Cricket Season Thread

[Yossarian]

What can you say …................

Top 6 for the ashes:

Harris
Warner
Burns
Smith
Head
Bancroft

Bancroft is terrible. Nowhere near test standard as of now. I know Khawaja is in a slump and he’s disappointed this series but he’s twice the batsman Bancroft is.

Harris hmm… For me it’s down to him or Burns to open.

Khawaja first drop.
S Smith at 5

Then it’s wide open. Possibly Head at 5\. At 6 I’d almost take a punt on Patterson, Jake Lehmann etc. Handscomb seems to have the yips and unless he gloves up he’s got to start making runs. The Marshes we all know about. Mitch is not a top 6 test bat. He’s barely a shield top 6.

I’d seriously consider taking Pukovski to tour. He’s a gun big time. Bats 3 for Victoria. Could be the answer at 6.

I can accept Bancroft and Khawaja comments.
So…..
Harris
Warner
Khawaja
Smith
Head
Burns/Lehmann/??????
As a compromise!

That looks more solid! 2nd opener and 5-6 are going to be an issue. I’d go:

Warner
Burns
Khawaja
Smith
Head
Patterson/Lehmann/Pukovski

It may depend on the final shield games. We’ve all seen enough of the Marshes surely…

 

[Tiger_Steve]

Top 6 for the ashes:

Harris
Warner
Burns
Smith
Head
Bancroft

Bancroft is terrible. Nowhere near test standard as of now. I know Khawaja is in a slump and he’s disappointed this series but he’s twice the batsman Bancroft is.

Harris hmm… For me it’s down to him or Burns to open.

Khawaja first drop.
S Smith at 5

Then it’s wide open. Possibly Head at 5\. At 6 I’d almost take a punt on Patterson, Jake Lehmann etc. Handscomb seems to have the yips and unless he gloves up he’s got to start making runs. The Marshes we all know about. Mitch is not a top 6 test bat. He’s barely a shield top 6.

I’d seriously consider taking Pukovski to tour. He’s a gun big time. Bats 3 for Victoria. Could be the answer at 6.

I can accept Bancroft and Khawaja comments.
So…..
Harris
Warner
Khawaja
Smith
Head
Burns/Lehmann/??????
As a compromise!

That looks more solid! 2nd opener and 5-6 are going to be an issue. I’d go:

Warner
Burns
Khawaja
Smith
Head
Patterson/Lehmann/Pukovski

It may depend on the final shield games. We’ve all seen enough of the Marshes surely…

I also like your idea of youth - Pukivski and there’s another 20 year old - can’t remember name????

Yes - No more Marsh (singular or plural) and no more Finch for Finch sake!!

 

[Harvey]

If Australia lose this test (which is likely) the series is gone. I would make changes for the Sydney test & Sri Lanka series is a chance to blood some youth.

Burns or Hughes in for Finch, Labuschagne could replace M Marsh at the SCG, Patterson/Pucovski/Lehman/Weatherald could be considered to replace Shaun Marsh. I would even prefer Maxwell to him.

If things get desperate, we could always recall Hilton Cartwright.

In all honesty, Australian cricket is really in a rut. When you look at Shield cricket, the majority of innings this year (even when test players were available) have seen totals of less than 300 posted.

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

Finch will never make it as a Test cricketer.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

I don't see what the fuss is about with Harris. I feel sorry for Renshaw. The guy did nothing wrong.

 

[Harvey]

I don't see what the fuss is about with Harris. I feel sorry for Renshaw. The guy did nothing wrong.

Agree. Think Burns was treated much the same. Some blokes seem to get 50 chances, whereas the selectors seem to be looking for an excuse to drop certain players.

 

[Tiger_Steve]

I don't see what the fuss is about with Harris. I feel sorry for Renshaw. The guy did nothing wrong.

From my perspective, I like Harris’ technique. I think he has the game to make it as an opener against quality bowling. But I’d agree that Renshaw is similar- his failure was not scoring runs in early shield games this year. But he was not alone there.

 

[Tiger_Steve]

I don't see what the fuss is about with Harris. I feel sorry for Renshaw. The guy did nothing wrong.

Agree. Think Burns was treated much the same. Some blokes seem to get 50 chances, whereas the selectors seem to be looking for an excuse to drop certain players.

Burns should be in the side without a doubt. Better than most going around Australia at the moment

 

[maxxy86]

If Australia lose this test (which is likely) the series is gone. I would make changes for the Sydney test & Sri Lanka series is a chance to blood some youth.

Burns or Hughes in for Finch, Labuschagne could replace M Marsh at the SCG, Patterson/Pucovski/Lehman/Weatherald could be considered to replace Shaun Marsh. I would even prefer Maxwell to him.

If things get desperate, we could always recall Hilton Cartwright.

In all honesty, Australian cricket is really in a rut. When you look at Shield cricket, the majority of innings this year (even when test players were available) have seen totals of less than 300 posted.

Really glad you’ve mentioned H Cartwright….could see him battting 5 or 6 and bowling some overs aswell.

 

[maxxy86]

Finch will never make it as a Test cricketer.

Think he’d be must better used as a middle order batsman. As K O’Keefe has said his back lift is way to high, something he’d have to work on if he was to continue to open. However I think there’s better candidates out there. Burns has to be given a go or Renshaw but to be honest we need more RHB imo.

 

[Harvey]

If Australia lose this test (which is likely) the series is gone. I would make changes for the Sydney test & Sri Lanka series is a chance to blood some youth.

Burns or Hughes in for Finch, Labuschagne could replace M Marsh at the SCG, Patterson/Pucovski/Lehman/Weatherald could be considered to replace Shaun Marsh. I would even prefer Maxwell to him.

If things get desperate, we could always recall Hilton Cartwright.

In all honesty, Australian cricket is really in a rut. When you look at Shield cricket, the majority of innings this year (even when test players were available) have seen totals of less than 300 posted.

Really glad you’ve mentioned H Cartwright….could see him battting 5 or 6 and bowling some overs aswell.

I was actually joking. I can't understand how he ever got selected.

He is averaging 25 in 1st class cricket this year over 11 innings (including 84 not out) & has bowled 11 overs. If looking for an all-rounder, I would consider Stoinis or Wildermuth ahead of him.

 

[coivtny]

OMG we cannot pick Finch in Test cricket again. He might be OK as a white ball cricketer but he looks inept at Test level. I've not seen a less convincing Test batsman for a long while. His demeanour when batting is of a batsman waiting to get out. We're not blessed with too many options in Australia at the moment but we have to try someone else.

 

[happy_tiger]

I don't see what the fuss is about with Harris. I feel sorry for Renshaw. The guy did nothing wrong.

From my perspective, I like Harris’ technique. I think he has the game to make it as an opener against quality bowling. But I’d agree that Renshaw is similar- his failure was not scoring runs in early shield games this year. But he was not alone there.

He has a lot of pressure on him , his opening partner isn't getting runs and they aren't scoring at a great rate either

He'd be far better of with Khawaja opening with him imo

Khawaja might as well be opening , he is usually in within the first 5 overs anyway

 

[eyewonder]

finch must be nervous about getting picked to play for Australia again.
but so should harris, the two marshes and travis head.
gunna be an important day for all these blokes - if the batting doesn't perform today you would think that changes will have to be made for the last test.

 

[Yossarian]

Bancroft is terrible. Nowhere near test standard as of now. I know Khawaja is in a slump and he’s disappointed this series but he’s twice the batsman Bancroft is.

Harris hmm… For me it’s down to him or Burns to open.

Khawaja first drop.
S Smith at 5

Then it’s wide open. Possibly Head at 5\. At 6 I’d almost take a punt on Patterson, Jake Lehmann etc. Handscomb seems to have the yips and unless he gloves up he’s got to start making runs. The Marshes we all know about. Mitch is not a top 6 test bat. He’s barely a shield top 6.

I’d seriously consider taking Pukovski to tour. He’s a gun big time. Bats 3 for Victoria. Could be the answer at 6.

I can accept Bancroft and Khawaja comments.
So…..
Harris
Warner
Khawaja
Smith
Head
Burns/Lehmann/??????
As a compromise!

That looks more solid! 2nd opener and 5-6 are going to be an issue. I’d go:

Warner
Burns
Khawaja
Smith
Head
Patterson/Lehmann/Pukovski

It may depend on the final shield games. We’ve all seen enough of the Marshes surely…

I also like your idea of youth - Pukivski and there’s another 20 year old - can’t remember name????

Sangha

 

[Yossarian]

If Australia lose this test (which is likely) the series is gone. I would make changes for the Sydney test & Sri Lanka series is a chance to blood some youth.

Burns or Hughes in for Finch, Labuschagne could replace M Marsh at the SCG, Patterson/Pucovski/Lehman/Weatherald could be considered to replace Shaun Marsh. I would even prefer Maxwell to him.

If things get desperate, we could always recall Hilton Cartwright.

In all honesty, Australian cricket is really in a rut. When you look at Shield cricket, the majority of innings this year (even when test players were available) have seen totals of less than 300 posted.

Really glad you’ve mentioned H Cartwright….could see him battting 5 or 6 and bowling some overs aswell.

I was actually joking. I can't understand how he ever got selected.

He is averaging 25 in 1st class cricket this year over 11 innings (including 84 not out) & has bowled 11 overs. If looking for an all-rounder, I would consider Stoinis or Wildermuth ahead of him.

Agreed. Cartwright isn’t a top 6 bat and he’s a dubious bowler. Not sure why we remain obsessed with allrounders at 6 given our batting woes. Go back to picking the best 6 bats. Someone in that bunch is bound to be able to roll the arm over. But if they must Stoinis, Maxwell or even Henriques are better options than Cartwright or M Marsh

 

[happy_tiger]

If Australia lose this test (which is likely) the series is gone. I would make changes for the Sydney test & Sri Lanka series is a chance to blood some youth.

Burns or Hughes in for Finch, Labuschagne could replace M Marsh at the SCG, Patterson/Pucovski/Lehman/Weatherald could be considered to replace Shaun Marsh. I would even prefer Maxwell to him.

If things get desperate, we could always recall Hilton Cartwright.

In all honesty, Australian cricket is really in a rut. When you look at Shield cricket, the majority of innings this year (even when test players were available) have seen totals of less than 300 posted.

Really glad you’ve mentioned H Cartwright….could see him battting 5 or 6 and bowling some overs aswell.

I was actually joking. I can't understand how he ever got selected.

He is averaging 25 in 1st class cricket this year over 11 innings (including 84 not out) & has bowled 11 overs. If looking for an all-rounder, I would consider Stoinis or Wildermuth ahead of him.

Agreed. Cartwright isn’t a top 6 bat and he’s a dubious bowler. Not sure why we remain obsessed with allrounders at 6 given our batting woes. Go back to picking the best 6 bats. Someone in that bunch is bound to be able to roll the arm over. But if they must Stoinis, Maxwell or even Henriques are better options than Cartwright or M Marsh

When Smith is back , you don't need an all rounder anyway

He under bowls himself in my opinion

We need to find some quickies as well , Starc and Hazelwood are only effective with the new ball

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Sorry to say, the solution is not as simple as dropping player X and promoting player Y. The system has failed and needs an overheaul. And every batsman who has come through the system has been affected. In the last 10 years, Australia has only produced 2 true world class batsmen (Smith and Warner). The rest have made up the numbers. It’s actually probably closer to 15, as the only other 2 I can think of Are Clarke and M Hussey back in the mid 00’s. It’s not going to solve anything bringing Burns or Lehman, or whoever else in, because the results will be the same. The problems run deeper. The slate needs to be wiped clean, with a stronger emphasis on 4 day cricket.

 

[Tiger_Steve]

Sorry to say, the solution is not as simple as dropping player X and promoting player Y. The system has failed and needs an overheaul. And every batsman who has come through the system has been affected. In the last 10 years, Australia has only produced 2 true world class batsmen (Smith and Warner). The rest have made up the numbers. It’s actually probably closer to 15, as the only other 2 I can think of Are Clarke and M Hussey back in the mid 00’s. It’s not going to solve anything bringing Burns or Lehman, or whoever else in, because the results will be the same. The problems run deeper. The slate needs to be wiped clean, with a stronger emphasis on 4 day cricket.

Good post

 

[coivtny]

Sorry to say, the solution is not as simple as dropping player X and promoting player Y. The system has failed and needs an overheaul. And every batsman who has come through the system has been affected. In the last 10 years, Australia has only produced 2 true world class batsmen (Smith and Warner). The rest have made up the numbers. It’s actually probably closer to 15, as the only other 2 I can think of Are Clarke and M Hussey back in the mid 00’s. It’s not going to solve anything bringing Burns or Lehman, or whoever else in, because the results will be the same. The problems run deeper. The slate needs to be wiped clean, with a stronger emphasis on 4 day cricket.

I agree with your last comment. Sheffield Shield should be the breeding ground to get our future Test players ready for Test cricket. It was for years but I think the standard has been poor for the past 10 years at least. When I first started following cricket our Test players played in most of the Sheffield Shield games. I remember watching Bobby Simpson score double and triple hundreds for NSW. Now they don't play any Shield games or maybe one at best. As a consequence the Shield has dropped in standard and doesn't bring the good players along as it once did.