You guys saying Symonds hasnt got the temperament to play Test cricket are really sure of yourselves considering he hasn't even been given a go yet. Just a tad unfair to write him off based on the fact that until this point he has been picked as a ODI specialist.
Temperament? How many vital innings has Symonds played in tough circumstances since the beginning of the WC? 143 against Pakistan when Aus were 4/bugger all; 88* in the semi-final against Sri Lanka on a dicey deck after they'd lost quick wickets and numerous innings this year where Australia were in spots of bother and he delivered.
As for Ponting's favoratism, grow up. Ponting's no fool and would certainly not be one to put liking a player above the Test success of the team if he had any regard for his position as captain. He backed Symonds publically (considering he was a new captain, that took a bit of gumption) and he's repaid him with interest. I always rated Symonds as having great potential but got the feeling no-one actually backed him. With some faith, look how well he's done.
good performances in the ODI team don't get you into the Test team
Good performances in first class cricket get you into the Test team
Yes, performing in a WC in tight situations and since should definately be outweighed by big tons against state sides...........
Katich and Love were picked for the Test side on their FC records and performances no doubt. But how about Greg Blewett, Ricky Ponting, Darren Lehmann, Matthew Hayden (twice), Damien Martyn (the second time 'round), Adam Gilchrist, Damien Fleming, etc.?
If anything, the opposite is true in some cases; Martyn, for example, was picked before he had any international experience and struggled. He fought his way into the Test side on the strength of some great ODI performances. I get the feeling that International experience and performance is rated a little more highly than FC performances by the selectors anyway. A guy who belts hundreds at Pura Cup level is still an unknown quantity at international level. Someone who performs at ODI level has a case for a Test spot based on international experience. In my mind that far outweighs FC performances because even though it's 'only' ODI performances, it's still at an international level.
I know I'll get Michael Bevan thrown at me as one who has prospered at ODI level but not Tests but it's not as if he's not had chances. Symonds hasn't been given a chance and he's been written off. Aside from the fact I think that's incredibly harsh, how the heck would any of you know for sure whether he has the temperament to succeed? He has performance and technique down pat so how about giving him a chance??
