Tbh, I dont see a lot different in kp other than that to give credit where it's due, Ponting and the coach have come up with a very good strategy and the bowlers have done well to put it into practice so far
I don't disagree with any of that, but I still don't think the decision can be described as "terrible". As I said, I would not have picked Panesar either, but compared to what Australia's selectors have done, it's actually a pretty minor issue IMO. No-one really had an irresistible case for selection so, while opting for someone primarily because of what they've done two years ago is never really a great idea, I don't think it's as disgraceful a call as some people are making out.
Where's your slowpoke pic? Welcome to like six weeks ago.
Panesar's is a terrible selection. It makes no sense on any level. He's going to play as a second finger spinner - playing one spinner is obviously seen as a big thing for variety purposes. If you pick a second finger spinner then to justify it they have to be top quality bowlers, well Monty isn't. A second finger spinner is not going to be in the game so much as a bowler, so you want them to contribute with bat and in the field, Monty doesn't. If you're going for a second spinner you want someone who can really utilise spinning conditions and genuinely bowl people out to help force the win. Monty doesn't do that either. Panesar also has a truly awful recent record. You are also dropping a man in possession who has 40 wickets at 13 in division 1 this season and who pitches it up and swings it which is what you want for this pitch.
Eh, limit?
The troubling part with this selection is that Panesar doesnt have form or the record to back up his selection. Its a poor selection no matter what way you look at it, the only selection which was on the cards that could have been an absolute howler and the England management has of course tapped that.
Haha, just 'cause I haven't posted it until now doesn't mean I just saw it.
I mean, how much is too much, given the back-to-back tests, that people would want Johnson (for example) to get through today? I'm just interested in whether Ponting goes for the jugular or tries to rotate the bowling a little here.
Reckon he'll rotate but only because all of the bowlers seem to be doing alright. Johnson, after a poor start, has been penetrative, Siddle solid, Horse the pick and Horrie's first over was decent. No-one's dominating, I reckon.
