2nd Test: Australia v New Zealand at Perth on Nov 13-17, 2015

[undertaker]

Looks like another "Victorian, Dutch, Victorian, Dutch, can't make up my mind what I am" is trying to get his name in the headlines.

In 50 overs they have a hell of a lot more a chance then we do, if they lose some early wickets they can just shut up shop but if they get off to a flier they have a good chance on this road of a wicket.

NZ nearly chased down 284 off 57 overs on a flat Gabba pitch back in 2001, falling 10 runs short (against McGrath/Lee/Gillespie/Warne). After toiling hard in the field, Australia will definitely not want to take the risk and give NZ a sniff and will be happy with a draw in this test, taking a 1-0 into the last test and retaining the trophy. Smith will be aware NZ have the batsmen that can score at a quick rate.

Unless NZ has a monumental batting collapse, there just simply isn't enough time and the WACA pitch isn't doing enough to force a win. If anything, as you said, an early declaration to try and win will play perfectly into batting teams' (NZ) hands, as was shown in that Gabba test match above and also at The Oval in 2013 when Michael Clarke thought he could declare early to try and win with only 40 overs left. And as I posted above, showers predicted from about 3pm onwards.

 

[Mr Angry]

MITCHELL Johnson has confirmed today is his last as an international cricketer.
One of Australia’s greatest ever fast bowlers has decided to walk away after contemplating retirement intensely for the past couple of months.
An emotional Johnson broke down in tears after day four, and last night told teammates of his decision in the dressing rooms, where players remained for more than two hours.
Long-term manager Sam Halvorsen also entered the Australian sheds after play and Johnson’s brother was on hand to watch yesterday’s action.
The strain of making the call on his future has clearly taken its toll on the 34-year-old over recent days, but he retires after 73 Tests as the country’s fourth highest Test wicket-taker with 311 scalps.
Johnson’s series-sweeping 37 wickets at an average of 13.97 in the Ashes series two summers ago will live large in Australian cricketing folklore forever.
“I feel now is the best time to say goodbye,” Johnson said.
“I have been lucky enough to have had a wonderful career and enjoyed every moment of playing for my country. It’s been an incredible ride.
“But the ride has to come to an end at some point and to do so here at the WACA is very special.
“I’ve given the decision a lot of thought. Beyond this match, I’m just not sure that I can continue competing consistently at the level required to wear the Baggy Green.”

Official

 

[undertaker]

Just saw that Johnson announcing his retirement after today.

A shame...would've liked to have seen him go out after the Adelaide test. Guess he's just had enough of bowling crap.

What's more important now is who is going to replace him. Pattinson?

 

[The Mad Hatter]

Probably get a job with the RTA as a pitch inspector.

 

[Mr Angry]

Patto for sure.

Johnson may well bowl terrific with the weight lifted (retirement) off his shoulders

 

[lockyno1]

Just saw that Johnson announcing his retirement after today.

A shame...would've liked to have seen him go out after the Adelaide test. Guess he's just had enough of bowling crap.

What's more important now is who is going to replace him. Pattinson?

Out of all the players Johnson has been extremely vocal about his displeasure about the Pink Ball Test. No surprise he doesn't want to be part of the gimmick style cricket.

 

[madunit]

Need a 300 to 350 run lead by lunch would be perfect

 

[lockyno1]

350 would be the minimum and even then I'd want 400 ideally.

 

[Bgoodorgoodatit]

Few periods of brilliance but ill mostly remember him for being a bit of mental midget who crumbled under pressure and for the most part of his career got way more credit than he deserved.

In saying that I hope he now comes out and destroys the kiwis after lunch!

Someone please tell me that Patto is fit?... if we have to have a Victorian I'd rather him than veggie man.

 

[lockyno1]

Few periods of brilliance but ill mostly remember him for being a bit of mental midget who crumbled under pressure and for the most part of his career got way more credit than he deserved.

In saying that I hope he now comes out and destroys the kiwis after lunch!

Someone please tell me that Patto is fit?... if we have to have a Victorian I'd rather him than veggie man.

Pattinson is fit but he was rested by CA last game, so my guess is he won't be considered for the Adelaide test at least. Has been varying reports of how Patto is bowling in the Shied match. Would need a bag today.

 

[undertaker]

Few periods of brilliance but ill mostly remember him for being a bit of mental midget who crumbled under pressure and for the most part of his career got way more credit than he deserved.

In saying that I hope he now comes out and destroys the kiwis after lunch!

Someone please tell me that Patto is fit?... if we have to have a Victorian I'd rather him than veggie man.

If Siddle and Shaun Marsh are the replacements for Johnson and Khawaja in the next test....:shock:

 

[lockyno1]

If Siddle and Shaun Marsh are the replacements for Johnson and Khawaja in the next test....:shock:

Please don't give me a nightmare of Darsh again...:crazy:

 

[hineyrulz]

It was time for him to go, never been his biggest fan.

Was amazing in patches and bog average in others.


But i will always thank him for the 2013/4 ashes series demolition, never a seen a team so humiliated thanks to one person.

 

[Bgoodorgoodatit]

If Siddle and Shaun Marsh are the replacements for Johnson and Khawaja in the next test....:shock:

Yeah that's the stuff of nightmares.. hopefully they stick with the unofficial youth policy and give a few other youngsters a go.

Bancroft being the obvious replacement for Uzzie. Patto for Johnson makes sense.. bowls alright for a Victorian. if he's still not right who else do we have? considering cummins is down for the count again.

 

[lockyno1]

I would be shocked if Pattinson is picked, he just isn't ready (100% fit) yet. Jackson Bird could be a chance. Got wickets in the first innings against NSW after being good last game. He is more of a chance than Pattinson I feel.

 

[hineyrulz]

Shittle and Darsh will be picked for the next test nothing surer

 

[jargan83]

A result on this pitch would be to the worst thing for Cricket.

As for Johnson's retirement I have to say he was mediocre with occasional brilliant patches. Will always be remembered for his destruction of the England line up in 2013/14.

 

[Iafeta]

Amazing how some find this to be such an issue. Isn't it the norm through all levels of sport the world over to play hard, fair and congratulate an opponent post match? If one feels like doing so during the game, fine, but there's certainly no obligation to do so nor should anyone's sportsmanship be judged on it.

I've never understood the point scoring obsession of the spirit of cricket brigade with who shook who's hand/who slapped who's arse and when, who's the nicest fellas on the field, or who gets the least excited when they do something they're supposed to get excited about.

It's Test Match cricket FFS, not backyard croquet. They're grown men playing in a professional match. Most of them are probably decent mates as well and do more than their fair share of congratulating when appropriate and probably out of our view, not necessarily during a change of bloody innings.

Agree. To me it's like playing in the NBA. Say a KD or a Melo or LBJ put 30 points in the first half, you don't rush up to shake hands at half time. You head to the locker room to work out how to get back in the game. The kiwis for some reason are trying to be the darlings of world cricket but IMO it was only fitting for the loss of Phil Hughes, the rest is OTT.

 

[Pete Cash]

A result on this pitch would be to the worst thing for Cricket.

As for Johnson's retirement I have to say he was mediocre with occasional brilliant patches. Will always be remembered for his destruction of the England line up in 2013/14.

He has 300 wickets with a decent average and an amazing strike rate. Thats not mediocre.

 

[TheParraboy]

I would be shocked if Pattinson is picked, he just isn't ready (100% fit) yet. Jackson Bird could be a chance. Got wickets in the first innings against NSW after being good last game. He is more of a chance than Pattinson I feel.

What about Behrendorff?