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North should replace Hauritz as frontline spinner - MacGill

aussies1st

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STUART MacGILL has backed Marcus North to be retained for the coming Ashes series - as Australia's first-choice spinner.

For arguably the most contentious position for the opening Test at the Gabba, selectors are agonising between maligned offie Nathan Hauritz, NSW teammate Steve Smith, Tasmanian left-armer Xavier Doherty and a host of unproven candidates.

However, MacGill, who bagged 208 Test wickets with his ripping leg breaks, believes the answer could be right in front of their noses.
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''I think Nathan Hauritz has done a very good job in a variety of situations and environments over the past 12 to 24 months,'' MacGill told The Sun-Herald.

''But I've said this before the 2009 Ashes, I'm of the opinion that Marcus North can do the job that Nathan has been asked to do.

''If that's the case, then Marcus North plays and Nathan doesn't. It's a very, very tough call, but by picking a No.6 batsman who can do that job, you've got another bowler. If it's not Marcus North [in that role], then he goes, because he's not the best No.6.

''If Nathan Hauritz is your first-picked spinner, Marcus goes and Usman Khawaja comes in and you probably retain Mike Hussey.''

Asked if North's tweakers could trouble England's batting line-up, MacGill replied: ''How good [are they]? If you compare the stats, they do the same job. Marcus's first-class figures and best [performances] are the equal of Nathan's.''

Indeed, North has taken 13 Test wickets at an average of 37, boasting best figures of 6 for 55. In comparison, Hauritz has taken 63 scalps at an average of 35, with best figures of 5 for 53. Surprisingly, North has been better able to tie down an end, his economy rate of 2.80 slightly superior to specialist spinner Hauritz's (3.15).

North has come under pressure for failing to consistently fire with the bat during his 19-match career but seemingly secured his Ashes spot with a century against India. MacGill reasoned the selectors, by giving North the spinning duties, they could pick an extra bowler - underrated NSW quick Mark Cameron.

''I've played with Mark at both Sydney Uni and for NSW and everyone will think, 'Oh well, he played on a greentop in Brisbane last week, he got 11 for 50, big deal,''' MacGill said of Cameron's recent match-winning spell at the Gabba. ''But that's his third 10-wicket haul in four Shield games. I don't think I ever got one 10-wicket haul for NSW; he's got three in four Shield games.

''He [swings] the ball both ways, I think he's a superstar and I believe in picking people when they're hot. He's definitely hot and I'd pick him for the first Test against England.''

MacGill said it was time for selectors to move on Hussey. NSW batsman Khawaja was ready to cement a place in the middle order.

''I love his temperament, his preparation and approach. He does everything he needs to do,'' he said.

''I genuinely believe that his game is well-rounded enough to last the distance and develop further.''

MacGill predicted that Ponting would be crowned player of the series and backed him to retain the captaincy even if England kept the urn. And despite the pessimism surrounding cricket, the former spin king believed the trend could be reversed.

''The game of cricket in Australia is in a position that provides it an opportunity to be more healthy than it's ever been,'' he said.

''But you need to reinforce the traditions, core values and embrace the diversity of the game. Only by doing those things will you capitalise on that opportunity.''

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket...rontline-spinner--macgill-20101106-17i5l.html
 

MSIH

Bench
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If you actually read what MacGill said, I don't think you'd be too quick to criticise.

MacGilla said that North can probably do the job Hauritz has been "asked" to do with the ball, ie. keep it tight, not attack. If that's not the role they want from their spinner, then North should go, as he isn't the best number 6 batsman around. Seems logical to me. If you want your spinner to do the role of keeping it tight, therefore picking North, then you can go an extra quick like Cameron. He also wants Khawaja over Hussey.

I think what MacGill said makes plenty of sense. The next selector perhaps.
 

beads6

First Grade
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6,162
If you actually read what MacGill said, I don't think you'd be too quick to criticise.

MacGilla said that North can probably do the job Hauritz has been "asked" to do with the ball, ie. keep it tight, not attack. If that's not the role they want from their spinner, then North should go, as he isn't the best number 6 batsman around. Seems logical to me. If you want your spinner to do the role of keeping it tight, therefore picking North, then you can go an extra quick like Cameron. He also wants Khawaja over Hussey.

I think what MacGill said makes plenty of sense. The next selector perhaps.

Yeah but neither North or Hauritz should be in the team
 

MSIH

Bench
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3,807
Correct. I agree. But what MacGill has said makes a lot more sense than the sh*t these selectors keep pulling out. I think what he's said deserves more respect than "shutup McGilla" and "Stick to your cooking and wine show Macgill."
 

madunit

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MacGill would make a good selector, as I'm not sure he was ever with the 'in-group' in the test side, and didn't care much about it anyway. He just wanted to play cricket.

That perspective is exactly whats needed.
 

hineyrulz

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148,289
MacGill would make a good selector, as I'm not sure he was ever with the 'in-group' in the test side, and didn't care much about it anyway. He just wanted to play cricket.

That perspective is exactly whats needed.
agreed, he was never one of the Ponting manlub group. Which means he wouldn't be afraid to make a tough decision ie drop an ageing and out of form Hussey.
 

JJ

Immortal
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31,738
He's 100% right, why not... Hauritz is not there to do what Warne used to do, or even what the likes of Swann or Bhaji do... not even what Vetorri does for us, although that's the closest... he just bowls to contain, and gets wickets when people become ill-disciplined... Surely North could do that, and contribute more with the bat than Hauritz at 7 or 8?

It's a defensive move, but playing Hauritz is a defensive move anyway...
 

madunit

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Essentially, Clarke could do that job just as well as Hauritz or North, so there's a good option to piss both those players off.
 

aussies1st

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Clarke problem is with his back so he can't become a full time spinner. Smith would be ideal guy, has runs with the bat and has been relatively consistent with the bowling.
 

JJ

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Clarke problem is with his back so he can't become a full time spinner. Smith would be ideal guy, has runs with the bat and has been relatively consistent with the bowling.

Yep - Clarke can't bowl enough because of his body

Don't see how Smith can do the job Hauritz is doing - the only leggies I can think of that could would be Warne and Kumble... it's about bowling tight, no?
 

HevyDevy

Coach
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17,146
Why do we need to pick a spinner anyway? None of them are up to the job, so just pick the four best bowlers in the country and a couple of part-time spinners and be done with it.

If Smith is picked it should be as a batsman that can bowl a bit, not as a bowler that can bat.
 

aqua_duck

Coach
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18,316
I rmember once a upon a time Katich use to bowl some very handy left arm spin. For us I reckon we pick an attacking spinner or no spinner at all
 

The 18th Man

Juniors
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Fact: Hauritz has 38 wickets in 9 Tests for Australia on home soil at 29.65 with two 5wkt hauls.

Fact: Hauritz took 10 wickets in 3 Tests (5 innings bowled) for Australia in England at 32.10. Respectable.

Fact: Swann in that same Ashes Series took 14 wickets (8 innings bowled or call it 6 as a couple innings were no more than 1 or 2 overs) for England at 40.50.

Nathan Hauritz will rightfully be given first crack at the Poms.
 

beads6

First Grade
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6,162
Fair call, out of interest how did Swann go in India??? Has he toured there yet?
 

Mr. Fahrenheit

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I actually am in complete agreeance with MacGill, i don't see why people are rubbishing him on this... he makes a lot of valid points.

1. As JJ said, Hauritz is picked in a containment role, his stats are similar to that of North's (despite North probably devoting very little time to this art, as he would if he were the spin bowler of choice) - infact, North is slightly ahead on econ. rate. - Smith does NOT fit this role as i doubt his leggies are anywhere near accurate enough + i don't think his batting is = to North's yet either.
2. Khawaja to replace Hussey - with the main point being Hussey's expiration date, rather than Khawja's inclusion.
3. Picking players in form - e.g. Mark Cameron

Definitely selector material.
 

Twizzle

Administrator
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Fact: Hauritz has 38 wickets in 9 Tests for Australia on home soil at 29.65 with two 5wkt hauls.

Fact: Hauritz took 10 wickets in 3 Tests (5 innings bowled) for Australia in England at 32.10. Respectable.

Fact: Swann in that same Ashes Series took 14 wickets (8 innings bowled or call it 6 as a couple innings were no more than 1 or 2 overs) for England at 40.50.

Nathan Hauritz will rightfully be given first crack at the Poms.

Fact: That was years ago and his current form is sh*t
 

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