Third Test: Australia v England at Edgbaston

[Howsie]

They are going to be pussies, Sean is right. They won't drop the Lillee lovechild.

Ah yes, the Dennis Lillee seal of approval. Didn't he say something like Johnson was the best 17 year old he had ever seen.

Haha, he said the same thing about Richard Sherlock and look where he is now.

 

[Sureshot]

I think it's a balance thing tbh because Watson gives the extra bowling option. I don't see him as an opener so logically he has to come in for North or Hussey. From an English POV I'd rather he replaced Hussey as Hussey looks much more technically proficient to me than North.

Bowling option? Is that before or after a limb falls off?

I'd be so concerned about Johnson if I were an Aussie right now, going at 6 rpo against a county side, who barring some decent T20 form, are one of the weakest sides in the country.

 

[barmyarmy]

He's definitely a bowling option when you consider Aus only have 2 seamers otherwise.

 

[IloveGilly]

I feel like shredding my hair with the decisions made in the past...but now isn't really the time to follow that trend. Clark should definitely be in, whether for Hauritz, Siddle or Johnson. Although I do think there is an need for a spinner. Always thought Johnson wasn't anything special & still do. Even put in Watson, some who is in form. But nonetheless selectors are full of it, too much loyalty!

Watson has opened before and has experience, doubt there'd be much in it for the bowlers as well so it wouldn't be a bad idea. Don't think he'll play though.

 

[ajdude]

The sports host on the Today Show reckons from a "reliable source in the team who won't be named" that Johnson will play and Watson will replace Hughes. Take this with a grain of salt; he usually talks ████.

 

[Fatal Shot]

You guys are real asses. Two bad matches, and you guys are all over Johnson. He's leaking runs, but he has taken 8 wickets and scored 67 runs in two innings. Chill out

 

[Skater]

I'm here in Birmingham ready to go to the match tomorrow and you will be pleased to know it dried up a couple of hours ago and is ok for tomorrow. It was tipping it down, really hard, on the way here though and there is an incredible amount of standing water. I expect a delayed start with a wet outfield, but once we are underway there's no stopping.

 

[Gilly Fan]

The sports host on the Today Show reckons from a "reliable source in the team who won't be named" that Johnson will play and Watson will replace Hughes. Take this with a grain of salt; he usually talks ████.

The same reporter who mentioned that a West Coast Player (Adam Hunter?) was going to retire when he was just out injured?

Hughes will play. Ridiculous that they have chosen Johnson. He better prove me wrong and take a 5 fa and start swinging the ball.

 

[aussie1st]

It's strange in a way. Australian selectors usually bring the axe down on players who aren't performing. If Johnson gets another go here he should count himself lucky.

Depends on the player. Hayden was allowed to stay in the side for over a year without making a 100. Hussey has been allowed to stay in the side for 2-3 series without making a 100. And Johnson, well he was bowling crap early in his career and still was persisted with.

 

[Fatal Shot]

You guys are the biggest flip-floppers I have ever seen.

 

[Graham Swann]

I'd like to see a call up for Stephen Harmison (in for Onions - really don't like Onions) and one of Tim Bresnen/Matthew Hoggard/Adil Rashid (for Broad). I know there three different players, but they'd all fit in well. I'd also like to see Stephen Moore in for Ravi Bopara. Love Stephen Moore. He's great.

 

[Hooper]

If Clark doesn't play, I'm writing a letter.

 

[OffCutters]

If Clark doesn't play, I'm writing a letter.

Go write a letter.Nobody wants to drop Johnson, i dont bloody know why.

 

[sifter132]

You guys are real asses. Two bad matches, and you guys are all over Johnson. He's leaking runs, but he has taken 8 wickets and scored 67 runs in two innings. Chill out

I agree, especially considering Australia should have won the first Test. Take out that shower of rain on day 4 and they would have had time.

I think he'll get 2 more Tests probably, maybe even the whole series. He has too much potential to throw him under the bus now. If his confidence really is sensitive, then dropping him in the middle of a series after only 2 inaccurate outings may ruin him for a while. When you consider the 12 months he's had, 4 innings of rubbish can be tolerated IMHO.

Bowling option? Is that before or after a limb falls off?

I'd be so concerned about Johnson if I were an Aussie right now, going at 6 rpo against a county side, who barring some decent T20 form, are one of the weakest sides in the country.

Exactly why you would pick Watson. Firstly to cover for Mitch. Second to give us the extra options that might be needed to fire out England quickly. If a day or 2 is lost to rain, the Aussies will need a potent attack to skittle England twice in a short time. Watson is not some super awesome bowler, but he'll do his job quite well as he showed in India.

There were moments last Test where a 4th seamer would have been very useful so Watson is in with a strong chance here.

 

[aussie1st]

Johnson is basically a certainty so Watson had to come in as 5th bowler incase Johnson falls apart again.

aussie1st added 6 Minutes and 40 Seconds later...

Going by cricinfo preview, Hauritz will be dropped for Clark so at least we have him in the side. Harsh on Hauritz but with the constant rain he ain't going to be able to grip it.