2nd Test at the MCG, Melbourne, 26 Dec - 30 Dec 2020

[Burgey]

I think this is outside the line - just. Worth a review though for sure

 

[aussie tragic]

OK I'm genuinely concerned about Smith now. Wonder whether Warner's absence isn't helping and it's a great ball but offies have always been Smith's bread and butter.

Maybe the fact he played no FC cricket for 11 months before the 1st Test?

 

[Arachnodouche]

This will also be a 3 day test looks like given how indian batting sucks.

lol regular ****ing wet blanket here

 

[stephen]

eh it's only been two innings.

But a) it's Ashwin, who couldn't trouble him in India, and b) it's also the entire last summer.

 

[Burgey]

Taking Smith at 0. I'll take that mediocrity.

Of course you would. The Poms took Mark Butcher making a great ton in the 2001 Ashes too, but doesn’t make him anything other than mediocre overal

 

[morgieb]

Yeah it's strange, his back to back lightning quick ODI tons made me think he'd reached an even higher plane

He's been getting some good bowling but this looks like it's something more than just "form slump". Though in fairness the recent COVID absence might not be helping.

This looks close.

 

[morgieb]

eh it's only been two innings.

By his standards was pretty average last summer too. Mentally something seems wrong.

 

[mr_mister]

Can we expect anything from Head

 

[Gnske]

He's been getting some good bowling but this looks like it's something more than just "form slump". Though in fairness the recent COVID absence might not be helping.

This looks close.

I can't remember the last time he played a really good release shot no matter the situation to get a test innings going. Something that he, Keemstar and Kane (albeit with a glide through third man) do well usually.

 

[trundler]

Can we expect anything from Head

He'll blow it.

 

[Pratters]

Of course you would. The Poms took Mark Butcher making a great ton in the 2001 Ashes too, but doesn’t make him anything other than mediocre overal

Would be better if you acknowledge his good bowling through the series rather than whinging about the mediocrity tbh . Any ways whatever

 

[stephen]

Haha. It’s the grass now is it? Not usually an advantage you’d associate with spin is it? Besides we did elect to bat. So you’re just beclowning yourself now. He’s getting bounce and turn. He isn’t bowling to his away average.

Nah the ball has been decking at least as much as last test for the quicks as well. Was hoping for a 5 day test but that's almost impossible now.

Cummins must be licking his chops about this pitch.

 

[Daemon]

By his standards was pretty average last summer too. Mentally something seems wrong.

Last summer was because he was facing ATG short bowling though. Even Bradman averaged 40 less during Bodyline and that was arguably more despicable.

 

[RossTaylorsBox]

Just took the wrong PEDs this morning I think

 

[Spark]

i mean the real problem here is still wade's shot. great batsmen can get out on 0 to a good ball with a well placed field, the key is to not expose them unnecessarily early with a **** shot

 

[Gnske]

Last summer was because he was facing ATG short bowling though. Even Bradman averaged 40 less during Bodyline and that was arguably more despicable.

Wagner's was utterly justified however. Larwood had no respect for cricket.

 

[Pratters]

Aussies should have elected to bowl probably here

 

[stephen]

Head has always used his feet against spinners, unlike the quicks. His technique really is that of a middle order batsman.

 

[the big bambino]

Nah the ball has been decking at least as much as last test for the quicks as well. Was hoping for a 5 day test but that's almost impossible now.

Cummins must be licking his chops about this pitch.

don’t see what this has to do with Ashwin. And now he almost gets Head and follows up with a lovely curl. He’s bowling aces atm

 

[weldone]

Ashwin again too good for cricket against humans. GOAT spinner in the making.