Cricket Season Thread

Although I'm not a huge fan of Hauritz, I feel sorry for him.

I thought he was doing a solid job up until he was dropped and his three successors (Doherty, Smith and Beer) have all proven to be a failure. I think as a combined total those three took only 4 or 5 wickets during the whole series, a poor effort by anyone's standards.

Personally, I'd like to see Jason Krezja in the team. Although he is uneconomical, he gets huge turn on the ball and at the same time, takes wickets. And may I just remind some people in his 12 wicket debut, he got out the likes of Laxman, Ganguly, Dhoni, good batsmen by anybody's standards. Sure, he did get smashed against South Africa the next test he played, but just about everybody did in that second innings when they chased down 414.

Either way Hauritz or Krezja I'd be satisfied with. They both also possess reasonable skill with the bat and could almost be considered 'bowling all rounders'. Both have scored first class hundreds.

Beer and Doherty and both bunnies with the bat.
 
Since Warne retired Hauritz is the only spinner to average under 30 in test cricket in Australia. The next best were Bennn from the Windies and Harris from South Africa who averaged about 34-35, though Hauritz had many more wickets. Tall spinners who use bounce just as much as spin which I think was one of the "reasons" why they selected Beer. Guys like Swann, Murali, Harbahajan, Kumble, Vettori and Kaneria all had bowling averages worse than Benn and Harris. Warne is really the only one who has really excelled here in recent times.

Hauritz was doing a great job. He wasn't selected for the decider in the 09 Ashes Series on a dust-bowl after the quicks cleaned up in the previous match on a green-top. North was our spinner. He did well but not good enough. Swann was the difference in the match. Its pretty much like not selecting a spinner in Melbourne when one was required after the WACA.

Hauritz than established himself as our number 1 spinner. He had a poor series in India, not the 1st Aussie spinner, and found himself in no-mans land. The selectors were in a panic after the Indian series and Doherty had a good ODI series against Sri Lankia when Hauritz wasn't 100% fit. That got Doherty the test gig. How I do not know. Than Doherty bowls crap with no flight at all on pitches not suited to spin it should be said. Hauritz scores hundreds (these innings could have been post-Ashes matches, I'm not too sure) and takes a 5-for at the WACA to help NSW win a Shield match. They than choose Beer because he knows the conditions of the WACA say the selectors. Beer is a Victorian who moved to WA the start of this season. He has played less than a handfull of games there. Hauritz has probably played more.

Ridiculous does not sum up the selectors handling of Haurtiz. I cannot believe how there has not been more questions via media to the selectors.
 
The selectors made a mistake dumping Hauritz, he is a good spinner, for ordinary spinners. If they had to dump him it should have been for Steve O'Keefe, not muppets like Doherty or Beer. O'Keefe averages 46 with the bat and 23.5 with the ball in first class cricket after 11 games. much better than Doherty and Beer could ever dream of.
 
@citizen cub said:
Although I'm not a huge fan of Hauritz, I feel sorry for him.

I thought he was doing a solid job up until he was dropped and his three successors (Doherty, Smith and Beer) have all proven to be a failure. I think as a combined total those three took only 4 or 5 wickets during the whole series, a poor effort by anyone's standards.

Personally, I'd like to see Jason Krezja in the team. Although he is uneconomical, he gets huge turn on the ball and at the same time, takes wickets. And may I just remind some people in his 12 wicket debut, he got out the likes of Laxman, Ganguly, Dhoni, good batsmen by anybody's standards.
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Firstly Smith was not a replacement for Hauritz, he replaced North.

Secondly, yeah Krejza did get 12 wickets and he did get some fine batsmen out….except by the time he started taking wickets he'd already gone for 200+. Horse kinda bolted a bit, don't you think?
 
@stryker said:
Still puzzled as to why the English batsmen find it so easy to score on our pitches and our blokes dont.
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I think every Aussie bat would've got 400+ runs for the series had they been facing Johnson, Hilfenhaus, Siddle and Doherty.
 
To me it seemed the selectors were looking for quick fixes. I could see around about 03-04 that we were going to be hit with a massive rebuilding phase within the next few years. I mean we had Langer, Hayden, Martyn, Lehmann, Gilchrist, Warne, MacGill, Kasprowicz, Bichel, McGrath and Hogg (In ODIs) all regulars in the side, all in their early 30s and a couple of years age difference between them. Imagine if they selected Hodge around that time, we would have Ponting, Katich and Hodge all on the wrong side of 35 at the moment.

Since Lee debuted in 99-00 to the 06-07 Ashes, the only young guys that came into the side and debuted in their early to mid 20s was Clarke and Katich. There just wasnt any regeneration in the side which says to me there wasnt any long term strategies. I dont really blame the selectors for that, I actually blame the state sides that continued selecting older players with no chance of making the Aus side, therefore blocking youngsters out which lead to guys falling through the cracks, thats where I think the system has failed.
 
The young guys haven't kicked on. If Hodge was 10 years younger he is our next captain. Clarke is in the team. White hasn't really kicked on. He was a top junior batsman but hasn't really transferred that on as of yet. The next generation just isn't at the level of the previous so we were always going to lose more matches after they retired. However, its the discipline which has been inexcusable. How many time have the Aussies over-stepped on a wicket tacking delivery? Its ridiculous this issue hasn't been addressed. It shouldn't been an issue but it is. Thats just one area.
 
King Watson. Super innings from him. Clearly the man of the Summer and the only person saving Australia's a** being kicked atm.
 
@Allan Towle said:
The young guys haven't kicked on. If Hodge was 10 years younger he is our next captain. Clarke is in the team. White hasn't really kicked on. He was a top junior batsman but hasn't really transferred that on as of yet. The next generation just isn't at the level of the previous so we were always going to lose more matches after they retired. However, its the discipline which has been inexcusable. How many time have the Aussies over-stepped on a wicket tacking delivery? Its ridiculous this issue hasn't been addressed. It shouldn't been an issue but it is. Thats just one area.
Click to expand...

Amazing how they only check our wickets. When Mike Hussey got out it looked like a no ball from the one side on shot I saw. Either check them all or check none.
 
If we can get settled on a decent fast bowling line up, and replace Dave Hussey for Marsh/Ferguson/Christian, we are a huge threat for the world cup. Sure our batting made up for shocking bowling last night, but bowl like that against India/South Africa we'll be chasing 350, and their bowlers won't give us a sniff.
 
On a plus side, Brett Lee looks dangerous. He is starting to bowl those freakish bouncers, good yorks, nice slow balls. He may need to work on his no-balls but he bowls really good according to the plan the captain sets for him. Forget Johnson, if Lee keeps going like that he could be the strike bowler.

Also, impressed by Smith's bowling but his batting is pathetic. He is a good fielder and I say the Beau Ryan of cricket. If he works hard on his bowling, he maybe able to make it in as a spinner since we already have a bowling allrounder in Watto and Clarke can bowl some quick overs in the middle if required.

Anyways, some good signs coming from this game, but again individual performances will never win the world cup.
 
@Yossarian said:
@Allan Towle said:
The young guys haven't kicked on. If Hodge was 10 years younger he is our next captain. Clarke is in the team. White hasn't really kicked on. He was a top junior batsman but hasn't really transferred that on as of yet. The next generation just isn't at the level of the previous so we were always going to lose more matches after they retired. However, its the discipline which has been inexcusable. How many time have the Aussies over-stepped on a wicket tacking delivery? Its ridiculous this issue hasn't been addressed. It shouldn't been an issue but it is. Thats just one area.

Amazing how they only check our wickets. When Mike Hussey got out it looked like a no ball from the one side on shot I saw. Either check them all or check none.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

I didn't see that. I'm sure in the Test series remember seeing there had been cases where no-balls may have been bowled but because there wasn't a wicket taken, it wasn't reviewed.

On the ODI last night, what an innings from Watson. Best ODI innings in recent memory. Pontings 2003 World Cup final innings would be close to next best.

Good to see Lee bowling well. If he continues, surely he is the leader in the World Cup. Tait can't take bowling 10 overs. He has stiffness in his back after 2 20/20s for gods sake.
 
Australia will risk both Brett Lee and Shaun Tait at the World Cup after they were chosen in the 15-man squad for the trophy defence beginning in India next month. Peter Siddle and Xavier Doherty were not included while John Hastings, the Victoria allrounder, was named along with the injured duo of Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey.
>
Hussey picked up a serious hamstring tear in Sunday's ODI win over England and underwent surgery which will mean a lengthy period on the sidelines, while Ponting is recovering from an operation on his little finger. The pair will not appear in the rest of the one-day series and Shaun Marsh will supplement the remaining 13 players for the next three matches.
>
Hussey and Ponting do have plenty of time to recover before the tournament reaches the knockout stages, with the quarter finals beginning on March 23\. Australia's opening match of the campaign is against Zimbabwe in Ahmedabad on February 21.
>
While Australia are now mid-table in Tests, they remain the No.1 side in the 50-over game and are aiming for their fourth consecutive World Cup win. Seven players who were part of the unbeaten 2007 success in the West Indies will attempt to achieve more glory.
>
Lee and Tait are returning from long-term elbow injuries but the selectors have kept faith in their speed, bodies and shock value. Lee, 34, captured two wickets on Sunday in his first ODI since October 2009 as he reached 150kph, while Tait missed the game with a back injury. Mitchell Johnson and Doug Bollinger are the other quicks in the unit, with Hastings and Shane Watson enlisted to provide support.
>
"Hastings has been selected as he adds variety to our bowling options," Hilditch said. "We feel his bowling is well suited to subcontinent conditions and his all-round skills with bat and ball add to the flexibility of the squad."
>
Nathan Hauritz is the sole recognised spinner but Steven Smith and David Hussey will also be relied on to deliver regular overs. "Nathan is our preferred spin option and his one-day record in India is excellent," Hilditch said. Hauritz has played seven 50-over games in the country, taking four wickets at 70.75\. Hilditch's panel did not pick Hauritz during the entire Ashes campaign but now he expects the offspinner to "be an important part of our bid for this fourth World Cup".
>
David Hussey's mix of hard-hitting batting and part-time offspin have earned him a trip, despite him playing his first one-day game in more than a year on Sunday. "We feel he will play a crucial role for us in sub-continental conditions," Hilditch said. Tim Paine is the back-up wicketkeeper and will also be a standby batsman.
>
Australia squad Shane Watson, Brad Haddin (wk), Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, David Hussey, Cameron White, Tim Paine (wk), Steven Smith, John Hastings, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, Doug Bollinger.

What the hell is the point of bringing in Lee and Tait and Johnson. Seriously!!! Tait as Allan said can't even bowl 4 overs in 3 days without stuffing his body up and you expect him to bowl 10 overs in over 30 degree heat!!!!

Hastings is a good player but then what is the point of having Smith and Watson as well?

Also, one more thing is why has Siddle been ignored? Why David Hussey and not Marsh, Voges or Hodge? Because, he bowls spin? Hello, you already have allrounders in Watson, Hastings and Smith? These selections are doing my head in!!!
 
Also, I seriously hope Hussey can pull through. This will be his last WC for sure and would't want him to not play in it. And, Ponting I hope is fit as well. I have faith that he will perform as a batter, but Australia really needs his guidance in order to win.
 
@tig_prmz said:
Australia will risk both Brett Lee and Shaun Tait at the World Cup after they were chosen in the 15-man squad for the trophy defence beginning in India next month. Peter Siddle and Xavier Doherty were not included while John Hastings, the Victoria allrounder, was named along with the injured duo of Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey.
>
Hussey picked up a serious hamstring tear in Sunday's ODI win over England and underwent surgery which will mean a lengthy period on the sidelines, while Ponting is recovering from an operation on his little finger. The pair will not appear in the rest of the one-day series and Shaun Marsh will supplement the remaining 13 players for the next three matches.
>
Hussey and Ponting do have plenty of time to recover before the tournament reaches the knockout stages, with the quarter finals beginning on March 23\. Australia's opening match of the campaign is against Zimbabwe in Ahmedabad on February 21.
>
While Australia are now mid-table in Tests, they remain the No.1 side in the 50-over game and are aiming for their fourth consecutive World Cup win. Seven players who were part of the unbeaten 2007 success in the West Indies will attempt to achieve more glory.
>
Lee and Tait are returning from long-term elbow injuries but the selectors have kept faith in their speed, bodies and shock value. Lee, 34, captured two wickets on Sunday in his first ODI since October 2009 as he reached 150kph, while Tait missed the game with a back injury. Mitchell Johnson and Doug Bollinger are the other quicks in the unit, with Hastings and Shane Watson enlisted to provide support.
>
"Hastings has been selected as he adds variety to our bowling options," Hilditch said. "We feel his bowling is well suited to subcontinent conditions and his all-round skills with bat and ball add to the flexibility of the squad."
>
Nathan Hauritz is the sole recognised spinner but Steven Smith and David Hussey will also be relied on to deliver regular overs. "Nathan is our preferred spin option and his one-day record in India is excellent," Hilditch said. Hauritz has played seven 50-over games in the country, taking four wickets at 70.75\. Hilditch's panel did not pick Hauritz during the entire Ashes campaign but now he expects the offspinner to "be an important part of our bid for this fourth World Cup".
>
David Hussey's mix of hard-hitting batting and part-time offspin have earned him a trip, despite him playing his first one-day game in more than a year on Sunday. "We feel he will play a crucial role for us in sub-continental conditions," Hilditch said. Tim Paine is the back-up wicketkeeper and will also be a standby batsman.
>
Australia squad Shane Watson, Brad Haddin (wk), Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, David Hussey, Cameron White, Tim Paine (wk), Steven Smith, John Hastings, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, Doug Bollinger.

**What the hell is the point of bringing in Lee and Tait and Johnson. Seriously!!! Tait as Allan said can't even bowl 4 overs in 3 days without stuffing his body up and you expect him to bowl 10 overs in over 30 degree heat!!!!**
…..
These selections are doing my head in!!!
Click to expand...

Just another sign that the old-boys club still reigns over Australian Cricket mate!!!
 
@tig_prmz said:
Australia will risk both Brett Lee and Shaun Tait at the World Cup after they were chosen in the 15-man squad for the trophy defence beginning in India next month. Peter Siddle and Xavier Doherty were not included while John Hastings, the Victoria allrounder, was named along with the injured duo of Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey.
>
Hussey picked up a serious hamstring tear in Sunday's ODI win over England and underwent surgery which will mean a lengthy period on the sidelines, while Ponting is recovering from an operation on his little finger. The pair will not appear in the rest of the one-day series and Shaun Marsh will supplement the remaining 13 players for the next three matches.
>
Hussey and Ponting do have plenty of time to recover before the tournament reaches the knockout stages, with the quarter finals beginning on March 23\. Australia's opening match of the campaign is against Zimbabwe in Ahmedabad on February 21.
>
While Australia are now mid-table in Tests, they remain the No.1 side in the 50-over game and are aiming for their fourth consecutive World Cup win. Seven players who were part of the unbeaten 2007 success in the West Indies will attempt to achieve more glory.
>
Lee and Tait are returning from long-term elbow injuries but the selectors have kept faith in their speed, bodies and shock value. Lee, 34, captured two wickets on Sunday in his first ODI since October 2009 as he reached 150kph, while Tait missed the game with a back injury. Mitchell Johnson and Doug Bollinger are the other quicks in the unit, with Hastings and Shane Watson enlisted to provide support.
>
"Hastings has been selected as he adds variety to our bowling options," Hilditch said. "We feel his bowling is well suited to subcontinent conditions and his all-round skills with bat and ball add to the flexibility of the squad."
>
Nathan Hauritz is the sole recognised spinner but Steven Smith and David Hussey will also be relied on to deliver regular overs. "Nathan is our preferred spin option and his one-day record in India is excellent," Hilditch said. Hauritz has played seven 50-over games in the country, taking four wickets at 70.75\. Hilditch's panel did not pick Hauritz during the entire Ashes campaign but now he expects the offspinner to "be an important part of our bid for this fourth World Cup".
>
David Hussey's mix of hard-hitting batting and part-time offspin have earned him a trip, despite him playing his first one-day game in more than a year on Sunday. "We feel he will play a crucial role for us in sub-continental conditions," Hilditch said. Tim Paine is the back-up wicketkeeper and will also be a standby batsman.
>
Australia squad Shane Watson, Brad Haddin (wk), Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, David Hussey, Cameron White, Tim Paine (wk), Steven Smith, John Hastings, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, Doug Bollinger.

What the hell is the point of bringing in Lee and Tait and Johnson. Seriously!!! Tait as Allan said can't even bowl 4 overs in 3 days without stuffing his body up and you expect him to bowl 10 overs in over 30 degree heat!!!!

Hastings is a good player but then what is the point of having Smith and Watson as well?

Also, one more thing is why has Siddle been ignored? Why David Hussey and not Marsh, Voges or Hodge? Because, he bowls spin? Hello, you already have allrounders in Watson, Hastings and Smith? These selections are doing my head in!!!
Click to expand...

Siddle > Tait - Got no idea why Tait is there, since he has given up Shield cricket, his fitness has gotten worse, I dont see him as much of a fitness/trainer so for him I think the old addage of the more he bowls, the better his form and fitness gets, and obviously he is not doing that. He is to much of a liability when you consider Johnson goes for runs and Lee has been injured and can be expensive.

Ferguson > D Hussey - In my opinion Hussey shouldn't be there, he gets bogged down against spin, much like Hodge so I would of preferred Ferguson who can work the ball around better in the middle overs.

Hopes > Hastings - Hopes always does a solid job with the ball, playing on the subcontinent his type of bowling can tie batsman down, he is experienced and he can bat anywhere in the order as well. I'd have Christian ahead of Hastings as well.

That squad also looks very light on in batting 7 batsman (Including the keepers) 3 all rounders and 5 bowlers.

I think they will go with:

Haddin
Watson
Ponting
Clarke
M Hussey
White
Smith
Johnson
Hauritz
Lee
Tait

D Hussey
Paine
Hastings
Bollinger

If they change plans and bring Hussey in for Smith, then our batting depth looks even lighter outside the 11.
 
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