*Official* Second Test at the Adelaide Oval

[four_or_six]

Reports in the papers this morning suggest that both Harris and Bollinger have been drafted, at the expense of Hilfenhaus and Johnson. Prudent changes if you ask me. Australia is hardly in crisis in this Series, indeed we had a massive first innings lead in Brisbane (the real business end of the game). But nonetheless in such a condensed series, it's important to address weaknesses as and when they arise.

It's a big decision if they do it, amazing stuff. When was the last time in the Ashes two bowlers were dropped after the first test, I wonder?

 

[outbreak]

I read somewhere last night apparently Johnson has an argument with selectors and wouldn't bowl in the nets at a practice session? Wonder if that's true if he will be selected in the short term future?
Good move bringing in Harris and Bollinger if they've done that.

I agree Finn's record atm is very flattering for how he's bowled (i've watched him in the english summer against Bangladesh and Pakistan aswell) but to go as far as saying he doesn't deserve his place and isn't a test standard bowler is pretty stupid. He is a good bowler and has backed it up in county cricket and his average will probably go up abit in the next year but he still is a good talent and will develop well.

 

[Pothas]

That's a stretch. The fact that he took 4/6 with bouncers suggests there was something about them. Pace and bounce will always disconcert tailenders.

I have some sympathy with Selvey's suggestion of a "horses for courses" pick of Shahzad for Adelaide where Finn is less likely to get bounce off the surface, but Finn actually bowled well.

Yeah as always Selvey made a lot of sense but I would be a little bit hesitant about actually playing Shazhad given his total lack of experience, could very easily go the wrong way if he started badly. Adelaide would certainly be the test that it would make most sense to play 5 bowlers but is still not an option I would take and neither will Flower and Strauss.

Think we can be pretty sure that it will be the same team again and there can be little reason for it not to be.

 

[Ausage]

But nonetheless in such a condensed series, it's important to address weaknesses as and when they arise.

If that's the thinking of the Australian selectors it doesn't explain the inclusion of North.

 

[howardj]

I think you're forgetting that he's a steady character

 

[LongHopCassidy]

Runs people out all day, big gap etc.

 

[Spark]

If that's the thinking of the Australian selectors it doesn't explain the inclusion of North.

Specialist spinner obviously.

 

[Ausage]

All his numbers add up to 1.

 

[Jacknife]

Yeah as always Selvey made a lot of sense but I would be a little bit hesitant about actually playing Shazhad given his total lack of experience, could very easily go the wrong way if he started badly. Adelaide would certainly be the test that it would make most sense to play 5 bowlers but is still not an option I would take and neither will Flower and Strauss.

Think we can be pretty sure that it will be the same team again and there can be little reason for it not to be.

If Selvey is basing Shahzad off that one test in the summer and the First innings of the Australia A game, he shouldn't. in the 4 or 5 times I've watched Shahzad play for Yorkshire this year, the big thing that stuck out, is his inconsistency, he can bowl well for a session and then completely lose it for the rest of the game.it's true he does offer something a bit different, but to be honest, it would be huge gamble, to count on him being able to produce it in what would be his second test match.

 

[marc71178]

Having seen him at Old Trafford, I wouldn't be wanting him near the team, certainly as part of a 4 man attack - woeful early on, then came back when the collapse was in full swing and cashed in.

Also, his batting made his first class average appear hugely overstated.

That said, he's not in the squad anyway is he?

 

[Sylvester]

Reports in the papers this morning suggest that both Harris and Bollinger have been drafted, at the expense of Hilfenhaus and Johnson. Prudent changes if you ask me. Australia is hardly in crisis in this Series, indeed we had a massive first innings lead in Brisbane (the real business end of the game). But nonetheless in such a condensed series, it's important to address weaknesses as and when they arise.

Happy enough with that, Hilfy hasn't been at his best in terms of wicket taking and that is what we are missing. Harris and Bollinger are both wicket takers and relatively economical. At least the selectors are starting to make some changes, still no idea how North makes the side.

 

[Spark]

Nor do I, but take what you can get.

 

[howardj]

Ponting Confirms Johnson Axing

Hot off my presses

 

[Spark]

inb4 Clapo rage

 

[TumTum]

Can't choose between Harris and Bollinger. At their best I would take Bolly, but sometimes he can be a bit like Johnson.

 

[robelinda]

Not going to bowl England out if Harris and Dougie dont both play. Bet on it.

 

[Ruckus]

Really hope Harris plays, and not just Bollinger. Don't see what benefits Hilf will provide on a flat, hot Adelaide pitch. Harris is arguably better than Bollinger when he is in his current form anyway.

 

[Ausage]

Writing was on the wall for Mitch, but how can they drop Siddle after the guy gets a 6fer and a hat trick? He was the only bowler that really ripped through the English. Baffling.

 

[Spark]

Wait what?!

 

[Ruckus]

Writing was on the wall for Mitch, but how can they drop Siddle after the guy gets a 6fer and a hat trick? He was the only bowler that really ripped through the English. Baffling.

Siddle hasn't been dropped, Johnson has? Hilf is still uncertain.