England in Australia

[aussie_ben91]

What's Huss got to do with it? Ponting gets injured, Clarke comes in and contributes bugger all- Vaughan goes out and gets replaced by a better batsman.

I was using Hussey as example that Australia's batting is so strong that losing their best batsman (Ponting) wouldn't be such a big blow as England. I wouldn't discount Vaughan's batting as he has proven more then capable against us.

Watson should be playing anyway as a better batsman than our other options. If Lee gets injured he gets replaced by MacGill or one of Bracken/Clarke/Tait and co, on the basis that the selectors would alreadly have their love child Johnson in the team. A bowling attack of McGrath Johnson Watson Warne and MacGill gives you a bloke that hasn't played Test cricket for the best part of a year, one that hasn't done anything in his career and a batting all rounder as a pace attack- unless you're planning to doctor every pitch to be a raging turner, something we don't do, I wouldn't have an overwhelming amount of faith.

I was meaning that if Ponting & Lee were suddendly injured then you could add Watson into the squad which would give the Australians the luxery of playing another spinner, pacemen or even another batsman.

 

[irottev]

NOOOOOOO

http://content-nz.cricinfo.com/ci/content/current/story/267027.html

Dizzy injured. Bad time. Now he won't have a chance to make the Ashes squad. I know playing in that game meant a lot for him which is sad. Unfortonate for him.

 

[aussie1st]

Sadly for Dizzy just hasn't done enough to put his name in the spotlight. Bad luck though would have been good to see him facing the English again.

 

[irottev]

But this was his chance. His chance to get back at them, His chance to show his experiance and worth.

 

[aussie_ben91]

He considered himself below Stuart Clark in the pecking order which is probably correct but I'd take Gillespie over Clark any day of the week.

 

[aussie1st]

Right now I'll probably take Clark. Dizzy hasn't been at his best lately. That drop in pace really has killed of his career, oh how I miss those great days from Dizzy.

 

[irottev]

Is Clark fit? He was injured at some point. How about Tait.

 

[Sureshot]

I'm probably misunderstanding you, but we were only 2-0 up before the final Test Sureshot. Draw at Lords and wins at OT and Headingley.

Pffft.

Lords sucks. :help

 

[valvolux]

You'd have to go Clark...he looks like he's found some great form. But if you're going to give Johnson a go it's probably at the Gabba....but then Tait is also in red hot form. I actually find it a pain having so many options because with Big Merv in the selection panel we're bound to pick the wrong players at the wrong times. Watson will play for sure - i never thought I'd say this, but he actually looks like he's going to be a good player for us. His technique looks as good as anyone's at the moment with the bat, as long as he keeps that pull shot locked away. His bowling looks pretty solid but not really threatening....but we need that extra seamer to give Pidg a bit of a rest.

But how about Gilly and Punter? The windies made it look so easy last night - cramp Gilly from around the wicket early, and pitch one up shaping in at Punter early - I would've thought of all people these two would've worked hard at ironing out their obvious weaknesses in the off season. Maybe John Buchanon should quit making home movies and start coaching.

 

[Inbox24]

Funny that because I am pretty sure you lost them with them both

Lawl you English supporters always resting on the laurels of 2005.

 

[Sureshot]

Always resting on?

It didn't happen that long ago, we've made some improvements since then, ie, a spinner who if plays all 5 tests and gets the chance the bowl enough will cause your batsman problems.

 

[aussie1st]

Is Clark fit? He was injured at some point. How about Tait.

Both were very fit in the less Pura cup match. Tait 4 wickets in the 2nd inns to go with his 2 I think it was in his 1st.
Clark got 2 in the first and then a massive 6 in the 2nd along with 60 runs off 30 balls.
Bracken also should be considered especially for the Gabba, hes got some lethal swing going on atm.

 

[evertonfan]

I agree with the Bracken point Sly; He always looked dangerous in the recent CT and it was him who brought Australia back into the game with 3 quick wickets. His wicket against Gayle was a beauty. I also think that having a left hander in there is good for variety too. Plus, Strauss struggled against Vaas and Pathan earlier in the year too so maybe he isn't too fond of the left-handers.

 

[irottev]

I don't think Bracken is as well suited to tests. Hasn't done well so far, but still maybe they should give him another shot.

 

[Iron-Haggis]

Against India Bracken had atleast a half a dozen dropped catches off his bowling. Hardly his fault, makes he stats look worse. He has done more and been more consistent over a longer period of time then the other guys. Really should be picked, although it ain't going to happen I think.