3rd Test: Australia v India at Perth Jan 13-17, 2012

[Meth]

They were the no.2 ranked test country before this and we'd just been beaten by the lowly Kiwis. It looked like they were going to flog us but as you say they didn't turn up. It's a shame but I'm enjoying this, the first test was fantastic and I enjoyed the second.

Yeah, great for the morale of the Aussie team if nothing else.

 

[Meth]

Yeah, great for the morale of the Aussie team if nothing else.

Part of the reason I'm looking forward to Zimbabwe...though we will probably get crushed by the Saffas, all things being even.

 

[Chip Bayless]

A busy day. A morning surf, meetings and long lunch but now back for the cricket. Who has been the pick of the bowlers? Looking at the score card and bowling stats, it would appear that we don't have a bad bowler out there. With that said, I don't like to rely solely on the black and white of the stat sheet. It can be a little misleading.

I caught a glimpse of the wicket - outstanding! All our bowlers will do well here as most said pre-game.

 

[Meth]

Who has been the pick of the bowlers?

Hilfenhaus

 

[Chip Bayless]

Thanks Meth. Ryan Harris looks to have gone ok. Just saw a highlights package, looks to be considered a little unlucky by some in the commentary box - fair comment?

 

[Red&BlackBear]

Wow that 2nd ball from Starc was unplayable. Hilfy bowling great, Sidds getting a wicket while his run rate is all over the joint. Harris hasn't missed a beat.

 

[Chip Bayless]

Thanks Red Bear. Nice first over there from Starc. Those cracks will be a nightmare in a few days.

 

[Meth]

Thanks Meth. Ryan Harris looks to have gone ok. Just saw a highlights package, looks to be considered a little unlucky by some in the commentary box - fair comment?

Like you said, nobody has been bad. Starc and Siddle have perhaps been a bit rocks and diamonds, but not bad by any stretch. But yeah, Hilfenhaus and Harris have been better so far, and I would say Hilfenhaus clearly the best of the bunch.

 

[Chip Bayless]

Ben Hilfenhaus - night and day between now and his last stint as a Test bowler. Really happy for the guy.

 

[Cletus]

Yeah, great for the morale of the Aussie team if nothing else.

We've discovered that we've got some bowlers that can actually bowl though. The top order is still rubbish but what can you do.

 

[Chip Bayless]

I don't think "rubbish" is accurate for our top three. Talented and struggling for a bit of form is fair in my opinion. One of the top three will have a big one here. Marsh at home I am tipping puts on a show for his friends and family. The top three know Watson is back more than likely next Test (I see him batting in the middle order) and if either of the three can get on with it here, they more than likely secure their spot. A bit to bat for.

 

[Leagueaddict]

Yeah, great for the morale of the Aussie team if nothing else.

Yeap but doesn't give us much competition and how we'd play under real sustained pressure? Our bowlers have been the stand out throughout the tests and hopefully we can start getting just as consistent with the bat.

 

[HevyDevy]

I'd say Harris has been the pick with Hilfy close behind.

 

[Tonearm Terrorwrist]

James Brayshaw?

Mute time.

 

[Chip Bayless]

James Brayshaw?

Mute time.

Agreed. Joins Warren Smith and Andrew Voss on my list. Commentators who believe they're why we are tuning in. NO room for them in any commentary box of mine.

 

[Cletus]

I don't think "rubbish" is accurate for our top three. Talented and struggling for a bit of form is fair in my opinion. One of the top three will have a big one here. Marsh at home I am tipping puts on a show for his friends and family. The top three know Watson is back more than likely next Test (I see him batting in the middle order) and if either of the three can get on with it here, they more than likely secure their spot. A bit to bat for.

maybe rubbish is a bit harsh but they seem to be averaging about 10. Marsh and Warner just need a bit of time. Cowan can f**k off.

 

[ElectricEelMan]

I'd say Harris has been the pick with Hilfy close behind.

Harris and Hilfenhaus have both been excellent.
Siddle has been an okay to good number 3 bowler.
Starc has bowled some absolute jaffa's but needs to be way more consistent

 

[AlwaysGreen]

Apparently whenever Merv Hughes played Brayshaw he would sledge him relentlessly, more than any other player calling him a stuck up nice person etc. and Brayshaw used to be almost reduced to tears.

Merv Hughes is therefore a top bloke.

 

[aussies1st]

Starc might have some rubbish but at least his economy is good.

 

[Chip Bayless]

maybe rubbish is a bit harsh but they seem to be averaging about 10. Marsh and Warner just need a bit of time. Cowan can f**k off.

I like Ed Cowan, I think he can and will be a successful as a Test batsmen. I agree with you though, my opening preference at the moment is David Warner with Shaun Marsh and Shane Watson down the order. A long time between now and the Ashes Series though and I believe Warner, Marsh and Cowan will rotate a bit between now and then until one pair can go on and become our next long term opening pair.