Australia tour of South Africa, 2008/09

[aussie1st]

A typical North 50 in gritty fashion and still out there to bat with the tail. I really don't think we can afford MacDonald with Haddin at 6 as he has proven enough with his batting to be considered a top 6 batter.
And McGain not so good showing has been put in perspective with Tahir also getting smashed.

 

[IloveGilly]

Nice that Katich and Ponting are in such dominating form heading into the series. Not really a fan of McDonald, hope that North gets a call-up. Handy spinner and a quality batsman.

 

[aussie1st]

Just read that Clarke is in doubt for the opening test. We would be in serious trouble losing him as he has been our best batsmen in the past year not to mention we would have 2 possibly 3 (if Hilfy plays) players on debut, a player that just made his debut, one that has 4 test matches and a keeper yet to establish himself.

Pup may miss opening Test - Cricket - Sport - smh.com.au

 

[Jakester1288]

For those wondering, apparently Katich retired hurt because he has a bruised arm, but it shouldn't affect him too much. He should be in the first test.

Good batting from the boys today, hoping North can make a lot more runs. Whilst I think McDonald is better suited to the role of the player we need at the moment, I love seeing new guys doing well.

 

[irottev]

I don't get this McGain guy. He's 36 so he hasn't got a long future with Australia. He's only played 20 first class games and his record is good, but nothing great.

 

[Crew of Black]

All you have to do is have a look at the records of all the spin bowlers in the Australian Domestic Competition, to get your answer.

 

[piriyanth]

North has a great future in Australian team.

 

[angryangy]

No doubt North is going to play now, they promoted him to open to give him another 50 runs. I don't think the 6 wicket haul is going to be a big factor, most of the wickets look like stupid slogs. They'll realise that it doesn't mean a lot.

 

[stefan]

Good warmup for the Aussies. Now the real stuff to start. Can't wait for Thursday.

 

[aussie1st]

Clarke is in doubt for the test anyway so we still could have two bites at the cheery with North and McDonald in the same side.

Good comeback by Bollinger put his name back up there, don't know what it means for Hilfy as he only bowled 6 overs. McGain is locked into the first test seeing how he didn't bowl in the 2nd inns.

A 50 for Hughes as well that will boost his confidence.

 

[IloveGilly]

There's a lot of rave about it now, would've required a bit of luck though. Glad he'll have the chance to play and hopefully keep McDonald out of contention.

News just said Clarke is a near certain starter. Wouldn't exactly trust them though. Heh.

 

[age of the fall]

Man I'm looking forward to this series. It's going to be a blast.

From a neutral stance, I don't care who wins, but there's going to be some great cricket.

 

[aussie1st]

Things are a bit clearer to why Siddle and McGain didn't bowl, yet another case of food-related gastro in SA! McDonald and Ponting were also suffering to the stage we had our strength and conditioning coach fielding.

Clarke will be fit for the test so we are back to North v McDonald and seeing how the Wanderers favours the pacemen and I also read Harris only bowled 10 overs in the same test match last season so it looks like North will play with 4 pacemen.

 

[Gilly Fan]

For those wondering, apparently Katich retired hurt because he has a bruised arm, but it shouldn't affect him too much. He should be in the first test.

Good batting from the boys today, hoping North can make a lot more runs. Whilst I think McDonald is better suited to the role of the player we need at the moment, I love seeing new guys doing well.

It was more of giving the other batsmen a chance. That's why the openers in our 2nd innings retired 'hurt'. So they could give others a chance.

 

[Sman-21]

That performance is why i would have North in the team instead of Macdonald

North is just as likely to pick up 2 or more wickets as macdonald is.
Then when it comes to batting North if he plays well will get a century.
Where as if macdonald bats well he would be lucky to even get 50.