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The National Selection Panel announced the Test side to take on the West Indies for the Frank Worrell Trophy. Its become a familiar set up now with the names in the side which is a positive step forward in terms of consistency. Its a strong squad as well but the aspect of competition is clearly evident.
Test Squad to play the West Indies:
Michael Clarke (captain), Shane Watson, Ed Cowan, David Warner, Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, Peter Forrest, Brad Haddin (wk), Matthew Wade (wk), Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Michael Beer, Nathan Lyon.
The big news involves the return of Shane Watson to the Test side after his injury layoff. His ICC player rankings give clear indication of his overall value to Australian cricket.
Two wicketkeepers have been chosen, which was suggested as a tactical move a while back already by the NSP. So, Brad Haddin and Matt Wade have been selected as the keepers of choice and the competition is sure to heat up!With the role the modern day keeper changed for good, and despite his experience, Hads will need to deliver with the bat as well as a notable pick up of his keeper standards given the strength Matt Wade displayed with his all-round performances for Victoria this season in First-class cricket while obviously not forgetting the steady entrance hes made with the bat in ODI cricket. His wicket keeping needs no questioning!</p> Competition for places in the side is healthy and this doesnt only stand an obstacle for the wicketkeepers but the spin bowling department as well. In 2008 Beau Casson (recently retired from all cricket due to a heart condition) was the selected debutant after Stuart MacGill felt it was time to walk away from the game having done an excellent job often in the shadow of Shane Warnes magic. Casson faired alright but was never recalled and the spinners of this tour will be heading over with experience and a head to head case of who will be picked?
Will it be Nathan Lyon, who has had a fair grant of opportunities after initially impressing in limited overs State cricket before his debut against Sri Lanka, or will it be Michael Beer, whose debut was sparked by Shane Warne delivering a public statement ahead of the WACA Test against England.
He played the Sydney Ashes test, his one and only test to date. Beer has recently finished his Sheffield Shield season with a positive collection of 26 wickets at an average of 26.42. It clearly put him ahead of the rest. The NSP has chosen wisely in this regard of permance.
Peter Forrest has been selected for Test cricket as the consensus is that his natural game and temperament is suited to the elite form of the game, so hes inline for debut.
Those of you who are not sure of Peters alternative basis of performance for selection besides his maiden ODI series, his Sheffield season accounted: 581 runs at an average of 58.10 with 3 centuries from just 6 matches.Peter Forrest First-class stats: 37 matches, 2215 runs, average 36.31, 6 centuries.</p>
It looks likely that Shane Watson will be stepping in at the number three position in Shaun Marshsabsence after being dropped. The catch is how will the middle order be selected? The aspect of competition is back again. I have mentioned competition for keeper and spin bowling places but how about the batting!David Warner and Eddie Cowan will surely hold the fort as the opening duo established a connection during the series against India where they have scored 346 runs from 6 partnerships at an average of 57.66.</p> Ricky Ponting has been in sublime form for the Tassie Tigers following his dream series against India where he was just amazing to watch, scoring 544 runs at 108.80 in the Border-Gavaskar series! Punter only fell short of going beyond a half-century in one of his six innings.
We all felt it could be the last time we saw the great Punter play for the Baggy Greens but hes still finding ways to show his class. He will fit in at number 4 or 5.
Michael Clarke is likely to be ready to go into the Test series as the leader of the pack but does he take on the number 3 role or stay situated at number 5? Peter Forrest may be seen as a potential number 3 candidate but then theres still the question of Shane Watson who wont be breaking up the Warner/Cowan duo in a hurry I reckon. Michael Hussey is still putting his hand up so taking into account Wade or Haddin in the lower order, it really is a big debate as to who will be in the batting setup.
My gut feeling is a recipe that works with Watto coming in for Marsh and Peter Forrest carrying the drinks until the time is right for the opportunity, quite likely on this tour.
Time will tell but it is a competitive situation, which is always good!
The fast bowling setup needs no questioning. The boys selected are the right ones for the job. Brett Lee delivered one of the most entertaining performances of his career in the Windies in 2008 with regular reverse swing and brutal focus with his pace.
While none of these bowlers were on the 2008 tour, I hope they get a reminder of this at some stage which should make Peter Siddle and James Pattinson smile from ear to ear.
Ryan Harris (who will be playing in the Sheffield Shield final) has finally found some confidence again and I think his swing bowling abilities and raw pace alongside Ben Hilfenhaus may really trouble the Windies.
There is absolutely no harm in playing these four guys in one game and having Mitchell Starc as well adds some venom to the swing bowling options. Its a daunting bowling group but Mitch Starc is still finding himself and looking for that consistency with his line.
A note on Ben Hilfenhaus would be that he was actually picked for the 2008 tour but injury ruled him out so its a welcome tour for him after his golden summer operating in partnership with Peter Sid Vicious Siddle.
All in all, it looks good to me. This side can beat the Windies and if that thing I always talk about, synergy, kicks in its going to be 3-0! However, as a follower of West Indian cricket I never rule these guys out for their unknown attitudes. Theyre unpredictable with their cricket and youd be nave to say they dont have the skill to win it.
I wrote this article two days ago which should give you some background as to which West Indian ODI players to watch out for. Some of these guys are Test cricketers and arent push overs.
The warning lights need to stay on but our boys must be focused on the realistic opportunity of a 3-0 victory!
It is the limited overs series first though and this will begin on Friday.
This is also the day the Sheffield Shield final will start between Tasmania (chasing a back-to-back title) and Queensland, where Ricky Ponting (TAS), Ed Cowan (TAS) and Ryan Harris (QLD) will be playing.
Who are you backing to win it?
A quick congrats to Jackson Bird for winning the Sheffield Shield player of the season award! Jackson will be playing for the Tassie Tigers for the final.
The 25 year old has had an astonishing season with the ball in hand where hes taken 48 wickets in just 7 matches at an average of 15.75 with 5 five-wicket hauls.
Another bright star in Australias galaxy of future fast bowlers!
This article is from The Baggy Green Blog!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click here.
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@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@SylvesterAu
@Dan_Stapo
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The National Selection Panel announced the Test side to take on the West Indies for the Frank Worrell Trophy. Its become a familiar set up now with the names in the side which is a positive step forward in terms of consistency. Its a strong squad as well but the aspect of competition is clearly evident.
Test Squad to play the West Indies:
Michael Clarke (captain), Shane Watson, Ed Cowan, David Warner, Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, Peter Forrest, Brad Haddin (wk), Matthew Wade (wk), Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Michael Beer, Nathan Lyon.
The big news involves the return of Shane Watson to the Test side after his injury layoff. His ICC player rankings give clear indication of his overall value to Australian cricket.
Two wicketkeepers have been chosen, which was suggested as a tactical move a while back already by the NSP. So, Brad Haddin and Matt Wade have been selected as the keepers of choice and the competition is sure to heat up!With the role the modern day keeper changed for good, and despite his experience, Hads will need to deliver with the bat as well as a notable pick up of his keeper standards given the strength Matt Wade displayed with his all-round performances for Victoria this season in First-class cricket while obviously not forgetting the steady entrance hes made with the bat in ODI cricket. His wicket keeping needs no questioning!</p> Competition for places in the side is healthy and this doesnt only stand an obstacle for the wicketkeepers but the spin bowling department as well. In 2008 Beau Casson (recently retired from all cricket due to a heart condition) was the selected debutant after Stuart MacGill felt it was time to walk away from the game having done an excellent job often in the shadow of Shane Warnes magic. Casson faired alright but was never recalled and the spinners of this tour will be heading over with experience and a head to head case of who will be picked?
Will it be Nathan Lyon, who has had a fair grant of opportunities after initially impressing in limited overs State cricket before his debut against Sri Lanka, or will it be Michael Beer, whose debut was sparked by Shane Warne delivering a public statement ahead of the WACA Test against England.
He played the Sydney Ashes test, his one and only test to date. Beer has recently finished his Sheffield Shield season with a positive collection of 26 wickets at an average of 26.42. It clearly put him ahead of the rest. The NSP has chosen wisely in this regard of permance.
Peter Forrest has been selected for Test cricket as the consensus is that his natural game and temperament is suited to the elite form of the game, so hes inline for debut.
Those of you who are not sure of Peters alternative basis of performance for selection besides his maiden ODI series, his Sheffield season accounted: 581 runs at an average of 58.10 with 3 centuries from just 6 matches.Peter Forrest First-class stats: 37 matches, 2215 runs, average 36.31, 6 centuries.</p>
It looks likely that Shane Watson will be stepping in at the number three position in Shaun Marshsabsence after being dropped. The catch is how will the middle order be selected? The aspect of competition is back again. I have mentioned competition for keeper and spin bowling places but how about the batting!David Warner and Eddie Cowan will surely hold the fort as the opening duo established a connection during the series against India where they have scored 346 runs from 6 partnerships at an average of 57.66.</p> Ricky Ponting has been in sublime form for the Tassie Tigers following his dream series against India where he was just amazing to watch, scoring 544 runs at 108.80 in the Border-Gavaskar series! Punter only fell short of going beyond a half-century in one of his six innings.
We all felt it could be the last time we saw the great Punter play for the Baggy Greens but hes still finding ways to show his class. He will fit in at number 4 or 5.
Michael Clarke is likely to be ready to go into the Test series as the leader of the pack but does he take on the number 3 role or stay situated at number 5? Peter Forrest may be seen as a potential number 3 candidate but then theres still the question of Shane Watson who wont be breaking up the Warner/Cowan duo in a hurry I reckon. Michael Hussey is still putting his hand up so taking into account Wade or Haddin in the lower order, it really is a big debate as to who will be in the batting setup.
My gut feeling is a recipe that works with Watto coming in for Marsh and Peter Forrest carrying the drinks until the time is right for the opportunity, quite likely on this tour.
Time will tell but it is a competitive situation, which is always good!
The fast bowling setup needs no questioning. The boys selected are the right ones for the job. Brett Lee delivered one of the most entertaining performances of his career in the Windies in 2008 with regular reverse swing and brutal focus with his pace.
While none of these bowlers were on the 2008 tour, I hope they get a reminder of this at some stage which should make Peter Siddle and James Pattinson smile from ear to ear.
Ryan Harris (who will be playing in the Sheffield Shield final) has finally found some confidence again and I think his swing bowling abilities and raw pace alongside Ben Hilfenhaus may really trouble the Windies.
There is absolutely no harm in playing these four guys in one game and having Mitchell Starc as well adds some venom to the swing bowling options. Its a daunting bowling group but Mitch Starc is still finding himself and looking for that consistency with his line.
A note on Ben Hilfenhaus would be that he was actually picked for the 2008 tour but injury ruled him out so its a welcome tour for him after his golden summer operating in partnership with Peter Sid Vicious Siddle.
All in all, it looks good to me. This side can beat the Windies and if that thing I always talk about, synergy, kicks in its going to be 3-0! However, as a follower of West Indian cricket I never rule these guys out for their unknown attitudes. Theyre unpredictable with their cricket and youd be nave to say they dont have the skill to win it.
I wrote this article two days ago which should give you some background as to which West Indian ODI players to watch out for. Some of these guys are Test cricketers and arent push overs.
The warning lights need to stay on but our boys must be focused on the realistic opportunity of a 3-0 victory!
It is the limited overs series first though and this will begin on Friday.
This is also the day the Sheffield Shield final will start between Tasmania (chasing a back-to-back title) and Queensland, where Ricky Ponting (TAS), Ed Cowan (TAS) and Ryan Harris (QLD) will be playing.
Who are you backing to win it?
A quick congrats to Jackson Bird for winning the Sheffield Shield player of the season award! Jackson will be playing for the Tassie Tigers for the final.
The 25 year old has had an astonishing season with the ball in hand where hes taken 48 wickets in just 7 matches at an average of 15.75 with 5 five-wicket hauls.
Another bright star in Australias galaxy of future fast bowlers!
This article is from The Baggy Green Blog!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click here.
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@SylvesterAu
@Dan_Stapo
More...
