*Official* Srilanka and New Zealand LO tours to India - Jan 2023

[RossTaylorsBox]

It's because everyone in this thread got their jobs from their dads.

 

[Flem274*]

Basically because the selectors random hunch came off it doesn't mean you can imply we're all big mean conspiracy peddling idiots and it was all so obvious Macewell was a God. That's some pretty strong revisionism.

 

[thierry henry]

I work for the same government department my Dad, Uncle and Grandad have all worked for lol

 

[Athlai]

I work for the same government department my Dad, Uncle and Grandad have all worked for lol

A long line of height measurers

 

[RossTaylorsBox]

even if you asked the bloke I doubt he would say he is a test match frontline spinner.

I actually asked him and he said he was better than Murali.

 

[Immenso]

Yeah, like "random batsman who bowls part time offies gets picked as specialist bowler ahead of test 10fer taking spinner" isn't something you just expect fans to let slide at face value. We're all justifiably gonna be like wtaf?

Likewise 'the same randomly picked batsman gets spammed in all formats by very conservative selectors' is going to get some strong questions.

Your gripe. Macewell being picked at 8, on test debut, as part of 4 bowlers, ahead of Ajaz, is perfectly legit. Unarguable. (where as if he'd debuted as a 7, among 5 bowlers as a like-for-like replacement for Santner/Ravindra, then that would be fine IMO)

Where as e.g. SteveNZ's gripe. That Macewell shouldn't have been picked for that test tour squad at all based on his domestic FC numbers that season. I'd argue with. Not that he is wrong, but that I believe the selectors need to look wider than just that season in that 1 format because of the useless domestic calendar not dovetailing effectively if anyone has the misfortune to get elevated to blackcaps level. Macewell's 2 year numbers in 6 roles accross the 3 formats were pretty similar t Henry Shippley, and Shipley has also debuted in his worst format that his numbers give him no right to be doing.

But then, we also have "his face", nepotism, bowling himself at Wellington instead of other spinners - slipping in to the narrative - to create a general noise only Athlai is capable of fighting ...

 

[Immenso]

Basically. Talking red ball here. The NZ spinning bits-and-pieces all rounder - that we have had the last 3 or 4 years. Is the most criticised position. That is the position Macewell is taking, and he will need thick skin to survive regardless of who his uncle is.

I think Santner played some vital roles in our test team, at home, during our golden run. Didn't get much credit, in fact was more disparaged. I reckon it would have broken Ravindra if they kept him there at his young age.

 

[jcas0167]

Incredible scorecard to wake up to. A year on from Bracewell's 141 off 65 balls that presumably helped elevate him into the Black Caps. Although that was at Pukekura Park. Doing it against India in India is incredible. And he could have had Gill stumped/caught on 40 odd. Also, Grant Elliott explained in comms his nickname was due to his prowess in the gym, something I hadn't realised.

https://www.supersmash.co.nz/news-videos/archive/record-century-bracewell-makes-history

 

[Athlai]

I'll take you all on

 

[Immenso]

Lets look at NZ offspin specifically.

Basically the only guys on the scene other than Macewell - are non-options for the white ball teams. Grandpa Sommerville , or Jo Walker (who is only 1 year younger than Macewell, not an allrounder, and also has compromised domestic records being a late bloomer, doesn't look an athlete in the field).

Trying to find a 'project' for that position, rather than those other options, with upcoming white ball tournaments in Asia is a legitimate policy.

Now, everyone hear swears black and blue that 'they don't have a problem with him' in the white ball teams, so this point is moot I guess. But that wasn't totally true, some have converted.

 

[Athlai]

But that wasn't totally true, some have converted.

Cowards

 

[RossTaylorsBox]

I hate his big dumb face and it will never stop

 

[RossTaylorsBox]

 

[Athlai]

I hate his big dumb face and it will never stop

I like his big dumb face, hes like a french bulldog

 

[RossTaylorsBox]

A result of inbreeding, another similarity they share.

 

[thierry henry]

Basically. Talking red ball here. The NZ spinning bits-and-pieces all rounder - that we have had the last 3 or 4 years. Is the most criticised position. That is the position Macewell is taking, and he will need thick skin to survive regardless of who his uncle is.

I think Santner played some vital roles in our test team, at home, during our golden run. Didn't get much credit, in fact was more disparaged. I reckon it would have broken Ravindra if they kept

I still think you’re minimising the fundamental difference that Bracewell just isn’t (or wasn’t) a bowler. Santner has always been a bowler, even if not much use in red ball. Rachin is more like Bracewell but was clearly being picked on promise as basically a specialist batsman in waiting - and his selection was also rightfully criticised because he was badly out of position if he was expected to play a serious bowling role.

Picking a non-bowler as our spin bowling all-rounder (with his bowling being a necessary part of his ongoing selection) is a seriously wacky piece of selecting which I don’t think is comparable to many or any other recent examples

 

[thierry henry]

And to the extent he is being picked in white ball cricket because he can bowl it was also totally valid to strongly question that selection. Of course, the grounds for objection will continue to fade the longer he keeps being decent with the ball

 

[thierry henry]

A long line of height measurers

My Dad’s height was once stated in a player profile thing in a magazine (as in ‘it’s a good solid height’) and he isn’t quite that tall. Probably where my disillusionment with listed height started.

 

[Chewie]

Lets look at NZ offspin specifically.

Basically the only guys on the scene other than Macewell - are non-options for the white ball teams. Grandpa Sommerville , or Jo Walker (who is only 1 year younger than Macewell, not an allrounder, and also has compromised domestic records being a late bloomer, doesn't look an athlete in the field).

Isn't the other option mcconchie? Who I think has more of a history of bowling and had debuted for the BCs before Macewell?

 

[OnTheBank]

Isn't the other option mcconchie? Who I think has more of a history of bowling and had debuted for the BCs before Macewell?

He debuted on the tour when Bracewell pulled out due to the upcoming birth of his first child. Is it likely Bracewell would have been picked over him?