Australia names unchanged squad for Adelaide
There was intense speculation over the makeup of the Australian squad yesterday but it was much ado about nothing as Australia have named an unchanged 13 man squad for the Adelaide Test. How do you change a team that won by 270 runs? Admittedly, the decision was made easy by the news that Shane Watson's hamstring injury ruled him out and hence Stuart MacGill had little chance. Strange that they went with a squad of 13 though - the way Stuart Clark bowled in Brisbane, there's no question of Mitchell Johnson or Shaun Tait playing bar injury (watch out for those rolling balls, Pigeon). So why are they hedging their bets with 2 spare seamers again?
| Posted by JC on Tue 28 Nov |  14 comments |
Turns out the extended squad is because the selectors are concerned about McGrath's bruised foot. How eerie would it be if McGrath missed the 2nd Test due to an injured ankle - I just hope history doesn't continue to repeat itself as the series unfolds.
Posted by JC on 2006-11-28 14:41:45
Posted by JC on 2006-11-28 14:41:45
Well, perhaps you shouldn't be tampering with a winning formula but I hope Brett Lee has been put on notice. There are plenty of quicks/mediums waiting in the wings for an opportunity, including a couple down here in Tas. Hilfenhaus is a star of the future. Much speculation that Lee would take bucket-loads of wickets this series but he was very unimpressive in Brisbane.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2006-11-28 15:19:56
Posted by Dan Tas on 2006-11-28 15:19:56
Hilfenwho? Sorry, haven't seen him in action yet. As for Lee, I'd say the selectors will persist with him for at least 2 Tests but if he continues not to take wickets, expect Mitchell Johnson to have a crack at the G.
Posted by JC on 2006-11-28 16:28:58
Posted by JC on 2006-11-28 16:28:58
You know the Aussies are dominating when there is talk of dumping Lee after one lousy performance. England are still fielding Harmison for goodness sake. Let's hope they give Monty a go.
Posted by TA on 2006-11-28 16:42:40
Posted by TA on 2006-11-28 16:42:40
I'm more interested to see if MacGill really is the first in line for a 2nd spinner's spot. Brad Hogg is showing some fine form with the ball at the moment and his batting is about a billion times better.
Posted by PZ on 2006-11-28 17:01:41
Posted by PZ on 2006-11-28 17:01:41
I want more short pitched bowling from Lee and Co. next Test - can you have a word JC?
Posted by virtualgaz on 2006-11-28 18:00:11
Posted by virtualgaz on 2006-11-28 18:00:11
Hasn't really been any talk about Hogg in the Test side - as far as a second spinner goes, it's MacGill or nothing.
I think Lee does need to justify his spot. He's the Anna Kournikova of Australian cricket - all style (or raw pace) and little substance (or wickets at a tidy average). Still, he did have a good summer last year so let's see how he goes in Adelaide.
Gaz, what do you mean, a word?
Posted by JC on 2006-11-28 18:52:56
I think Lee does need to justify his spot. He's the Anna Kournikova of Australian cricket - all style (or raw pace) and little substance (or wickets at a tidy average). Still, he did have a good summer last year so let's see how he goes in Adelaide.
Gaz, what do you mean, a word?
Posted by JC on 2006-11-28 18:52:56
JC- Hilfenhaus is a Tassie quick;
genuine swing bowler. Young, raw
but with that x factor. Expect him in the Aussie side within the next few years.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2006-11-28 19:43:01
genuine swing bowler. Young, raw
but with that x factor. Expect him in the Aussie side within the next few years.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2006-11-28 19:43:01
Is that why Tassie have been winning matches this summer?
Posted by JC on 2006-11-28 20:04:19
Posted by JC on 2006-11-28 20:04:19
One of the reasons. Batting depth too. Experts say he bowls with "great shape". He actually had a good year last year that went largely unnoticed. Tassie cricket is looking good. Jamie Cox is now Aussie selector too (the first break he's ever got from cricket in this country!- how a player of his calibre couldn't get a game in the national side is indication of just how strong a side Australia was).
Posted by Dan Tas on 2006-11-28 21:18:29
Posted by Dan Tas on 2006-11-28 21:18:29
Hmm, with Boonie and Cox as selectors and Ricky Ponting as Australian captain, seems to me Tasmania has quietly been manouvering their people into key positions with a plan to wrest control of Australian cricket from NSW (as we Queenslanders believe is the case).
Posted by JC on 2006-11-28 22:25:12
Posted by JC on 2006-11-28 22:25:12
Yeah, time for the little island to take control over the big one! With Hilfenhaus I have visions of the new Terry Alderman. I'll never forget how he carved up the Poms on their own turf, twice!! But I had the same dreams for your Noffke, JC, and I'm still waiting!
Posted by Dan Tas on 2006-11-29 08:24:13
Posted by Dan Tas on 2006-11-29 08:24:13
Post New Comment
You need to be logged in to post a comment. If you're new, register here. Existing users, login via the right margin.
