4th Test: Australia v India at SCG Jan 3-7 2019 - MATCH DRAWN

[Canard]

Well according to Harsha (on ABC radio yesterday) there is a big debate in India at the moment about reducing the number of first class sides in India as it is perceived there are too many.

The argument from the side wanting a reduction is that there are too many players playing first class cricket who aren’t up to standard and they should be replicating the Australian system.

He made a great point, and something most of my cricketing mentors when I was playing used to say, in that at any one time we only have 66 players running around in a round of shield cricket ensuring it was only best of the best.

I recall it as him saying there "was" a big debate years ago, when we where travelling well.

But since then, BCCI has invested in infrastructure to support this system, and it now seems like Australia doesn't have enough first class cricket.

 

[Sphagnum]

Surely Bancroft comes straight back in. His 2 in the big bullshit last night had test century incoming written all over it.

 

[umina panther]

Surely Bancroft comes straight back in. His 2 in the big bullshit last night had test century incoming written all over it.

That backstabbing little merkin will never play again. What a dud bloke

 

[hineyrulz]

Not sure what’s more useless atm, the batsman around the country or the buffoons selecting them.

Embarrassing at every level and then you f**king plastic faced f**kwit mouth pieces like Warne trying to blame the bowlers.

 

[Pommy]

They should just put Bancroft straight back in, he is better than what’s currently in. He has a lot to prove and it takes the spotlight of CA when they want to put Smith straight back in the second his ban is up.

 

[AlwaysGreen]

They should just put Bancroft straight back in, he is better than what’s currently in. He has a lot to prove and it takes the spotlight of CA when they want to put Smith straight back in the second his ban is up.

Yeah, nah.

 

[Eelectrica]

They should just put Bancroft straight back in, he is better than what’s currently in. He has a lot to prove and it takes the spotlight of CA when they want to put Smith straight back in the second his ban is up.

He's got to earn his spot in the team like every other batsman, by bowling. Because apparently we need more people who can bowl than can bat.

Ordinarily I'd say he'll need a really good second half of the shield season before he'll even got a look in. But who the hell even knows any more with these selectors.
On a given day a good chicken dance might get you in the squad now.

 

[Meth]

to be fair, how good of a gauge is T20 form anyway?

 

[AlwaysGreen]

Kohli Pujara and co are going to look at Lasagne's bowling and think: 'hmmm, should I belt him for 6 or 4?'

If you think its going to be a spinner's pitch (which the last 15 years have shown it won't be) pick two spinners and drop Starc or Hazelwood fir the game.

If you think it might take a bit more turn than the usual aussie pitch and a part spinner might be handy bowl that Fat Blimp Finch or Head.

 

[Meth]

Surely Bancroft comes straight back in.

I think Bancroft has to earn his way back into the squad as if for the first time. He'd only played 8 matches.

Smith and (if you are going to bring him back in) Warner can come straight back in. They've played 64 and 74 Tests respectively.

 

[Eelectrica]

I think Bancroft has to earn his way back into the squad as if for the first time. He'd only played 8 matches.

Smith and (if you are going to bring him back in) Warner can come straight back in. They've played 64 and 74 Tests respectively.

It really seems that's the plan. They talk of re-integrating Smith and Warner. No talk of re-integrating Bancroft.

I'd say they'll keep warner in the team for 2 or 3 years. Basically he until he can no longer go.

I think Smith will be captaining Australia again when Paine steps down. We really have no one else. Could argue Cummins, but it doesn't seem we like having bowling captains.

 

[Meth]

It really seems that's the plan. They talk of re-integrating Smith and Warner. No talk of re-integrating Bancroft.

I'd say they'll keep warner in the team for 2 or 3 years. Basically he until he can no longer go.

I think Smith will be captaining Australia again when Paine steps down. We really have no one else. Could argue Cummins, but it doesn't seem we like having bowling captains.

I really can't see Smith captaining Australia again.

 

[Sphagnum]

Manjuice labiashagger.

What a selection by the crew.

 

[Eelectrica]

Manjuice labiashagger.

What a selection by the crew.

It's certainly a brave selection.

 

[Sphagnum]

It's certainly a brave selection.

So competitive

 

[Twizzle]

Why in hell would we prepare a turning pitch against India with Ashwin available for the 4th test ?

 

[TheParraboy]

Why in hell would we prepare a turning pitch against India with Ashwin available for the 4th test ?

Conspiracy theory or fact?

Give India every opportunity to win 3-1. Worst thing is 2-2 draw and they are kicking rocks and looking for excuses which are not there, looking at everything and everyone other than themselves (you know what they are like). Sandpaper gate 12 months ban and rubbed out of this series? How appropriate was that?

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Happy India will look after us for being such nice guys and bending over for them. Regular useless tours there, and of course invite them over to play ODI/T20 more than any other nation. It brings in the big bucks. Who cares about winning, lets be nice and raise the coffers

 

[TheParraboy]

I reckon Smith will captain again easily

He isn't allowed to 12 months back in, so anticipate Paine will keep the gig till then where he possibly could retire and Smith to take over. He will be 31, and can captain another 4-5 years

Who else is there

Vice Captain MMarsh as captain? Seem so far fetched and comical now, if it wasn't before

Hazlewood or Lyon? Not sure you want that on a bowler who will be bowling a lot. Leave them as v/c

Cummins? possibly, but as above and the fact will be relied on for runs more often than not - too much on his plate

If not Smith, and Travis Head can cement his place in the top 6 with his batting, Id seriously look at grooming and giving him the (c)

 

[TIGER14]

BREAKING: Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the test squad less than 24 hours after being added. Apparently selectors thought his first name was Marshnus.

 

[Timbo]

Conspiracy theory or fact?

Give India every opportunity to win 3-1. Worst thing is 2-2 draw and they are kicking rocks and looking for excuses which are not there, looking at everything and everyone other than themselves (you know what they are like). Sandpaper gate 12 months ban and rubbed out of this series? How appropriate was that?

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Happy India will look after us for being such nice guys and bending over for them. Regular useless tours there, and of course invite them over to play ODI/T20 more than any other nation. It brings in the big bucks. Who cares about winning, lets be nice and raise the coffers

Speaking of conspiracies, I’m absolutely convinced that selections like Finch and MMarsh are to give them cover to parachute Warner straight back in. They don’t have public opinion on their side, and if Burns had come in and made a fist of it they would have been stuck.