Funny reading some comments a few pages back after Aussies were 3/30 odd.
Anyway, I think North's efforts today should seal Andrew Symonds fate. Possibly even Shane Watson's for a while. But, Hilditch and Ponting seem to have a big mancrush on Symonds, so it would be stupid to say he won't make it back into the Test team. However on all the evidence presented thus far I think it would be stupid to bring him back.
My analysis of North v Symonds:
Batting: North is more reliable and in form. Symonds hit the ball longer and harder and is more intimidating. North is also a leftie to break up Clarke and Haddin.
Advantage: North. Symonds' advantages are great in the shorter forms of the game, but far less important when you are 4/150 (or less). Both his Test centuries have needed help from umpires...
Bowling: Symonds has the advantage of bowling pace and spin, but just because you can bowl both doesn't mean you can do either of them well. His bowling has begun to decline in recent years. North's seems to be improving each year.
Advantage: Even right now IMO. But North will only get better I think as he learns more about spin bowling.
Fielding: Symonds is the ultimate ground fielder (when he has a good knee of course
. North is a slipper.
Advantage: Symonds. But Aussies need a slipper to replace Hayden, so North is valuable.
Teamwork: Symonds is a larrikin and entertaining guy to have around. But he also has the arrogance, smugness and a fishing addiction that possibly negates the positives he brings. I can't comment on North's team presence. He's friends with Mike Hussey - that's about all I know.
Advantage: Even, but need more information. I think I'm being generous to Symonds here, I wouldn't want him in my team, but a few blokes in the Aussie setup really like him.
Future prospects: North is about 4 years younger than Symonds and his game should only improve after exposure to the top level of cricket.
Advantage: North.
From the above analysis, I really can't see why Australia would turn back to Symonds now. For what? His fielding? His 'presence' (the word Ponting and Hilditch like to use about him)? Screw that, I'd rather have a guy I trust at #6 and who's willing to be a true team player.
