Name your team for the First Test in Brisbane
Ok readers, it's time to pick your test team from the massive pile of talent currently being paraded in the Pura Cup. I managed to only pick three Queenslanders, bonus marks if you pick a team with less ;)
Andrew Mosey's First XI
1 Hayden
2 Jaques
3 Ponting
4 Clarke
5 Hussey
6 Symonds
7 Gilchrist
8 Hogg
9 Lee
10 Johnson
11 Clark
12 Hilfenhaus
Here's a few of my thoughts on the current crop of players going around, please post in the Commments anyone you feel I've missed, under or over-rated.
Openers
+Hayden (incumbent)
+Jaques (weight of runs over 3 years, NSWelshman)
-Rogers (injured, going out of form)
-Watson (sh1thouse, probably injured again, not an opener)
-Hussey (not an opener, needed in middle order)
First Drop
++Ponting, Rick
--Hodge (never rated him. pretty ordinary against spin. Only positive is he hasn't shortened his name to Rick)
Middle Order
+Clarke (incumbent, looking forward to some runs here, also taking wickets)
+Hussey
-Hussey, Dave (double Huss, lots of puns, a Huss in the city is worth two in the bush... ok bad I know)
-Katich (another triple century and he'll be pushing someone out)
-Haddin (close as a specialist batsman)
All Rounders
+Symonds (good one day form, bowling half decent, fielding, team morale)
-Nofke
-Dizzy (119*!)
-Simpson
-White (should have been in the T20 W/C but bowls too many pies)
Keeper/Batsman
+Gilchrist (will need some runs though.. more exposive than Haddin but I feel less reliable)
-Haddin (spewing Gilly didn't retire!)
Quickies
++Clark (my only automatic pick of the bowlers)
+Lee (incumbent, NSW)
+Johnson (great ODI form, confident in Brisabne)
-Tait
-Hilfenhaus (so so close, will stick him in the first 11 for the second test in Tassie at the expense of the least performing quick)
-Bracken (man hair)
Spinner
+Hogg (3/21, 58* and 5/62 at MCG, no-one can pick his wrongun, sticks his tongue out like a champion)
-Macgilla (ordinary at SCG, can't bat, getting over knee injury)
I'd love to hear others comments on what I've written above, feel free to argue any of these points and I guarantee no offence will be taken. Cheers, Moses.
| Posted by Moses on Tue 30 Oct |  40 comments |
I hate to betray a Queenslander but I still maintain Andrew Symonds does not have the chops for Test cricket - either batting or bowling. Sure, he's a good fielder but that's what 12th man is for. I'd be tempted to replace him with Katich - if Clarke was fit, he could help out with the bowling workload. Or with Warne and McGrath gone, perhaps go all out and select 4 quicks - Hilfie in for Symonds. Risky, more ballsy than I imagine the selectors would ever go but would certainly be interesting.
Posted by JC on 2007-10-30 22:32:21
Posted by JC on 2007-10-30 22:32:21
A good point you make JC, perhaps we should drop Hayden and Johnson while we're at it and field a truly 'cleansed' XI...
I hate to pick a Queenslander, but on purely Pura Cup numbers you'd have to go with Nofke... 12 wickets at 22 (including 5 on an SCG pitch where Johnson and Lee struggled) plus 228 runs at 114... plus at the SCG
Posted by Moses on 2007-10-30 23:04:56
I hate to pick a Queenslander, but on purely Pura Cup numbers you'd have to go with Nofke... 12 wickets at 22 (including 5 on an SCG pitch where Johnson and Lee struggled) plus 228 runs at 114... plus at the SCG
Posted by Moses on 2007-10-30 23:04:56
Just looked up Lee and Johnson's stats for the SCG test... crikey they were bad!
Combined they amassed 0/343 off 86 overs at 4 rpo... did manage 16 maidens between them however
Posted by Moses on 2007-10-30 23:11:09
Combined they amassed 0/343 off 86 overs at 4 rpo... did manage 16 maidens between them however
Posted by Moses on 2007-10-30 23:11:09
Good side Andrew. Would so like to include MacGill but can you include a wicket taker with a query over his fitness and one who might well go at 5 plus runs an over? (We have Brett Lee for that!)
I'd have Hilfenhaus in the XI if weather forecast was for cloudy/humid conditions.
See JC is on the Andrew Symonds "not a Test Match player" crusade again. I'd play him, if only for the fact that he can change the course of a game in the blink of an eye, no matter in what capacity.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-10-31 10:46:13
I'd have Hilfenhaus in the XI if weather forecast was for cloudy/humid conditions.
See JC is on the Andrew Symonds "not a Test Match player" crusade again. I'd play him, if only for the fact that he can change the course of a game in the blink of an eye, no matter in what capacity.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-10-31 10:46:13
Good rundown Mosey.
My problem with Symonds is that his bowling is pretty bland. Personally I think M. Clark does a better job with spin bowling than Symonds. But Symonds as a fielder with the pressure from Ponting, Clark and Hussey does create a fair amount of pressure on the batting side, that can be worth a fair few runs over the course of a test. Those singles or twos that Symonds prevents do add and make it easier for the bowlers.
One thought could be to put Hussey up to Opener and bring Haddin in the middle order. It would be a good way to get Haddin in a test side and test him out. Haddin can serve a similar role to Symonds and gives him a chance to work on his batting. I don't see that happening though.
I am not a huge fan of MacGill, he just irritates me for some reason. In terms of batting he did do a decent job with Hussey to save that test against the West Indies last year. Though not sure about Hogg, though it would be good to see him given a shot.
Our spin cupboard seems a little empty these days.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-10-31 11:00:44
My problem with Symonds is that his bowling is pretty bland. Personally I think M. Clark does a better job with spin bowling than Symonds. But Symonds as a fielder with the pressure from Ponting, Clark and Hussey does create a fair amount of pressure on the batting side, that can be worth a fair few runs over the course of a test. Those singles or twos that Symonds prevents do add and make it easier for the bowlers.
One thought could be to put Hussey up to Opener and bring Haddin in the middle order. It would be a good way to get Haddin in a test side and test him out. Haddin can serve a similar role to Symonds and gives him a chance to work on his batting. I don't see that happening though.
I am not a huge fan of MacGill, he just irritates me for some reason. In terms of batting he did do a decent job with Hussey to save that test against the West Indies last year. Though not sure about Hogg, though it would be good to see him given a shot.
Our spin cupboard seems a little empty these days.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-10-31 11:00:44
That Warne shaped hole in the spin cupboard will never be filled, I'm sure going to miss him.
I've similar feelings to Andrew on Macgilla, seems sometimes that he'd prefer to not be picked so he's got something to complain about. There is an argument floating around that he steps up when picked for Australia, not sure that I'd put any faith in that theory though...
The query Macgill's fitness would be enough to give Hogg a shot for higher honours, especially after his MOTM performance in the MCG Pura Cup test. Plus for mine the Gabba is more of an offies wicket than a leggies ; never any ripping turn and someone who can keep it tight and bowl a mountain of overs would be preferable to 5 decent balls then a token pie per over.
Hussey at opener is a very good suggestion ; he's played there earlier in his career and certainly has the concentration and toughness for it.. any which way we've still got two cacky handers at the top.
One school of thought would be which 'batsman' is next in line, then juggle Huss to suit the new guy. Jaques is close regardless, Katich and Haddin must be within a cooee, and Huss mark 2 is scoring a mountain of runs. Hodge is hopeless especially under pressure but the selectors seem to think he's good in the sack.
Posted by Moses on 2007-10-31 11:18:43
I've similar feelings to Andrew on Macgilla, seems sometimes that he'd prefer to not be picked so he's got something to complain about. There is an argument floating around that he steps up when picked for Australia, not sure that I'd put any faith in that theory though...
The query Macgill's fitness would be enough to give Hogg a shot for higher honours, especially after his MOTM performance in the MCG Pura Cup test. Plus for mine the Gabba is more of an offies wicket than a leggies ; never any ripping turn and someone who can keep it tight and bowl a mountain of overs would be preferable to 5 decent balls then a token pie per over.
Hussey at opener is a very good suggestion ; he's played there earlier in his career and certainly has the concentration and toughness for it.. any which way we've still got two cacky handers at the top.
One school of thought would be which 'batsman' is next in line, then juggle Huss to suit the new guy. Jaques is close regardless, Katich and Haddin must be within a cooee, and Huss mark 2 is scoring a mountain of runs. Hodge is hopeless especially under pressure but the selectors seem to think he's good in the sack.
Posted by Moses on 2007-10-31 11:18:43
Dan, unless Andrew Symonds convinces me otherwise, which he is yet to do, I'll continue to be on the 'pick someone who can play Test cricket' bandwagon. That's an interesting comment - Andrew Symonds "can change the course of a game in the blink of an eye". When has he ever done that? The MCG century doesn't count - we were batting for a declaration and unless you select Test players who thrive in such a non-pressure situation, I have no use for him.
But it's all moot - Symonds is established now. And you know the rule - it's harder to get dropped than picked from the Australian team.
Re Hilfy, Brisbane always has humid conditions - but particularly this summer, we're going through one of those summer storm seasons like back when I was a young 'un.
Posted by JC on 2007-10-31 11:22:35
But it's all moot - Symonds is established now. And you know the rule - it's harder to get dropped than picked from the Australian team.
Re Hilfy, Brisbane always has humid conditions - but particularly this summer, we're going through one of those summer storm seasons like back when I was a young 'un.
Posted by JC on 2007-10-31 11:22:35
My instinct re Macgill versus Hogg is it's like choosing Panesar versus Giles. Eg - a wicket taker versus an economical workman. So while I personally don't like Macgilla (not that I've ever met him, just what I've seen and heard of him rubs me up the wrong way), I'd opt for the wicket taker (if he's fit).
Posted by JC on 2007-10-31 11:24:54
Posted by JC on 2007-10-31 11:24:54
I'd give Hogg a lot more credit than Giles.. whereas Giles is a Left arm slow bowler, Hogg can actually spin it. Giles has many balls in his armoury, the offie, the wrongun, the flipper, the slider, the zooter and the top-spinner. Unfortunately for the king of spain they all go straight.
Hogg is coming off an 8 wicket match which included an opener, no5 and keeper. and no-one can pick his wrongun, even the sub-continental types who should know better.
and some advice from a wise man on that middle order position:
Posted by Moses on 2007-10-31 11:36:12
Hogg is coming off an 8 wicket match which included an opener, no5 and keeper. and no-one can pick his wrongun, even the sub-continental types who should know better.
and some advice from a wise man on that middle order position:
Posted by Moses on 2007-10-31 11:36:12
I never understand the attraction of Hodge to the selectors, the only thing in his favour is the 200 in Perth and a few good catches. He never strikes me a player you can trust when he gets to the crease.
For some reason Jacques doesn't impress me, he is sort of like Hodge to me, never really that impressive. I would rather see Haddin in over Hodge Katich and Jacques.
Haven't really seen the Hussey Mark 2, but I don't think he is really a consideration for test selection.
Also if we are expecting some swing could Bracken be a consideration, he seems to be an option with swing and the old ball. He might even agree to a hair cut if we choose him.
Mind you there is one advantage to his hair style he is easy to recognise from a distance.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-10-31 11:36:53
For some reason Jacques doesn't impress me, he is sort of like Hodge to me, never really that impressive. I would rather see Haddin in over Hodge Katich and Jacques.
Haven't really seen the Hussey Mark 2, but I don't think he is really a consideration for test selection.
Also if we are expecting some swing could Bracken be a consideration, he seems to be an option with swing and the old ball. He might even agree to a hair cut if we choose him.
Mind you there is one advantage to his hair style he is easy to recognise from a distance.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-10-31 11:36:53
Like the side Andrew. I hope the selectors play both Hogg and MacGill in Sydney so we can see them go head to head.
I think the Hodge Factor is an interesting question. Like Marto, I think he's technically brilliant, a carbon copy of Punter minus the nervous shuffle at the beginning of the innings. He has been hard done by and would have a regular spot in any other world team. I see why the selectors persist with him but he's yet to prove himself a consisent performer, isn't he? Hussey set high standards for a new comer didn't he?
Posted by TA on 2007-10-31 12:04:29
I think the Hodge Factor is an interesting question. Like Marto, I think he's technically brilliant, a carbon copy of Punter minus the nervous shuffle at the beginning of the innings. He has been hard done by and would have a regular spot in any other world team. I see why the selectors persist with him but he's yet to prove himself a consisent performer, isn't he? Hussey set high standards for a new comer didn't he?
Posted by TA on 2007-10-31 12:04:29
In the "State of Origin" bias mode:
Openers: Boon and DiVenuto
Boon is still better than any of them. Big fat bloke will terrify the skinny Sri Lankans.
3rd and captain - Ponting obviously.
Middle Order - Cox, Hilfenhaus.
Couldn't come up with any more Tasmanians, but five is all we'd need to thrash the Sri Lankans.
Posted by Manning on 2007-10-31 13:41:59
Openers: Boon and DiVenuto
Boon is still better than any of them. Big fat bloke will terrify the skinny Sri Lankans.
3rd and captain - Ponting obviously.
Middle Order - Cox, Hilfenhaus.
Couldn't come up with any more Tasmanians, but five is all we'd need to thrash the Sri Lankans.
Posted by Manning on 2007-10-31 13:41:59
G'Day Manning, welcome aboard :)
Would you accept honourary Tasmanians like Michael Bevan and Dan Marsh? Otherwise get on the phone to Denmark to recruit Princess Mary to firm up the tail...
Posted by Moses on 2007-10-31 14:13:04
Would you accept honourary Tasmanians like Michael Bevan and Dan Marsh? Otherwise get on the phone to Denmark to recruit Princess Mary to firm up the tail...
Posted by Moses on 2007-10-31 14:13:04
oh.. and looks like Tait's just blown his chances of being selected:
Ponting, RT c:Manou b:Tait 96
Posted by Moses on 2007-10-31 14:14:34
Ponting, RT c:Manou b:Tait 96
Posted by Moses on 2007-10-31 14:14:34
Greetings Manning.
Butterworth as the all-rounder, Griffith to open bowling with Hilfenhaus. We are reigning Pura Cup champions after all.
Symonds scores quickly, can get wickets with bad balls, is the best fielder going around, turns a blind eye to monkey chants. He is really precious and will be an integral part of the side for a number of years.
With the departure of Warnie, McGrath and others we really should see Australia coming back to the fold. Maybe good for cricket but shocking for us one-eyeds.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-10-31 14:18:33
Butterworth as the all-rounder, Griffith to open bowling with Hilfenhaus. We are reigning Pura Cup champions after all.
Symonds scores quickly, can get wickets with bad balls, is the best fielder going around, turns a blind eye to monkey chants. He is really precious and will be an integral part of the side for a number of years.
With the departure of Warnie, McGrath and others we really should see Australia coming back to the fold. Maybe good for cricket but shocking for us one-eyeds.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-10-31 14:18:33
Roy is fine he just needs to be told that a test is really 5 back to back one dayers.
My scientific selection guidelines would be:
Anyone over the age of 30, automatically in.
If the test is at your home ground, your in.
If your Missus looks as good as Mrs Bracken, your in (but they must attend the match).
If your hobby is killing defenceless vermin or fishing, your in.
If you bat handle is pink, your in.
If blue is your favourite colour, your out.
Half the guys mentioned will probably pull a hammie anyway so it should work itself out.
Posted by Hanuman on 2007-10-31 14:50:53
My scientific selection guidelines would be:
Anyone over the age of 30, automatically in.
If the test is at your home ground, your in.
If your Missus looks as good as Mrs Bracken, your in (but they must attend the match).
If your hobby is killing defenceless vermin or fishing, your in.
If you bat handle is pink, your in.
If blue is your favourite colour, your out.
Half the guys mentioned will probably pull a hammie anyway so it should work itself out.
Posted by Hanuman on 2007-10-31 14:50:53
I know this is TOTALLY off-topic but you'll never guess who I just walked past, he was going into the 7-11 on the corner of Edward and Adeliade Street in the Brisbane CBD.... Mr Murali himself!!
He was looking quite serious and had his team polo shirt on.
(Sorry, I just had to tell someone and the guys are work just aren't into cricket... heathens! :)
Posted by Timbo on 2007-10-31 16:03:48
He was looking quite serious and had his team polo shirt on.
(Sorry, I just had to tell someone and the guys are work just aren't into cricket... heathens! :)
Posted by Timbo on 2007-10-31 16:03:48
Did he ask you for your autograph Timbo?
More importantly, did you see that elbow straighten?
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-10-31 16:12:53
More importantly, did you see that elbow straighten?
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-10-31 16:12:53
Timbo, didn't realise you were in Brissy. Hmm, CBD, huh? Maybe if I wander around there for the next few days with pen and pad, I might have a slim chance of snagging an autograph and a photo :-)
Posted by JC on 2007-10-31 16:27:45
Posted by JC on 2007-10-31 16:27:45
I didn't take the time to analyze his action, but I was tempted to follow him for a while and then go:
"NNNNNNNNNOOO BAAAALLLLL!!!!!!"
(Just kidding folks. :)
Posted by Timbo on 2007-10-31 16:30:02
"NNNNNNNNNOOO BAAAALLLLL!!!!!!"
(Just kidding folks. :)
Posted by Timbo on 2007-10-31 16:30:02
JC, You could find out what hotel they are staying in and set up a stake-out in the foyer??
Posted by Timbo on 2007-10-31 16:32:03
Posted by Timbo on 2007-10-31 16:32:03
I saw a sign last time he toured 'Murali has NO BALLS'.. Priceless
Posted by Moses on 2007-10-31 16:41:33
Posted by Moses on 2007-10-31 16:41:33
I remember a sign at the Gabba last time he was in Oz, it was at the VB series final, the game after his 0-99 in Sydney:
"Murali, 0-99... maybe it's time to CHUCK IT IN".
Gold. :)
Posted by Timbo on 2007-10-31 16:51:10
"Murali, 0-99... maybe it's time to CHUCK IT IN".
Gold. :)
Posted by Timbo on 2007-10-31 16:51:10
The first Test is 2 weeks away and you're already sledging Murali about no balling? For shame!
Posted by JC on 2007-10-31 17:25:42
Posted by JC on 2007-10-31 17:25:42
I like the side, but i'd love to see an ala 80s Windies bowling attack for soming different but Tait hasn't played enough cricket coming back from injury,
1.Hayden
2.Hussey
3.Ponting
4.Clarke
5.Symonds
6.Gilly
7.Hogg
8.Lee
9.Johnson
10.Clarke
11.Tait
Clarke line and length from one end Thunder and Lightning from the other with 3-4 over spells from the other quicks.
Hogg would enjoy the batsmen being glued to the back foot from having to face the quicks all day if it lasted that long.
That said your side is what I think will play and probably should play but I have my own little dreams.
Posted by KenOath on 2007-10-31 18:03:16
1.Hayden
2.Hussey
3.Ponting
4.Clarke
5.Symonds
6.Gilly
7.Hogg
8.Lee
9.Johnson
10.Clarke
11.Tait
Clarke line and length from one end Thunder and Lightning from the other with 3-4 over spells from the other quicks.
Hogg would enjoy the batsmen being glued to the back foot from having to face the quicks all day if it lasted that long.
That said your side is what I think will play and probably should play but I have my own little dreams.
Posted by KenOath on 2007-10-31 18:03:16
I'd give Tait a go (OK I'm biased because i'm a croweater.) But I remember Ian Chappell quoting Andy Roberts last year - they're only that fast for a short time. If they wait till Tait's 28 and he'll have probably broken down. Everyone was sceptical but he delivered the goods at the WC.
Oh and Andrew - that's still one more wicket than Johnson or Lee managed!
Posted by MT on 2007-10-31 23:40:52
Oh and Andrew - that's still one more wicket than Johnson or Lee managed!
Posted by MT on 2007-10-31 23:40:52
I would agree with 10 of your 12 selections, the only exceptions being Hogg and Hilfenhaus.
I would go for MacGill for Hogg, and
Shaun Tait for Hilfenhaus.
Hilfenhaus looks menacing only in appearance. Tait is young, strong and pacy, and deserves more chances.
The case for MacGill:
Poor MacGill has been almost as good as Warne in the few chances he has got. While in waiting, he's reached all of 36 years, and that's a travesty..
Just look at the stats:
Warne: In 145 matches, he took 708 wickets at 25.41 runs per wkt
MacGill: In 40 matches, he took 198 wickets at 27.20 runs per wkt
Warne: had the best analysis of 8/71
MacGill: has the best analysis of 8/108
Warne: took 10 wkts in a match 10 times
MacGill: took 10 wkts in a match 2 times (but he played only 40 matches to Warne's 145)
Warne was a magician and definitely the best right arm spinner the world has ever seen, but MacGill was definitely only second best to Warne... but infinitely superior to Hogg in the Test format.
Hogg is the best choice for the spinner's slot in ODIs.... but for Tests, MacGill is the best in the absence of Warne.
Cheers
Mahesh
Posted by Mahesh on 2007-11-01 03:35:41
I would go for MacGill for Hogg, and
Shaun Tait for Hilfenhaus.
Hilfenhaus looks menacing only in appearance. Tait is young, strong and pacy, and deserves more chances.
The case for MacGill:
Poor MacGill has been almost as good as Warne in the few chances he has got. While in waiting, he's reached all of 36 years, and that's a travesty..
Just look at the stats:
Warne: In 145 matches, he took 708 wickets at 25.41 runs per wkt
MacGill: In 40 matches, he took 198 wickets at 27.20 runs per wkt
Warne: had the best analysis of 8/71
MacGill: has the best analysis of 8/108
Warne: took 10 wkts in a match 10 times
MacGill: took 10 wkts in a match 2 times (but he played only 40 matches to Warne's 145)
Warne was a magician and definitely the best right arm spinner the world has ever seen, but MacGill was definitely only second best to Warne... but infinitely superior to Hogg in the Test format.
Hogg is the best choice for the spinner's slot in ODIs.... but for Tests, MacGill is the best in the absence of Warne.
Cheers
Mahesh
Posted by Mahesh on 2007-11-01 03:35:41
Hey Andrew
This is OT to this particular blog, but relevant to cricket in general. Feel free to cut and paste it into a separate blog if you want.
I was thinking about this last night - why is it that if we ever criticise a player from the subcontinent we get labelled as racist?
I can name dozens of players from the subcontinent (including those playing for other nations) that I hold in the highest regard, eg Tendulkar, Shoaib Akhtar, Panasar, etc. World class players who would be welcome in any side in the world. Ditto for many black players from the Caribbean or Africa.
But there are subcontinental players who I don't like. Take Arjuna Ranatunga. I don't dislike him because he is Sri Lankan or dark skinned, I dislike him because he is a fat little *******. If he was a white boy from Eton he'd still be a fat little *******. (Botham anyone?)
Now the debate on Murali will NEVER die. I belong to the "his action is suspect" camp and no amount of ICC reviews will ever convince me otherwise. But this is not a race debate, it's a bowling debate. If he was white I'd still be questioning it. Conversely I have no issue with Malinga's action - it's weird as hell but his arm is straight and above the horizontal plane (just), so it's fine by me. (I have an issue with his hair though).
Anyway, I think it's all ********. And all hail Darryl Hair who called things how he saw them. The fact that he got crucified simply for doing his duty as an umpire is a blemish on the game.
/RANT
EDITOR'S NOTE - I deleted some profanities from this comment. Keep it clean, people
Posted by Manning on 2007-11-01 10:29:54
This is OT to this particular blog, but relevant to cricket in general. Feel free to cut and paste it into a separate blog if you want.
I was thinking about this last night - why is it that if we ever criticise a player from the subcontinent we get labelled as racist?
I can name dozens of players from the subcontinent (including those playing for other nations) that I hold in the highest regard, eg Tendulkar, Shoaib Akhtar, Panasar, etc. World class players who would be welcome in any side in the world. Ditto for many black players from the Caribbean or Africa.
But there are subcontinental players who I don't like. Take Arjuna Ranatunga. I don't dislike him because he is Sri Lankan or dark skinned, I dislike him because he is a fat little *******. If he was a white boy from Eton he'd still be a fat little *******. (Botham anyone?)
Now the debate on Murali will NEVER die. I belong to the "his action is suspect" camp and no amount of ICC reviews will ever convince me otherwise. But this is not a race debate, it's a bowling debate. If he was white I'd still be questioning it. Conversely I have no issue with Malinga's action - it's weird as hell but his arm is straight and above the horizontal plane (just), so it's fine by me. (I have an issue with his hair though).
Anyway, I think it's all ********. And all hail Darryl Hair who called things how he saw them. The fact that he got crucified simply for doing his duty as an umpire is a blemish on the game.
/RANT
EDITOR'S NOTE - I deleted some profanities from this comment. Keep it clean, people
Posted by Manning on 2007-11-01 10:29:54
Editor - apologies for profanities. Shall curtail in future :)
Posted by Manning on 2007-11-01 11:16:29
Posted by Manning on 2007-11-01 11:16:29
No worries, thanks for the response :-)
Posted by JC on 2007-11-01 12:48:22
Posted by JC on 2007-11-01 12:48:22
I agree with you totally Manning, in fact I blogged about it last month here and here.
Of course Murali is a chucker (albeit a very successful one), I have trouble justifying his being treated any differently to Johan Botha of South Africa who is also a chucker.
When Ponting came out and asked that we show Murali respect on this tour, I think he was asking us not to call him chucker. To that I'd reply when he stops chucking... actually that's no true.. I'll still call him chucker if it gets under his skin.
Back on topic, test team gets announced in 72 minutes.. I'll post it straight up on cricket-blog around 2:30pm
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-01 13:22:31
Of course Murali is a chucker (albeit a very successful one), I have trouble justifying his being treated any differently to Johan Botha of South Africa who is also a chucker.
When Ponting came out and asked that we show Murali respect on this tour, I think he was asking us not to call him chucker. To that I'd reply when he stops chucking... actually that's no true.. I'll still call him chucker if it gets under his skin.
Back on topic, test team gets announced in 72 minutes.. I'll post it straight up on cricket-blog around 2:30pm
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-01 13:22:31
I thought this blogpost was on the Aussie XI... somehow it transgressed into a discussion on chuckers...
Cheers
Mahesh
Posted by Mahesh on 2007-11-02 02:16:19
Cheers
Mahesh
Posted by Mahesh on 2007-11-02 02:16:19
Australians always bag Murali just before we play Sri Lanka - it's another form of the "we don't care about Twenty20" disclaimer just in case we lose. Just imagine the chucker cries if he goes past Warnie's record.
Posted by JC on 2007-11-02 08:17:57
Posted by JC on 2007-11-02 08:17:57
Seems fair enough to me.. besides you can't take a wicket off a no ball so 'officially' I only recognise Murali's run-outs..
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-02 09:16:56
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-02 09:16:56
noffke another 5 for against sri lanka in the tour match thats 17 at 17 from 3 games. he still hasnt batted yet. surely he has to be close to a call up.
Posted by trigger on 2007-11-02 16:49:01
Posted by trigger on 2007-11-02 16:49:01
Good point there trigger, I suppose with the team of 13 already being named he'll be out of luck for the Brisbane test... though there's no reason they can't change their minds
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-02 17:17:18
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-02 17:17:18
Symonds has again done himself no favours - 22 off 20 when really QLD needed someone to survive 6 overs till stumps.
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-02 17:53:49
Posted by Moses on 2007-11-02 17:53:49
On chuckers...many have got away with murder. And now with the stupid ICC's ruling in the form (the 15 degree leeway), more are chucking away to glory.
Yeah, Johan Botha chucks. But the chief amongst them all, the original javelin thrower Muralitharan has gotten immunity for keeps.
There are other beneficiaries of the 15deg ruling: Shoaib Akthar, Brett Lee, Harbhajan Singh to name a few.
Brett Lee has been called only by Venkatraghavan, I think. And Venkat too only reported to the Match Referee. He didnt actually noball him. The reason was that most of his fast ones were clearly throws and you cant catch him while standing close to him. To me, he still throws and Shoaib Akthar too.
As for Harbhajan, his doosras are still suspect.
Cheers
Mahesh
Posted by Mahesh on 2007-11-03 06:25:59
Yeah, Johan Botha chucks. But the chief amongst them all, the original javelin thrower Muralitharan has gotten immunity for keeps.
There are other beneficiaries of the 15deg ruling: Shoaib Akthar, Brett Lee, Harbhajan Singh to name a few.
Brett Lee has been called only by Venkatraghavan, I think. And Venkat too only reported to the Match Referee. He didnt actually noball him. The reason was that most of his fast ones were clearly throws and you cant catch him while standing close to him. To me, he still throws and Shoaib Akthar too.
As for Harbhajan, his doosras are still suspect.
Cheers
Mahesh
Posted by Mahesh on 2007-11-03 06:25:59
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