Dec 16-20: 3rd Test - Australia v England at Perth

[6ry4nj]

1. Shane Watson
2. Phillip Hughes
3. Ricky Ponting
4. Michael Clarke
5. Mike Hussey
6. Brad Haddin
7. Steve Smith
8. Mitchell Johnson
9. Ryan Harris
10. Peter Siddle
11. Ben Hilfenhaus/ Nathan Hauritz

The big mistakes in that lineup would be Johnson (get him in some sort of form before picking him again), Hauritz (two spinners? or is Smith there for his batting? Either way...thumbs down) and dropping Bollinger (in-form, only just got there lol).

I would have O'Keefe as the spinner/4th bowler (5th including Watson), and Khawaja for North, with David Hussey as an 'alternate'. I would also give Siddle a spell, in favour of Mark Cameron, or maybe Peter George.

That would look like:
1. Shane Watson
2. Phillip Hughes
3. Ricky Ponting
4. Michael Clarke
5. Mike Hussey
6. Khawaja/D Hussey
7. Brad Haddin
8. O'Keefe
9. Ryan Harris
10. Cameron/George
11. Bollinger

 

[pcfan123]

I was expecting the Warne comeback stuff to happen in 2009. Rajasthan winning the IPL the year before, no obvious spinner stepping up (McGain had just been spanked in SA). But it seems no one was offering $1 million back then

I think it has more to do with just money. Warne ended his career very sweetly with a 5-0 trashing. If he came back and Australia lost it would be a stain on his career, not to mention the chatter that would start about whether or not he would now chase down Muralis record etc etc

 

[aussie1st]

The big mistakes in that lineup would be Johnson (get him in some sort of form before picking him again), Hauritz (two spinners? or is Smith there for his batting? Either way...thumbs down) and dropping Bollinger (in-form, only just got there lol).

Hauritz is the defensive spinner so if he goes back to his usual then he'll be keeping it tight. Smith will be the attacking part time spinner option to try for the breakthrough.

 

[sifter132]

Really can't see Warney accepting it even if Ponting got down on his knees and begged. Seems to be a bit of conflict between the two and Warne is always taking pot shots at Ponting.

I think you're right. The rumour was that Warne would accept - as long as he got to captain as well. Don't know whether Ponting would fancy playing under Warne - maybe he wouldn't care.

Either way, I'm with you Mark. I think Warney would have to be feeling VERY patriotic to even put his hand up. Coming back 4 years after your last Test is a good way to tarnish your legacy.

 

[6ry4nj]

Coming back 4 years after your last Test is a good way to tarnish your legacy.

Still, Bob Simpson (coincidentally also a leggie iirc) didn't do too badly when he did it.

 

[sifter132]

And just on the subject:
Dean Jones Says Shane Warne 'Could Make Comeback' | The Ashes

Deano says:

But I'll say this, categorically, because I want everyone to understand it, if Cricket Australia walked up to Shane Warne and said 'Would you come out of retirement and we'll give you the captaincy for two years?', I know for a fact he would take it. He would play.

When pressed further when Warne, 41, would be serious about returning to Test cricket after he played his final match against England - during the last Ashes series in Australia four years ago - Jones said: "With bells on, he'd be running out of his house right now putting on his cricket shoes and putting on the runners to get himself fit."

 

[ZoraxDoom]

LMAO.


Warne making a comeback and winning the Aussies the Ashes would be pretty epic...

 

[midgetwars]

Saw an article on Herald Sun, on what makes a good spinner. One of the point was you need a good captain that understands spin. Which is why White or Clarke would be better.

At least, Smith is in the team. FUTURE. not D hussey

 

[aussie1st]

Ricky Ponting (c)
Michael Clarke (vc)
Michael Beer
Brad Haddin
Ryan Harris
Phillip Hughes
Ben Hilfenhaus
Mike Hussey WA
Mitchell Johnson
Peter Siddle
Steven Smith
Shane Watson

Cricket Australia > Latest News > News

Lol OMFG they picked Beer, O'Keefe must have ran over the selectors dog.

 

[midgetwars]

Ricky Ponting (c)
Michael Clarke (vc)
Michael Beer
Brad Haddin
Ryan Harris
Phillip Hughes
Ben Hilfenhaus
Mike Hussey WA
Mitchell Johnson
Peter Siddle
Steven Smith
Shane Watson

Cricket Australia > Latest News > News

Lol OMFG they picked Beer, O'Keefe must have ran over the selectors dog.

Lol, At least it's a mixture of youth and stuff. Looks like Warne has a huge impacton selection policies now...

 

[ajdude]

I slightly like the selection of Beer, although I'm pissing myself laughing.

 

[aussie1st]

Looks like Warne has a huge impacton selection policies now...

Haha so random, now they listen to him but they drop Hauritz after he said they should stick with him.

 

[midgetwars]

I reckon Beer should stay clear of Bollinger

 

[aussie1st]

Hughes not going into this match with any form, just out for a duck to a spinner opening with the new ball.

So as expected Hauritz won't get back into the side until Ponting is gone as skipper.

 

[formula1man]

ok our selectors need to be sacked seriously, another joke of a team. you drop North and dont bring in another batsman to replace him, it makes no sense. Steve Smith isnt going to do any better than he did, why Shaun Marsh is getting ignored i dont know even Khawaja or Fergussone are better than nothing, steve smith has not proved himself yet.