***Official Australia in South Africa***

[marc71178]

I have a sinking feeling that Stuart Clark will play, as the 2nd of two quicks.

If they're only playing 2 then it would be potential suicide not picking one of Kaspa or Clark IMO.

 

[marc71178]

spot on, if Australia could get some real consistency out of a 4-man attack of McGrath/Lee/Tait & Warne then the big fuss over the all-rounder positon wont be much needed just for now IMO.

To be fair that is a big if.

Certainly for Tait, the one thing you can't really call him is consistent.

 

[Nate]

Kasper has done SO much more than Gillespie. It`s the obvious choice IMO.

 

[iamdavid]

I've got mixed feelings....I'm pleased that they've picked pretty much the best possible touring party....But I'm a bit alarmed at the inconsistency they've been showing lately.

Martyn was dropped after one poor series despite being the best batsman in the world for the twelve months that preceded that...Hodge then stepped in and did as well as one could have hoped...some indifferent dismissals but he showed plenty and his numbers were great....while Martyn did bugger-all at first class level and was up and down in the one day squad....Hodge was then dropped for Martyn on a hunch
I'm quite convinced Martyn is the better batsman of the two and should never have been dropped in the first place...but it just sends the wrong message..making such a big call and then going back on it despite what the numbers say.

Gillespie woulda been next in line but you cant really whinge about him missing out I dont think...his numbers have been pretty good but he dosent really seem to have regained any of the zip which has deserted over the last year and which made him such a devestating bowler before...he's still a very smart bowler but I reckon he'd struggle for penetration ala England.

The bowling attack they've picked looks pretty good...I think Kasprowics woulda probably been the second picked behind Lee, from what Ive seen he's looked great at domestic level and they'll need that experience over there...I still dont think Tait's fully fit...but he's bowling as quickly and waywardly as ever so he'll give em some extra penetration if they need it...just hope him and Lee dont play in the same team.
I reckon the only real debate woulda been Clark or Gillespie because they were looking for someone with control to replace McGrath...Clark has looked good in one day cricket for Australia so far and he deserves the chance.

 

[Nate]

Stuff David.

 

[howardj]

Give the younger in-form players a go or else the low that will inevitably come when McGrath, Warne, etc retire is going to be that much deeper and prolonged.

Kasper and Martyn are past their peak at best and little more than knee-jerk reactions.

Yeah, ideally I'd love to see Jacques, Tait, Clarke and Watson shortly replacing (a fading) Langer, Kasprowicz, Martyn, and (an out of his depth) Symonds. I actually think the younger quartet would do a better job at the present moment.

 

[benchmark00]

Kasper has done SO much more than Gillespie. It`s the obvious choice IMO.

Not really.

Dizzy has a better average for this year, and although it is true that Kasper has more wickets, Dizzy would be more sorted in playing a Mcgrath type role than Kasper would.

 

[Nate]

I`d give Symonds more of a run mate. He`s the best ODI Cricketer going around.

 

[Nate]

If Lee isn`t firing, that pretty much leaves Warne to take the wickets. Kasper normally goes for a touch over 3 an over, but he`s very penetrative, and that will be a key if Australia are to win this series.

 

[iamdavid]

Not really.

Dizzy has a better average for this year, and although it is true that Kasper has more wickets, Dizzy would be more sorted in playing a Mcgrath type role than Kasper would.

Yes but I dont think they were looking for somebody to play specifically the role McGrath played....because theres noboddy good enough.
They were looking to pick the best bowling attack possible to cope with McGrath's absense and I reckon they got it right.
As I said earlier I dont really think Dizzy n Kasprowics were directly competing for a spot...Kaspa was picked on form and experience while Gillespie was competing with Clark to perform a controlled stock-bowler sort of roll.

 

[Hoggy31]

Bichel should've been picked over kasper imo

 

[Mister Wright]

Bichel should've been picked over kasper imo

No way. I love both bowlers, but Kaspa is a much better bowler.

 

[Burpey]

I`d give Symonds more of a run mate. He`s the best ODI Cricketer going around.

Doesn't equate to being a good Test player.

 

[TT Boy]

Surprised in the selection of Kasper, why is he suddenly now good enough but in the Australian summer he was dispensable. The same applies for Martyn and Clarke, these guys were made scapegoats and until there are knocking down the door with a sledgehammer there should stay scapegoats. These boys have not suddenly got back the form there once had, Martyn still looks a shadow of his former self. It doesn’t make any sense why Kasper above all would be included again, sure the guy had a good season but his been a consistent state bowler for a number of years now and the fact the guy is 34 years old doesn’t bode well, you might as well have Andy Bichel there on that sort of logic.

Also Clark over Bracken very interesting.

 

[Butterteeth]

I never thought Martyn should have been dropped in the first place - but I am REALLY suprised to see him back. I thought his test days were over and he hasn't really done anything at first class level since being dropped. Mind you, if he can re-capture his 2004 form, then we'll all be praising the selectors genius.

Clarke's return was a sure bet. Bit worried about Kasper being there though. He has had a good season but....gee I dunno. Hope he proves me wrong.

Not sure we can afford to have both Lee and Tait in the XI especially if Lee has an off day - but then they seem to be fewer these days.

And why oh why has Phil Jaques been sent home??? Surely they could fine a spot for him in the last couple of one dayers!!

 

[Francis]

Kasprowitz is the quintessential domestic player if you ask me. He's had international success, but doesn't have enough variety in his balls to be effective. He can't even bowl an outswinger. Gillespie would have been a more sound pick based on experience and apparently he's been getting back to from what I few Aussies here say.

 

[Jono]

LMAO @ the selectors here. Around 4-5 picks I didn't see coming at all. One of the biggest surprises I've ever had when first seeing a test squad being selected.

I as 100% sure Martyn's test career was over, so that I can't believe. I didn't think they'd drop Hodge, I didn't think Kaspa had a chance of coming back again and no way in hell did I see Clark being selected over Bracken. The only change I felt was pretty sure to happen was Clarke coming in. I was also sort of expecting Watson to not be selected because but then again I was unsure with Symonds' injury.

Weird stuff.

 

[luckyeddie]

Doesn't equate to being a good Test player.

I really can't work out why. He seems to have an immense amount of talent (and can put the pop away too, which is a plus in my book) but seems very hit or miss in the test arena. I reckon he just wants one really good match against decent opposition then he'll be up and running.

 

[aussie]

That is the biggest load of crap you'll ever hear! when has Martyn made runs? he has the great average of around 23 at Pura Cup level!

it makes perfect sense, Hodge was lucky to get a chance in the side & Martyn should never have been dropped in the 1st place..

 

[aussie]

Good luck with Lee, Symonds and Clark as your pace attack, and no MacGill. Won't happen, and nor should it.

word, that wont make sense at all to pick such an unneccesarily long batting line-up..