**Official**VB Series 2005 Australia,Pakistan,West Indies.

[FaaipDeOiad]

It's a tough call, but Gillespie hasn't been at his best for a while now.

Not quite, but he was good in the WACA game against Pakistan.

My pick for the first final XI would be:

Gilchrist
Hayden
Ponting
Martyn
Lehmann
Symonds
Clarke
Hogg
Lee
Gillespie
McGrath

The return of Lehmann should strengthen the 5th bowler spot a bit, and frankly I don't think there is justification to drop Hayden, Symonds or Lehmann (from the ODI side at least) yet. Kasper misses out because Lee has been so great in the VB series so far.

 

[Linda]

Hmm interesting point on the radio yesterday. They were talking about whether or not Hayden should be at the top of the order in the 2/3 final games. It was quite justified to leave him there for the round robin matches, as it was very likely he was going to fire again, and a few of them were really dead rubbers.
However, with the brilliant series that Clarke's had, it will be a tough call to keep Hayden up there, when these two or three matches mean a hellava lot more. Maybe it would be best to just drop him down to 5ish, even if it does upset an established order. Im sure Gilchrist, Ponting, Martyn and Hayden can adjust for the sake of a solid opening partnership.

Last year, India challenged Australia during the 4 ODI matches they played, and won one too. Then they were thrashed in the finals. Cant see anything different happening this season, to be honest. Still, you never know...

 

[Hoggy31]

I just have to post this seeing as im not the biggest fan of Hayden :

Hayden's stats from his last ten ODI innings:

M:10, Runs:187, HS:47, BatAve:18.70.

 

[garage flower]

And your out of form with your spelling. *Clarke, *Symonds.

Would be wise to sort your grammar out if you're going to criticize other people's spelling.

 

[garage flower]

Well the final should be a humdinger of a contest between Australia and probably Pakistan.

A bit presumptious.

Despite Pakistan's impressive win, I'd still pick West Indies for tonight's game -that's assuming Collins, Bradshaw and Sarwan are fit.

I think West Indies' top 6 and their strike bowlers have a slight edge. The explosiveness of Razzaq and Afridi (almost) always gives Pakistan a chance, but Afridi - as he's just reminded everyone - is completely brainless, which tends to limit his effectiveness.

The clincher is the fielding. Pakistan's out-cricket and their running between wickets has been atrocious - in comparison West Indies look like a professional, well-drilled outfit!

Windies also have their not-so-secret weapon in Dwayne Bravo, who I'd now consider to be a genuine contender for the title of world's best fielder.

 

[shaka]

Pakistan dont have the quality bowlers to compete with Australia, so they need to always bowl first, like they did against Australia recently. Windies would also prefer to chase.

 

[Josh]

Lee.

Yes, in some of the best form we've seen him in for quite some time, that is oh so wise...

 

[Josh]

I do believe that Hayden should be down the order, say 6 or 7 and give Clarke the chance to open, I wouldn't be omitting a player of Hayden's class at the drop of a hat. Try some new things, hence the option of dropping him down the order, and if they don't work, then consider his removal from the side.

As far as I see it Katich really needed to score well at the WACA to force a way into the side at the expense of either Lehmann, Symonds or Hayden (the latter 2 would be the more likely), yet he didn't, so my bet is he won't be in the first final XI.

 

[eastley]

Well heres my views.

I think Australian losing against Pakistan at the WACA will be good for us so that doesn't bother me.

My team

Clarke
Gilchrist
Ponting
Martin
Katich
Lehman
Watson
Lee
Kasprowicz
Gillespie
McGrath

Hogg will come into the team for the slower turning pitches, probably replace Kasprowicz in the eleven. Hayden needs a holiday sorry to say, he'll be back and better than ever though.

 

[Mr Casson]

Well heres my views.

I think Australian losing against Pakistan at the WACA will be good for us so that doesn't bother me.

My team

Clarke
Gilchrist
Ponting
Martin
Katich
Lehman
Watson
Lee
Kasprowicz
Gillespie
McGrath

Hogg will come into the team for the slower turning pitches, probably replace Kasprowicz in the eleven. Hayden needs a holiday sorry to say, he'll be back and better than ever though.

Chris? I wouldn't let him near my middle order if I was an U11s captain!

 

[marc71178]

Yes, in some of the best form we've seen him in for quite some time, that is oh so wise...

2 of his last 5 innings have been a single wicket whilst conceding over 6 an over - that's his best form is it?

 

[eastley]

Chris? who the hell is chris?

 

[Scallywag]

2 of his last 5 innings have been a single wicket whilst conceding over 6 an over - that's his best form is it?

You forgot to mention he is the leading wicket taker in the current VB series with 12 wickets @ 23.

That must really hurt you.

 

[Jono]

Chris? who the hell is chris?

Chris Martin. Bowler for NZ, one hell of a shocking batsman. As opposted to Damien Martyn.

 

[eastley]

well I meant damian martin

 

[Mr Casson]

well I meant damian martin

Isn't that spelling of Damien the one used for Lucifer?

 

[eastley]

Isn't that spelling of Damien the one used for Lucifer?

My Bad, its spelt "Damien Martyn"

I feel like a total tool, I can' even spell one of Australia's best cricketers names.

 

[Jnr.]

2 of his last 5 innings have been a single wicket whilst conceding over 6 an over - that's his best form is it?

Lee is inconsistent.

Unplayable at his best, run-leaker at his worst.

 

[Beleg]

Lee's performance against Pakistan in this series has been less then ordinary - 4 wickets for 180 odd runs with rpo more then 6 is by no means a good performance.

Against WI though, he has been pretty excellent taking 8 wickets for 104 runs with rpo of less then 4.

Pretty stark contrast, I wonder why? [he has been taken to task by both Razzaq and Afridi]

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

2 of his last 5 innings have been a single wicket whilst conceding over 6 an over - that's his best form is it?

You of all people (Harmison) should know that figures don't necessarily reflect form. In at least one of those expensive spells Lee was quite unlucky.