Australia Tour Of India 2012/13

[Sedition]

Nah we'd keep him at 6, since it's apparently the new opening position.

 

[Aalay]

afridi would be probably opening if he was australian tbh, with ashwin at no.3, unfortunately for him pakistan have guns like er... imran farhat that naturally keep him out of the position.

Hah Ashwin would be an ideal no. 3 for Australia.

 

[puddleduck]

Boycott's nan opening the batting with a stick of rhubarb would probably bat top 4.

 

[sifter132]

hmmm in that series both times australia went past 400 they required clarke and hussey to put on a double hundred partnership. so it's the same line up minus the guy who was at the crease when they scored most of the runs. kind of a factor.

Yep Hussey was needed for a big partnership. But Cowan and Warner also made centuries in those Tests - that can't be swept under the rug. Don't just ignore their big partnerships with Clarke to fit the narrative. Then Hughes did well vs Sri Lanka and both he and Watson performed in the ODI series afterwards. Watson carved up the bowling in first tour game here and has obviously been working on his game vs spin because he's coming down the pitch sometimes - he never did that before. Combine them with Clarke and is it really so insane to think that these are the 5 batsmen that should be playing? And that they are all rubbish bar Clarke? And if it is insane, then who precisely is this Messiah that should be in the Aussie batting lineup?

Yep, Australia has been awful in these 2 Tests, and can't play spin to save themselves, but I think there is at least some talent there. I'm not writing off these guys yet for the mid-long term, but geez I wish they looked better prepared for this trip. Watson is the only guy I can see who's obviously tried to add something to his game vs spin. Everyone else is using the same old prod forward and hope for the best approach. They are sitting ducks.

That said, I think the problems vs spin have mostly been in their heads. eg. I watch Matthew Wade push at R Ashwin out onto the off side - who's coming over the wicket, with only 3 men on the leg side. Any batsman worth his salt should be able to score on the leg side there, as you can't be LBW as he'll be pitching outside leg. Or if you want to defend, kick it away. Yet it's like he's bowling handgrenades. It's a lack of confidence in his ability vs spin, and a mental block about the bowler or the pitch being more threatening that they truly are. Not picking on Wade in particular, most of the batsmen have seemed to freeze vs spin. It's just odd that Ashwin bowled in Australia just over 12 months ago to the Aussie batsmen and rarely troubled the Aussie batsmen.

And just wanted to add that this is exactly the time in the tour when you want an extra practice match. Mid series, when you can take stock, rest guys who are overworked eg. Clarke, Pattinson, and play guys who need to find runs ie. everyone bar Clarke...Guys are desperate to get some runs under their belt, but there is no chance to find any. They just have to back up for the next Test, bad luck. The international calendar takes no prisoners.

 

[aussie1st]

Yep, Australia has been awful in these 2 Tests, and can't play spin to save themselves, but I think there is at least some talent there. I'm not writing off these guys yet for the mid-long term, but geez I wish they looked better prepared for this trip. Watson is the only guy I can see who's obviously tried to add something to his game vs spin. Everyone else is using the same old prod forward and hope for the best approach. They are sitting ducks.

Bit rough on Cowan, he definitely has been working on the sweep and I can personally vouch for it since I saw him doing it in the nets at Boxing day. Agree on the rest though, they must have known they struggled against spin and should have been looking at ways to fix it.

 

[midgetwars]

Well the problem is the sweep. They kept sweeping and missing. Even the Clarke.

 

[Left_Hander]

I think it was Wade that said Australia needs to be more "aggressive" in their approach of face spin bowling. Yeah, because that has worked so well so far.

 

[Aalay]

Ok let's keep Steven Finn at no. 3 and move Ashwin at no. 5

 

[Cricketman]

Ashwin would probably do quite well in the top 5 TBH

 

[Gurjot95]

ESPNcricinfo @ESPNcricinfo
Brad Haddin is on standby to fly to India after Matthew Wade twisted his ankle playing basketball in Chandigarh.

Blessing in disguise for Australia.

 

[Prithvi]

Uhm, on form, he's shait, doesn't matter where he plays.

Not comparing him to anyone, but Dhoni was terribly out of form in this format before Chennai test. Not just with the bat, also as a captain, he failed both at home and away. Failing at away with rookie squad is acceptable, but not 4-0 twice. And in home, with a rookie* squad, 1-2 loss to England.
*Rookie squad here excludes RD, Laxman to the previous squad.

Why was he being given chances after chances? Mohinder Amarnath spoke out the ugly fact, it was a unanimous decision, what was overturned by N. Srinivasan. I have nothing against Dhoni TBH, but the politics what this Srinivasan is playing has been a catalyst for my hatered towards Dhoni. Added to that, his stingyness in test format- when he cannot play, why cannot he simply quit? Now that he has come up with a quickfire double century, that doesn't mean he can play test cricket like how it should be played.

PS: That double hundred was required at that time and I appreciate that knock of him. And at the same time, I expect him to play defense for days together, when situation demands him to play defense- and only after that, he can play test cricket.

By pushing Sehwag to the middle order, they would be doing major disservice to Rahane and also the other middle order contenders like Tiwary, Rayudu, etc. I am not sure if all of Sehwag's troubles can be put down to the opening slot. It does seem to be his reflexes and his hand-eye coordination. And he probably made a 'not so smart' move of starting to wear glasses in the last two tests vs Australia. It was like he was telling the world that there is something wrong with his eye sight/hand eye coordination and that's why he was wearing glasses to solve the problem. And when his form wasn't still resurrected, it pushed the selectors to take the bold step.

Having Sehwag out also helps others feel more secure that they are wanted for that middle order and for that opening spot.

P.s: I also feel thrilled when watching a Sehwag in full flow, and consider him a game changer when he is in flow. But he has disappointed me far too much for me to be rooting for his inclusion. If at all this is the end of Sehwag's career, I would feel sad for sure..

When his wish isn't granted, I don't think sacking him is correct option. If you see now, Rahane hasn't had a test debut because of Tendulkar and added to that, BCCI has left his retirement decision to him. I feel Sehwag is being a scrap-goat here. He hasn't got a chance to play wherever he feels to play like, forced to perform at a single position- with new ball and energetic opposition. We have option of keeping Kohli/Jadeja out to accommodate Sehwag in the middle order for two games. After Sachin, we do not have a good #4 batsman, and we need to search one like Sehwag, who can play like how the situation demands.

Yes, we all miss that- Sehwag in full flow. Those footwork less fours, what looked awesome- those triple tons. They will be definitely missed.

Thats why Sachin must be dropped NOW, he is the chief reason Rahane hasnt debut as yet, he continues to fail with the bat and doesnt seem to be retiring soon, the selectors must stand up and drop this loser!

BCCI must put a age limit- 37 years and you are retired, just like govt offices, where 58/60 is age limit, here in cricket, it must be 37 and you are gone- irrespective of what your average is and how many runs you need to score in order to achieve a record.

 

[greymatter776]

I would like to see Ojha playing the next game other than Harbhajan.

 

[SaiSrini]

Not comparing him to anyone, but Dhoni was terribly out of form in this format before Chennai test. Not just with the bat, also as a captain, he failed both at home and away. Failing at away with rookie squad is acceptable, but not 4-0 twice. And in home, with a rookie* squad, 1-2 loss to England.
*Rookie squad here excludes RD, Laxman to the previous squad.

Why was he being given chances after chances? Mohinder Amarnath spoke out the ugly fact, it was a unanimous decision, what was overturned by N. Srinivasan. I have nothing against Dhoni TBH, but the politics what this Srinivasan is playing has been a catalyst for my hatered towards Dhoni. Added to that, his stingyness in test format- when he cannot play, why cannot he simply quit? Now that he has come up with a quickfire double century, that doesn't mean he can play test cricket like how it should be played.

PS: That double hundred was required at that time and I appreciate that knock of him. And at the same time, I expect him to play defense for days together, when situation demands him to play defense- and only after that, he can play test cricket.


When his wish isn't granted, I don't think sacking him is correct option. If you see now, Rahane hasn't had a test debut because of Tendulkar and added to that, BCCI has left his retirement decision to him. I feel Sehwag is being a scrap-goat here. He hasn't got a chance to play wherever he feels to play like, forced to perform at a single position- with new ball and energetic opposition. We have option of keeping Kohli/Jadeja out to accommodate Sehwag in the middle order for two games. After Sachin, we do not have a good #4 batsman, and we need to search one like Sehwag, who can play like how the situation demands.

Yes, we all miss that- Sehwag in full flow. Those footwork less fours, what looked awesome- those triple tons. They will be definitely missed.

BCCI must put a age limit- 37 years and you are retired, just like govt offices, where 58/60 is age limit, here in cricket, it must be 37 and you are gone- irrespective of what your average is and how many runs you need to score in order to achieve a record.

If Laxman had not been hasty and had not given importance to his bruised ego, probably Sachin might have left and Laxman stayed. You need one senior pro to take the team through the transition. Dravid left at the right time (4 years after Ganguly/Kumble left). Laxman felt insulted when he was given an ultimatum of the series (even if the rumors are not true, Laxman should not have left immediately after Dravid. India didn't play a single test inbetween Laxman and Dravid's retirement. Laxman took a hasty decision). So all India was left with was Tendulkar.

Since others did not time their retirements properly, Tendulkar is left to stay with the team. While Tendulkar is in the side, Kohli and Pujara are starting to find their feet now. Once their feet are permanently planted, Tendulkar will leave and the next guy will come in. Its working out pretty well for the team. Sehwag can't play that role that Tendulkar plays in transitioning the team through, even if Sehwag bats at No.4.

 

[cerande]

Why was he being given chances after chances? Mohinder Amarnath spoke out the ugly fact, it was a unanimous decision, what was overturned by N. Srinivasan. I have nothing against Dhoni TBH, but the politics what this Srinivasan is playing has been a catalyst for my hatered towards Dhoni. Added to that, his stingyness in test format- when he cannot play, why cannot he simply quit? Now that he has come up with a quickfire double century, that doesn't mean he can play test cricket like how it should be played.

PS: That double hundred was required at that time and I appreciate that knock of him. And at the same time, I expect him to play defense for days together, when situation demands him to play defense- and only after that, he can play test cricket

Amarnath wanted to make Sehwag captain.Now,I agree that Dhoni was struggling and all,but Sehwag wasn't?Sehwag just gives an impression that he is not interested anymore.I would have Dhoni as a captain over Sehwag any day of the week.
Now,I am not saying that what happened with Amarnath wasn't bad.I am simply saying I would not have been happy with Sehwag as captain any more than Dhoni.If Amarnath wanted a new fresh face ,then he would have had a point.

Dhoni is no Dravid to be honest.He does not have a copy-book style of play.So I would actually prefer him to play his natural game.No need to be bogged down.
If he comes at 50-5,then the whole team is batting horribly,no need to single out your wicketkeeper batsmen who is probably only next to Prior and De villiers in terms of performances.

Also,when has Sehwag defended continuously?He was anti -defense from ball one.You could argue it was due to him opening but when you really think about it,he is more attacking towards spinners.Middle order position won't miraculously change Sehwag's fortunes.

I am sorry but that 37 age limit is stupid.A player has a right to be available for selection.Selectors are the ones who select.If someone is out of form,they should drop him.Now I know selectors don't have it in them,just saying.

Tendulkar probably is blocking Rohit Sharma's place.It was supposed to be Rahane at #6,Rohit replacing Sachin after he retires.Jadeja simply messed up the calculations.

I would like to add that nothing would thrill me more than to see Sehwag at his old best.He has made an astonishing comeback before.Here is to hoping he makes another,opening or otherwise.

 

[SaiSrini]

In the innings that he has played in this series so far, Dhoni has shown that he is hearing the feedback about his style of batting in recent times, especially in test cricket. He seems to be adopting a positive approach and is going for his natural game, which is reaping him dividends. It remains to be seen if this approach works for him abroad too. But so far, its working well for him at home now. He should think of a test match like an ODI. Steal quick singles and keep the scoring rate moving, step out and hit boundaries, and disturb the bowler's rhythm.