Australian test selection thread 2015/16

[Dan]

Yeah exactly, I say "#8 slot" more in the sense of "the third seamer picked who can also add something else" than as a batting order comment, but you're right in saying that his batting ceiling is no better than that of Cummins, Pattinson or Starc. He's arguably better in that respect than Hazlewood or Behrendorff/Paris, but even still there's no shortage of lower order depth.

Him not being a complete rabbit and providing batting to #10 while also being a versatile stock bowler is his best chance. Basically being an off-spinning no-rounder and a high-20s averaging third seamer at the same time. That'd be enough for me to have him in squads regularly -- the kind of guy you want carrying the drinks and coming into the XI when someone better gets injured because you know what you'll get.

So basically Miller with more batting ability

18 Tests, 52 wickets @ 31 for me.

 

[Prince EWS]

I reckon double that, tbh. I foresee a Kasprowiczesque career for him in Tests.

I think he'll be the second best ODI bowler of the lot though.

 

[mr_mister]

lol remember when Bracken was gonna start bowling offies

 

[NUFAN]

Yeah probably this. Holland really should have jagged a couple of ODIs by now, but he always gets injured at the worst times.

Sandhu is developing into a very good ODI bowler, and Mad Dog is way too talented not to succeed, surely? #SMarsh2.0Incoming

I was expecting your post to contain the word Henriques in it. There aren't too many others in the comp that are screaming pick me. I guess that's natural when about 1/3 fit into the exclusion category and we have a bunch of rookies playing.

 

[Spikey]

I've been keeping quiet about it, but I've got high hopes for moz this season

 

[Red]

I've been keeping quiet about it, but I've got high hopes for moz this season

Ditto. Should be strongly considered for a test spot in the top six.

 

[adub]

Moz would very likely be a more consistent performer with the bat that MMarsh, but not provide as much threat with the ball.

Which isn't a criticism.

 

[Tangles]

Batting all rounder probably a better fit than a bowling one with a brittle top 5.

 

[the big bambino]

Sandhu isn't a bad call at all for future test honours. He's a wicket taker and looks to have an advantage of fitness over Pattinson and Cummins and can be compared to Haze without being embarrassed. Would have liked to seen him picked in our most recent touring squad, on reflection.

 

[Red]

Reckon I'm on the Bancroft bandwagon:

Warner
Bancroft
Burns
Smith
Voges
M.Marsh
Nevill
Johnson
Siddle/Patto
Hazelwood
Lyon

for the first test for me.

 

[social]

I like Sandhu a lot but I'm not entirely sure what he should do to get ahead of the fast bowling talent the Aussies have for the future. He gets enough nibble to be dangerous in most parts of the world and I get the feeling he's one of those quiet Ryan Harris types, no break-out performances in the early days but just gradually learns and assimilates how to get top-class bats out. So, does he keep honing the bowling knowing that the competition is going to be intense against Cummins, Pattinson, etc. or does he develop his batting a bit because he can bat relatively well too so could be handy? Tough one. Bowls handy offies too, doesn't he?

I think a comparison with Harris is a good one as I can definitely see Sandhu getting quicker e.g. he is a massive unit with a good action but could definitely get more from his runup

The thing I like most about his bowling is that he actually seems to know what he is doing and puts as many balls in the right areas as most going around - again, this is another similarity with Harris

 

[social]

IF he can stay fit, NCN must be in with a shout as he is one of the most improved cricketers in the country

Big thing against him is that we will have to suffer through the Channel 9 commentators calling him an athlete 10 times per day

 

[dermo]

yet to hear a good reason to move smitteh from 3 to 4

 

[social]

yet to hear a good reason to move smitteh from 3 to 4

According to Brad McNamara and Tom Moody, SMarsh is unquestionably one of the 6 best batsman in the country and should be given an extended run in the test team

If that's the case, bat him at 3 and TPC at 4 but save time by having them walk out together

 

[Red]

yet to hear a good reason to move smitteh from 3 to 4

Averages more there than in any other position

He's our best player of spin

Other guys are more suited to #3 than to #4 or lower

 

[adub]

I think a comparison with Harris is a good one as I can definitely see Sandhu getting quicker e.g. he is a massive unit with a good action but could definitely get more from his runup

The thing I like most about his bowling is that he actually seems to know what he is doing and puts as many balls in the right areas as most going around - again, this is another similarity with Harris

Sandhu has already upped the ks pretty well. Was high 120s when he started. Wouldn't surprise at all to see him become a consistent 140+. Good head, good competitor, has tools. He's a fair way down the test pecking order, but I wouldn't discount him in 3 years or so. Probably earlier for a SC tour.

 

[Black_Warrior]

Lehmann rebukes Saker over bowlers | Cricket | ESPN Cricinfo

 

[Spikey]

Ditto. Should be strongly considered for a test spot in the top six.

I'm not thinking that highly yet, but he was in seriously hot T20 form in the IPL and County T20 and I hope he can get a push for the T20 WC going, and from there who knows, particularly if he has a good shield season

 

[Red]

PM's XI

Cameron Bancroft
Joe Burn
Usman Khawaja
Mike Hussey (c)
Adam Voges
David Hussey
Ryan Carters (wk)
Ashton Agar
Peter Siddle
Jason Behrendorff
Mark Steketee

Ben Taylor (12th man)

Bancroft, Burns, Khawaja included in PM's XI | Cricket | ESPN Cricinfo

Fair enough XI but what's the point of playing David Hussey?

 

[adub]

Looks like a side picked on the basis of not being involved in the Matador more than anything.