***Official*** Australian Domestic Season 2007/08

[Prince EWS]

The idea is insane that a guy who has never opened, to my knowledge, in a FC game before (Katich) is going to leapfrog a guy who is a specialist (prolific) opener, and who has already scored three centuries this season (Jaques). Opening is a specialist position - just ask Hodgey.

Haha, yeah, agreed. There's no way he should be considered ahead of Jaques. Katich as an opener is an option that would probably be seriously considered if there were no viable opening batsmen options in the country, but the best Australia batsman of the last three years or so in first class domestic cricket is actually an opener. There's no reason to look for middle order batsmen in this situation - an opener has been banging down the door.

Katich has probably just put himself next in line for a middle order spot though, leapfrogging Hodge and Dave Hussey. Whether that should be so based on one innings on a flat pitch is a different matter, but I'd say it would be.

 

[NUFAN]

I think Katich has 'leap frogged' other rivals such as Rogers, Hodge and Watson for the back up opening spot behind Jaques and Hayden.

I'm loving the depth at the moment in all areas apart from spin bowling.

 

[Prince EWS]

I think Katich has 'leap frogged' other rivals such as Rogers, Hodge and Watson for the back up opening spot behind Jaques and Hayden.

I'm loving the depth at the moment in all areas apart from spin bowling.

I'd say Rogers would still be ahead of Katich as an opening option.

 

[NUFAN]

I'd say Rogers would still be ahead of Katich as an opening option.

Rogers does have a Cricket Australia contract so yeah he could be in front at the moment. But I just have a feeling that last year was a once off year for him and he wont be able to produce the goods consistently enough to ever play Test Cricket, unless there is an injury or two.

 

[Perm]

Awesome effort from Katich, nice supporting act from Brad Haddin. Jimmy Maher must be the worst captain of spin bowlers in Australia, Queensland are in the field for 142 overs and Doran bowls 9.

Hogg is putting himself in contention for a Test spot. 3'fer, unbeaten half century and two in the second innings already.

 

[mikeW]

Haha, yeah, agreed. There's no way he should be considered ahead of Jaques. Katich as an opener is an option that would probably be seriously considered if there were no viable opening batsmen options in the country, but the best Australia batsman of the last three years or so in first class domestic cricket is actually an opener. There's no reason to look for middle order batsmen in this situation - an opener has been banging down the door.

Katich has probably just put himself next in line for a middle order spot though, leapfrogging Hodge and Dave Hussey. Whether that should be so based on one innings on a flat pitch is a different matter, but I'd say it would be.

I think if Hussey managed a century at the G tomorrow it would be better for his stocks than Katich's triple in terms of the Aussie team as its on a deck doing a fair bit rather than an absolute road.

 

[NZTailender]

Would love to see:

1. Hayden
2. Jaques
3. Ponting*
4. Hussey
5. Clarke
6. Katich
7. Gilchrist+
8. Lee
9. Tait
10. Clark
11. MacGill

 

[mikeW]

I'd like the team to be:

1. Hayden
2. Jaques
3. Ponting*
4. Hussey
5. Clarke
6.Hussey
7. Gilchrist+
8. Lee
9. Johnson
10. Clark
11. Tait

 

[stephen]

I'd like to see:

Jaques
Hayden
Ponting *
Clarke
Hussey
Symonds
Gilchrist +
Noffke
Clark
Hilfenhaus
MacGill

More likely:


Jaques
Hayden
Ponting *
Clarke
Hussey
Symonds
Gilchrist +
Lee
Clark
Johnson
MacGill

 

[Jono]

Always been a Katich fan, for no particular reason as well.

Go Kat man!

 

[Mister Wright]

Never liked him much myself, but have never disputed his ability. He's a superb batsman, that's for sure.

 

[pasag]

If you were ever going to score a domestic triple century... His timing is almost the inverse to Hodge's. I don't think he'll even be in the short list for the Tests but he would have put his name right back up there in the selectors minds, especially with this being a game everyone is paying close attention to.

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

Hogg's doing his chances no harm. I'm not actually totally opposed to the idea of him playing test cricket again, if MacGill really does turn out to be in woeful form. MacGill's the best spinner in the country by a country mile, but he's not performed in domestic cricket for a while now, so there is a question mark. Hogg's a far better bowler than he used to be IMO, and he wouldn't be the worst left-field selection.

Anyway, I've always liked Katich and thought he copped more than he deserved for the job he did opening for Australia in ODIs, which was generally decent IMO. Nice to see him in the runs.

Shocking game for our pace stocks though. Lee and Johnson got murdered.

In terms of who I'd "like to see" play test cricket for Australia this summer, it'd be:

Jaques
Hayden
Ponting
Hussey
Clarke
Watson
Gilchrist
Lee
Johnson
Clark
MacGill

 

[Laurrz]

i think Lee and Midge will be right... first 4 day game in ages and just bowled a lot in India... Haydos said the NSW quicks on the first day were a tad short if anything so yea

Lee already showing signs of improvement... 5 overs for 6 runs we desperately need stock and strike bowlers..not just strike bowlers

huge day for Hogg and MacGill tomorrow... i hope MacGill does well because i prefer him in our XI than Hogg

 

[Johnners]

I'd like the team to be:

1. Hayden
2. Jaques
3. Ponting*
4. Hussey
5. Clarke
6.Hussey
7. Gilchrist+
8. Lee
9. Johnson
10. Clark
11. Tait

Dave Hussey has about as much chance of playing for Australia this summer, as Shane Deitz does... He's a poor version of his brother, and there is at least 3 guys (Hodge, Watson, and hopefully Katich) ahead of him in the race for a middle order spot.

 

[mikeW]

Dave Hussey has about as much chance of playing for Australia this summer, as Shane Deitz does... He's a poor version of his brother, and there is at least 3 guys (Hodge, Watson, and hopefully Katich) ahead of him in the race for a middle order spot.

Have you paid much attention lately? He's been belting the door down for selection. He has matured as a player and isn't far from selection at all.

 

[Johnners]

He's still got Hodge, Watson & Katich ahead of him, which is the main point i was making.

 

[BoyBrumby]

I wouldn't like to be the cat in the Hodge household tonight.

It'll be safe if he swings his bat at it.

Genuine lol there.

 

[mikeW]

He's still got Hodge, Watson & Katich ahead of him, which is the main point i was making.

Katich wasn't even in the Aus A team which travelled to Pakistan which was a 2nd Best XI. Watson is still injured and Hodge's ordinary form would just about ended his international career. Where as Dave played in Pakistan and was the 2nd best performed batsmen behind Jaques, racking up 300 runs at an average of 100 backing up a great county season. He has then continued his great Pura cup form from last season this one so far. In that Aus A series he was also the 2nd best performed in the one day arena.

 

[Craig]

Watson should only be picked unless he is 100% fit, although he is turning out to be the Australian version of Andrew Flintoff, with the constant injuries, except you replace the ankle injuries for hamstring and calf injuries.

Anyway the idea of Australia needing an all-rounder is quite over-rated for mine, unless playing two spinners.