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

[Twizzle]

Six is definitely Head's spot

agree

see ball hit ball, he basically has no footwork, plays everything from the crease, so you cant really bat him much higher especially with a new ball moving around a bit

he will make runs in Oz but India and England not so much

 

[typicalfan]

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?

Carey's batting is ok but not sure if his keeping is up to it. He has 2 fc hundreds this summer. I don't think playing him as a specialist batsman would help his own development.

 

[Bazal]

agree

see ball hit ball, he basically has no footwork so you cant really bat him much higher especially with a new ball moving around a bit

he will make runs in Oz but India and England not so much

I think his footwork is improving too. And his hands, he seems happier to let the bat do the work and hasn't slashed as hard as often in recent innings. Especially this one, he's worked the ball very nicely. He does still have those dumb shots in his game, but I also like a guy at six who does want to get on with it at times too

I think his detractors forget that he's still only 25, and only played 16 tests. He's improved as a player since his test debut. Not many players in recent times with a Test average higher than their FC average for Australia, and his is a good 5 runs better at the moment.

 

[Twizzle]

has Santner even been called for chucking ?

 

[shiznit]

If Wagner was 10-15kms quicker he would deadset kill someone...

It astounds me considering how f**king slow he is his short stuff really bothers batsman.

they reckon his height mixed with his action cause the ball to come up on a steeper angle as opposed to regular bowlers.

 

[JJ]

Carey's batting is ok but not sure if his keeping is up to it. He has 2 fc hundreds this summer. I don't think playing him as a specialist batsman would help his own development.

Warne is talking like he’s a generational talent

 

[Bazal]

If Wagner was 10-15kms quicker he would deadset kill someone...

It astounds me considering how f**king slow he is his short stuff really bothers batsman.

they reckon his height mixed with his action cause the ball to come up on a steeper angle as opposed to regular bowlers.

He's strong, so he hurries you I reckon. And he's f**king fit.

Batsmen might not mind the odd short ball, but nobody on earth likes short stuff for 15 overs.

 

[The Mad Hatter]

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

It's been great cricket all round.

 

[JJ]

has Santner even been called for chucking ?

Why would he???

Kind of wish he would, then we could actually pick a spinner

 

[The Mad Hatter]

I'm loving having NZ here. Brisbane Sydney Melbourne next time. Good crowds, plenty banter, this could be the beginning of something rivaling the Aust NZ rivalries in other sports like RL, RU, netball and AFL.

 

[8Ball]

These are some real pies from Santner

 

[mave]

Enjoyable session.

 

[The Mad Hatter]

These are some real pies from Santner

Four n Santner

 

[Bazal]

Good stuff from Head and Paine. 50 run stand at around 4 an over, good job so far.

 

[typicalfan]

Warne is talking like he’s a generational talent

He was good in the world cup.

 

[The Mad Hatter]

Good little innings from Paine here. Nice little partnership too.

 

[JJ]

FMD Patel should be there. Santner continues to get picked on potential that one day he might become an average bowler

 

[The Mad Hatter]

I want to hate on Wagner...but what a motor.

 

[typicalfan]

Going great, Aussie tail can wag too especially with Starc at 10.

 

[AlwaysGreen]

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.

No, it's about the second part, if the selectors are going to play five bowlers at some point or that Marsh merkin than it should be Wade that makes way, not head. The way to do that is to consolidate his position by scoring hundreds now and then and not get out in the fifties or forties wafting outside off stump.