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

[Prince EWS]

Yeah you are right prince hogg shouldn't go the world cup since he doesn't have any matches under his belt, except one at adeliade. That way it would be pretty unfair on him to go into a tournament like the world cup and start bowling well, as the more a spinner bowls the better he gets.

There is no doubt in my mind that Hogg will not only go to the World Cup, but play most of the important matches. Australia still have the Chappell-Hadlee series to go before the World Cup and, because Watson is fit, Hogg's presence will actually make sense to the rest of the side (and no, he's not going to play at #7..).

 

[howardj]

Anyway, great performances by New Zealand in the last few games. They really seem to drag themselves up to Australia's level, almost regardless of their current form, when they come up against us. The next few weeks (where they may play Australia six times) will assist greatly in their World Cup preparation.

 

[pup11]

Anyways is tait going to play in the finals what do you think?

 

[howardj]

Yes.

Yes he will.

So will Watson.

 

[howardj]

My Finals XI

Hayden
Gilchrist
Ponting
Hussey
Clarke
Hodge
Watson
Lee
Hogg
Bracken / Tait
McGrath

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

I think keeping Tait in the squad is a reasonable move. If he's pushing for Clark's spot in the WC squad, he needs more than just a couple of games. A couple more performances like today's will definitely see him in the squad, while he could also bowl himself out of it. Johnson's probably on the brink as well, but he'd have to bowl really badly to lose his spot at this point, given his consistent performances over a few series now.

Will be great to see Watson back. Obviously if he bowls well it adds a huge amount to the Australian ODI setup, and he's got all the tools to be a quality batsman at the top of the order as well. His contributions in the DLF Cup and Champions Trophy were crucial. His return to the side will likely see the omission of White though, as Hodge has probably cemented himself a spot in the batting lineup for the near future. That'll mean some interesting calls have to be made about the batting order, given that Hodge would probably be best suited to 4, while Clarke's had success lower in the order before. There's also the Watson question, given how bad he's been at 7 in the past compared to the top order.

 

[pasag]

I'd have Johnson in before Tait personally, but I don't really care that strongly about it.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Anyway, great performances by New Zealand in the last few games. They really seem to drag themselves up to Australia's level, almost regardless of their current form, when they come up against us. The next few weeks (where they may play Australia six times) will assist greatly in their World Cup preparation.

They comfortably lost all games to Australia and beat an England side playing like Sunday leaguers a couple of times. Where are the 'great' performances? NZ don't have enough quality there to produce 'great' performances anyway.

 

[howardj]

There's also the Watson question, given how bad he's been at 7 in the past compared to the top order.

That was a while ago though. I think it pre-dates his more confident persona, and his mini coming-of-age as a player. I think he'd be much more adaptable down there than in the past.

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

My Finals XI

Hayden
Gilchrist
Ponting
Hussey
Clarke
Hodge
Watson
Lee
Hogg
Bracken / Tait
McGrath

We've been here before, but I really think it's nuts to put a great late over player like Hussey at 4 and put someone like Hodge who's one good ODI innings has come with 40 balls to play himself in at 6. You have to bat players where they perform, not just rank them in terms of ability. Hodge would likely be a dismal failure at 6, or at the least be less effective than Hussey would be.

Anyway, I think the lineup is fine. I'd prefer:

Gilchrist
Hayden
Ponting
Hodge
Watson
Clarke
Hussey
Lee
Hogg/Johnson/Tait
Bracken
McGrath

Lee, Bracken and McGrath all deserve their spots in the "big" matches. They're the most proven Australian ODI seamers by a huge distance. Tait, Johnson and Hogg will be competing for the other spot, though I imagine the rotation policy will continue through the finals and they'll all get a game. Watson simply can't bat in the lower order, so he needs to be as close to the top as is reasonable. Interchangable in the middle order with Hodge, I suppose. Clarke and Hussey are both proven finishers.

I think the selectors will keep Clarke at 4 though, and probably put Watson in at 7 with Hodge and Hussey in between.

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

That was a while ago though. I think it pre-dates his more confident persona, and his mini coming-of-age as a player. I think he'd be much more adaptable down there than in the past.

Yeah, possibly. It's anyone's guess really. It was supposed for a long time he'd just be a fill in bowler and he's shown signs of surpassing that recently, so maybe he'll develop into a good late over hitter too. I don't really trust his placement though, much like Hayden. They're both good ODI batsmen with the field up or when set at the crease, but tend to hit the ball to fielders much more often than a natural placer of the ball like Hussey or Clarke, and take longer to play themselves in.

 

[pasag]

Mine:

Hayden
Gilchrist
Ponting
Watson
Hodge
Clarke
Hussey
Lee
Bracken
Johnson/Hogg
McGrath

 

[howardj]

It's just a tragedy to see Huss down so low. For mine, the bloke is risk free. If you put him up the order, he'll still be around to close the innings most likely anyhow - given his low risk style of play. In principle, yes Watson is more a number four than seven. However, I then weigh that up against the deliveries that he'd deprive (the so far much superior) Clarke and Hussey of.

 

[GIMH]

Hussey's out here.

Two failures in a row. Average for the series down to a human sub-60 level. Career average under 75 too.

Time for him to be dropped IMO. He's been found out.

Hope Hodge doesn't get man of the match, then we'll have to hear him interviewed.

edit: haha, 99 not out. Amazing innings anyway. Ponting set it up, but Hodge ensured the win with his brilliant hitting in the 35-45 over period.

I'd have been tempted to give Hodge MOM myself, though Ponting's innings was undeniably fantastic.

Reports are coming in saying that he did talk during the interview. So, yes, yes he did.

What do you lot all have against Hodge?

Anyhow, really enjoyed that chase. Had a lot of things to do, but kept one eye on the screen and it was very good to watch, seemed to be a great stmosphere as well, not unusual for the MCG that. I would be looking forwards to Tuesday's match, but I shan't be watching it, let's just say I have more important things to do, we'll probably win as I won't be near a TV or a computer. The last two times that's happened when England have played? V West Indies in the CT, and the 5th ODI against Pak last summer.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Anyway, great performances by New Zealand in the last few games. They really seem to drag themselves up to Australia's level, almost regardless of their current form, when they come up against us. The next few weeks (where they may play Australia six times) will assist greatly in their World Cup preparation.

They don't actually have that flash a record against you tho, do they? I think I read it was something rank like 2 wins in the last 20 ODIs. Our recent record is probably better against you & that ain't a compliment...

 

[Pup Clarke]

My Australia X1

Hayden
Gilchrist
Ponting
Clarke
Hodge
Hussey
Watson
Lee
Hogg/Johnson/Tait
Bracken
McGrath

 

[Salamuddin]

They comfortably lost all games to Australia and beat an England side playing like Sunday leaguers a couple of times. Where are the 'great' performances? NZ don't have enough quality there to produce 'great' performances anyway.

Yup, and England are gonna win the World Cup aren't they Scaly Pispot ?

 

[Salamuddin]

Anyone else reckon the Aussies didn't mind seeing England win at the SCG on FRiday ?

Seems to me the Aussies definitely prefer to face England ion the finals (hey, let's get some easy wins if we can)......the performance against the Poms was very unusually subdued compared to the intensity against NZL.....

 

[Dick Rockett]

They comfortably lost all games to Australia and beat an England side playing like Sunday leaguers a couple of times. Where are the 'great' performances? NZ don't have enough quality there to produce 'great' performances anyway.

Although I might agree with the vague point you're making, will you please give it a rest? Your constant snide remarks about the New Zealand team were boring the last hundred times you said it, it's plain irritating now.

 

[Smudge]

They comfortably lost all games to Australia and beat an England side playing like Sunday leaguers a couple of times. Where are the 'great' performances? NZ don't have enough quality there to produce 'great' performances anyway.

Remove the blades from your wrist immediately.