***Official*** Pakistan in Australia 2023/24

[Spark]

I wrote “for Ashes value” in brackets. People still tune in and there’s generally a decent bit of hype despite the drubbings because, well, it’s the Ashes. The only Tests a large chunk of the Australian fanbase care about are the Ashes. SA have been more competitive there over the last decade but I’m sure England visiting still gets more eyeballs.

Yeah it's Ashes >>>>> India >>>>> rest here amongst casual viewers.

 

[Zinzan]

I wrote “for Ashes value” in brackets. People still tune in and there’s generally a decent bit of hype despite the drubbings because, well, it’s the Ashes. The only Tests a large chunk of the Australian fanbase care about are the Ashes.

Fair enough, thought you were meaning in terms of being competitive there.

 

[GoodAreasShane]

Personally I can never not find England being mauled as thoroughly entertaining.

Any other Australian home series being a walkover can get dreary, but with the Ashes here I will never tire of it being one sided like the last three

 

[Starfighter]

Sometimes it does get a bit boring, but then I only need a reminder of how awful their spectators and media are, and it's alright again.

 

[TheJediBrah]

England haven't fired a shot in Aust since 2010/11 IIRC & SA last won a series there in 2016 from memory, so it's only really India who've made Aust sweat at home in the last 6-7 years. Not sure why you mentioned England.

he literally said "for ashes value" to avoid exactly this response


Edit: nvm

 

[Burgey]

Yeah it's Ashes >>>>> India >>>>> rest here amongst casual viewers.

Not just casuals. It’s the correct order of things. Second place depends on who’s competitive at any given time but number one will always be the Ashes because of the history behind the rivalry.. A very close second in the 80s and 90s was a Windies series. Now it’s India.

You can’t expect even dedicated fans to actually look forward to a SL, WI or Pakistan series these days, let alone Bangladesh if, heaven forbid, they ever tour here again. SL and Pakistan lose a leg at customs here, and WI are a shadow of what they once were.

I guess at least Pakistan invariably produces a mercurial player worth a watch, usually a quick. Theres just about nothing to look forward to with WI (and SL when they tour). It’s just a dirge of mediocrity

 

[Qlder]

Wish selectors were brave enough to pick this for first test. Warner is great, but should now be done as a Test player

1. Khawaja
2. Labuschagne
3. Smith
4. Green
5. Head
6. Marsh
7. Inglis
8. Starc
9. Cummins
10. Lyon
11. Hazlewood

 

[TheJediBrah]

Even if it's just after Warner retired, I will be really annoyed if they pick some hack opener (Harris/Bancroft/Renshaw) and leave one of Green or Marsh on the bench. Some of our best openers over the last couple decades have been middle-order bats that moved to open for team balance

Pick the best 6 bats. If 2 of them aren't traditional openers get someone else to do it (within reason)

 

[Qlder]

Pick the best 6 bats. If 2 of them aren't traditional openers get someone else to do it (within reason)

This is why I picked Labushagne to open to fit Green and Marsh in (and eventually Green and Hardie). He already bats #3 so can come in during first couple of overs anyway and he started his FC career as an opener for Qld.

Also Labuschagne bats above Khawaja for Qld so surely they can open Tests together

 

[nightprowler10]

Yes, I am all for not picking Warner in a series against Pakistan.

 

[Flem274*]

I'm not hugely into moving up your only good #3 since Ponting. I know Smith fills the gap but then you're shortening the rest.

Is Mitch Marsh really back in contention?

 

[Kraken]

I'm with Flem on this - I wouldn't be moving Marnus at all. 3, 4, 5 all keep their roles. I wouldn't be opposed to Green opening, however I'm not sure if it's a long term option. Only one way to find out though.

As much **** as he cops on here (most of it deserved tbf), I think first crack has to go to Bancroft

 

[TheJediBrah]

I'm not hugely into moving up your only good #3 since Ponting. I know Smith fills the gap but then you're shortening the rest.

Is Mitch Marsh really back in contention?

Mitch Marsh is not just in contention, he's the incumbent. Taken Green's spot

 

[mr_mister]

Maxwell should be in the side

 

[Qlder]

Maxwell should be in the side

Maybe that's why they sent him home from India T20 tour

He should have played many more Tests

 

[TheJediBrah]

I would be RandyMarsh.jpg if Maxwell plays Test cricket this summer

 

[Gob]

Opening with Marnus is a terrible idea

 

[Qlder]

Opening with Marnus is a terrible idea

The Head Coach doesn't agree

"Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has hinted that replacing David Warner may not come down to a straight like-for-like opening batter with a suggestion the order could be reshuffled to accommodate Cameron Green"

Warner's Test retirement could lead to batting order reshuffle

Coach Andrew McDonald has referenced previous examples of batters being moved into new positions

www.espncricinfo.com

 

[Gob]

The Head Coach doesn't agree

"Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has hinted that replacing David Warner may not come down to a straight like-for-like opening batter with a suggestion the order could be reshuffled to accommodate Cameron Green"

Warner's Test retirement could lead to batting order reshuffle

Coach Andrew McDonald has referenced previous examples of batters being moved into new positions

www.espncricinfo.com

I'd rather have Green opening than pushing everyone up a spot

Smith has been missing straight balls of late so I wouldn't want him at 3 and Heads game suits number 5 the best. There is a certain solidity in Marnus/ Smith/ Head from 3 to 5.

Green has a solid technique so who knows he might end up emulating Watson as an opener. But I'd rather not be funky and pick players for the spot. If Marsh is in a better shape to bat at 6, just pick him and bench Green. He is only 24 so he'll get chances

 

[Spark]

I understand incumbency at all but picking Marsh above Green is one of those things which in future years will be one of those things looked back on as obviously stupid. It'll happen though.

Pick the best batsmen in the country and work out the batting order after that.