Australian test selection 2020/21

[morgieb]

Nothing broken with the current line-up*; why try to fix it?

*That being said I genuinely don't recall who's been opening with Warner this week so that may be broken but I just haven't realised it yet.

It was Burns. Who only had one good innings in his time back in the team.

 

[trundler]

Khawaja should never play again for Australia in any format

Decent one-day bat though

 

[GotSpin]

I wouldn't have him playing for Australia again in any format that's for sure.

 

[Red]

Wade's 554 @ 37 in his latest iteration isn't too bad tbf. I wouldn't be binning him for something shinier just because it's been a while since we've had Test cricket and we need something to discuss from a selection POV.

Nothing broken with the current line-up*; why try to fix it?

*That being said I genuinely don't recall who's been opening with Warner this week so that may be broken but I just haven't realised it yet.

He's 32 years old, and he hasn't delivered much if we're honest. He was really poor against NZ.

If Green isn't the option because he's shiny, I'd give KPat his spot back at the expense of Wade.

 

[Red]

I'm really ambivalent about Khawaja. On the one hand I think he's burned thru some chances just by appearing apathetic at times when we wanted him to look like he at least cared (he probably does). He's also getting older.

But he's a top order bat averaging 40 in tests, and he's never been allowed to settle into the test team as an opener in spite of the fact he's had massive success there the 7 innings he's had there (he averages almost 100 as an opener).

Now that Labuschagne has nailed down the 3 position, if Burns struggles it wouldn't be the worst thing to give Khawaja a series or two as an opener, if he makes Shield runs.

 

[stephen]

Agreed Red Hill.

I think Burns probably should get two or three tests this summer though. If anyone deserves an extended run it's him. But if we're a test down against India and he's made nothing then bringing in Khawaja to open isn't the worst idea.

 

[Burgey]

But if we're a test down against India

Mate, pls

 

[Burgey]

I'm really ambivalent about Khawaja. On the one hand I think he's burned thru some chances just by appearing apathetic at times when we wanted him to look like he at least cared (he probably does). He's also getting older.

But he's a top order bat averaging 40 in tests, and he's never been allowed to settle into the test team as an opener in spite of the fact he's had massive success there the 7 innings he's had there (he averages almost 100 as an opener).

Now that Labuschagne has nailed down the 3 position, if Burns struggles it wouldn't be the worst thing to give Khawaja a series or two as an opener, if he makes Shield runs.

Tim Ward will be opening for Australia within 3 years.

 

[Burgey]

I wouldn't have him playing for Australia again in any format that's for sure.

The pillow's time must surely be up, unless he makes a thousand runs in a Shield season opening.

 

[stephen]

Mate, pls

With all we have seen over three last few years India being up a test, while being highly unlikely, wouldn't surprise me. Stranger things have happened.

 

[GotSpin]

Yeah it was a shame that Khawaja never got more of a run at opener, but the bloke has basically played two clutch innings in his whole career
He's mentally soft and not up to it when the pressure is on

 

[the big bambino]

Khawaja gives you alot to criticise, its true. He's still an option because outside the test six there is only him, kpat, Mad dog and Green. I'd like Green to be left in the oven a little longer. Mad dog is interesting as he gives the impression he doesn't want to retire with that test average so hopefully he can continue to press and maybe (fingers crossed) give us a 3/4 Hussey career. If kpat cops an injury or his form is patchy then Khawaja's test experience with an opportunity to open is an appealing alternative. I guess I overrate him possibly but I'd like the look of a side with Warner, Khawaja, Marnus and Smith as our top 4. Looks good. especially at home.

 

[Prince EWS]

I really kind of hate the idea of playing Wade as specialist bat and always have, but I don't like the idea of playing Green as a specialist bat any more than I like that. If he's fit to bowl (even just a bit?) then sure but I think there should be a few batsmen ahead of him for at least another half season or so.

I'm not running a line through Khawaja but I'd probably only consider him as an opener at the moment. Burns will pretty much inevitably get dropped because he sucks, and if it's sooner rather than later I'd like to see Khawaja as the replacement, but I wouldn't bat him below 4, nor would I shuffle Marnus or Smith around to get him in. Opening has to be his thing now.

 

[tony p]

As long as Alex Carey is nowhere near the Test Side, I'm happy. He gives me a vibe of thinking, that he thinks he's a better batsman & wicketkeeper than he actually is.
Phillippe will be the next test keeper, he's only 23.

I reckon, living over here in Perth, there will be no International cricket this year with our border restrictions.
If the Afghanistan Test takes place, it will not be here I would think.

 

[Nintendo]

Philippe isn't even wa's first-choice keeper atm don't see him being test keeper any time soon.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Wade's 554 @ 37 in his latest iteration isn't too bad tbf. I wouldn't be binning him for something shinier just because it's been a while since we've had Test cricket and we need something to discuss from a selection POV.

Nothing broken with the current line-up*; why try to fix it?

*That being said I genuinely don't recall who's been opening with Warner this week so that may be broken but I just haven't realised it yet.

Both of Wade's centuries in the Ashes were a wee bit downhill skiish, tbf.

His ton in the first test was off the back of Smith flogging the bowling around the park and the one in the last came when the jig was up and the defeat was all but locked in.

He scored the runs rather than anyone else, but neither really changed either games' outcomes and he did sweet Fanny Adams for the rest of the series.

 

[stephen]

Both of Wade's centuries in the Ashes were a wee bit downhill skiish, tbf.

His ton in the first test was off the back of Smith flogging the bowling around the park and the one in the last came when the jig was up and the defeat was all but locked in.

He scored the runs rather than anyone else, but neither really changed either games' outcomes and he did sweet Fanny Adams for the rest of the series.

Yeah those two centuries were good because they were centuries but they literally came at the least useful points in the series. I'm disappointed in how Wade has gone in tests, though I think he should have been a part of the ODI squad for the world cup.

 

[Red]

Anyone know if Labuschagne has had much captaining experience or if he's made for that sort of thing?

If Paine gets a career ending injury, I don't know who would take over. Cummins is VC but imo bowlers as captains don't work. I guess Head could, but he's not locked into the side. Warner and Smith wont. Burns wont. I guess that might be part of the incentive to keep Wade in there, if need be he could captain a few tests, but that's far from the long term thing.

I feel like they were anointing Carey a year or two back but his FC form would have to be really strong for that to eventuate.

 

[Burgey]

Both of Wade's centuries in the Ashes were a wee bit downhill skiish, tbf.

His ton in the first test was off the back of Smith flogging the bowling around the park and the one in the last came when the jig was up and the defeat was all but locked in.

He scored the runs rather than anyone else, but neither really changed either games' outcomes and he did sweet Fanny Adams for the rest of the series.

Yeah, I also genuinely think KPat is a better player than Wade, but he's had limited chances in the test team and last year was injured for a large part of our summer.

Agree with PEWS re Green - if he can bowl then certainly worth a shot as an A/R, but I wouldn't yet play him as a batsman.

 

[the big bambino]

At least Wade got to the bottom of the slope whereas most of the others stacked at the first gate. A couple of OS tons, especially on those decks, looks comparatively good on his cv.