*Official* Quarter Final 2 - India v Australia

[Jono]

I get the feeling they're playing possum with him. But if it is actually true that will suck major balls.

 

[Shri]

The positive? Gives us a right-left opening combo if Gambhir and Tendulkar open.

 

[Jono]

And Kohli moves to 3, where he should be!

 

[smash84]

I think people are confusing Sehwag the ODI player and Sehwag the test player. Sehwag in ODIs is quite ordinary really. Nothing special

 

[vcs]

I think people are confusing Sehwag the ODI player and Sehwag the test player. Sehwag in ODIs is quite ordinary really. Nothing special

Not in the last 2 years, where he has been among the best in the business.

 

[Jono]

Yeah Sehwag was a **** ODI player for yonks, and then suddenly came good after his recall in both forms of the game.

 

[Spark]

Yeah he's been stellar of late. And is obviously in ominous, ominous form in this WC. He's not really been particularly good against us (averages about 20 IIRC) but he's such a dangerous player that it would be a massive boost for us if he wasn't there.

 

[pup11]

I get the feeling they're playing possum with him. But if it is actually true that will suck major balls.

Why would they do that, its not as if Australia are gonna be up against Sehwag for the first time. I'm still pretty sure he would play but don't think he would be anywhere close to being fully fit.

Also don't agree with the fact that Sehwag isn't a good ODI player, in fact if you look at this worldcup he has made good attacks duck for cover and more or less has provided India with great quick starts which also helps in taking some pressure of SRT.

 

[Jono]

He's also a lock to bet on the first ball of the Indian innings to be a four.

Spot fixing?

 

[Jono]

Why would they do that, its not as if Australia are gonna be up against Sehwag for the first time. I'm still pretty sure he would play but don't think he would be anywhere close to being fully fit.

Because if you confirm Sehwag will be playing the Australian team won't bother preparing for how they will bowl to Raina (although you'd imagine it'll be short, but still). They also won't prepare for Gambhir facing the first ball of the match.

It's the small things that count. Yes they've faced Sehwag before. But how often has Tait bowled to Sehwag?

 

[Spark]

TBH this news has come too late to really affect their preparation. I can see where you're coming from but it'd be pretty useless from a tactical standpoint.

 

[vcs]

Yeah Sehwag was a **** ODI player for yonks, and then suddenly came good after his recall in both forms of the game.

His ODI averages in 2008, '09, and '10 are 49.6, 45 and 40.5, all at a 100+ SR. WAFG! Still remember Chappell was strongly championing his cause when we were opening with the likes of Jaffer in Australia in '07-'08, what a difference he has made since his comeback.

 

[Jono]

Yes IMO that is Chappell's best call.

I remember arguing furiously to my mate on Day 1 of the Boxing Day test in 07/08 that Sehwag should not be playing, but my mate was saying "You need Sehwag to set the tone!" I was saying "we won in England without him!"

Well happy to be wrong on this one. Sehwag came back better than ever!

Important to remember Sehwag didn't even play in the tri-series finals vs. Australia in that tour as well. They played Uthappa ahead of him.

 

[pup11]

From an Australian POV the only down side of Raina coming in for Sehwag is that Dhoni then has another spinner in his ranks...

 

[Daemon]

Raina against an attack made up of 80% pace is a terrible idea

 

[smash84]

His ODI averages in 2008, '09, and '10 are 49.6, 45 and 40.5, all at a 100+ SR. WAFG! Still remember Chappell was strongly championing his cause when we were opening with the likes of Jaffer in Australia in '07-'08, what a difference he has made since his comeback.

wow.....didn't know about that..........well his average seems to be dropping 4.5 runs every year since 08 .........i wonder if it will be 36 in 2011

 

[vcs]

wow.....didn't know about that..........well his average seems to be dropping 4.5 runs every year since 08 .........i wonder if it will be 36 in 2011

Back to 65+ so far this year though.

 

[Jono]

Averaging 36 with a SR of over 100 will still be very very good. Look at Gilchrist's ODI record for proof of that.

 

[Daemon]

wow.....didn't know about that..........well his average seems to be dropping 4.5 runs every year since 08 .........i wonder if it will be 36 in 2011

Hope his batting graph turns into a smile instead.

 

[smash84]

Averaging 36 with a SR of over 100 will still be very very good. Look at Gilchrist's ODI record for proof of that.

I am not saying that is not good. Just that the standards he has set in tests are just too good. His ODI record pales in comparison.

Although the year 2008 with an average of 49.5 in ODI is awesome. As VCS points out it is 65 this year. that is bloody awesome by any standards