*Official* West Indies In Australia

[Top_Cat]

Nah that never happened

Have to ask though, why has Bollinger only played three tests in his career. He's an improvement over both Siddle and Hilfenhaus tbh.

A combination of years of ordinariness + injury. Has really only looked like a FC bowler for two or so seasons. A mate of mine came up against a him a few years ago for the ATSIC Chairman's XI game and said he was ordinary. He's a decent cricketer but no more than a solid grade contributor so if he didn't rate Dougeh.....

 

[Prince EWS]

Been very impressed with him here. McKay should make way for whichever of Hilfenhaus or Siddle is fitter, but Doug has earnt a starting spot in the XI for now IMO. If both Hilfenhaus and Siddle are fit, I'd take Hilfenhaus on recent form, with Siddle 12th man.

Yeah I agree, but somehow I don't see the selectors dropping Siddle; I think they like the fact that he's comparable to the best bowlers in the country despite being significantly younger. I don't agree with the logic at all but I certainly see it happening - after all, they picked Siddle ahead of Bollinger in India despite all performance indicators suggesting they do otherwise. I think it's a closer call now than it should have been then so Siddle will get the nod I reckon.

 

[Hurricane]

Just watching a replay of Marcus North sledging the batsman after being hit for four. Wonder what he said "how dare you hit me for four".

 

[Son Of Coco]

This Deonarine chap is making me slightly nervous. Nice hitting there off Hauritz.

Love hearing the player's comments, someone (presumably Haddin) just said 'Oh that was luck' off the last ball of that over.

Heard Benn drop the f-bomb the other day too

 

[Top_Cat]

Keep your head Haurie, that's exactly how you want Deonarine playing. Can see a stumping in your future with the way Deo's back-foot splays out like that.

 

[Matt79]

Surely Ponting will be saying that he likes being able to throw the ball to a guy who'll won't be loose.

'Ritz being put to the sword here. Surprised Deonarine doesn't have a bat sponsor.

 

[Prince EWS]

I think this innings has shown why TEC rates Deonarine so highly.

Does anyone else think that when the West Indies have a full-strength pace bowling trio available, Deonarine would add more to the team than Benn? Benn needs to stay as long as Rampaul and/or Tonge are playing I think but at full strength I'd look at leaving him out on most pitches. Deonarine and Gayle are just as effective as Benn in the vast majority of circumstances anyway, and with Bravo as the fourth seamer it'd still basically give them six bowling options. The batting would look a lot more solid with Bravo coming in at seven and Ramdin at eight IMO.

 

[Son Of Coco]

Not saying that some of our player don't act like tools, but I do find
it weird how fixated several of you Kiwis are on the topic.

It is a little unusual. Funny how you can say you agree a player was out of order, but if you challenge someone who is completely out of the ballpark with what actually happened you're immediately condoning every Australian who has ever done something wrong on the field.

Think the wounds are still open from the Haddin incident myself. Not to mention underarm.

 

[chalky]

Nervous period this for the Windies, Hauritz stepped up a bit in his last over & the batting looking a bit looser, need to get to tea without losing another wicket

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

I would say Benn's been massively more effective than Gayle in this series, in every match. He's actually been very good.

 

[Son Of Coco]

I find it hard to respect hypocrisy. Re 'antics', not the prima donna bit.

Haha true!

I find it hard to believe Watson will ever come out with anything as funny as a couple of things Healy said on the field though. I should note, I don't count flicking the bails off with your glove as one of those things.

 

[Matt79]

Get Norfh off and Watson on IMO.

 

[Jono]

Any Aussies nervous?

 

[Prince EWS]

I would say Benn's been massively more effective than Gayle in this series, in every match. He's actually been very good.

Yeah I agree, but this series (and one game against England) has been the exception rather than the rule - he averages 45 in Tests and I don't really see this series as a genuine improvement as much as a little purple patch. Obviously he's going to be more effective than Gayle when he's actually in the team as Gayle bowls a lot less when he is, but I don't forsee a big difference between him and a Gayle/Deonarine combination in the future unless the pitch is a turner. I suppose it'd be a bit weird to drop him now after showing him faith so far but it's all about what's best for the team balance and if they can get Edwards, Taylor, Roach and Bravo all together, Benn's utility is going to be lessened.

 

[Son Of Coco]

Apparently Broad kidnapped the crew of the Mary Celeste....

He has a fair collection of planes in his backyard from The Bermuda Triangle too by all reports.

 

[Son Of Coco]

Any Aussies nervous?

Slightly, give it another 50 and no wickets down and I'll be getting there.

I can see this being good viewing this afternoon, especially if Benn gets to the crease and the Aussies start to get a little narky with The Windies getting closer to the total. I for one won't be leaving the house until it's over!

 

[GotSpin]

Deonarine seems to be a real talent. Handy with the ball and is seemingly very determined today with the bat

 

[Pratters]

Rally around the West Indies!

 

[Jono]

Reckon this next session will decide the match.

 

[Jono]

Odds on this lasting til stumps?

This is your fault btw.