*Official* Fourth Test at the MCG

[GotSpin]

Presuming we clean up the English tail in under an hour, I cannot wait for this test. It's going to have an awesome atmosphere going in at 1 all

 

[TumTum]

I'll be there

 

[Ruckus]

I think in this test it will be crucial for us to win the toss and make a big total batting first. I just can't see England being rolled for less than 200 three times in a row.

 

[Noble One]

With the way the weather has been it will be interesting if five days of play are possible at the MCG.

Club cricket has been ruined this season by so much rain. My local club would barely have played half the available days. It is raining yet again today and wouldn't be 20c outside.

 

[Spark]

There's a good chance of rain on Boxing Day itself (which would suck) and there might be a bit on Day 2 but not much for the rest.

 

[vic_orthdox]

With the way the weather has been it will be interesting if five days of play are possible at the MCG.

Club cricket has been ruined this season by so much rain. My local club would barely have played half the available days. It is raining yet again today and wouldn't be 20c outside.

Very true. Reckon there's a big chance of us being one all going to Sydney.

 

[GotSpin]

There's a good chance of rain on Boxing Day itself (which would suck) and there might be a bit on Day 2 but not much for the rest.

The BOM doesn't have a forecast of the 26th, but the 25th looks perfect

 

[Spark]

Ah OK. I'm looking at the 28-day rain forecast. Granted that that's not entirely accuratae.

 

[GotSpin]

Ah OK. I'm looking at the 28-day rain forecast. Granted that that's not entirely accuratae.

BOM is generally quite accurate

Melbourne Metropolitan Area

 

[NUFAN]

Is it too late to shift the match to Etihad?

It better not rain!

 

[Spark]

BOM is generally quite accurate

Melbourne Metropolitan Area

Yeah, BOM is, the 28-day rain chart isn't always

 

[Spikey]

siddle out
jon holland in

 

[vicleggie]

johnson bowls well on these slow low pitches- this is where his cutters will come in handy.

dunno how finn will bowl down here, a lack of variation on a slow pitch may be an issue. bring in shahzad- pace goes well in melbourne, especially in the second innings.

swann has to bowl well i'd think if they're to take 20 wickets.

Punter and Hughes to ton up on day 1, Johnson and Siddle to bowl well against the demoralised england top order.

Watch out for pietersen, its just the type of pitch he'd enjoy

 

[vicleggie]

siddle out
jon holland in

na siddle bowled beautifully here 2 years ago. on a low pitch with a bit of variation, he attacks the stumps with hostility.

jon holland/any spinner besides hauritz will offer nothing- a wasted position.
Pick the best four bowlers in the country

 

[GotSpin]

Unless they decide to pick Hauritz I'd prefer the same bowling attack honestly. Need to pick our best 4 bowlers

 

[Spark]

Same bowling attack or Hauritz in for Siddle/Hilf. Would prefer Hauritz in for Hilf myself.

 

[Ruckus]

I think one of Hilfenhaus or Siddle should be replaced (preferably with Bollinger) but it's hard to pick which one. On one hand Hilfenhaus has been keeping things tight, but just doesn't take enough wickets in a spell, whilst Siddle has been a bit erratic but has the potential to have a devastating spell like at the Gabba. I'd probably drop Hilf, because the MCG will likely be pretty damn good for batting and we are going to need proper wicket takers.

 

[Redbacks]

Most were impressed by hilf's performance but he should still be in a bit of doubt for Melbourne. He was great in tandem with Mitch on day 2 but should the roles need to be reversed he just doesn't have a good enough strike rate to warrant selection. I'm sure with the pressure off a 'bigger picture' look will be made for the G

 

[vicleggie]

I think one of Hilfenhaus or Siddle should be replaced (preferably with Bollinger) but it's hard to pick which one. On one hand Hilfenhaus has been keeping things tight, but just doesn't take enough wickets in a spell, whilst Siddle has been a bit erratic but has the potential to have a devastating spell like at the Gabba. I'd probably drop Hilf, because the MCG will likely be pretty damn good for batting and we are going to need to take wickets.

what makes you think bollinger wont be undercooked/rubbish like in adelaide. hes only played 10 tests or so and maybe his good form there was the 'off-day' as opposed to his bad form. He's done not much in recent memory to command a position. If it aint broke dont fix it

 

[GotSpin]

Reckon Hilfenhaus played a perfect role in the match. He's not picking up the wickets, but he keeps it tight and works perfectly in a 4 man pace attack. If, however, they were to consider a spinner (Hauritz hopefully????), I might have to re-evaluate my stance.