2nd Test: Australia v NZ at MCG, Dec 26-30 2019

[The Mad Hatter]

Where is Alex Carey scoring these mythic runs?

 

[AlwaysGreen]

I've said it pretty much every innings since 1962, but Head needs to go on here and score a hundred. Anything less is just wanking.

 

[JJ]

Why would Paine be under pressure? And Wade not lol

 

[Bazal]

As much as I love the lad, looks like Smithy was the handbrake out there this morning. Paine and Head are only just getting going but it's a decent clip so far. Looking for a lot more singles and running harder

 

[The Mad Hatter]

I've said it pretty much every innings since 1962, but Head needs to go on here and score a hundred. Anything less is just wanking.

Australia needs a Head job then?

 

[mave]

Not sure why there is a worry about the run rate, plenty of time left and runs are needed. Australia haven't been taken to the fifth day at all this summer yet.

The Renshaw effect

 

[Bazal]

Why would Paine be under pressure? And Wade not lol

Just look at some of the flea-brained comments on here about his leadership mate...half the miserable merkins would drop him every time he makes a field or bowling change. It seems like what he's been thrown into as captain (and what he's dragged this side out of) is lost on many.

A bloke who bats seven, is a good to very good keeper, and captains...and still averages 30 odd in a largely winning side? No issues for mine

 

[mave]

I remember Damiem Martyn kept on getting caught at point and in the gully, but he also scored a gazillion runs through point and gully.

 

[typicalfan]

As much as I love the lad, looks like Smithy was the handbrake out there this morning. Paine and Head are only just getting going but it's a decent clip so far. Looking for a lot more singles and running harder

Yeah but Smith is the main reason we are in front in the game. I wouldn't call that a handbrake.

 

[Bazal]

I've said it pretty much every innings since 1962, but Head needs to go on here and score a hundred. Anything less is just wanking.

Meh. If your six is consistently scoring 50s, but you're still not getting that 400-plus, then he's not the one who's not doing his job right.

Love him to get a hundred just to cement his spot and give himself a nice boost, but if he's getting fifties on the regular you're happy.

 

[Bazal]

Yeah but Smith is the main reason we are in front in the game. I wouldn't call that a handbrake.

Oh I really just meant in terms of the rate this morning. I'm not worried about it. More just an observation on where he's at this summer and how hard he had to scrap this morning.

 

[JJ]

Just look at some of the flea-brained comments on here about his leadership mate...half the miserable merkins would drop him every time he makes a field or bowling change. It seems like what he's been thrown into as captain (and what he's dragged this side out of) is lost on many.

A bloke who bats seven, is a good to very good keeper, and captains...and still averages 30 odd in a largely winning side? No issues for mine

Smith nailed it, he’s a fine leader and a good keeper. Paine should be celebrated for what he’s achieved

If a change is needed and Carey is the second coming of Gilchrist then he can replace Wade surely?

 

[Bazal]

Smith nailed it, he’s a fine leader and a good keeper. Paine should be celebrated for what he’s achieved

If a change is needed and Carey is the second coming of Gilchrist then he can replace Wade surely?

The Carey-Gilly comparison is baffling lol....Carey averages no more than Paine at first class level, really.

 

[The Mad Hatter]

As much as I love the lad, looks like Smithy was the handbrake out there this morning. Paine and Head are only just getting going but it's a decent clip so far. Looking for a lot more singles and running harder

Smith batted 242 balls. Did the grind, absorbed pressure for team. He's the one they hunt. Top scored on 85. I think it was a good innings.

 

[Front-Rower]

I remember Damiem Martyn kept on getting caught at point and in the gully, but he also scored a gazillion runs through point and gully.

Stephen Fleming and his kiwi’s worked him out pretty quickly

 

[JJ]

Smith batted 242 balls. Did the grind, absorbed pressure for team. He's the one they hunt. Top scored on 85. I think it was a good innings.

It showed why he’s the best there is... we bowled pretty f**king well to him and still he found a way

 

[_snafu_]

Smith batted 242 balls. Did the grind, absorbed pressure for team. He's the one they hunt. Top scored on 85. I think it was a good innings.

steve pujara

 

[mave]

Stephen Fleming and his kiwi’s worked him out pretty quickly

True enough.
The point being if you have the shot then I would encourage you to take it on a little bit more.
Wagner was literally dictating terms without any danger to the score, or his figures.

 

[Bazal]

Six is definitely Head's spot. Does have a dumb shot in him so you don't want to rely on him up the order, but he can play in a few different gears and he's good at building partnerships.

Need to find a proper five now...

 

[Twizzle]

dont mind Head, but who doesn't ?