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***Official*** Australia in South Africa
- Thread starter Spark
- Start date
Spikey
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they're protesting silly scheduling practices by carrying out the silliest schedule of them all
It hasn't worked because only Peter Roebuck finds the schedule silly.
Ruckus
International Captain
What do people reckon should be our bowling line up for the tests? Johnson, Siddle, Harris, Copeland, Cummins, Lyon, Beer are the possible selections.
The question is do we go with four pacemen or 3 and a spinner? The first test is at Newlands, so it can offer a bit for everyone. Four pacemen seems a bit excessive in any conditions because of Watson, but should we really be bowling him much at the moment given his recent fitness concerns? IMO Watson should be forced to concentrate on his batting this tour, because with their attack it will be a hell of a challenge and we can't really afford either to lose him due to injury, or let his batting form be compromised because of having to bowl too much.
Preferably I'd go with Harris (simply our best bowler), Johnson (hard to leave him out given how he last performed in these conditions), Copeland (needs to be there to provide stability, and also I reckon he could be a real threat if the conditions are favourable) and Lyon (>Beer).
If Cummins has to debut, I really hope we can avoid Harris, Johnson, Cummins, Lyon (could either be devastatingly good, or horrendously inconsistent, a risk I wouldn't take). Would probably prefer, Harris, Johnson, Cummins, Copeland, but this side really lacks part-time spin options and given it's Newlands that could be a bit of a problem.
The question is do we go with four pacemen or 3 and a spinner? The first test is at Newlands, so it can offer a bit for everyone. Four pacemen seems a bit excessive in any conditions because of Watson, but should we really be bowling him much at the moment given his recent fitness concerns? IMO Watson should be forced to concentrate on his batting this tour, because with their attack it will be a hell of a challenge and we can't really afford either to lose him due to injury, or let his batting form be compromised because of having to bowl too much.
Preferably I'd go with Harris (simply our best bowler), Johnson (hard to leave him out given how he last performed in these conditions), Copeland (needs to be there to provide stability, and also I reckon he could be a real threat if the conditions are favourable) and Lyon (>Beer).
If Cummins has to debut, I really hope we can avoid Harris, Johnson, Cummins, Lyon (could either be devastatingly good, or horrendously inconsistent, a risk I wouldn't take). Would probably prefer, Harris, Johnson, Cummins, Copeland, but this side really lacks part-time spin options and given it's Newlands that could be a bit of a problem.
Ruckus
International Captain
Yeah my thoughts too, but I reckon the most likely line up at this stage is Harris, Johnson, Cummins and Lyon. If Cummins bombs again in the last ODI that could raise some concerns though if they are actually thinking about going in to the tests with that line-up. Is there a practice match before the first test as well? Could also have a strong bearing on the side...
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Outswinger@Pace
International 12th Man
Really?
Furball
Evil Scotsman
Great record in South Africa, bowling with bowlers who'll actually compliment him. If he's firing, the ultimate shock weapon.
Outswinger@Pace
International 12th Man
Yeah, sorta guessed that'd be the case. But tbf, it's more the man's mental state than form or a liking for certain grounds. Having said that, genuine pace is always a weapon in SA and he could be a fair punt.
Ruckus
International Captain
Do you know when the tour match is? Can't see it anywhere on the schedule...
I reckon the ground drastically influences Johnson's mental state though. He is by and large a confidence bowler, and I think his previous experiences in SA will bring the best out of him. Also has been generating a bit of swing in the ODI's too, which can only be a good thing.
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Outswinger@Pace
International 12th Man
Please define the part in bold in Johnson's case!
He'd always be a punt, a reasonable one in this case as you correctly point out.
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Spikey
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1st of Nov.....yeah there's a longer break between the 2nd and 3rd ODer than the break between the 3rd ODer and the tour match. 4 day against SA A. Beer and Harris were told to stay here and play this round of the shield in full leading me to assume they wouldn't play in the tour match but who knows.
Redbacks
International Captain
Redbacks
International Captain
Must have been a lot of Phil 'The Prince' Hughes love