3rd Test: Sri Lanka v Australia at Colombo Sep 16-20, 2011

[Twizzle]

by selecting Marsh the selectors are showing that they are willing to select players o current form which is something Hildud and co never did, they had this pecking order that players took virtually years to climb and when there was vacancy some players were moved into the team with no current form

while I think Oozie has done nothing wrong I applaud their actions on selecting form players

the less said about Siddle the better, he should never even been selected in the touring squad imo, but that was the previous selectors for you

our bowling worries me without Harris as Lyon was quiet in the second test on a pitch that wasn't a turner like the first test pitch and Notch has been average, alot of pressure on Copeland who has only played 2 test matches

I'd be hoping for a draw here so we can take out the series, we'd need a bit of luck to win this one imo

 

[Timbo]

I agree with not moving Khawaja from 6. No point moving him for just the one game when he'll be batting at 6 once Ponting is back

Correct answer. It's good news for Uzi. It means they see him as the long term option and Marsh is just filling in for 1 test. Yes Uzi will end up at 3, but until Ponting retires or is axed he needs to make 6 his own, so best just to leave him there and not chop and change him around every second test. The decision means he has stability to work on making runs at 6 and ensuring he is ready to move up the order when a spot becomes available. Marsh can enjoy his day in the sun - I don't expect him to have too many more.

 

[hineyrulz]

Ooozi has been shafted IMO, he was next in line and didn't do much wrong. got a start in each innings on a poor pitch and was 13no with no chance to press his claims. And Siddle being picked is quite scary, This nuffy taking the new ball could get the Lankans off to a flyer.

 

[beads6]

I don't think the dropping of Khawaja is a reflection of him TBH. Our team really isn't in a position to drop a bloke coming of 140. A real shame Punter didn't get lost in transit because I would have preferred to see him miss out. Khawaja will be back in the side soon enough, runs at first class level won't hurt him IMO. The Siddle selection is typical of us really although I think they are keen to see how he goes this test match with the view of replacing him with Bollinger for the South Africa series.

 

[TheParraboy]

I reckon if we managed to have the series secure 2-0, then Punter would most likely have not returned for the 3rd test, no need to , let the young blokes at it for another test

Id like to see Hughes get some big runs and secure his place. I can see them dropping him over the next few tests if he doesnt get going. Marsh to open and Uzi to 5 or 6.

 

[beads6]

Id like to see Hughes get some big runs and secure his place. I can see them dropping him over the next few tests if he doesnt get going. Marsh to open and Uzi to 5 or 6.

I'd like to think Khawaja to open and Marsh to 6 would be a better option but yes Hughes needs runs, he has shown improvement but needs a score to stop the hounds.

 

[Tonearm Terrorwrist]

Ooozi has been shafted IMO, he was next in line and didn't do much wrong. got a start in each innings on a poor pitch and was 13no with no chance to press his claims. And Siddle being picked is quite scary, This nuffy taking the new ball could get the Lankans off to a flyer.

I don't really mind it and tbh I think the raw deal would have gone to Marsh after scoring a century and getting dumped. Someone was always going to be unfairly dropped.

I can't work out why Ponting is flying back though, do we want a few wins or do we want to adequately prepare for the future???

 

[TheParraboy]

I don't really mind it and tbh I think the raw deal would have gone to Marsh after scoring a century and getting dumped. Someone was always going to be unfairly dropped.

I can't work out why Ponting is flying back though, do we want a few wins or do we want to adequately prepare for the future???

both

 

[The Joker]

I just hope Siddle doesn't manage to snag the wickets of a couple of tail-enders otherwise Harris or Copeland may not get another go for some time.

 

[Twizzle]

should be safe, Notch normally bowls at the tail

 

[hineyrulz]

should be safe, Notch normally bowls at the tail

Not with Clarke captain, he actually bowls who is bowling well and a chance to clean up the tail. Unlike Ricky "i'll give Notch a few tailend wickets to improve his figures and confidence" Ponting.

 

[snoozer]

christ on a f**king bike.

just got home from a good night out with friends.

now im unhappy again.

did hildud and co. come back for one last hurrah?!

f**k - use anyone else in the squad than siddle.i don't care if we use another spinner.

i can sort of understand the kwaj/punt thing-it's hard to boot a ton-maker and pont should be selected(for the time being).kwaj should be there for the long haul.he'll get his spot back soon.

f**k siddle though.

 

[Timbo]

The only bowlers I have faith in are Watson and Copeland. I reckon the other three will do well to take a wicket each.

 

[yappy]

I'm actually tipping Siddle to have a good game (in the same vein as my tipping Marsh to fail worked a treat).

Khawaja was very unlucky, but Marsh would have been also, someone was gonna get a shit sandwich to eat through no fault of their own. Ponting needs to shit or get off the pot. Hussey has put any questions on his form, commitment, ability etc to rest so it's time for Punter to do the same or get the Katich treatment. He needs big runs soon and there's no better time than now, otherwise go home and be a dad.

 

[Twizzle]

I think Punter still has a lot to offer.

 

[TheParraboy]

play delayed cause of the soggy field, inspection in about 15min time, if all ok coin toss and play to commence 15min from there

 

[Twizzle]

soggy field, moist pitch

win toss and bowl

hopefully

 

[HevyDevy]

I love Kumar - legend.

But f**k - how hot does it look over there?

 

[Twizzle]

all they can talk about is how hot it is

 

[TheParraboy]

Toss at 2.30pm (AEST) I think, Play to commence at 3pm AEST