ICCCT2006: Group A

[aussie_ben91]

Replace Watson with Martyn at No. 4

Gilchrist, Hayden, Ponting, Watson, Clarke, Symonds, Hussey, Hogg, Lee, Johnson, McGrath

looks better then...

Gilchrist, Katich, Ponting, Martyn, Clarke, Symonds, Hussey, Hogg, Lee, Johnson, McGrath

Merely because Katich isn't in the side and Watson & Hayden are. I dunno, Martyn just isn't as effective as he once was. The selectors should be aiming for the World Cup not beyhond that so Hayden's age shouldn't be a factor, maybe after the World Cup then you can start experimenting with the younger players instead of risking them and not getting the greater good.

I don't get why they dropped Hayden in the first place. He averaged 34 in his last ODI series in England, an average which Gilchrist consistantly maintains and he wasn't going any slower then what Katich is now. He made 66 not out and got 31 before getting out to Collingwood's unbelievable catch in innings where he would've more then likely got centuries in and just not so long ago he got run out for 54 when he was batting excellently. Why drop an accomplished, attacking batsman for a slower, less consistant batsman? It's not as if Hayden's a slow batsman either. When he gets going he can really brutalize a bowling attack.

 

[aussie1st]

I guess they weren't happy with his conversion rate. He had only made 100 once in about 20 games. I didn't have a problem with Katich first off as he looked to be capable. But as time past he just didn't look the same, been scoring too slow and then not converting.

 

[wolf]

I fear England are going to make an early exit.

 

[aussie_ben91]

Only if Flintoff and Pietersen don't fire.

 

[rickyp]

flintoff wont be playing though will he?

theyre wrecked if hes not

 

[wolf]

flintoff wont be playing though will he?

theyre wrecked if hes not

Yes he is playing but only as a batter.

 

[shravi]

That's unfortunate. Do you guys think Flintoff would get into the England team if he oculd only bat? I am sure he would as a bowler but do you guys think he would get into the team just for his batting. I don't really think so. Please post your views.

Flintoff as just a batsman really takes a lot out of his name.

 

[wolf]

Flintoff played as a batsman in a ODI series a couple of years ago and scored two centuries. In the ODI format I would still pick him as a specialist batsman. And remember he is our captain too.

 

[usy]

India - Home advantage is there for them otherwise they would have had no chances if you look at there current form.

Australia - Capable of winning everything, anywhere.

W.I. - If they continue there current form, we might see them going through.

SRL - Always perform well in sub-continent and are on a roll atm, so they are the favorites IMO.

England - will have to work very hard in order to get through. May be they are least favorites.

All in all , this group can be described as a 'Group of Death' IMO.

England with their key player back, but still they may struggle in indian conditions.

 

[nik]

As an indian supporter, i have placed my vcash on India....but if Australia don't fire to their full potential then i think this group is also up for nail-biting matches!

 

[aussie_ben91]

That's unfortunate. Do you guys think Flintoff would get into the England team if he oculd only bat? I am sure he would as a bowler but do you guys think he would get into the team just for his batting. I don't really think so. Please post your views.

Flintoff as just a batsman really takes a lot out of his name.

You're right, I see Flintoff as a bowling-allrounder who can chip in with acouple of good knocks when required.

 

[MUFC1987]

That's unfortunate. Do you guys think Flintoff would get into the England team if he oculd only bat? I am sure he would as a bowler but do you guys think he would get into the team just for his batting. I don't really think so. Please post your views.

Flintoff as just a batsman really takes a lot out of his name.

I think in the last few years he's become one of the few genuine all rounders, in that he can be in the team for either. His batting has improved in ODI's a lot in the last two years with him batting in the middle order and having a chance to score big runs, rather than just being told to go aggressive for 10 overs or so. Him and Pietersen are key if we're to do well.

Unfortunately, we won't.

We don't have Trescothick, so anyones guess is as good as mine who will open with Strauss. Flintoff, Collingwood, Pietersen and Dalrymple is a risky middle order if we need 10+ overs and Flintoff can't bowl. We have Anderson who may be fit, but went around the park in his last few ODI's, Harmison can blow hot or cold. The worse thing though, is that we do not have a match winning Spin Bowler. I'd rather have taken Blackwell or Panesar rather than Yardy, as at least they can win games with their bowling.

Anyways, if Australia and India don't walk this group, then either Sri Lanka have been late hitting form or India and Australia have just been poor, in my opinion.

 

[Sureshot]

You're right, I see Flintoff as a bowling-allrounder who can chip in with acouple of good knocks when required.

He's more than capable with the bat, when he's on form he's as good as any batsman in our team maybe barring Tres.

Don't forget his fielding abilities too. We won't win the trophy, but we arguably have the best fielding outfit.

 

[icyman]

It would largely depend upon the climate too.
The climate might just affect some players in the CHampions Trophy.
Don't forget India is pretty hot.

 

[aussie1st]

Flintoff is a true all rounder, he could play either as a batsmen or bowler. I would definitely play him as I would say hes a lot better than a number of the current ODI batsmen in the English side.