**Official** Tour Matches

[superkingdave]

Always thought the accepted reason that touring sides didn't play Lancashire was because they were scared tbh.

 

[GIMH]

It's more because it wouldn't be fair to have the Lancs players fill their boots and boost their stats against inferior opposition

 

[fredfertang]

Always thought the accepted reason that touring sides didn't play Lancashire was because they were scared tbh.

It's more because it wouldn't be fair to have the Lancs players fill their boots and boost their stats against inferior opposition

.... so obvious it hardly needs mentioning

 

[pup11]

He was bowling a bit in the nets last week apparently although I'm not sure if he'll bowl in this game.

That was my point, though. While I reckon Watson has it in him to be a Test batsman - bowling or no bowling - there's no point dropping North or Hussey for him at the moment if he can't bowl.

I think how Clark, Siddle, Watto and Ronny McDonald bowl in this game would be important factor in determining the the final line-up for the 3rd test, if the Australian think-tank feels the team is a bit down on the bowling front, then they would obviously love to have the all-round abilities of Watto or Macca (of course to a lesser extent) in the team.

Since Watto already has made runs here, if he picks a few wickets and he bowls without injuring himself and looks in decent rhythm, then he obviously becomes an option, same with Macca, if he score some runs here and bowls decently to pick up a few wickets, then he too comes into the frame.

Of course this all depends on how both Siddle and Clark bowl, if both of them bowl well, then Australia have the luxury of choosing between two bowlers in good rhythm, and the all-round option of Watto and Macca at the expense of maybe North won't be needed anymore, but if both Clark and Siddle look flat in this game, then it would be big worry for Ponting to go into the vital 3rd test with two out of his four bowlers not being anywhere their best, so its very important that atleast one of Clark or Siddle show some form in this game.

 

[howardj]

Watttttooooo!

There's so much goodwill toward Watto.

If only he could stay on the park.

One demon spell away from seeling the # 6 spot for Edgy.

 

[Burgey]

Watttttooooo!

There's so much goodwill toward Watto.

If only he could stay on the park.

One demon spell away from seeling the # 6 spot for Edgy.

Or from not playing again for 3 months...

 

[howardj]

haha as fragile as grandma's china.

 

[Nate]

FRBS, thought you were saying he's injured again. Paniced something huge.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Should have given the Aussies a warm-up match against Durham. See if that soft ponce scores 84 off 96 then.

 

[andyc]

Should have given the Aussies a warm-up match against Durham. See if that soft ponce scores 84 off 96 then.

Classic Scaly.

 

[Burgey]

Unfortunate debut in the Aussie colours for Manou - first baller, lbw.

 

[pup11]

Haha.., Manou sat on the bench all through this tour, and finally when he got a chance for a hit-out, he got knocked over for a first-ball duck.

EDIT: Beaten

 

[sparkey]

Manou will be gutted Aussies struggling a bit here

 

[Postmanpat]

Is Wigley at the cricket or the ballet?

http://static.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/106400/106406.2.jpg

 

[pasag]

Might be a three way shoot-out between Watson, North and McDonald with the ball when they bat.

 

[superkingdave]

Jeez these commentators are insanely terrible aren't they?

 

[age_master]

Clark and Siddle get the new ball. Clark gets the first wicket, good start for him.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

Should have given the Aussies a warm-up match against Durham. See if that soft ponce scores 84 off 96 then.

Hahaha.

 

[cameeel]

And Clark again!

 

[Scaly piscine]

Blah, looks like Australia will finally pick Clark at this rate. Annoying.