Group A - Australia, Netherlands, Scotland, South Africa

[aussie1st]

Of course they do but not as much as Hayden has. After doing all the hard work, to throw your wicket away is silly especially when the side needs an anchor not a 6 and out.

 

[aussie_ben91]

What are you talking about? Gilchrist is the one who throws his wicket away. We don't need an anchor anymore. We used to have Ponting & Hayden as the two most contributers who'd score the core of the runs but now we have the likes of Hussey, Symonds & Clarke in the batting order that if Hayden throws his wicket away on the odd occasion as his lifting up the runrate then it doesn't really matter as much as if it were another team and unless Bracken or Tait pulls it together then we're going to need Hayden & the rest of the team striking at above 100.

 

[aussie1st]

When you lose 3 quick wickets I certainly wouldn't want to make that 4 wickets for what an extra 6? I'm not saying Hayden needs to anchor down when Gilly or Ponting is around but if both are out cheaply he certainly shouldn't go throwing his wicket away. We don't need another 150 all out again.

 

[smssia0112]

We have to have two batsman in to actually post a total, let Haydos go a little slower and stick around if we're in trouble.

 

[IloveGilly]

Hayden is the type where he needs to stay in longer to make a big total, but that big shot sometimes turns into a shot of frustration and ends up getting out. Certainly no need to rush at all.

 

[Ponting_14]

Ponting's men plot campaign

AN OPEN and honest chat at a historic fort in St Vincent has left Australia confident it can handle the pressures of a two-month World Cup campaign.

Australia's quest for an unprecedented third successive win begins against Scotland tomorrow in St Kitts, a match the world champion should win easily.

While there will be plenty of challenges to come on the field, dealing with life in the Caribbean also poses problems.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21370354-23212,00.html

 

[rickyp]

it would be nice if hayden didnt play and watson did.... i sure like watson a lot, so ill go my two prefered teams.

With watson opening:
Gilchrist
Watson
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
Hodge
Hayden (not going to happen but oh well...)
Hogg
Bracken
Tait
McGrath

With Hayden Opening
Gilchrist
Hayden
Ponting
Watson
Clarke
Hussey
Hodge
Hogg
Bracken
Tait
McGrath

 

[aussie_ben91]

Why would you bat Hayden at 7? Statisically his the best opener we've ever had in both forms of the game. What's Clarke done lately for his spot not be taken over but yet Hayden has? Watson should be batting 4 not opening. No allrounders should be openers in this day and age. To much stress and Watson's been injury prone throughout his career.

                         Mat   I  NO  Runs HS1  HS2  HS3   Ave   100  50   0
Clarke's 2006/07         19   16   2   500  81   75   64   35.71   0   4   1
Hayden's 2006/07         15   15   2   709 181* 117   82   54.53   2   3   1

 

[MattW]

Why would you bat Hayden at 7?

Someone to steady the tail in case there is a collapse of the top order.

 

[aussie_ben91]

Isn't that Hussey's job?

 

[irottev]

I can't believe some of you Aussie fans want Hayden out. And out for WATSON? Unbelievable. Watson does seem to play better with the field up, but i'd say Gilchrist and Hayden should be set in stone. Bat Watson where White was.

 

[Griffo]

i dont know why but im more comfortable with watson up top as well i know hes not as good but there is just something about him

 

[manee]

I do not see why Gilchrist, Hayden and Watson should not go 1, 2 and 3 if Australia get off to a good start and Watson can drop down to seven if they lose a quick wicket.

 

[aussie_ben91]

No one bar Bradman can ever replace Ponting at 3 though. His probably the 2nd best ever. =]

Watson should be at 4.

 

[genghis_khan]

Watson has the perfect technique and temperament not only for opening but to also compliment Gilchrist's style. At least with Watson you know if he gets a few dot balls he isnt going to have a brain-snap and charge down the wicket like a man possessed. unlike someone.