Commonwealth Bank Series

[Damo01]

Yep they played the 3 ICC SuperSeries One Dayers there.

Oh yeah that's right. I forgot about that.

 

[sifter132]

The talk of Hayden/Gilly/Watson opening is interesting. Gilchrist should always be at the top. Why? Because if he plays well, we are well on the way to setting a big total or chasing down the target - whatever the size. I like the idea of having your "dodgiest/least consistent" hitter (yes that's Gilly) at the top. If he pays off great, if not, just bring in the "real" batsmen (for want of a better description) and they will adapt to whatever situation Gilchrist has left them with.

Hayden's now increasing form is making it difficult to slot Watson back into the team. Big Haydos is even cutting with confidence now. But we need Watson in the team IMHO as he is a much better 5th bowling option than White/Symonds/Clarke as his recent record shows. Watson's weakness is his lack of hitting power compared to White/Symonds in particular, but the selectors were hoping to avoid this by playing him up the top. But enough Watson plugging, I'm a big fan and I really hope he can show consistent form soon to silence his critics.

Question is, how to use him...

I know Australia doesn't really like to do it, but perhaps Watson could float in the order and it could be based on Gilly's performance. I don't think you would bring him in ahead of Ponting, but bringing him in at 4 ahead of Clarke if we had lost 2 quick wickets would be a good idea. Or maybe if Gilly gets out first bring in Ponting, if Hayden gets out first bring in Watson.


And to add to the ball debate a few pages back, they really need to do something. A white ball might be better when at the ground, but on TV it is pretty horrible. If I am any more than 3 maybe 4 metres from the TV after the 20th over, I struggle to see the ball at all (and yes my sight is good) as it totally blends in with the pitch. They should start experimenting with different colours like bright pink, yellow, etc. something that contrasts with everything pitch, sky, grass, uniforms etc.

 

[aussie1st]

I feel we should have a lineup like:
Gilly
Hayden
Ponting
Clarke
Watson
Hodge
Hussey

Still don't know what to do if it's the last 10 overs, we could move Watson down below Lee and Bracken but it would be like batting him at 7 again.

 

[IloveGilly]

The top 4 seems good enough for the world cup but the middle order doesn't seem as stable as it but Hussey at 7 does seem like the best option.

 

[aussie1st]

Well you gotta start somewhere, same thing was probably said when we had Symonds at 5 during the WC. Watson and Hodge should do just fine if they bring their domestic form to the international level.

 

[Damo01]

Wow! The Australians admitted their poorest displays of the season to suffer a defeat in their first 1st final game...Yes they are going to make a comeback today so yeah watch out England...

 

[Roofrom50]

It will be interesting to see what happens today. Australia will come out no matter what and try and make this series go to the 3rd Final in Adelaide. Would Just be interesting to see how England cope with the pressure of Beating Australia for a trophy. And thats why i think Australia will win, because of the pressure England have got on them. I mean after today they could have a trophy in the Bag after being slaughtered in the Ashes Series just a few months back.

 

[aussie_ben91]

We're in the business of writing people off after 8 ODI's opening the batting? For the record Hayden had passed 20 twice after 10 innings, with one 50 coming off 100 balls. Of the times Watson has opened he's been out mostly trying to up the run rate too early in his innings, that's just inexperience- he's also been scoring his runs at around a run a ball. It's a shame he got injured when he did or his opening spot would probably be cemented by now.

Yeah but ODI cricket wasn't as highlighted as it is now and Hayden was a 21 year old and had probably played a handfull of FC games aswell. Try taking a look at his record when he was closer to Watson's age. Averaged 38.

Can't see why we wouldn't try Watson at 4 aswell though. Clarke is beginning to look drained after allot of cricket.

 

[genghis_khan]

I feel we should have a lineup like:
Gilly
Hayden
Ponting
Clarke
Watson
Hodge
Hussey

lol pick the weak links...how easy would it be for the score to go from 3/60 to 5/70 with that lineup.

 

[aussie1st]

lol pick the weak links...how easy would it be for the score to go from 3/60 to 5/70 with that lineup.

And what would you do Einstein? Drop Hodge ok who for? The only other person is White and you don't like him either. So hmmm should we just go with 10 players then cause we aren't going to bring in some inexperienced player that hasn't played a game for us all summer.

 

[Leicester Fox]

i don't know too much about your players but couldn't Jaques be a possible player with Gilly moving perhaps?

 

[aussie_ben91]

40 minutes to the game and it's beginning to pour down here in Sydney.

 

[aussie1st]

i don't know too much about your players but couldn't Jaques be a possible player with Gilly moving perhaps?

I'd rather keep Gilly where he is especially since the WC is only a few games away not the time to be experimenting. Jaques himself has found form too late to force his way in.

 

[Leicester Fox]

I hope the game go's ahead. when are the teams announced? come on pick Broady!

 

[aussie_ben91]

Things are slightly better now. Still slightly overcast but it's not raining.