***Official*** Australia vs Pakistan in UAE

[oldmancraigy]

Watson, according to S Clark on the radio this morning, is rolling the arm over gently int he nets but is still some way off for matches.

Did anyone see how Clark went? He assessed his performance pretty positively, mentioned he thought he got some good zip off the wicket, which he said was missing for him pre-surgery. I think he's going to be vital come the Ashes.

As for Symonds, it's just my view, but I think he's a walk up start in any Aussie limited overs side, he's that good and has been in that format for a long time. Tests a different story, obviously, but I'd be prepared to stick with him for an extended period before thinking about dropping him from the ODI or T20 sides. Particularly so given the other guys who've been in the middle order for the 10 months Symonds has been out haven't exactly set the world on fire either.

The only way Symonds should get picked is if he's being selected to bowl 10 overs.

He's a 33 year old basket-case (his off-field dramas) whose performances ON the field for Queensland this summer were absolutely abysmal.

 

[pasag]

Back to the bad old days in the 90's where Aus sends a second string side to an inconsequential tournament and gets rudely thrashed. Fully expecting Pakistan to win the series comfortably. At least they're playing with some feeling.

Even then, this is a new low. At least the Aussies in the 90's sent the captain.

This hardly a second XI though! It's pretty much close to what I'd have for a first XI save Ponting, Hussey and Siddle.

 

[Top_Cat]

This hardly a second XI though! It's pretty much close to what I'd have for a first XI save Ponting, Hussey and Siddle.

On form/fitness, Symonds and Clark shouldn't be in the first XI, as far as I'm concerned. Marsh is also a questionable pick, even notwithstanding that he hit a few handy scores in Australia this year. Needs to have a chat with his Dad, I reckon. Like his Dad, he's good at anchoring an innings. Unlike his Dad, he doesn't finish the job. Getting in the 60's and 70's considering the number of balls he takes to get there isn't enough. Was the exact criticism levelled at Katich when he was ODI opener.

 

[HMas]

YouTube - Shane Watson cant play spin

 

[Top_Cat]

YouTube - Shane Watson cant play spin

Whilst I agree Watto isn't the greatest against spin, The bloke's action needs looking at I reckon.

 

[pasag]

On form/fitness, Symonds and Clark shouldn't be in the first XI, as far as I'm concerned. Marsh is also a questionable pick, even notwithstanding that he hit a few handy scores in Australia this year. Needs to have a chat with his Dad, I reckon. Like his Dad, he's good at anchoring an innings. Unlike his Dad, he doesn't finish the job. Getting in the 60's and 70's considering the number of balls he takes to get there isn't enough. Was the exact criticism levelled at Katich when he was ODI opener.

The entire side is out of form pretty much aside from Haddin who hasn't been able to capatalise on it. Clark was doing well in the format after a pretty poor start to his career before he got injured and it's only his first game back so give him time. IMO he should always be our 5th seamer after Lee, Bracken, Johnson and Siddle. Symonds is obviously out of form but we need to stick with him as our middle order just doesn't work without him. That's why these games are good, they're expendable and give players the opportunity to work back into form. If they don't, who cares? If they do, awesome.

Totally agree re: Katich, in Aust Cricket there has always been one rule for him and one rule for everyone else, and not in a good way.

 

[Polo23]

Whilst I agree Watto isn't the greatest against spin, The bloke's action needs looking at I reckon.

If Botha has been banned, then surely this guy is next?

 

[Top_Cat]

The entire side is out of form pretty much aside from Haddin who hasn't been able to capatalise on it. Clark was doing well in the format after a pretty poor start to his career before he got injured and it's only his first game back so give him time. IMO he should always be our 5th seamer after Lee, Bracken, Johnson and Siddle. Symonds is obviously out of form but we need to stick with him as our middle order just doesn't work without him. That's why these games are good, they're expendable and give players the opportunity to work back into form. If they don't, who cares? If they do, awesome.

Totally agree re: Katich, in Aust Cricket there has always been one rule for him and one rule for everyone else, and not in a good way.

Reckon it's more than form too. In the last couple of ODI's in SA, Haddin and Clarke did the business opening the batting. So, of course, how to respond to that? Spitting them up.

Don't agree with Watto at 3, either. Looks good against pace but a walking wicket against spin of any type (Afridi is reasonable but come on....). Number 3 needs to be at least reasonable against all bowling types, in my opinion. Can't just lose his **** against a bowler like he did last night just because he doesn't like what he sees. Anyone know what he was bitching about? I hadn't heard anything. Maybe the action?

 

[andyc]

Reckon it's more than form too. In the last couple of ODI's in SA, Haddin and Clarke did the business opening the batting. So, of course, how to respond to that? Spitting them up.

Don't agree with Watto at 3, either. Looks good against pace but a walking wicket against spin of any type (Afridi is reasonable but come on....). Number 3 needs to be at least reasonable against all bowling types, in my opinion. Can't just lose his **** against a bowler like he did last night just because he doesn't like what he sees. Anyone know what he was bitching about? I hadn't heard anything. Maybe the action?

It was right after he'd bowled the doosra, so I assumed he was having a go about his action. Couldn't actually hear anything though, tbf.

 

[Johnners]

This hardly a second XI though! It's pretty much close to what I'd have for a first XI save Ponting, Hussey and Siddle.

*cough*Johnson*cough*.

 

[Xuhaib]

Back to the bad old days in the 90's where Aus sends a second string side to an inconsequential tournament and gets rudely thrashed. Fully expecting Pakistan to win the series comfortably. At least they're playing with some feeling.

Even then, this is a new low. At least the Aussies in the 90's sent the captain.

Don't think so Aussies got done by a freak spell from Afridi once they hit their straps I expect them to win comfortably against this mediocre side.

 

[duffer]

Whilst I agree Watto isn't the greatest against spin, The bloke's action needs looking at I reckon.

No worse than Bhajji imo and no-one has questioned him for yonks. If the players learnt how to read him I doubt they'd be complaining about his action.

 

[duffer]

Don't think so Aussies got done by a freak spell from Afridi once they hit their straps I expect them to win comfortably against this mediocre side.

Yeah, can see Ajmal troubling them more and more but Afridi they should've played miles better.

Does Pakistan have a third specialist spinner on the bench? Might be a shot giving him a run next time out, although I'd prefer they picked another all rounder as their batting depth is non existent for mine.

 

[Xuhaib]

and plz Tanvir over Rao both are mediocre but atleast tanny has a surprise factor.

 

[duffer]

Arafat for Shoaib must also be a consideration. He looked like he was going on one leg at times yesterday.

 

[Xuhaib]

Yeah, can see Ajmal troubling them more and more but Afridi they should've played miles better.

Does Pakistan have a third specialist spinner on the bench? Might be a shot giving him a run next time out, although I'd prefer they picked another all rounder as their batting depth is non existent for mine.

No thouh Malik on his day can be effective batting is a huge worry Malik, Misbah and Younis have to come to the party in every game.

 

[Xuhaib]

Arafat for Shoaib must also be a consideration. He looked like he was going on one leg at times yesterday.

Yup Shoaib is done it was mistake not to try Aamir in this series.

 

[Xuhaib]

No thouh Malik on his day can be effective batting is a huge worry Malik, Misbah and Younis have to come to the party in every game.

Oh yes we have Fawad Alam don't rate his SLA much but batting will benefit immensely.

 

[Xuhaib]

What was Watson doing after every ball? Ajmal's action does not anywhere dodgy.

no it is.

 

[Polo23]

What was Watson doing after every ball? Ajmal's action does not anywhere dodgy.

You're kidding right? His action looks more dodgy than Murali's.

P.S - your name is spot on. OB and Jeetz do rock!