Sri Lanka in Australia Dec-Jan 2012/13

[angryangy]

So the end result, 393, with probably about 130-140 overs left. I think there's enough in the wicket and Australia aren't yet out of bowlers. It's a plausible chase, but I'd scoff at anyone saying it will be easy.

 

[midgetwars]

Bowler down, could be possible.

 

[aussie1st]

That is where Watson bowling comes in handy and him failing with the bat means he will be fresh.

 

[angryangy]

Yeah, having 'only' 4 bowlers is not really game breaking and so far Sri Lanka is not attempting to chase, only to survive.

 

[midgetwars]

Hilfenhaus ruled out of Boxing Day. I wonder who's going to take his place...

Bird or Cutting? Surely not Johnson... Last time Starc and Johnson bowled together it was a disaster. Siddle cannot control two wild left armers only one.

 

[War]

Yea ben cutting surely has to be considered. Was very surprised he wasn't picked ahead of hastings for the perth test.

 

[aussie1st]

I'd go Bird, Cutting is quite similar to the old Siddle. However I'd take him over a Johnson and Starc combo, already starting to go nuts over some of Starc's deliveries and that is from half watching the days I have been able to.

 

[MUFC1987]

Is Siddle going to have enough time off, or does he need a rest again though?

I'm hoping these two at the wicket get going and at least make it a vaguely interesting last day.

 

[sifter132]

Is Siddle going to have enough time off, or does he need a rest again though?

I'm hoping these two at the wicket get going and at least make it a vaguely interesting last day.

Well I doubt Siddle plays all 3 Tests, in particular the Melbourne-Sydney ones back to back could be troublesome if Australia bats first in Melbourne and SL bat well ie. lots of overs for Siddle. Same for Starc. If I was running the ship, I'd rest Starc in Melbourne, Siddle in Sydney if he needs it (keep the home town bowlers playing in their home Test).

Hilfenhaus ruled out of Boxing Day. I wonder who's going to take his place...

Bird or Cutting? Surely not Johnson... Last time Starc and Johnson bowled together it was a disaster. Siddle cannot control two wild left armers only one.

I think you'll find Johnson will be playing the next 2 Tests - sorry mate...most 'experts' believe he did pretty well in Perth (I agree), and he's next in line. The rubbish that Starc and Hastings bowled in the first part of the 2nd innings was irrelevant to Johnson's performance.

Apparently Bird and Coulter-Nile are the 2 names floating around to get a run.
Australia v Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Hobart, 4th day : Shane Watson likely to lead in Boxing Day Test against Sri Lanka | Cricket News | Australia v Sri Lanka | ESPN Cricinfo

Arthur also confirmed that Ben Hilfenhaus' side injury was serious enough to rule him out of the Boxing Day Test and in all probability the New Year's Test in Sydney. He nominated Jackson Bird and Nathan Coulter-Nile as the two men most likely to join the squad in Melbourne, as Australia's list of injured fast bowlers has now extended to seven.

We've also got some names being thrown around for Clarke's batting spot if his hamstring doesn't pull up in time. Arthur again:

There are possibilities. [Brad] Haddin's one of them, [Rob] Quiney's one of them and certainly Usman Khawaja's very much in the frame. Alex Doolan has played well also."

Apparently Khawaja is favourite. That'll be ANOTHER left hander who usually bats in the top 3...


Going to be an interesting day. One thing to watch will be how much Shane Watson gets used. Trouble is he's possibly the most reliable line and length guy Australia has and it will be tempting for Clarke to give him 15-20 overs. Starc really has to get it right today or Aussies will find it hard to really build any pressure. Surprised Siddle didn't bowl a few more overs last night - might as well use him when he's got a nights rest ahead.

From the SL point of view, I'm a bit surprised they were so defensive last night. If these 2 stay in I guess they can potentially accelerate later, but with Australia a bowler down and a target that doesn't require a massive run rate, I would have thought they'd be looking to score a bit more than they did.

 

[StinkyBoHoon]

sri lanka should attack a bit more, australia really are depleted, not necessarily to go for the win but just to make them start bowling safer and move fielders back.

they bullied starc in the first but they're letting him get away with anything here.

 

[midgetwars]

I hope they get Khawaja in. Just for the ridiculousness of it. I mean that would leave Watson the only right handed batter.

The next test is on 26th, plenty of time for Siddle to recover.

 

[angryangy]

haha the wickie bowls decent fast medium

 

[hedger_14]

He's not too bad actually. Although I can't judge Hughes' keeping just yet.

 

[angryangy]

I was just thinking, you'd have to give anyone the benefit of doubt if they got a low or a high one. The bounce isn't easy to play, but then you've got this unusual 5'7" bowler and only one over to read the pitch.

And it's already up on the intarwebs!

And here's one for the fans;

 

[angryangy]

finally.