*Official* Fifth Test at the SCG

[vicleggie]

Shades of mid-1980s when guys like Boon, Steve Waugh and Jones were initially struggling to find their feet at test match level. I'd be astonished if there wasn't the talent somewhere in the Aus FC system. I just don't know who'll be the Border figure to guide them through the next few years.

its the selectors who are to blame.
no planning over the last 2 years or so- no talent spotting, no structure, no long term dedication to continued success.

there's talent there, but when you ignore 1st class stats and big the likes of doherty and beer ahead of steve okeefe, and phil hughes ahead of a guy averaging high, it aint good.

thats the great thing about english setup and selection-everything is ruthlessly planned.
trott was making runs in county, so they brought him in without fear. now look at him. look at the gamble with finn etc- paid off

hildich and go are juvenile, dumb and disgracefully embarassing in comparison.

 

[GotSpin]

I wish they'd go temporarily insane and make Peter Siddle captain. Would be so awesome. He's like Allan Border except even angrier and bowls at 90mph.

When's the last time Australia had a bowling captain?

 

[wpdavid]

Haven't recent SCG tracks been quite pace friendly

Looking back 12 months, it started that way with Asif & Sammi demolishing Aus but ended up with Hauritz taking five in the fourth innings.

 

[Jono]

Kaneria had some assistance too.

 

[wpdavid]

When's the last time Australia had a bowling captain?

Benaud?

 

[Prince EWS]

Benaud?

Bob Simpson is the second highest wicket-taker as Australian captain with 41. Benaud's the only example of Australia ever having a bowling captain for a sustained period (20+ Tests) and he wasn't even a specialist bowler himself.

 

[M0rphin3]

I wish they'd go temporarily insane and make Peter Siddle captain. Would be so awesome. He's like Allan Border except even angrier and bowls at 90mph.

Haha, was thinking along the same lines too

 

[marc71178]

I respect the right of the English members on this forum being allowed to post their Australian XIs. I can only assume that you're frustrated that Engand's line-up is so settled, so you're having a go at ours, despite knowing nothing about it and having barely ever (or never) seen the players you're talking about.

Puts us on a par with the Aussie selectors then doesn't it?

 

[outbreak]

I vote Australia bring in Hodge as captain and let him hand pick his side.

 

[Burgey]

If there is to be a Border-like figure it has to be one of Hussey, Clarke or Ponting. Not in terms of demeanour, but experience. The thing Border brought was the idea of what is expected of a test cricketer, having played with the likes of Chappell, Lillee and Marsh.

Of course, he was also a stand out great player.

 

[Furball]

If there is to be a Border-like figure it has to be one of Hussey, Clarke or Ponting. Not in terms of demeanour, but experience. The thing Border brought was the idea of what is expected of a test cricketer, having played with the likes of Chappell, Lillee and Marsh.

Of course, he was also a stand out great player.

Would surely have to be Clarke then, both in terms of being Ponting's annointed successor, and having at least 5 years to mould a new team?

 

[Howe_zat]

I think it's also important to remember that it took Border a long time to shape that side from when he became captain. If the selectors and fans expect instant fixes they are going to be disappointed. Their treatment of captains needs to be vastly better than their treatment of spinners.

 

[fredfertang]

Whoever is Australia's next captain they will need someone to do the job Bob Simpson did as well - someone like Andy Flower would probably tick all the boxes - but I suspect he's not available

 

[Spark]

AB himself tbh.

As for Pete Siddle - it's not actually as insane as it looks. Anyone else noticed how often he's up talking to the captain/bowler at the top of the mark about field settings and the like?

 

[zaremba]

hughes
watto
khawaja
hussey
clarke
haddin
smith
jonson
siddle
beer
bollinger


next year:
huges
watson
khawaja
ponting
clarke
hussey
haddin
-DESCENT BOWLERS-

have no doubt punter can keep making runs. england just bowled beautifully to him and had every player under a load of pressure. knew people would bag him during the series. but now, people are realizing "who the '**** else do we have?"

he'd be fine at 4 5 or 6.

Huges a big name at the top of the order, but those descent bowlers will presumably all want to bowl downhill

 

[Spark]

Huges a big name at the top of the order, but those descent bowlers will presumably all want to bowl downhill

 

[NUFAN]

I wish they'd go temporarily insane and make Peter Siddle captain. Would be so awesome. He's like Allan Border except even angrier and bowls at 90mph.

Same here! Siddle as captain would be ****ing awesome! He ticks a fair few imaginary boxers, I love the bloke.

 

[Nate]

So how long before Copeland gets a national call up? The format doesn't matter.

He's actually quite a poor Limited Overs bowler atm.

Puts us on a par with the Aussie selectors then doesn't it?

Haha, well played.

Huges a big name at the top of the order, but those descent bowlers will presumably all want to bowl downhill

The post of 2010.

 

[Burgey]

Huges a big name at the top of the order, but those descent bowlers will presumably all want to bowl downhill

 

[Burgey]

would surely have to be clarke then, both in terms of being ponting's annointed successor, and having at least 5 years to mould a new team?

(y)

i think it's also important to remember that it took border a long time to shape that side from when he became captain. If the selectors and fans expect instant fixes they are going to be disappointed. Their treatment of captains needs to be vastly better than their treatment of spinners.

(y)