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

[Blaze]

I can see Australia winning these next two finals by plenty...seems to me like it'll be much the same as last year. I'll be pleasantly surprised if it turns out differently though.

I actually have a feeling that England might win the finals... Possibly even today.

Edit - either that or I would predict what you said.

 

[Jono]

So either England will win the series, possible today, possibly Tuesday.

Or Australia will win the series, by winning the match today and on Tuesday.

You've covered all options there.

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

Theres one thing to like a player, theres another thing to show blind devotion to him despite the obvious fact that he was rubbish in the last game. My question is if Watson is batting out of position in the Australian side, which almost every one of his ardent supporters seem to believe, then why on earth is he playing? There isnt much doubt in my mind that his batting is supposed his strong suit, and despite what you'd like to believe, everyone knows that his bowling averages in the last year and a half have flattered him and hes by and large been complete rubbish other than the DLF cup in Malaysia. On his batting, there is no evidence to suggest that hes even good enough to be playing for Australia given that his ODI record even while batting up the order is hardly brilliant and his List A batting record of 33 is easily the worst in the Australian side.

He's playing because he offers something to the balance of the side, precisely because his bowling hasn't been rubbish. And obviously, in the last two series before this one he wasn't batting out of position. Unfortunately he is now, and not every batsman is capable of adjusting to the huge change in approach required. It doesn't make him a bad one day batsman, it makes him a bad one day number 7.

His bowling average in the Super Series ODIs certainly flattered him, but he was really very good with the ball in the CT as well as the DLF Cup, and the fact that he provided a genuine wicket taking option with the fifth set of 10 overs added a great deal to Australia's attack. His accuracy has improved out of sight in the last 12-18 months, which is the main reason he's a hugely more valuable bowler than he used to be. He's also worked a great deal on his variations and so on, as shown by the fact he bowled two pretty decent death overs the other night. Basically, he's a quite handy ODI bowler now, certainly clearly better than someone like Symonds or whoever else would fill in the final 10 overs, whereas before he was an extremely poor ODI bowler who was picked on potential to improve. There's simply no question that Australia is a stronger team at the moment with Watson than without him, provided he can contribute decently with the bat as he was before his injuries.

 

[Blaze]

So either England will win the series, possible today, possibly Tuesday.

Or Australia will win the series, by winning the match today and on Tuesday.

You've covered all options there.

I am leaning towards England winning today. However I also wouldn't be surprised if Australia won both of the remaining games by plenty...

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

This could be a key game for Hogg, if he plays. If he is ineffective again he might dropped for the third final (if Australia even get there), which would cut into his chances of being in the first XI in the World Cup ahead of Johnson. He'll still get a few games there to try and bowl his way back in, but he'd miss all the "big" matches, in all probability.

 

[age_master]

He's playing because he offers something to the balance of the side, precisely because his bowling hasn't been rubbish. And obviously, in the last two series before this one he wasn't batting out of position. Unfortunately he is now, and not every batsman is capable of adjusting to the huge change in approach required. It doesn't make him a bad one day batsman, it makes him a bad one day number 7.

His bowling average in the Super Series ODIs certainly flattered him, but he was really very good with the ball in the CT as well as the DLF Cup, and the fact that he provided a genuine wicket taking option with the fifth set of 10 overs added a great deal to Australia's attack. His accuracy has improved out of sight in the last 12-18 months, which is the main reason he's a hugely more valuable bowler than he used to be. He's also worked a great deal on his variations and so on, as shown by the fact he bowled two pretty decent death overs the other night. Basically, he's a quite handy ODI bowler now, certainly clearly better than someone like Symonds or whoever else would fill in the final 10 overs, whereas before he was an extremely poor ODI bowler who was picked on potential to improve. There's simply no question that Australia is a stronger team at the moment with Watson than without him, provided he can contribute decently with the bat as he was before his injuries.

I have to agree that his bowling has improved alot - will probably improve more under Cooley as well.

His batting is fine, for the top 4, but not for below that. He simply doesn't seem to be able to fire when needed. So for me, as well as Clarke has been batting at 4 i think for the team, Watson needs to move up.

 

[Fiery]

I have to agree that his bowling has improved alot - will probably improve more under Cooley as well.

His batting is fine, for the top 4, but not for below that. He simply doesn't seem to be able to fire when needed. So for me, as well as Clarke has been batting at 4 i think for the team, Watson needs to move up.

I'm staggered that some of you Aussies think he's good enough to demand a place in your top 4. You must see something in him that I don't.

 

[age_master]

He does have a FC average just under 50, and his List A is 33, which for an all rounder is certainly quite acceptable. The spot in the top 4 is more about his style of batting then ability for mine though - though i do think long term he is good enough for number 4 in ODI's.

 

[Fiery]

He does have a FC average just under 50, and his List A is 33, which for an all rounder is certainly quite acceptable. The spot in the top 4 is more about his style of batting then ability for mine though - though i do think long term he is good enough for number 4 in ODI's.

I think his career will echo the quote in his Cricinfo profile:
"Apart from a nude photoshoot in an arty men's mag he faded swiftly from view"

 

[Craig]

Hussey's last 3 scores are 6, 8 and 17. He's due

So much for the myth of him having the ability to not get out. That said Gilchrist is due.

 

[Fiery]

England have won the toss and will bat

 

[FRAZ]

yeah subscribed the channel for 14 bucks and some thing like mcgrath foundation is being advertised

 

[Fiery]

yeah subscribed the channel for 14 bucks and some thing like mcgrath foundation is being advertised
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I like humanity , Joy , Good hearts ,Innocent faces, Shoaib Akhtar ,Madonna and nature (Sir Frazzle Dazzle) !!!

Do you still like Shoaib Ahktar Fraz?

 

[alternative]

Do you still like Shoaib Ahktar Fraz?

Take it somewhere else mate.

Anyway can we see a repeat performance from England?

 

[Fiery]

Take it somewhere else mate.

Ok, peace brother

 

[pasag]

I don't like criticising players usually, but Loye is so ****.

 

[Fiery]

Anyway can we see a repeat performance from England?

The first question is: How long will the one-trick-pony last?

 

[pasag]

Oh and I'm freaking nervous here.

 

[alternative]

Oh and I'm freaking nervous here.

MSN mate, i have my extrodinary predictions.

Anyway should be a great game. England to take it

 

[Johnners]

Would've be suprised if Loye gets hammered in the head by Lee today. Going for that ridiculous sweep shot, and copping one that bounces a little bit more.