*Official* Australia in New Zealand

[Flem274*]

I'm liking the battle stations being taken after one innings. All the same old names too..

Unfortunately, we're going to have to accept that for a little while our only test class batsmen are Taylor, Ryder and Vettori (McCullum is a test class batsman for a number seven). We're fortunate that our test class batsmen are quite good.

So while we have to rely on this thin amount of quality, we need to be patient with other batsmen and give them time to reach the mark. I don't think the Tim McIntosh that faced the WI could have played that knock today. He did that through time playing at this level. If McIntosh can do that (I never thought he had it in him) and even Hopkins can be useful in ODIs, then practically every FC journeyman bar long term proven fails like Sinclair, Marshall and Fulton could be of use with patience.

That doesn't mean we should automatically pick Michael Parlane, but it does mean that we don't have to be afraid to pick perceived FC journeymen. With patience they come through.

Iain O'Brien was dropped after a horror debut series against Australia. He looked like and was absolute crap. Now there are fans that would give their children to see him back in the test side.

 

[social]

We didn't have Dougeh!

No but seriously, I think we're a considerably better team than we were back then.

We are that but it's debatable how good when you consider the opposition

Anyway, you can only beat what's in front of you

 

[Athlai]

Woodcocks had a huge season Phlegm

 

[Top_Cat]

Goddamn Kiwi team, playing North back into form like chumps. You've just cost Aus the Ashes.

 

[Hurricane]

I don't mind picking Williamson as an allrounder. He would only bowl 10 overs a day for us as a work load sharing tool. The Aussies went into this game with 4 specialist bowlers and they are doing ok.

That said I wouldn't pick him for test #2 as I think he is too important to New Zealand's future to hurt his confidence by playing him too soon.

How many people want him to play in the 2nd test?

I do think playing 5 bowlers was a bad idea though. Our tail was dismissed in a heart beat today.

 

[andyc]

Goddamn Kiwi team, playing North back into form like chumps. You've just cost Aus the Ashes.

AWTA. Sort it out.

 

[Craig]

Goddamn Kiwi team, playing North back into form like chumps. You've just cost Aus the Ashes.

Trans Tasman spirit

 

[KidSylesNz]

Leave Williamson alone for this series! Play him latter in the year!

 

[Nate]

We didn't have Dougeh!

No but seriously, I think we're a considerably better team than we were back then.

Defs agree. Still think I'd like Smith at 6, but the bowling attack is looking a lot stronger.

 

[social]

Defs agree. Still think I'd like Smith at 6, but the bowling attack is looking a lot stronger.

The selectors have actually made a rod for their back as whether it is tomorrow, next week or next series, Smith has to come into the team

IMO, they'll eventually take the easy way out and drop Hauritz which would be grossly unfair as he has been one of our better players for quite some time

 

[Spark]

Defs agree. Still think I'd like Smith at 6, but the bowling attack is looking a lot stronger.

Agreed on both counts.

The selectors have actually made a rod for their back as whether it is tomorrow, next week or next series, Smith has to come into the team

IMO, they'll eventually take the easy way out and drop Hauritz which would be grossly unfair as he has been one of our better players for quite some time

I would be ropable if that occurred.

 

[andyc]

The selectors have actually made a rod for their back as whether it is tomorrow, next week or next series, Smith has to come into the team

IMO, they'll eventually take the easy way out and drop Hauritz which would be grossly unfair as he has been one of our better players for quite some time

Indeed, and would be even sillier as Smith, for all his skills, shouldn't be playing as a lone spinner in a Test match yet, and quite possibly ever.

 

[Top_Cat]

Can't help but notice the absence of TH in the thread after a Dougie 5-fer. Must have passed out cheering so hard for him.

 

[wfdu_ben91]

Yeah, play Smith as a part-time spinner.

Funny how we've been searching so long for an allrounder and now we've got 3 allrounders who could potentially end their careers with more success then Andrew Flintoff (who was the initial reason for wanting an allrounder).

 

[Jono]

Bollinger is awesome.

 

[Top_Cat]

Yeah, play Smith as a part-time spinner.

Funny how we've been searching so long for an allrounder and now we've got 3 allrounders who could potentially end their careers with more success then Andrew Flintoff (who was the initial reason for wanting an allrounder).

Watto, Smith and....?

 

[andyc]

Watto, Smith and....?

Johnson, at a guess.

 

[wfdu_ben91]

Johnson, at a guess.

Bingo.

 

[Top_Cat]

I guessed as much. Can't see him being regarded as genuine all-rounder or bettering Fred's numbers with the bat. Put me down in the 'he'll average < 25 with the occasional slogging ton' camp.

 

[Flem274*]

Hmmm..so for all our gnashing of teeth over our batting and bowling, who would we have in the side if everyone were fit? I still think a lot of these guys, barring injured players, are the best we have.

Williamson would make this side if we picked on merit only, which is heartening. Is 18 FC matches enough?

I think this winter is very important for the A side. We need to get the right guys in there and rather than looking for "individual success" as Turner put it, I personally think getting them winning (and they win a lot of games tbf) is just as important.

Another question: should we do what Australia did in the late 80s/early 90s and pick young quality that was succeeding domestically and stick with them through thick and thin (Steve Waugh for example).?

Re: Athlai: Woodcock, given enough of a chance, probably could do a job down at number six. We have better number six candidates though.