***Official*** Top End Series

[FaaipDeOiad]

I might be wrong Fuller, but I`m pretty sure Jaques has only had a few innings. With at least one good score. A bit harsh?

Yeah, I'm not suggesting he played badly or anything. I'm just saying that in order to displace a current member of the side you need one of several things to happen. You have to have that player underperform, or to make an utterly irresistable case for yourself by performing at domestic level or in the A side (or even in ODIs, potentially), and then taking your chances when you get them. Jaques is generally an opening batsman, got a couple of tests as an opener and didn't do much with them, and both Langer and Hayden are fit and performing well. Bringing him in for someone like Damien Martyn who has been playing decently to play him out of position and ahead of Brad Hodge just seems absurdly harsh on those guys.

Jaques will almost certainly be a test regular opening the batting within a season or two. There's no need to put him in at number 4 ahead of other candidates right now.

 

[Nate]

Agree to disagree?

Jaques has played two Tests. One against the Saffies where he failed first-innings, but then was out for 20-something to a bad decision. And the other against the Bangers where he made 60-odd. He`s played 2 ODIs, played a winning innings on debut against South Africa but then failed in South Africa with his only chance.

I see your point, but I also see mine. Martyn hasn`t done enough IMO, Hodge certainly has a strong case. But a man who is now averaging 60-odd at the domestic level with an amazing strike-rate can`t be doing too much wrong.

 

[andyc]

Yeah, undeniably, JL's form in the past couple of years has been stellar. However, I don't know if I'd go back too far, in evaluating a 36 year old batsman. In his last five Test Matches (all against South Africa) JL averages 31. Furthermore, he averages 24 for Somerset this season.

That may be suggestive of terminal decline, or it may well not. But the broader point is that older players can deteriorate fairly rapidly. And, I think I'm right in saying that hardly one long term opener for Australia has lasted as long as Langer - it's a tough gig at that age. Now, you're probably right that he should be selected for the 'Gabba, but I do think his position should be closely monitored.

Anyway, back on topic...

Gotta be up there for the Grieg

 

[howardj]

I don't think they would recall a chap (Martyn) out of absolutely nowhere (his FC form was quite bad last summer) and then drop him after he averaged 50 in his return series, in pretty difficult batting conditions. To my mind they brought Martyn back with an eye to the difficult schedule ahead (South Africa in South Africa, and of course the Ashes series). They made a judgement call that his technique and experience would withstand some formidable opponents.

 

[howardj]

Gotta be up there for the Grieg

Dead cert.

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

I don't think they would recall a chap (Martyn) out of absolutely nowhere (his FC form was quite bad last summer) and then drop him after he averaged 50 in his return series, in pretty difficult batting conditions. To my mind they brought Martyn back with an eye to the difficult schedule ahead (South Africa in South Africa, and of course the Ashes series). They made a judgement call that his technique and experience would withstand some formidable opponents.

Absolutely correct IMO. That's why it would be ridiculous to drop him for Jaques right now. Jaques is a very capable batsman but has no experience at test level and they'll be looking towards Martyn for the start of the series.

 

[honestbharani]

wats the score now

 

[Dasa]

wats the score now

The final day has been washed out. So, a draw.

 

[honestbharani]

tat is a good result for India. Not a good for Australia. They had a real shout to win this one, even though India made a good start. Our middle order isnt that strong and a collapse was always on the cards. Bad luck to the Australian A side, I guess.

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

The result isn't of huge significance anyway, as it's only an A match. The key for Australia is the good performances from Jaques, Birt, Watson and Johnson.

 

[Arjun]

The result isn't of huge significance anyway, as it's only an A match. The key for Australia is the good performances from Jaques, Birt, Watson and Johnson.

That's very unlike Australia A. They're a team whom I'd expect to play for victory, not places in the Australia senior side.

That's the kind of suspicion I've had since late 2003 about India A. Some players have a good series before the final, and then they are picked for India. Some don't get picked. All of them, bar a few, perform abysmally in forthcoming matches, even finals, so one may ask whether they've really played for a match or their places.

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

That's very unlike Australia A. They're a team whom I'd expect to play for victory, not places in the Australia senior side.

That's the kind of suspicion I've had since late 2003 about India A. Some players have a good series before the final, and then they are picked for India. Some don't get picked. All of them, bar a few, perform abysmally in forthcoming matches, even finals, so one may ask whether they've really played for a match or their places.

I didn't say that they weren't looking for victory - I'm sure they were. I'm just saying that from the perspective of an Australian fan, it doesn't really matter if they win or not, it just matters how particular players perform.

 

[Xuhaib]

Its good to see Watson dominating at the A level., hopefully he will start performing on the grand stage also.

 

[howardj]

He strikes me as a very highly strung (in an emotional sense), and anxious cricketer. I fear such a make-up will make it harder for him at the highest level. I'd imagine he'd be likely to feel the inevitable setbacks at that level more keenly than most.

 

[Haddin]

Wow. Queensland off to a flier.

Last 5 overs: nb . . . 4 . . | 1 lb 4 4 4 4 | . . 1 4 1 1 | 6 6 6 . . 1 | 1

 

[chooka_nick]

Yeah man, pity the game's rained out. Queensland have the ability to stick it to any international side, so this could have been a pretty good game.

 

[TT Boy]

He strikes me as a very highly strung (in an emotional sense), and anxious cricketer. I fear such a make-up will make it harder for him at the highest level. I'd imagine he'd be likely to feel the inevitable setbacks at that level more keenly than most.

Do you not feel some of those anxieties Watson evidently holds come from his handling by the Australian hierarchy who still to this point do not know what position is best for Shane Watson? Their continual push for him to be a front line bowler, when in reality he is nothing more than a sufficient first class bowler. Though more importantly I feel, an impressive possibly test quality batsman in waiting being wasted with the burden of bowling (more overs than he should).

 

[marc71178]

Yeah man, pity the game's rained out. Queensland have the ability to stick it to any international side, so this could have been a pretty good game.

Makes a change from being told that NSW could beat any other International side I guess

 

[vic_orthdox]

Do you not feel some of those anxieties Watson evidently holds come from his handling by the Australian hierarchy who still to this point do not know what position is best for Shane Watson? Their continual push for him to be a front line bowler, when in reality he is nothing more than a sufficient first class bowler. Though more importantly I feel, an impressive possibly test quality batsman in waiting being wasted with the burden of bowling (more overs than he should).

I think most of it comes from Shane Watson looking out for Shane Watson, and not much else...

 

[andyc]

Makes a change from being told that NSW could beat any other International side I guess

Well, not any international side, but a few years ago, with the Waughs, Taylor, Slater, Bevan, McGrath, Lee and MacGill, you did have one hell of a strong team.