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*Official* Pakistan in Australia

HeathDavisSpeed

Cricket Web: All-Time Legend
Ponting has improved a lot as a captain. He was atrocious in the 2005 Ashes, for example. He was far too inclined to let the game drift - a combination or field setting that wasn't worked was persevered with for far too long, for example. He doesn't suffer from this affliction anywhere near as much these days, and he's a much better captain for it.
 

FaaipDeOiad

Hall of Fame Member
I think Mark Nicholas was right about the reason for the declaration, FWIW. It's meant to be hot later in the test, and Ponting was looking to declare with a good score, take a first innings lead and then bat again, as opposed to bowling twice in a row.

If Australia had made 600-700 and then declared, obviously it would take a loss out of the equation, but it would mean that to have any chance of winning Australia would have to bowl twice in a row. The declaration is just showing faith in the attack. It'll look pretty stupid if Pakistan make 500, but if they make 300, it'll be just right and should ensure a pretty easy win.

It is a surprising approach in a sense given that Australia aren't a particularly dominant team any more, but it's not that absurd, it's just attacking captaincy.
 

NUFAN

Y no Afghanistan flag
I think Mark Nicholas was right about the reason for the declaration, FWIW. It's meant to be hot later in the test, and Ponting was looking to declare with a good score, take a first innings lead and then bat again, as opposed to bowling twice in a row.

If Australia had made 600-700 and then declared, obviously it would take a loss out of the equation, but it would mean that to have any chance of winning Australia would have to bowl twice in a row. The declaration is just showing faith in the attack. It'll look pretty stupid if Pakistan make 500, but if they make 300, it'll be just right and should ensure a pretty easy win.

It is a surprising approach in a sense given that Australia aren't a particularly dominant team any more, but it's not that absurd, it's just attacking captaincy.
But how do they explain Hauritz coming in as a nightwatchman and batting quite slowly for his first 40 odd runs?
 

Furball

Evil Scotsman
Doesn't make much sense if 2 of your 3 quicks are in shocking form and your spinner is carrying a knock though.
 

Jayzamann

International Regular
But how do they explain Hauritz coming in as a nightwatchman and batting quite slowly for his first 40 odd runs?
Their run rate would have been close to four easily if Hauritz was castled in the first 15 minutes of the morning session, and both Haddin and Johnson went to work. Hauritz's stike rate was barely 50 for his entire innings, there's only so much complacency a nightwatchman can get away with before it just becomes crease occupation.

That being said I would be fairly angry if he didn't start hitting out after lunch. Credit for that.
 
Very clever of Ponting to use Hauritz so early against Batt after Butt made some derogatory remarks about him. Butt cant risk getting out to Hauritz and is looking a bit like a dear in the headlights.
 
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Prince EWS

Global Moderator
Very clever of Ponting to use Hauritz so early against Batt after Butt made some derogatory remarks about him. Butt cant risk getting out to Hauritz and is looking a bit like a dear in the headlights.
Butt didn't really make derogatory remarks against him - he said he was a good bowler but that Ajmal was better. That's high praise considering the comments others have made going into every other series he's played...
 

Noble One

International Vice-Captain
Sids getting a touch of reverse happening.

Agree the with any suggestion to bring Bollinger or Watson on from the other end.
 

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