*Official* First Test at the Gabba

[Ruckus]

If this partnership stays for a while, we should be able to get atleast 300.

 

[pup11]

I reckon we could, tbh - so long as Ponting stops chucking his wicket and Clarke has a net.

EDIT: Wouldn't be favourites though. Just saying it's possible.

Clarke's problems aren't something that can be solved with just a single net session, its a technical glitch that can't be corrected unless he makes big changes to the way he bats.
Clarke is predominately a front-foot player, and he plays the horizontal bat shots too off the front-foot.
On placid tracks he might get away doing that, but on tracks with some pace and bounce fast bowlers who can bowl an accurate bumper would have him all at sea.

 

[Spark]

Anderson'll bowl better than this and get 5, IMO.

 

[Jacknife]

Jimmy's bowled really well an has deserved more than his 2 wickets, only going for 1.90 rpo.

 

[hazsa19]

Anderson'll bowl better than this and get 5, IMO.

come again? Late nights are getting to us

 

[Johnners]

Clarke's problems aren't something that can be solved with just a single net session, its a technical glitch that can't be corrected unless he makes big changes to the way he bats.
Clarke is predominately a front-foot player, and he plays the horizontal bat shots too off the front-foot.
On placid tracks he might get away doing that, but on tracks with some pace and bounce fast bowlers who can bowl an accurate bumper would have him all at sea.

Clarke's problem is that his back is clearly ****ed

 

[Burgey]

Would've liked a quid on Bell and Hussey being the stand out best for wither batting side two days ago.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Never seen Haddin so subdued.Probably smash the new ball to all parts now.

 

[Spark]

Clarke's problems aren't something that can be solved with just a single net session, its a technical glitch that can't be corrected unless he makes big changes to the way he bats.
Clarke is predominately a front-foot player, and he plays the horizontal bat shots too off the front-foot.
On placid tracks he might get away doing that, but on tracks with some pace and bounce fast bowlers who can bowl an accurate bumper would have him all at sea.

Before this test he was averaging something like 80 on this ground and done fairly well at Perth. Quick tracks aren't his problem.

When Clarke is in form his main strength is that he picks up the length so quickly - quicker than the vast majority of players, which is why he can premeditate coming out of the crease so often to spinners and yet still have enough time to play normally, even on the back foot if needed.

When he's out of touch or underprepared, take your pick, he obviously won't be picking them up so easily. Then he has an problem.

EDIT: Incidentally for that exact reason his pull shot is the best indication of his form. Just look at Hussey to see what picking up the length does to your short-ball play.

 

[robelinda]

Come on, ian Healy two tons, Old Trafford and Gabba.

 

[Ruckus]

Strauss is looking down again...good sign.

 

[hazsa19]

hmmmm good recovery, how annoying is Hussey...

What sized lead can we surrender and realistically overturn for a decent target? 50...75 perhaps?

 

[pup11]

If this partnership stays for a while, we should be able to get atleast 300.

AFAIC.... these two have to take us as close to 300 or beyond, because I really can't see much resistance being put up by the rest of batting order.
Mitch scored a century in his last FC game, but his batting has gone a bit downhill at the international level. Doherty, Siddle and Hilfy can all do some damage with the bat, but on this pitch can't see them doing anything substantial.

 

[Spark]

Another pull shot, this is amazing stuff

 

[hazsa19]

Boys is furious

 

[Howe_zat]

Swann really not been that great today. A lot of short stuff.

 

[TumTum]

DuesEx, i doubt it!

 

[Spark]

And another

 

[pasag]

hmmmm good recovery, how annoying is Hussey...

What sized lead can we surrender and realistically overturn for a decent target? 50...75 perhaps?

Hang on, still a long way away from 260. Can be all out within a few minutes the way this match has been going.

 

[Ruckus]

AFAIC.... these two have to take us as close to 300 or beyond, because I really can't see much resistance being put up by the rest of batting order.
Mitch scored a century in his last FC game, but his batting has gone a bit downhill at the international level. Doherty, Siddle and Hilfy can all do some damage with the bat, but on this pitch can't see them doing anything substantial.

Johnson and the rest of the tail should be able to put up at least 30 runs (which is being pretty modest really), which leaves another 60 runs between Hussey and Haddin to get to 300.