4th Ashes Test, Boxing Day @ the MCG

[JJ]

Can't argue with much of that, but Ponting is a massive Problem. He hasn't hit a ton in 10 tests and we all know his captaincy is average to say the least.

But, he's an all time great - and what he's doing at the crease doesn't look too bad... in contrast, it's hard to see how Smith, Hughes and Clarke will contribute... I'd be dropping the v/c before Ponting atm

 

[Cletus]

Ponting has ALWAYS pushed out hard early in his innings - he's ALWAYS been vulnerable like that...

Sorry, but really he's not the problem - sure, he's not scoring runs, but I reckon he will at some stage...

The problem is the numpties in the top order - specifically Hughes, Clarke and Smith - 2 of them are not anywhere close to test players, and Clarke is so at sea it's ridiculous... FFS, Cameron Smith offers as much wil the ball as the NSW wonderkid, and is obviously better with the bat!! He's a big step down from Marcus North, and that's saying something

The other problem, naturally, is perhaps the most impotent bowling attack in test cricket at the moment... Johnson needs the stars aligned, Hilfenhaus is pathetic, Siddle and Harris at least make the batsmen play...

So you rate us to come out tommorow and turn it around:lol:. One of the most deppressing days of cricket I've seen in the last two weeks. i hope the team can get their act together at some stage in two years.

 

[Honkiest_Honky]

I used think Australia's fall from greatness to crapness was over exaggerated but looks like it isn't. Today was as bad as watching the Shark lose the masters to Faldo.

 

[JJ]

So you rate us to come out tommorow and turn it around:lol:. One of the most deppressing days of cricket I've seen in the last two weeks. i hope the team can get their act together at some stage in two years.

Seriously, I doubt it - Johnson's the one, but you have to think Perth was a fluke... I do think Ponting will score runs at some stage, he's not far off...

 

[hineyrulz]

But, he's an all time great - and what he's doing at the crease doesn't look too bad... in contrast, it's hard to see how Smith, Hughes and Clarke will contribute... I'd be dropping the v/c before Ponting atm

So was Steve Waugh, and so was Border but that didn't stop the media and selectors having the knifes out for them. Ponting shouldn't be any different...... But true the only batsmen who should get a pass mark for this series is Hussey and Watson.

 

[Tonearm Terrorwrist]

Ponting has ALWAYS pushed out hard early in his innings - he's ALWAYS been vulnerable like that...

Sorry, but really he's not the problem - sure, he's not scoring runs, but I reckon he will at some stage...

The problem is the numpties in the top order - specifically Hughes, Clarke and Smith - 2 of them are not anywhere close to test players, and Clarke is so at sea it's ridiculous... FFS, Cameron Smith offers as much wil the ball as the NSW wonderkid, and is obviously better with the bat!! He's a big step down from Marcus North, and that's saying something

The other problem, naturally, is perhaps the most impotent bowling attack in test cricket at the moment... Johnson needs the stars aligned, Hilfenhaus is pathetic, Siddle and Harris at least make the batsmen play...

Lol hating on Smith because he's from NSW. Kiwi, be quiet it's bed time.

Lol the most impotent bowling attack would be NZ by far. It wasn't long ago we demolished you minnows at home but maybe you referred to proper nations only so in that case you're probably right.

 

[JJ]

So was Steve Waugh, and so was Border but that didn't stop the media and selectors having the knifes out for them. Ponting shouldn't be any different...... But true the only batsmen who should get a pass mark for this series is Hussey and Watson.

For sure, and he must be under pressure - but take a look at his approach, and how he's gotten out - it's not been awful...

then, look at Hughes, Smith, Clarke and North - and tell me honestly that Ponting should be dropped before them... in addition to playing better than them (Clarke has escaped a lot of heat, he's been appalling) Ponting has a record that stamps him as a great - I am a hige Waugh/Border fan, but Ponting is a better bat than either of them

 

[JJ]

Lol hating on Smith because he's from NSW. Kiwi, be quiet it's bed time.

Lol the most impotent bowling attack would be NZ by far. It wasn't long ago we demolished you minnows at home but maybe you referred to proper nations only so in that case you're probably right.

Not hating Smith, just saying he looks pretty ordinary

Sure, our attack's poor, but yours is too - and the Aust team that beast us was stronger than this mob... and your batting effort today was reminiscent of our worst...

Kane Williamson >>>>>>> Steve Smith

 

[Cletus]

Seriously, I doubt it - Johnson's the one, but you have to think Perth was a fluke... I do think Ponting will score runs at some stage, he's not far off...

I'm not so sure about Ponting. He just seems indecisive and prods at the ball. Fair enough he had a broken finger today but he hasn't looked good. I thought johnson needed an attitude adjustment as much as anything and was hoping he'd keep on improving. The whole team sucked today though.

 

[kia ora storm]

Lol hating on Smith because he's from NSW. Kiwi, be quiet it's bed time.

Lol the most impotent bowling attack would be NZ by far. It wasn't long ago we demolished you minnows at home but maybe you referred to proper nations only so in that case you're probably right.

NZ would give Oz a good go now though...oh how times have changed.;-)

 

[Tonearm Terrorwrist]

Kiwi opinion, grain of salt and all that jazz. Steve Smith only 21 in his 4th test and the ram rooter doesn't like him because it goes against the majority around here, not surprised

Never heard of Kane Williamson and probably never will minnows don't get much attention around here like the Flower guy.

 

[Tonearm Terrorwrist]

NZ would give Oz a good go now though...oh how times have changed.;-)

Times sure have changed NZ won their first match in any form of cricket for what, 9 months? You're on a roll there beating the Pakis in a T20i :lol:

 

[Fast Eddie]

Yuck, why doesn it always turn into NZ vs Aus debate when discussing players?

The thing is Hughes doesn't look anywhere near up to it atm but if Katich is available for the SCG and presuming the Ashes are gone do you bring him back? He's 35 so it doesn't look like he has long left. I think Watson would fill that number 6 all rounder spot quite well actually if Hughes was actually scoring runs then you could have Katich and Hughes opening with Watson at 6. Clarke looks in bad touch and yes Steve Smith is young but doesn't look up to much. Gotta give him a break since he is young though I spose. The thing is on here you hear guys like Hughes and Smith hyped unbelievably so i guess I have unrelistic expectations of what they are gonna be like. Johnson is back to pie chucking, how hard is it to bowl seam up?

Anderson is all class with the ball and was suprised at how well Bresnan bowled and gives them a little extra batting as well.

 

[Collingwood Storm]

If Smith is to be persisted with the do it with him at #8 as the spinner... because let's be honest, the spinning department is pretty bare and he could develop down the track.

Our batting is struggling enough without carrying an iffy #6

 

[Red Bear]

For sure, and he must be under pressure - but take a look at his approach, and how he's gotten out - it's not been awful...

then, look at Hughes, Smith, Clarke and North - and tell me honestly that Ponting should be dropped before them... in addition to playing better than them (Clarke has escaped a lot of heat, he's been appalling) Ponting has a record that stamps him as a great - I am a hige Waugh/Border fan, but Ponting is a better bat than either of them

Pontings averaged 40 over 4 years now. This year he's averaged alot worse. His career average has dropped about 7 runs in that time as well. The guy is an all time great, no doubt, but even greats have to finish at some point. Ponting is just about done.

Clarkes been rubbish but has been better than ponting. Smith shouldnt be in the side yet, buts been better than ponting in the last two tests. Watson, Haddin, Hussey all comfortably better than Ponting.

It's sad but it happens. 1 ton in his last twenty tests I think. 36 years old. It's time to say thanks for the memories.



As for the days play, rubbish. England bowled very well, and batted well, our bowling was poor and batting laughable.

I though Smith bowled quite well, very good drift but still quite inconsistant. Pitch wasnt turning. Only 21 years old though, an infant in leg spinning terms. Wish that edge had carried, very good piece of bowling.

edit - rubbish from an Australian point of view, great day of test cricket

 

[myanonymoususername]

If Smith is to be persisted with the do it with him at #8 as the spinner... because let's be honest, the spinning department is pretty bare and he could develop down the track.

Our batting is struggling enough without carrying an iffy #6

I agree. Smith does not look a #6. He should be #8. North looked more solid at #6 than Smith.

Today would have been the worst day I remember seeing Australia play in test cricket since I've been watching it.

 

[Mr Spock!]

Today would have been the worst day I remember seeing Australia play in test cricket since I've been watching it.

I agree. I watched every game of the 1978-9 series when we lost 5-1 when our best went to WSC. Today was the worst performance I've seen from an Australian team especially when they had so much to play for.

 

[KeepingTheFaith]

I've seen the Aussie capitulate before, but that was against names like Ambrose, Walsh, Donald, De Villiers etc.

Of all the games I thought the boxing day test would be the one Australia would be hardest to beat.

This game could get very interesting for the stats nerds. When was the last time, if ever, Australia lost two tests by an innings+ in the same series? Hasn't happened yet this time, but it's not looking good with 4 days to play.

 

[Gaba]

what hasnt been commented about ,it is another typical blunder by ponting by having the same side as in perth

This decision is worst as the sending england to bat on a batting paradise wicket



Selectors must resign as well as ponting

 

[kia ora storm]

The real concern should be who will lead this side going after this series...Clarke has no heart and does not command the respect of the squad.

Johnson in the last hour yesterday looked nothing better than a net bowler...pitched outside off stump too often, bowled with no pace or variation.