**Official** Tour Matches

[Noble One]

Depressing, isn't it? There's no excuse these days either, with the amount of interntional cricket on tv these days.

With a number of the Australian commentators, I think a lot of it has to do with their complacenct, just having been there so long. They've worked together so long now, it's more about the banter between them and their repeating the things they're already well known for than actually being ****ed to provide some analysis.

Always rate Skull for his comments on OS players on ABC - he's OTT sometimes with the comedic stuff, but there's a pretty good cricket brain working away in thee as well imo.

Yes Kerry is one of the few Australian commentators who has a knowledge beyond the individual games he has commentated on.

Tony Greig when discussing the squad selection for the Australian Ashes team was debating the merits of including North at number 6. Greig impressed me by referring to an Australia A OD century North scored some 5 years ago. Then I realised Ch9 covered that game, Greig then proceeded to mention he wasn't sure of the domestic form of North. Get a clue, he had just been named the ACA captain of the side for both Sheffield Shield and FRC. Such a frustration.

 

[duffer]

Depressing, isn't it? There's no excuse these days either, with the amount of interntional cricket on tv these days.

With a number of the Australian commentators, I think a lot of it has to do with their complacenct, just having been there so long. They've worked together so long now, it's more about the banter between them and their repeating the things they're already well known for than actually being ****ed to provide some analysis.

Always rate Skull for his comments on OS players on ABC - he's OTT sometimes with the comedic stuff, but there's a pretty good cricket brain working away in thee as well imo.

Aye, all I hear it's the same self congratulatory day out in the sun for most of them. But most people don't complain because they're seemingly comfortable with what they are accustomed to hearing for so long.

With Digital coming soon would love them have the option for alternative commentary by fans like they sometimes do for the Premiership games. Would love a stint in the box for an India v Australia game.

 

[Andre]

You wouldn't pick him for the Tests though, would ya?

I know how inconsistent he can be, and that he 'goes misssing' etc, but I reckon you blokes have to pick Harmison.

He is a genuine match winner, and even though he can be inconsistent, he is more likely to rin through the Aussies than Onions or Sidebottom.

Plus, with Flintoff in the side, it's a pretty stable pace attack with Anderson and Broad, you can probably afford one loose-cannon type quick who has the potential to win you matches.

 

[andruid]

I know how inconsistent he can be, and that he 'goes misssing' etc, but I reckon you blokes have to pick Harmison.

He is a genuine match winner, and even though he can be inconsistent, he is more likely to rin through the Aussies than Onions or Sidebottom.

Plus, with Flintoff in the side, it's a pretty stable pace attack with Anderson and Broad, you can probably afford one loose-cannon type quick who has the potential to win you matches.

facing bats of the quality of hughes, Hussey, Katich et al, just one loose cannon is enough to undo the work of the rerest of the attack.

 

[pup11]

I think biased outlook of the current lot of commentators, is one of the main reasons for the falling standards of commentary around the world, these blokes are second to none, when they have to sing praises for one of their own players, but they find it very hard to acknowledge the achievements of an oppositions players, though its nothing new, but its just a bit more prominent these days.

I think there should be a realisation that the comments they make, are heard by people from across the world, therefore atleast they should maintain a balance in their opinions.

 

[pup11]

Day 1's play was bit of a mixed bag from an Aussie POV, though it was great to see Hussey playing again like the Hussey we all know, and Katich once again showing that he is ready for the big contest with a solid knock, but the worrying factor once again was failure of the top-order.

North' form heading into the 1st test is a big concern, and with Watto already out of frame, it really doesn't leave Australia with any other options either, which makes the decision not to send a shadow player over to the squad, even more baffling.

Should be a pretty interesting day today, very keen to see how the Aussie bowlers bowl on this slow pitch, which has no real bounce, should a real test for them to bowl well on this deck.

 

[tooextracool]

North' form heading into the 1st test is a big concern, and with Watto already out of frame, it really doesn't leave Australia with any other options either, which makes the decision not to send a shadow player over to the squad, even more baffling.

Wonder if this is an appropriate time for a journalist to write an article titled 'North's form going South?'

 

[Johnners]

Awesome to see Huss back into the runs, along with Mitch & Katich showing they're still in form. Obviously disappointed that the rest of the batting collapsed, but I'm not overly concerned, will see how they go in the 2nd dig. It's the bowlers that really need to step-up tonight for Australia.

 

[social]

Just saw "highlights" of Flintoff's innings and the guy batted like a rank tail-ender

Seriously, could not believe how bad he looked

 

[tooextracool]

tbf, you were saying that in 2005 when he scored his 100 at TB.

 

[Burgey]

tbf, you were saying that in 2005 when he scored his 100 at TB.

tbf, TB's a postage stamp.

 

[Noble One]

Worst result that may happen on Day 2. Hauritz bowls 25 overs and takes 3/52 (3 tailend wickets). Will probably give him the Test spot.

 

[Top_Cat]

Worst result that may happen on Day 2. Hauritz bowls 25 overs and takes 3/52 (3 tailend wickets). Will probably give him the Test spot.

I'm not so pessimistic. Reckon it'll come down to how the leadership group perceives how he bowls rather than a matter of figures alone, even if he takes 5-fer.

 

[Noble One]

I'm not so pessimistic. Reckon it'll come down to how the leadership group perceives how he bowls rather than a matter of figures alone, even if he takes 5-fer.

Yes you are correct. Figures are not what brought him to Test selection in the first place, it is the role he plays, style of bowler he is.

Still I am not a fan of Hauritz as a Test bowler. Would prefer the 4 man pace attack, with the part-timers in support. McGain or Krejza really should be over in England.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

lolKrejza.

Gotta be the most overrated guy in cricket.

 

[Top_Cat]

lolKrejza.

Gotta be the most overrated guy in cricket.

Yeah I know, low blow.

 

[social]

I'm not so pessimistic. Reckon it'll come down to how the leadership group perceives how he bowls rather than a matter of figures alone, even if he takes 5-fer.

Dont leave it up to the !@#$#$%$@# Leadership Group!

If he bowls well, they'll probably ship him back to Oz and demand that he undertakes therapy

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

Yeah I know, low blow.

At least Watson's got a domestic career and decent string of international performances behind him.

Krejza's got one good game (which he got absolutely spanked in) in his whole career. Hughe difference.

Wouldn't take up a comedy career either if I were you.

 

[Top_Cat]

At least Watson's got a domestic career and decent string of international performances behind him.

Krejza's got one good game (which he got absolutely spanked in) in his whole career. Hughe difference.

Wouldn't take up a comedy career either if I were you.

Ooo, catty. Besides, the .jpg gag was yours originally.

Wasn't serial about Watto. Just love to give him ****. Krejza deffo over-rated, myself. Said so before he was taken to India and maintained it after he took 8-fer and PEWS lost control of his pee-pee in response..

 

[BoyBrumby]

Oz batting on today. Shows they're definitely treating this as a serious match as I thought they'd have wanted to have a bowl first up to give their attack as long game time as they can.

345/8 from 92 overs now; Onions & Harmy unsurprisingly opening the bowling.