we have moved on. The ejection of Marsh is the most obvious choice. He is behind Webster and Green and at his age should just focus on white ball cricket and making money in t20 competitions.

I'm happy Jhye Richardson wasn't selected either. Big fan but he just hasn't played enough cricket.

I'm most interested in the make up of the batting lineup. I don't think Konstas is a lock. McSweeney or Inglis might find a way into the team. Should be a good series considering we are missing two of our best bowlers.

I'm happy we didn't go back to Handscomb. Hes ok but we need new blood

 

[King-Gutho94]

Should end any hope of Adam Zampa thankfully never wearing the Baggy Green

 

[JJ]

Was there any serious consideration to leaving Lyon out?

 

[Fangs]

Was there any serious consideration to leaving Lyon out?

I highly doubt it.

Already two bowlers short. And while we are preferencing youth we also want to try and win the series. Need to strike the balance (And the bald of course).

 

[JJ]

I highly doubt it.

Already two bowlers short. And while we are preferencing youth we also want to try and win the series. Need to strike the balance (And the bald of course).

Yep, bunch of younger bats, but only one likely to play… will be interesting, Sri Lanka are strong at home

 

[Marshall_magic]

Was there any serious consideration to leaving Lyon out?

Will more than likely be using tours like this to play two spinners and blood in a replacement.

That said I get the sense that Cummins will be like Ponting with spinners (post Warne/Magill) and rarely back them.

 

[TheParraboy]

,

Probs cos they're not 100% sure what the deck will be like, especially with 2 games on it or the square

Could easily be a bit of a road first up and then a bunsen second. Galle usually turns so the second test pitch could be pretty dire, or they could roll out a really flat deck to last longer.

This day and age with concussion subs , you always go for 1-2 players extra in a squad..

 

[TheParraboy]

,


This day and age with concussion subs , you always go for 1-2 players extra in a squad..

In addition to this, we play a sole ODI v SL after the 2nd test

Head
Konstas
Marnus
Smith
Connolly
Inglis
Webster
Abbott
Murphy/Kuhnemann
Starc
Boland/Kuhnermann

 

[Chins get the wins]

In addition to this, we play a sole ODI v SL after the 2nd test

Head
Konstas
Marnus
Smith
Connolly
Inglis
Webster
Abbott
Murphy/Kuhnemann
Starc
Boland/Kuhnermann

Boland in a one day game on those pitches.......he could go for 120 off his 10 overs

 

[Twizzle]

Was there any serious consideration to leaving Lyon out?

sadly I doubt it very much, they will just point to his record and say he deserves to be picked on past form, despite doing f**k all against India and only bowled 6 overs at the SCG

 

[King-Gutho94]

Was there any serious consideration to leaving Lyon out?

Lyon will stay until he retires.

I don't think the selectors will ever have confidence to drop him for another spinner.

 

[SirPies&Beers]

spin is a bit lean again thats why lyon sticks around.

not as bad as the michael beer, byrce mcgain, jon holland, jason krejza, xavier doherty, beau casson, dan cullen days but pretty close

 

[King-Gutho94]

spin is a bit lean again thats why lyon sticks around.

not as bad as the michael beer, byrce mcgain, jon holland, jason krejza, xavier doherty, beau casson, dan cullen days but pretty close

Our Shield wickets are suited to pace bowlers atm and have for a few years.

Spin bowlers have nothing to work with and captains i dont think know how to captain to spinners.

 

[Twizzle]

Our Shield wickets are suited to pace bowlers atm and have for a few years.

Spin bowlers have nothing to work with and captains i dont think know how to captain to spinners.

This is true, together with the fact that the SCG historically was a spinner pitch so SS teams had to come to Sydney with a spinner or two in thier armoury

Lyon just bowled 6 overs in a test match at the SCG becuse the quicks cleaned up on a minefield

Where is the incentive for teams to develop and pick spin bowlers at first class level in this country ?