Joined: Oct 15 2003 Posts: 53839 Location: North Yorkshire
Ordsall Quays Red wrote:The Aussies didn't pick 2 spinners in India and will be even less inclined to do so in Perth of all places. I think they will go with Smith to replace North and 4 pace men. Smith can bowl spin if need be.
True, althought Smith's leg spin is poor by all accounts so it won't be much of an option for them I don't think.
Joined: Apr 23 2002 Posts: 3882 Location: In the midst of Manchester's Steak Diane belt
PAUL M wrote:True, althought Smith's leg spin is poor by all accounts so it won't be much of an option for them I don't think.
It's not the best but must it be a better option than someone who's only played 5 Sheffield Shield games in his career! An average of 39 runs per wicket with best bowling figures of 3-39 doesnt bode well for them.
It seems the only question the Aussie selectors seem to ask re their spinners these days is "is he left-handed?"
Joined: Apr 03 2003 Posts: 28186 Location: A world of my own ...
It's the recalls of Hilfenhaus and Johnson that are most indicative of the panic that seems to have set in - if they weren't good enough to be in the side one Test ago, how are they suddenly the best available option right now?
"As you travel through life don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things" - George Carlin
Joined: May 31 2005 Posts: 4064 Location: An exclusive mansion apartment in fashionable South London
Andy Gilder wrote:It's the recalls of Hilfenhaus and Johnson that are most indicative of the panic that seems to have set in - if they weren't good enough to be in the side one Test ago, how are they suddenly the best available option right now?
Hilfenhaus was probably a bit unlucky to be dropped after one ordinary game when he was consistently good against England in our last series, especially as Brisbane was only his second Test on home soil, but recalling Johnson for Bollinger only a week after making the reverse change seems clueless. Johnson didn't even play for WA in their Sheffield Shield match this week, so all he's done since being dropped is bowl in the nets.
It looks like a "sh*t or bust" selection. An opening partnership of Watson & Hughes, a bowling attack including Johnson and Smith smacks of desparation, but its not inconceivable that they could come off, particularly if England are complacent.
PAUL M wrote:True, althought Smith's leg spin is poor by all accounts so it won't be much of an option for them I don't think.
Clarke could help with the spin options, if they decided just to play Smith rather than both Smith and Hauritz - providing his back doesn't give out on him.
Has Hauritz just got a century for NSW too in their recent shield match? Better spin option than Smith and can also bat......
Joined: May 31 2005 Posts: 4064 Location: An exclusive mansion apartment in fashionable South London
Mike Oxlong wrote:Clarke could help with the spin options, if they decided just to play Smith rather than both Smith and Hauritz - providing his back doesn't give out on him.
Has Hauritz just got a century for NSW too in their recent shield match? Better spin option than Smith and can also bat......
Yes, looks like he went in as nightwatchman and made the most of it. Scorecard here:
The selectors were probably more interested in Steve Smith's bowling in the same match. I'm more interested in Phil Hughes' scores!
Mike Oxlong wrote:Clarke could help with the spin options, if they decided just to play Smith rather than both Smith and Hauritz - providing his back doesn't give out on him.
Has Hauritz just got a century for NSW too in their recent shield match? Better spin option than Smith and can also bat......
Yes, looks like he went in as nightwatchman and made the most of it. Scorecard here:
The selectors were probably more interested in Steve Smith's bowling in the same match. I'm more interested in Phil Hughes' scores!
As no doubt i've mentioned before, I was lucky enough to play against Dean Jones when he spend about half a season at nostell probably a year or two after that, he was ranked 4th in the world at the time, and was playing in the Leeds League, absolutely amazing to see up close, timing from a different planet.
Agree with what's been said, Kick em while they are down boys, then kick em some more.
Prince of Denmark wrote:Yes, looks like he went in as nightwatchman and made the most of it. Scorecard here:
The selectors were probably more interested in Steve Smith's bowling in the same match. I'm more interested in Phil Hughes' scores!
As no doubt i've mentioned before, I was lucky enough to play against Dean Jones when he spend about half a season at nostell probably a year or two after that, he was ranked 4th in the world at the time, and was playing in the Leeds League, absolutely amazing to see up close, timing from a different planet.
Agree with what's been said, Kick em while they are down boys, then kick em some more.
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