Dec 26-30: 4th Test - Australia v England at Melbourne

[MUFC1987]

It probably doesn't help when your pace bowlers aren't actually that good. Harris and Siddle look decent, but Johnson only clicks one game in 10 and Hilfenhaus 'more complete bowler than James Anderson' looks poor with the new ball and toothless without it. That their part time spinner seems to be in the team as a specialist fielder is just laughable. Quite how Haddin feels batting behind him either.

 

[BackwardPoint]

It probably doesn't help when your pace bowlers aren't actually that good. Harris and Siddle look decent, but Johnson only clicks one game in 10 and Hilfenhaus 'more complete bowler than James Anderson' looks poor with the new ball and toothless without it. That their part time spinner seems to be in the team as a specialist fielder is just laughable. Quite how Haddin feels batting behind him either.

actually I think Smith is in as a specialist comedian which is even more laughable, if you'll pardon the pun.

 

[War]

It probably doesn't help when your pace bowlers aren't actually that good. Harris and Siddle look decent, but Johnson only clicks one game in 10 and Hilfenhaus 'more complete bowler than James Anderson' looks poor with the new ball and toothless without it. That their part time spinner seems to be in the team as a specialist fielder is just laughable. Quite how Haddin feels batting behind him either.

Interesting observations these. Not that they are based on any facts however.

I find it funny that based on this innings so far that you have come to conclusion that AUS pace bowlers aren't actually good. But after ENG where shot out @ Perth i didn't see such comments.

Not sure how much of Johnson career you have followed. But to suggest he "only clicks one game in 10" is pretty funny. For all the shalacking Johnson got after his shocking 1st test bowling @ Brisbane. Those outside of AUS who dont follow his career much, didn't realise he took a 5 wicket haul just 2 test before that in the 1st test in India. Also took a 10 wicket haul vs NZ 2 tests before that.

So the hyperbole that Johnson someone as you claimed 'clicks one game in 10". Certainly isn't based on facts.

No doubt Hilfenhaus hasn't bowled like many would have hoped in this series. Which is quite odd, since againts a MUCH stronger Indian batting just a month ago he was superb. So all i'd ask you is do you believe Hilfenahus has bowled better than his figures suggest in this series?. Or do you believe his series output to date, truly reflects the kind of bowler he is ability wise?.

Do you have an opinion on Doug Bollinger?. Do you also believe he is "not that good" also?.

 

[MUFC1987]

Interesting observations these. Not that they are based on any facts however.

I find it funny that based on this innings so far that you have come to conclusion that AUS pace bowlers aren't actually good. But after ENG where shot out @ Perth i didn't see such comments.

That was Johnson clicking. When he does, he's unplayable, I'm not denying that, but consistent he is not.

Oh, and Harris did really well, which I said in the first post.

Not sure how much of Johnson career you have followed. But to suggest he "only clicks one game in 10" is pretty funny. For all the shalacking Johnson got after his shocking 1st test bowling @ Brisbane. Those outside of AUS who dont follow his career much, didn't realise he took a 5 wicket haul just 2 test before that in the 1st test in India. Also took a 10 wicket haul vs NZ 2 tests before that.

So the hyperbole that Johnson someone as you claimed 'clicks one game in 10". Certainly isn't based on facts.

That the India game where he didn't take a wicket second time around, when India won by a single wicket? Seems to lack consistency there.

No doubt Hilfenhaus hasn't bowled like many would have hoped in this series. Which is quite odd, since againts a MUCH stronger Indian batting just a month ago he was superb. So all i'd ask you is do you believe Hilfenahus has bowled better than his figures suggest in this series?. Or do you believe his series output to date, truly reflects the kind of bowler he is ability wise?.

It's not like he's been let down by the fielders, with chances all over the place is it? Look, I think he's a decent bowler when conditions suit and can keep it tight, but can he get good batsmen out on good pitches? Doesn't look like it in this series. My main point was that I was told at the start of this series how much better he was than Anderson. I know which I'd rather have.

Do you have an opinion on Doug Bollinger?. Do you also believe he is "not that good" also?.

I think he's pretty good actually. I'd be more worried about him playing than any of the other pace bowlers. He seemed to go for a few once and hasn't been seen again, which is weird considering his record, especially against left handers, when you consider Strauss and Cook doing so well with the bat.

 

[Left_Hander]

Edge off Siddle's bowling but it falls short of Watson.

----------

Siddle gets his fourth. Well bowled there. He's been involved in every Australian wicket.

 

[Left_Hander]

This forum has gone dead quiet, not like the good old days.

 

[Dutch]

Yeah it is very quiet! Come on people "we" are winning the Ashes! How long before England stop or do they grind the Aussies down into utter despair?

 

[aussie1st]

If only Siddle could always bowl like this. Harris injured again, might give Hilfy another life line although it could be time to send him packing. Bollinger must be match fit now so he deserves another run.

 

[cricketmad09]

Australian cricket is healthy. The Australian team is not. The talent is there for us to be successful again, we just need to develop this talent properly. One of the first things they should do is drop players for the next match. Drop Hughes, Clarke, Smith and Hilfenhaus and bring in Khawaja, Nic Maddinson, Chris Lynn and James Faulkner. These last 3 blokes are very young either 19 or 20, have fantastic records already and are the better performing players this season. Infact James Faulkner has taken 19 wickets @ 11.94 as well as scoring 132 runs @ 33. Also bring in either Hauritz or O'Keefe in place of the injured Harris.

But this will never happen. Ever.

 

[MUFC1987]

Hilfenhaus must be averaging under 80 now.

 

[Roofrom50]

Hilfenhaus has bowled well this morning

 

[cricketmad09]

Hilfenhaus has bowled well this morning

He hasn't bowled badly like how a Johnson can bowl, but he just doesn't do enough when the conditions aren't in his favour.

 

[MUFC1987]

I think we call that 'batting for your average' from Trott.

 

[War]

If only Siddle could always bowl like this. Harris injured again, might give Hilfy another life line although it could be time to send him packing. Bollinger must be match fit now so he deserves another run.

Yep. If Hilfenhaus as it seems is struggling to find his trademark swing. Copeland the next best swing bowler in the country should be considered.

AUS also can take some credit that outside of the horrific day 1 batting & bowling performance. They have taken 10 for 355, with one batsman scoring 168. Thats a very acceptable recovery & bowling performance for a typical MCG wicket.

 

[Roofrom50]

Hmm, i dunno. I think Hilfenhaus will keep his spot. Taking those wickets this morning has certainly helped his chances for playing in Sydney