Cricket Summer of 2014/15

[Braveheart81]

The only batsman in the test side with a higher test average than first class average is Michael Clarke. That's certainly a statistical anomaly.

Selecting specialist bastmen who average below 40 in first class cricket is only likely to end up with one result. A test batsman who average in the 30s or lower.

I think it is unlikely that Shaun Marsh, Alex Doolan, Shane Watson, or Callum Ferguson will ever be star test batsmen.

 

[Highlander35]

First drop for Queensland who played a handful of T20s at the tail of last summer. Where's he at? Was in good form last season.

 

[Train Without a Station]

The only batsman in the test side with a higher test average than first class average is Michael Clarke. That's certainly a statistical anomaly.

Selecting specialist bastmen who average below 40 in first class cricket is only likely to end up with one result. A test batsman who average in the 30s or lower.

I think it is unlikely that Shaun Marsh, Alex Doolan, Shane Watson, or Callum Ferguson will ever be star test batsmen.

I agree with averaging lower than 30.

FYI I believe Haddin's is or was higher too.

I agree with your sentiment, but especially as there are not many batsmen who average above 45, consideration to sustained current form needs to be paid.

I'm not saying a current purple patch is enough, but when players manage repeat seasons in excess of their average, it's not unrealistic to expect their career average will continue to climb.

Callum Ferguson is about the only player who I would potentially consider. But, he'd need to put more form together first.

 

[Braveheart81]

Haddin's test average is 34 and first class is 38.

I definitely think there is a spot in the current Australian test team for whichever shield batsman is in the best current form.

Realistically, Warner, Clarke and Smith are the only batsmen whose spots are secure. Clarke might not play against India due to his hamstring and who knows how long he will last before he retires.

In the absence of players who have produced the necessary runs at first class level to suggest they can make it over the long term at test level, I'd just pick a player for the next test or two who is in red hot form. As soon as that form drops, pick the next guy in red hot form.

Cricket is such a statistical game and there's a whole heap of history to suggest how players might fare at test level based on their first class results.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

The only batsman in the test side with a higher test average than first class average is Michael Clarke. That's certainly a statistical anomaly.

Selecting specialist bastmen who average below 40 in first class cricket is only likely to end up with one result. A test batsman who average in the 30s or lower.

I think it is unlikely that Shaun Marsh, Alex Doolan, Shane Watson, or Callum Ferguson will ever be star test batsmen.

In the main you are right. You would expect a batsman to have an imposing first class average over at least a couple of seasons before putting them in the test team. Trajectory is also important too. If a guy starts off modestly and improves his game year by year then I think they are worth looking at. Mike Hussey is a good example. He was averaging mid 30's for a long time for WA, but got his game sorted out, started to score heavily in Shield and County cricket and away he went. Those are the kinds of guys who I want to be in the mix and I think Ferguson could (and I stress could) be one of them.

Doolan is a disappointment in a lot of respects. He looks fantastic out there but has a habit (even at FC level) of not converting a start into a big score. Shaun Marsh is the same. Watson has the ability to be a proper test batsman, but has flaws in his technique and temperament.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Callum Ferguson is about the only player who I would potentially consider. But, he'd need to put more form together first.

Absolutely. One more big score might just get him a look in though.

 

[RugbyReg]

First drop for Queensland who played a handful of T20s at the tail of last summer. Where's he at? Was in good form last season.

Chris Lynn? He's injured and will make his way back via the Big Bash. Averages 43 in First Class. Very good player coming into maturity.

Joe Burns is the other (QLD) batsman to consider. Averages just over 40 but I reckon is on the incline. Scored close to Ferguson's numbers this season.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Joe Burns is definitely one to watch. I'd like to see Nic Maddinson kick on too.

 

[No4918]

First test:

Hughes
Warner
Rogers
Smith (c)
Watson
M Marsh
Haddin (hopefully)
Johnson
Harris (hopefully)
Cummins
Lyon
Siddle (12th man)

Hartley in for Haddin if the old guy isn't fit is wishful thinking, good money will be on Wade.

 

[Braveheart81]

If Haddin isn't fit, I hope they go with Nevill or Whiteman.

Wade is a terrible keeper at test level.

I would have selected Hartley years ago at various points when we needed a keeper, but his ship has sailed. I can't see him being introduced now.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Wade is certainly not good enough with the gloves at test level. Good with the bat, but his core job is to keep wickets and he needs to be better at that.

 

[PaarlBok]

Big total for Proteas to chase.

 

[Brumby Runner]

In the main you are right. You would expect a batsman to have an imposing first class average over at least a couple of seasons before putting them in the test team. Trajectory is also important too. If a guy starts off modestly and improves his game year by year then I think they are worth looking at. Mike Hussey is a good example. He was averaging mid 30's for a long time for WA, but got his game sorted out, started to score heavily in Shield and County cricket and away he went. Those are the kinds of guys who I want to be in the mix and I think Ferguson could (and I stress could) be one of them.

Doolan is a disappointment in a lot of respects. He looks fantastic out there but has a habit (even at FC level) of not converting a start into a big score. Shaun Marsh is the same. Watson has the ability to be a proper test batsman, but has flaws in his technique and temperament.

Even Mike Hussey himself rates Ferguson and suggests he could develop in the test arena as he (Hussey) did.

 

[Brumby Runner]

If Haddin isn't fit, I hope they go with Nevill or Whiteman.

Wade is a terrible keeper at test level.

I would have selected Hartley years ago at various points when we needed a keeper, but his ship has sailed. I can't see him being introduced now.

What about Tassie Tim as wickie? Looked to be next in line a couple of years ago until he suffered severe finger injury I think it was.

 

[No4918]

Even Mike Hussey himself rates Ferguson and suggests he could develop in the test arena as he (Hussey) did.

Hussey had 15000 first class runs and an average over 50 when he debuted. To say he developed in the test arena suggests he strugfled at the start but he averaged around 100 for a while.

 

[Train Without a Station]

One could say he actually declined in the test arena based on pure statistics.

 

[Braveheart81]

What about Tassie Tim as wickie? Looked to be next in line a couple of years ago until he suffered severe finger injury I think it was.

My take on it is that they've decided Nevill is a better keeper now.

Injury cruelled Paine's career right when it was about to take off. Sad really as the guy is a talent.

I tend to think Sam Whiteman is going to be the next big thing as far as Aussie keepers go and I'd be tempted to plan to have him take over from Haddin after the Ashes (assuming Haddin makes it that far).

Haddin seems likely to play the next shield game so if all goes well, he'll play the first test against India.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Hussey had 15000 first class runs and an average over 50 when he debuted. To say he developed in the test arena suggests he strugfled at the start but he averaged around 100 for a while.

He was pretty mediocre for a number of years for WA before that though. He didn't develop in the test arena, agreed, but he actually got dropped a few times for WA before sorting his game out. We all thought he had talent, but for a number of years the numbers didn't back it up at all.

 

[No4918]

He was pretty mediocre for a number of years for WA before that though. He didn't develop in the test arena, agreed, but he actually got dropped a few times for WA before sorting his game out. We all thought he had talent, but for a number of years the numbers didn't back it up at all.

The same can be said for many players. Hussey did get his act together in a big way before the call up and it wasn't just one season. Ferguson has two hundreds to his name. I do think he has talent and am interested to see what he can do. If he scores 1000+ runs this season take him to England for the Ashes.

 

[PaarlBok]

Aus beating us easily 4-1. Look really strong and in good nick for the WC next year. Good thing mean our lot wont go in the WC as favourates and lots of work to be done. We miss JP Duminy and Albie Morkel.