***Official*** Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series

[howardj]

Yeah for a team that prides itself on so-called flexibility, I think Australia are kind of boxing themselves into some corners RE the World Cup. Firstly, they don't seem to want to give another opener a chance to show his wares. They're cornering themselves into picking someone who I regard to be a sub-standard ODI opener. Secondly, they're not giving Hogg enough exposure and seem to have their mind made up about playing four quicks in the Carribean. Finally, there doesn't seem to be much willingness to experiment with guys batting in different positions in the middle order. What about giving Hussey a chance at number four sometimes. Granted, we are a fantastic team, but we could be, and may well need to be at the World Cup, more flexible.

 

[BoyBrumby]

To ask the exact opposite question of the hotel bellhop who caught George Best on a bed covered in money in the arms of Miss World: Where did it all go right?

Is it Oz just not giving a toss? Find it hard to believe that.

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

To ask the exact opposite question of the hotel bellhop who caught George Best on a bed covered in money in the arms of Miss World: Where did it all go right?

Is it Oz just not giving a toss? Find it hard to believe that.

In the main, someone made a century. And unlike the other rare occasions when England has posted a decent ODI score in recent times, it wasn't in ridiculously friendly batting conditions with a hopeless attack. There was a bit in the pitch and Plunkett bowled plenty of good deliveries. Plus obviously there was a bit of luck with the Symonds injury.

I don't think Australia not giving a toss had much to do with it at all, really. Though perhaps there was a bit of intensity missing in the field.

 

[marc71178]

What the **** is wrong with Hodge?? He makes 400 million runs against every state in the country and comes out to play where he belongs and buggers up.

Maybe he doesn't belong there?

 

[Jono]

To ask the exact opposite question of the hotel bellhop who caught George Best on a bed covered in money in the arms of Miss World: Where did it all go right?

Is it Oz just not giving a toss? Find it hard to believe that.

England batted really really well, were looking to score runs but not in a stupid fashion (other than Loye, but that's what makes Loye... Loye). Bell to me was superb, and his 50 has gone unnoticed thanks to Joyce's ton which was awesome.

Then you have the Strauss and Dalrymple cameos (due to crap death bowling, and I mean crap). Those extra 30-40 runs is what made Hayden bat like a dickhead when Aus were cruising, if they were chasing 260, they wouldn't have done so.

Plus I have noticed, mainly due to a few bets during the series, that you take Ponting out of the Australian line-up, they aren't as good chasing (and that's a pretty obvious statement since he's the best in the world), but what has happened is Gilly has gone early when chasing, Hayden has batted unconvincingly in the second innings and with Hodge at 3 and Cam White at 7, the batting is hardly what the Aus batting generally is. I think we saw it three times this series, vs. Eng twice and vs. NZ once when chasing. They still won two of those three games, which shows how good they are, but its just something I've noticed since I've had money on Aus in all 3 games, and have been nervous all 3 times.

The funny thing is, when the WC comes around, if Australia are in a similar position I'd bet that Gilly will get a start, Ponting will obviously play and fire, and they'll have Watson in there strengthening the surety of the batting, and Lee coming in at 8. Its a totally different, and much more intimidating batting line-up.

 

[marc71178]

No problem with that, but after '05 when England won the Ashes 2-1 and acted like they had just single-handedly brought about the second coming of christ, we're a bit worried about the headlines that this game announces the start of a new era of England dominance.

Joyce, Bopara, Plunkett for MBEs anyone?

Difference being that in 2005 they played the better cricket and fully deserved the series win.

Nobody can say the same about this series.

 

[Barney Rubble]

Finally, there doesn't seem to be much willingness to experiment with guys batting in different positions in the middle order. What about giving Hussey a chance at number four sometimes. Granted, we are a fantastic team, but we could be, and may well need to be at the World Cup, more flexible.

Personally I'd agree with this. I think there's a case to be made for at least experimenting with Ponting at four and Symonds at three - when Gilchrist retires (or in some cases, when he gets out early) you're not going to have any guarantee of anyone being able to really exploit the Powerplays, and Symonds at three would appear to be the only other option besides White, and that'd be a big risk.

I've always believed in having your best bat at four, and I think five is probably a better position for Clarke anyway.

 

[marc71178]

So it took England's 4th XI to beat us. Good job, lads.

If it was England's 4th XI and Australia were only missing 2 first team regulars, that doesn't reflect well on your boys.

Thankfully the more respected members of the forum are gracious in defeat (and also victory)

 

[Jono]

Personally I'd agree with this. I think there's a case to be made for at least experimenting with Ponting at four and Symonds at three - when Gilchrist retires (or in some cases, when he gets out early) you're not going to have any guarantee of anyone being able to really exploit the Powerplays, and Symonds at three would appear to be the only other option besides White, and that'd be a big risk.

I've always believed in having your best bat at four, and I think five is probably a better position for Clarke anyway.

Ponting is better at exploiting the powerplays than Symonds, when you take into account that if Gilly or Hayden fall early, he can do that whilst also seeing off the white ball when its doing something. He's basically the perfect #3 in ODI cricket.

 

[Barney Rubble]

Ponting is better at exploiting the powerplays than Symonds, when you take into account that if Gilly or Hayden fall early, he can do that whilst also seeing off the white ball when its doing something. He's basically the perfect #3 in ODI cricket.

Fair point. TBH I get the feeling it doesn't matter where the hell Ponting bats, he'd be gun anywhere. The git.

 

[Craig]

We're all thinking it, but it needs to be said anyway: Australia's answer to Dave Mohammed.

Hey don't say stuff you can't take back

 

[ripper868]

At least now there is some sort of contest for who will play in the final, all games now have a bearing...assuming aus beat NZ (just assuming ok...not writing new zealand off they are a good side as they showed in perth) then the last game between nz and england decides who goes through...makes the whole series more interesting IMO, no dead rubbers.

 

[pup11]

My team for sunday's match:-
1.haydos
2.gilchrist
3.ponting
4.clarke
5.symo/white
6.hussey
7.hogg
8.johnson
9.bracken
10.lee
11.tait
Kick on hodge's ass send him out of the side and play hogg for white and white plays only if symo is not fit. As for lee and tait bowling in tandem, IMO lee has good enough control to keep his economy rate in check.

 

[andyc]

My team for sunday's match:-
1.haydos
2.gilchrist
3.ponting
4.clarke
5.symo/white
6.hussey
7.hogg
8.johnson
9.bracken
10.lee
11.tait
Kick on hodge's ass send him out of the side and play hogg for white and white plays only if symo is not fit. As for lee and tait bowling in tandem, IMO lee has good enough control to keep his economy rate in check.

Why would Lee becoming in at number 10, behind Johnson and Bracken? Half the time he'd come in above Hogg too.

 

[Johnners]

Plus I have noticed, mainly due to a few bets during the series, that you take Ponting out of the Australian line-up, they aren't as good chasing (and that's a pretty obvious statement since he's the best in the world), but what has happened is Gilly has gone early when chasing, Hayden has batted unconvincingly in the second innings and with Hodge at 3 and Cam White at 7, the batting is hardly what the Aus batting generally is. I think we saw it three times this series, vs. Eng twice and vs. NZ once when chasing. They still won two of those three games, which shows how good they are, but its just something I've noticed since I've had money on Aus in all 3 games, and have been nervous all 3 times.

The funny thing is, when the WC comes around, if Australia are in a similar position I'd bet that Gilly will get a start, Ponting will obviously play and fire, and they'll have Watson in there strengthening the surety of the batting, and Lee coming in at 8. Its a totally different, and much more intimidating batting line-up.

Have to pretty much agree with everything you said there. Despite the fact that Hayden made another 51, barring the part of his innings with Symonds, he went back into his Boundary or Leave mode and didn't rotate the strike nearly enough. The match was probably a perfect chance for White to show that he is more than just a slogger @ 7, even if we didn't win, if he'd been there unbeaten, or made a solid 50/60 it would've eased a lot of the doubt surrounding his place in the team.

Also, without Lee & Hogg there, the tail looks ridiculously long. Bracken & Clark can tonk a few, but they hardly instill you with confidence when at the crease like Lee & Hogg can.

 

[pup11]

"There's no point changing my style. I am an attacking bowler. I will run in bowl fast and not think too much. It just confuses you". - Shaun Tait

 

[Johnners]

My team for sunday's match:-
1.haydos
2.gilchrist
3.ponting
4.clarke
5.symo/white
6.hussey
7.hogg
8.johnson
9.bracken
10.lee
11.tait
Kick on hodge's ass send him out of the side and play hogg for white and white plays only if symo is not fit. As for lee and tait bowling in tandem, IMO lee has good enough control to keep his economy rate in check.

How many freaking times do people have to tell you that Hogg is NOT a ODI standard no.7. Playing Hogg at 7 would leave us extremely vulnerable if we were chasing a 250+ total, or were say 4/100 in the 25th over batting first.

Hodge probably deserves one last chance for the fact that he's been so bloody Awesome in the Ford Ranger Cup. I'd bat him @ 4, & Clarke @ 5 with Hussey & White to follow. As for the bowling, it's criminal afaic that Tait is getting an extra chance over Hilfenhaus who was brilliant in his debut compared to Tait who was rather poor. I'd bring Lee, Johnson & Hogg in for Tait, McGrath & Clark, or Tait, Bracken & Clark.

 

[pup11]

Its just a dead rubber game so i think we should play lee and tait, McGrath has played 2 in a row so he will rest. About having a long tail if six top class batsman can't do the job for us one out of form no.7 bat would hardly make a difference. I would rather have a bowler just as an experiment for sunday's game and see how it goes.

 

[pup11]

I am not saying make hogg ur permanent no.7 just for sunday's game.

 

[Johnners]

No your not, but even if it is a dead rubber, you should still play your best possible side whilst keeping in line with your rotational policy. Taking the "it's only a dead rubber, so lets stuff around with the line-up" approach is one of the best ways to ensure your doing everything possible to lose the match.