Harris is more like Pierce. Experienced and great to have around the group.Siddle ain't no leader of the pack now that the leader of the pack, ryan harris, is back
It's a pretty fine line, and the attack probably wouldn't be too different if Siddle played instead, but at this stage I think out best chance is by not holding back at all with selections. It's risky to have Harris, Bird and Pattinson all in the same attack, but it's one I'd be taking given the shambolic performances we probably should expect from of our batting line-up (no matter what combination they decide on). If we are putting up totals like 200 or less, I'd much prefer seeing Jackon Bird supporting Harris/Pattinson that seeing Siddle run in. In any case Siddle hasn't been very impressive of late.Sick and tired of people writing off Siddle. It's as if the blokes's consistency and durability has been twisted into a "he lacks x-factor" argument. Like averaging 26 since the last Ashes is grounds for "derp, he just runs in all day" if you haven't sprinkled it with 7-fors.
It was the same old **** before the last Ashes, and he took 6 on the opening day. Jacko can wait his turn.
In fairness he bowled pretty well.Maybe you should try and win the Ashes instead of having bowlers batting at 6?
Exactly how I see it and I had this debate with NUFAN a little while back.I don't have a massive problem with Harris, Pattinson, Siddle, it's just that I believe Harris, Pattinson, Bird is a bit more dangerous. Not massively so, but we ain't in a position to be giving any freebies and Bird for me offers a bit more than Sidds. Whichever way you slice it Siddle is the first change bowler, he isn't the spearhead. Solid, dependable, runs in all day yadda yadda, but not to my mind as likely to trouble England's best batsmen quite as much as Bird will.
I'm not anywhere near as concerned about Siddle v Bird debates as I am about the selectors still hanging onto the idea a left armer is needed when he isn't one of the best four quicks we have available.
Yeah, Siddle has to be the second, if not the first, seamer on the team sheet. Probably only beaten by Patto in terms of performances in the last two years, but his durability and consistency is far greater. Also probably the only bowler in the squad who isn't dependent on getting the new cherry. Third seamer can be a mix of Harris and Bird. Lets be honest, Harris isn't going to play five tests, so Bird will still have a pretty big role to play.Sick and tired of people writing off Siddle. It's as if the blokes's consistency and durability has been twisted into a "he lacks x-factor" argument. Like averaging 26 since the last Ashes is grounds for "derp, he just runs in all day" if you haven't sprinkled it with 7-fors.
It was the same old **** before the last Ashes, and he took 6 on the opening day. Jacko can wait his turn.
The only bowler that enhanced their reputation in India was Patto tbf. He's the rightful spearhead, but Siddle offers the only guarantee of consistency and injury immunity among the bowlers.It's a pretty fine line, and the attack probably wouldn't be too different if Siddle played instead, but at this stage I think out best chance is by not holding back at all with selections. It's risky to have Harris, Bird and Pattinson all in the same attack, but it's one I'd be taking given the shambolic performances we probably should expect from of our batting line-up (no matter what combination they decide on). If we are putting up totals like 200 or less, I'd much prefer seeing Jackon Bird supporting Harris/Pattinson that seeing Siddle run in. In any case Siddle hasn't been very impressive of late.
I see where you're coming from, but two Tests against the little Sri Lankans does not an Ashes certainty make.i am talking about that ashes series that took place here the other year. If Bird makes the team better, he makes the team better, and it's tough for the unlucky guy who misses. and if he doesn't make the team better, he misses. it's pretty simple. there's no room for "ohhhh but we wuv siddle so much he can stay"
That's true, but given the lack of confidence the Aus team will likely have going into this series, a win in the first test will be pretty crucial to our chances imo. Really don't think we can handle being anything but frontrunners in this series.This debate is a bit redundant anyway on 2 counts. 1) The bowling department isn't your issue and 2) Harris especially and Patto quite likely won't play all 5 tests..........all the bowlers mentioned are going to feature during the series.