***Official Australia in South Africa***

[sirjeremy11]

Man, when Australia had a bowling attack with Warne, McGrath, Gillespie and Kasper going so well a year or so ago, and keeping out Lee, we all thought they had such great fast bowling depth. How things have changed...

 

[marc71178]

Man, when Australia had a bowling attack with Warne, McGrath, Gillespie and Kasper going so well a year or so ago, and keeping out Lee, we all thought they had such great fast bowling depth.

Actually a lot of people on here questioned the depth back then.

As far back as January 2003 questions were being asked...

 

[sirjeremy11]

Actually a lot of people on here questioned the depth back then.

As far back as January 2003 questions were being asked...

But with a choice of four top of the line pace bowlers, they didn't need to worry too much. Now, they do.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Just noting the effectiveness of Pollock of late. Not long ago people were saying that he's past it and he's lost his potency.

In his last 15 matches (he's bowled in 14 of them):

22 wickets @ 19.27
3.18 econ
36.2 SR

He's gone for more than 4 rpo just twice in that time.
This is against opposition of the quality of Australia, India (in India), New Zealand, and a resurgent Sri Lanka.

 

[sirjeremy11]

Just noting the effectiveness of Pollock of late. Not long ago people were saying that he's past it and he's lost his potency.

In his last 15 matches (he's bowled in 14 of them):

22 wickets @ 19.27
3.18 econ
36.2 SR

He's gone for more than 4 rpo just twice in that time.
This is against opposition of the quality of Australia, India (in India), New Zealand, and a resurgent Sri Lanka.

He may have lost a little potency, but he is smart and has not lost any of his accuracy.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

He may have lost a little potency, but he is smart and has not lost any of his accuracy.

I don't think he's lost potency, because I think he's potent in a different way now.

 

[sirjeremy11]

I don't think he's lost potency, because I think he's potent in a different way now.

Touche. Let us say, then, that he has lost pace and zip?

 

[sirjeremy11]

The New South Welshman told Sydney radio station 2KY on Tuesday morning that he will not participate in the much-anticipated Test series.

Australia has a radio station called 2KY?

 

[Dasa]

Just noting the effectiveness of Pollock of late. Not long ago people were saying that he's past it and he's lost his potency.

In his last 15 matches (he's bowled in 14 of them):

22 wickets @ 19.27
3.18 econ
36.2 SR

He's gone for more than 4 rpo just twice in that time.
This is against opposition of the quality of Australia, India (in India), New Zealand, and a resurgent Sri Lanka.

I think those saying he's past it were referring more to his form in Tests. He's certainly nowhere near the force he once was in the longer form of the game.

 

[andyc]

Been much conjecture about Australia's ODI bowlers, and how the attack is shaping up for the World Cup. Here are my groupings:

Up To The Task:
McGrath
Bracken
Tait
Clark
Lee
Hogg
Warne
Symonds

Not Up To The Task
Lewis
Johnson
Hopes
Gillespie

Jury Still Out
Watson
Dorey

For me, I'd have Dorey in the second group, Clark in the third and Gillespie in at least the third group.

 

[marc71178]

But with a choice of four top of the line pace bowlers, they didn't need to worry too much. Now, they do.

That's the thing, we were looking beyond the ageing group in the team and asking who was there top take over, as was confirmed each time the senior players missed games.

 

[marc71178]

I don't think he's lost potency, because I think he's potent in a different way now.

You mean lucky, don't you

 

[howardj]

Australia, sans McGrath, definitely opens the Test series up, in my view - particularly with Kallis also due back. McGrath's absence not only deprives Australia of a truly champion bowler (both in terms of economy rate and wicket taking ability) but it strips the side of much of its aura. I'm convinced that when opposing sides see McGrath's name absent from the team list, they relax and actually play the rest of the bowlers on their merits.

 

[howardj]

For the record, recalling the major series that McGrath has missed -

India 1997/98: India won 2-1.
Australia 2003/04: India drew 1-1.
England 2005: England 2-1 (Australia lost both Tests where McGrath was absent).

 

[Jono]

Just noting the effectiveness of Pollock of late. Not long ago people were saying that he's past it and he's lost his potency.

In his last 15 matches (he's bowled in 14 of them):

22 wickets @ 19.27
3.18 econ
36.2 SR

He's gone for more than 4 rpo just twice in that time.
This is against opposition of the quality of Australia, India (in India), New Zealand, and a resurgent Sri Lanka.

It was also interesting that many (not all) of these calls that he had lost it came after the Super Series ODIs, and then when he was dropped from the test team even more calls were made.

 

[aussie]

For the record, recalling the major series that McGrath has missed -

India 1997/98: India won 2-1.
Australia 2003/04: India drew 1-1.
England 2005: England 2-1 (Australia lost both Tests where McGrath was absent).

yea doesn't look good TBH, but if you really think about it McGrath wasn't really at his wicket-taking best vs SA you know & it was Lee who lead the attack & we still managed to beat SA, so all hope is not lost yet.

 

[alternative]

Such a disaster for Australia, if McGrath doesn't play for them in this test series.. But have to respect his decision.. Hope his wife gets well soon and he can enter the International cricket soon..

 

[howardj]

My fast bowling quartet for the South African Test series:

Bracken
Lee
Tait
Gillespie

Though, I think they will pick Clark instead of Tait probably. However, I think Gillespie is more likely to fill the McGrath-type role, than Clark.

 

[sirjeremy11]

My fast bowling quartet for the South African Test series:

Bracken
Lee
Tait
Gillespie

I would love to see Dizzy back in. What do you all think chances are that he will get picked?

 

[aussie]

My fast bowling quartet for the South African Test series:

Bracken
Lee
Tait
Gillespie

Though, I think they will pick Clark instead of Tait probably. However, I think Gillespie is more likely to fill the McGrath-type role, than Clark.

if the selectors are smart they will pick this quartet & i kind of feel they might to be honest, but these days you never know what Trevor & his crew will do.