*Official* West Indies In Australia

[Sir Alex]

To be fair, there is only one of those guys left in the team

I don't think that can be an excuse. Australian team is not just 11 individuals but built on a system which none of the other countries have been able to replicate. Even their state sides would give 50% of the test nations a run for their money. I think the team think tank is here to blame. They have been far too conservative in actual play which they tried to cover up with over the top mannerisms on field.

 

[Sir Alex]

The only real way they could lose the series is by trying to smash it around. That might suit the people who want to see Australia lose, but why would anyone realistically expect us to take a risk like that?

I am not saying they should now go for it. That is out of question. I am saying they should have gone for it about 10-15 overs earlier. They could have atleast made an attempt for it. Perhaps by sending in Johnson ahead of Clarke.

 

[Sylvester]

They could have gone for it at the start, but once we started losing wickets then shut up shop. We would probably would have ended up in the same position but at least we tried. Watson should have been the aggressive one with Katich playing the anchor.

 

[Sir Alex]

Yea, don't think it's wise to go for it at this stage. Australia are not the dominant force they were, they don't have a Gilchrist at seven, it would simply be foolish. The time it would work would not make up for the more often case of losing when they could have drawn. I mean if they were 1-0 down, maybe they should go for it, but not with the series lead.

I think in the process they are becoming a bit like old India who once they are 1-0 up play ultra defensive cricket on flat pitches and ensure series wins. I don't want Australian team to do that.

 

[Prince EWS]

I don't think that can be an excuse. Australian team is not just 11 individuals but built on a system which none of the other countries have been able to replicate. Even their state sides would give 50% of the test nations a run for their money. I think the team think tank is here to blame. They have been far too conservative in actual play which they tried to cover up with over the top mannerisms on field.

Haha nah. They're 1-0 up, currently hold the trophy and were set 350 to win in the last innings on Adelaide Oval. You're kidding youself.

 

[Noble One]

Australia have simply lost wickets at the wrong time to have any chance of reaching the target. The pitch is not one you can just walk out and score 3.5+ runs per over on. This is highlighted by the bowling of Roach, the only bowler who is actually coming onto the bat, and yet this makes him easier to score off.

 

[Sir Alex]

Haha nah. They're 1-0, currently hold the trophy and were set 350 to win in the last innings on Adelaide Oval. You're kidding youself.

However when I opened the scorecard today morning I saw Australia needing about 200 runs from 36 overs which then I thought they would go for it with 7 wickets in hand. The pitch is flat. And in these days of t20 cricket where teams comfortably chase 150 scores in 20 overs, certainly it is not a big ask. Anyway I just said my opinion.

 

[social]

I don't think that can be an excuse. Australian team is not just 11 individuals but built on a system which none of the other countries have been able to replicate. Even their state sides would give 50% of the test nations a run for their money. I think the team think tank is here to blame. They have been far too conservative in actual play which they tried to cover up with over the top mannerisms on field.

You actually need ridiculously high levels of skill and confidence to play super aggressively and get away with it day in, day out

This lot hardly compares in either area to Hayden, Langer, peak Ponting, Waughs, Gilchrist etc etc

No disrespect to the Windies but it's hard to imagine that this team would've lasted too long into the 4th day against that lineup.

The fact that they are more than competitive here is a pretty good indication of where Oz is at the moment IMO

 

[Jono]

Anyone who thinks Australia should have gone for the win are silly.

Firstly, they are 1-0 up.

Secondly, it's always better to ensure you can't lose the game first (particularly when 1-0 up) then try and win the game later. Not vice versa.

Thirdly, as social said, this isn't Hayden, Langer, Ponting, Martyn, Gilly etc.

 

[Noble One]

Good to see Gayle trying something new.

 

[Burgey]

Haha - how close was that ball to Haddin's stumps?

Imagine the reaction here if Watson and Ponting reacted like Bravo and Gayle did.

Jeez this Roach looks good. Genuine threat here.

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

Australia were going for the win, honestly, until Ponting got out. At the very least, the top order were very conscious of the run rate and played some shots they wouldn't have under normal circumstances. Not talking about the wickets that fell, mind you.

Once a couple of wickets went down, they rightfully played more defensively since the chance of a win was very slim. No reason to risk a collapse and a loss when you're ahead in the series.

 

[Top_Cat]

However when I opened the scorecard today morning I saw Australia needing about 200 runs from 36 overs which then I thought they would go for it with 7 wickets in hand. The pitch is flat. And in these days of t20 cricket where teams comfortably chase 150 scores in 20 overs, certainly it is not a big ask. Anyway I just said my opinion.

Give it a try.

Dear God, if Roach keeps doing that at pace along with all his other weapons, I'm going on record now as tipping him for 400+ Test wickets.

 

[Top_Cat]

Australia were going for the win, honestly, until Ponting got out. At the very least, the top order were very conscious of the run rate and played some shots they wouldn't have under normal circumstances. Not talking about the wickets that fell, mind you.

Once a couple of wickets went down, they rightfully played more defensively since the chance of a win was very slim. No reason to risk a collapse and a loss when you're ahead in the series.

Honestly don't think Watto was really going for it right from the start. Once he lost Kateesh, he went back into his shell.

 

[Prince EWS]

Australia were going for the win, honestly, until Ponting got out. At the very least, the top order were very conscious of the run rate and played some shots they wouldn't have under normal circumstances. Not talking about the wickets that fell, mind you.

Once a couple of wickets went down, they rightfully played more defensively since the chance of a win was very slim. No reason to risk a collapse and a loss when you're ahead in the series.

Yeah, completely AWTA.

 

[Burgey]

However when I opened the scorecard today morning I saw Australia needing about 200 runs from 36 overs which then I thought they would go for it with 7 wickets in hand. The pitch is flat. And in these days of t20 cricket where teams comfortably chase 150 scores in 20 overs, certainly it is not a big ask. Anyway I just said my opinion.

No way. The pitch is a little bit up and down but ought to be survivable. It is hard to score runs on though - yesterday WI made 260 and the day before Aus made 280. Its unrealistic to expect the team batting last to score more than that in less than a full day's play.

 

[Sir Alex]

Australia were going for the win, honestly, until Ponting got out. At the very least, the top order were very conscious of the run rate and played some shots they wouldn't have under normal circumstances. Not talking about the wickets that fell, mind you.

Once a couple of wickets went down, they rightfully played more defensively since the chance of a win was very slim. No reason to risk a collapse and a loss when you're ahead in the series.

 

[shivfan]

A draw must be the favourite from here....

 

[Furball]

However when I opened the scorecard today morning I saw Australia needing about 200 runs from 36 overs which then I thought they would go for it with 7 wickets in hand. The pitch is flat. And in these days of t20 cricket where teams comfortably chase 150 scores in 20 overs, certainly it is not a big ask. Anyway I just said my opinion.

lolz

 

[Athlai]

FFS it doesn't equate the same as T20 cricket. No fielding restrictions, bouncers and wider balls allowed. Far far far more difficult than the shorter formats.