***Official*** Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series 2007-08

[Captain Cricket]

Sehwag > Jaffer

 

[Pratters]

Don't expect India to do too well in this series. I wont be surprised if they don't reach the finals. You want to bring in youth but you want to phase them in rather than bring them like this. It wont be easy to make runs in Australia and you certainly need experience there in the form of some one from the likes of Dravid, Ganguly or even Laxman to be there to get runs on the board in Australia. What might have worked against Ganguly was his terrible fielding in the Perth test. He was recovering from flu and looked uncharecteristic even by the fielding standards Ganguly sets himself. I hope that India do well but don't think that we will. For all we know, a few of the young guys can click and India might do well but they could have phased the process a lot more gradually and I am not happy with the selectors here.

I have read a few arguments people have made for backing youth all out like this but frankly, it makes no sense to me. As I said earlier, you need to phase it. Many acknowledge that there is a huge chance that India will lose in this series and can lose very poorly at that. So are defeats the best way to build the foundation for the future? Not really as defeats affect you as a player. That is a point which is debatable but what I don't understand is this love for this policy. Didn't we go to a similar policy a year before the world cup, only to go back to experience? Give players a chance who deserve a spot and just don't change the team for the sake of it. Reward the performers and build the team slowly rather than in a knew jerk reaction. It is stupid to go the way the Indian selectors have gone here and I don't agree at all. On the fielding... yeah, let us stop 30 runs in the field. However, how will that help if the batsmen don't make the runs. A good team is built on a combination of youth and experience. You earn spots in the XI and you don't just bring so may young players to the team to see which of them will perform and which wont.

 

[adharcric]

I have read a few arguments people have made for backing youth all out like this but frankly, it makes no sense to me. As I said earlier, you need to phase it. Many acknowledge that there is a huge chance that India will lose in this series and can lose very poorly at that. So are defeats the best way to build the foundation for the future? Not really as defeats affect you as a player. That is point is debatable but what I don't understand is this love for this policy. Didn't we go to a similar policy a year before the world cup, only to go back to experience? Give players a chance who deserve a spot and just don't change the team for the sake of it. Reward the performers and build the team slowly rather than in a knew jerk reaction. It is stupid to go the way the Indian selectors have gone here and I don't agree at all. On the fielding... yeah, let us stop 30 runs in the field. However, how will that help if the batsmen don't make the runs. A good team is built on a combination of youth and experience. You earn spots in the XI and you don't just bring so may young players to the team to see which of them will perform and which wont.

Uthappa and Sharma have been in the one-day side for a while now. Raina is the only new exclusion and he certainly earned and deserved the call-up, as would Tiwary or Badrinath had they received it instead. The problem with the squad is not Raina, Sharma or Uthappa (the real "youth" policy lads) but rather Sehwag, Gambhir and arguably Karthik. You may as well give up debating the merits of the youth policy because the guys who Dravid and Ganguly should be there instead of (Sehwag, Gambhir) are not that young but are decent to solid in the field and between the wickets. If you want to debate, go debate whether Sehwag and Gambhir should've been kept in the squad instead of Dravid and Ganguly (the answer is quite clear I'd say).

 

[Pratters]

Uthappa and Sharma have been in the one-day side for a while now. Raina is the only new exclusion and he certainly earned and deserved the call-up, as would Tiwary or Badrinath had they received it instead. The problem with the squad is not Raina, Sharma or Uthappa (the real "youth" policy lads) but rather Sehwag, Gambhir and arguably Karthik. You may as well give up debating the merits of the youth policy because the guys who Dravid and Ganguly should be there instead of (Sehwag, Gambhir) are not that young but are decent to solid in the field and between the wickets. If you want to debate, go debate whether Sehwag and Gambhir should've been kept in the squad instead of Dravid and Ganguly (the answer is quite clear).

Err it is clear that the selectors are going for youth for the sake of it right now. Why was Murali Karthik dropped except that he is 31? He was man of the match in the last game versus Australia. The problem is trying too many young players at one go. You say that Sharma has been in the one day squad for a while now. Fact is, he has played 4 ****ing matches till now (average - 20). So he is unproven, right? Gambhir and Karthik are also part of young players. I don't have a problem with picking young players but picking them as a policy is stupid here. You phase out the team gradually. Going for some thing for the sake of it, moreover so many is dire.

 

[Jono]

Just wondering why people are suggesting Gambhir hasn't earnt his selection in the squad.

I'm not talking XI, but to suggest Gambhir doesn't deserve a place in India's ODI squad is a bit inaccurate IMO.

 

[adharcric]

Err it is clear that the selectors are going for youth for the sake of it right now. Why was Murali Karthik dropped except that he is 31? He was man of the match in the last game versus Australia. The problem is trying too many young players at one go. You say that Sharma has been in the one day squad for a while now. Fact is, he has played 4 ****ing matches till now (average - 20). So he is unproven, right? Gambhir and Karthik are also part of young players. I don't have a problem with picking young players but picking them as a policy is stupid here. You phase out the team gradually. Going for some thing for the sake of it, moreover so many is dire.

Young players are being picked because they are better in the field and between the wickets (compared to Dravid and Ganguly), not just for the sake of it. Of course, you can't just focus on these two things and forget about performance and experience with the bat as the selectors have done to an extent here. Regarding Chawla and Kartik, you're right that it was a questionable move especially considering that Chawla had a mediocre season for UP.

 

[Pratters]

Just wondering why people are suggesting Gambhir hasn't earnt his selection in the squad.

I'm not talking XI, but to suggest Gambhir doesn't deserve a place in India's ODI squad is a bit inaccurate IMO.

I am not suggesting x doesn't deserve a spot or not in the team. I am more against trying so many unproven players at one go when at least some proven players are available.

Young players are being picked because they are better in the field and between the wickets (compared to Dravid and Ganguly)

As I said earlier, how does saving 30 runs in the field help if you don't perform batting wise. I don't mind playing a few new players. However, as Rohit Sharma is unproven, why did we have to select another young player in Raina here? A Ganguly or Dravid in place would have been far better here. I hope you get my point. Nothing against specific players.

 

[adharcric]

As I said earlier, how does saving 30 runs in the field help if you don't perform batting wise.

Did you read the rest of my post?

I don't mind playing a few new players. However, as Rohit Sharma is unproven, why did we have to select another young player in Raina here? A Ganguly or Dravid in place would have been far better here. I hope you get my point. Nothing against specific players.

Yes, I get your point and I've stated several times that I would've kept Dravid and Ganguly ... just that Gambhir, Sehwag or Karthik should miss out and not guys like Raina and Sharma.

 

[adharcric]

Just wondering why people are suggesting Gambhir hasn't earnt his selection in the squad.

I'm not talking XI, but to suggest Gambhir doesn't deserve a place in India's ODI squad is a bit inaccurate IMO.

Based on his domestic season, I guess he does. Otherwise, he's been pretty disappointing in ODIs after a promising Twenty20 WC run. You've also got the issue of him having technical flaws and simply not looking good enough for this level, but SS and PEWS can probably describe that with more passion and accuracy.

 

[NZTailender]

Ganguly being rested because India want to go easy on Australia imo.

 

[Pratters]

Yes, I get your point and I've stated several times that I would've kept Dravid and Ganguly ... just that Gambhir, Sehwag or Karthik should miss out and not guys like Raina and Sharma.

As I said, I don't particularly care who was given a chance and who wasn't but more on the young policy - selecting so many players who are young for the sake of it. Whether Gambhir or Karthik or Raina should have been not selected is besides the point.

 

[gettingbetter]

Don't expect India to do too well in this series. I wont be surprised if they don't reach the finals. You want to bring in youth but you want to phase them in rather than bring them like this.

I don't think it is that bad of an idea, no debutants. Even though many have played less than 20 ODIs, they seem to hold their own when playing ODIs or 20/20. Also, does anyone care about ODis when they aren't part of a CT or WC?

 

[gettingbetter]

Its not hindsight at all. Its looking at Sewangs career record and average of 50 and doing well against australia and looking at jaffers average of 37 after 27 tests. Its obvious hes nothing special plus inexperienced and obvious the aussies would eat him up. And they did.

Well, this is where look at recent performances comes in, someone further on stated it. Either way, Sehwag looked as unconvincing as Jaffer.

 

[gettingbetter]

I have read a few arguments people have made for backing youth all out like this but frankly, it makes no sense to me. As I said earlier, you need to phase it.

Phasing it? Last series Dravid, this series Ganguly, bring in a player who has already played 50 ODIs (Raina) and then have guys who are experienced in 20/20 and have played a handful of ODIs - India seem to be a good job if you ask me.

 

[irfan]

Whoa. Chill out fellas. There's only a couple of mistakes I see with the squad chosen for the ODI's, it should have been Kaif for Sehwag and Badrinath for Gambhir (arguable.)

Aside from that I'm happy with the squad and it gives us a chance to experiment with the kids and see how life's like without the superstars (Dravid, Laxman & Ganguly.) Who knows it might be a lot greener. I don't really care if we get pasted in the ODI's - the only two tournaments that are worth having your 11 BEST players on the park are the CT and the WC. Most of the rest are money-making exercises/tour add-ons which provide the odd thrill here and there.

The batting lineup has a fresh look to it and the players won't have the pressure of being the best batsman in the world. Happy with the squad and hope BCCI stick with it even if the results don't show because most of these guys will form the nucleus for our CT and WC squads whenever they are.

If Australia have the depth to employ a 'rotation' policy and we have talented youngsters coming up (Raina, Sharmas, Praveen etc.) Why can't we employ a youth policy ??

My only concern is the BCCI stick with the kids - can't have them tugging Dravid's and Laxman's ankles at the end.

 

[Nate]

White, Hilfenhaus head PM's XI

Cameron White
©Getty Images / Cricket AustraliaVictorian skipper Cameron White and Tasmanian star Ben Hilfenhaus spearhead the Prime Minister's XI 12-man squad that will take on Sri Lanka in a one-day tour match on January 30 at Canberra's Manuka Oval.

The Australian contracted duo will be joined by national hopefuls Ashley Noffke, David Hussey and Doug Bollinger in the team.

Western Australia is the state that is best represented in the side with Shaun Marsh, Luke Pomersbach and Luke Ronchi all being selected.

Meanwhile, the PM's XI leadership department has an all-Victorian flavour with White and Hussey both assuming the captaincy and vice-captaincy respectively.

White, who is fresh from helping the Bushrangers claim their third consecutive KFC Twenty20 Big Bash title, feels honoured to once again lead the PM's XI.

"I'm looking forward to what will be a very competitive match along with some of the countries most exciting and talented cricketers," White said.

"I've had the chance to see most of these players first hand and I am sure the likes of Phillip Hughes, Shaun Marsh and David Hussey will hold up well against some of the world's best bowlers."

National selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said that this year's side brought with it an exciting combination of both experience and youth.

"Players are always excited about being selected to play in the PM's XI and will be keen to perform well against the likes of Muttiah Muralidaran, Sanath Jayasuria, Chaminda Vaas and Lasith Malinga," Hilditch said.

"Ben Hilfenhaus, Ashley Noffke and Luke Pomersbach round out the list of players who, along with White, have played at the highest level for Australia and will be hoping to impress again. Their selection is well deserved recognition of the outstanding season being enjoyed by Australia's exciting young talent. I am sure all players will enjoy the challenge of playing against Sri Lanka."

The 2008 Prime Minister's XI: Cameron White (VIC) (capt), David Hussey (VIC) (v/c), Doug Bollinger (NSW), Callum Ferguson (SA), Ben Hilfenhaus (TAS), Philip Hughes (NSW), Shaun Marsh (WA), Ashley Noffke (QLD), Luke Pomersbach (WA), Luke Ronchi (WA), Luke Swards (ACT), Jonathon Dean (12th Man) (ACT).

Disappointed Heal wasn't selected really. No specialist spinner in the squad speaking volumes.

 

[NUFAN]

Good on Luke Swards.

Today he took 6/10 & 1/5 against QLD 2nd XI.

Good team, would have been even sweater if the great George Bailey was selected.

 

[Pratters]

Phasing it? Last series Dravid, this series Ganguly, bring in a player who has already played 50 ODIs (Raina) and then have guys who are experienced in 20/20 and have played a handful of ODIs - India seem to be a good job if you ask me.

I don't think it is that bad of an idea, no debutants. Even though many have played less than 20 ODIs, they seem to hold their own when playing ODIs or 20/20.

Raina has played 36 ODIs (average = 26.60). Neither have guys like Sharma made a place in the first XI. Trying too many players who haven't made a place in the first XI in one tournament isn't phasing it properly, imo.

 

[JASON]

My selection for PMs XI game at Manuka
(not in batting order)

Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Dilruwan Perera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Silva, Nuwan Kulasekera, Chanaka Welegedara, Farveez Maharoof, Ishara Amerasinghe

 

[Craig]

Well these younger guys have to replace the big stars in the Indian ODI team at some point, so now is a good way of phasing them in and gaining experience, or would you rather they all left at once and their replacements had never played an ODI before? I would rather take short term pain for long term gain.

Those burning effigies in India are idiots who fail to see the bigger picture.