Very happy to hear that the Aussie lads completed the white wash. Having left the country a week ago for Europe at 4-0 I didn't get the chance to watch the SCG test as apparently cricket is not a sport here. Incredibly proud to be Australian and see Australian cricket successful again. That being said, we are not where we need to be yet and our goal should be number 1 (is that possible is we beat the Saffas?)..
Watching the English press publicly murder their team has been a personal highlight for mine. Blokes like Botham have been made look like idiots thanks to their predictions and I love it! That being said, I thought Stokes and Broad were outstanding and the only positives for them looking forward. Cook and Flower need to have a serious clean out of the side, starting with KP, Anderson and Prior.
Looking toward South Africa and I can't help but wonder what the series would have been like if Kallis had stuck around. I think his absence could really effect the Proteas if they get behind early. The Aussies are confident and Lehmann will ensure the lads are focused on the task at hand. I'm very hopeful for a series win but it will be a lot tighter than the Ashes and the saffa bowling line up is formidable, our guys will be tested. Batting could be an issue for them, as I don't see much talent outside the big three. Smith is always consistent but has struggled against us in the past, Ab DeVilliers is in the form of his life and bloody scary right now and we all know what Amla is capable of. Other than those guys you have to look at someone like Du Plessis, Peterson and Duminy and none of those blokes are considered top 25 in the world right now. That said, Philander and Steyn are 1 & 2 respectively with the ball and Morkel is quality too. Abbott and Tahir don't appear as threatening and their lack of a world class spinner may help our cause.
I'd keep Bailey for the tour and give him the first test to prove his worth, last chance. Hughes and Doolan should also be on the tour and maybe even a bloke like Maddinson, Burns or Carters - Marcus North has a compelling case for selection but I think he's probably not going to get another look in right now without a few more domestic tons. Would like to see some depth in the opening position as if we lose Rogers or Warner I cannot think of any replacement? Maybe Klinger?
Can't tour with Haddin as the only keeper, I'd have either Hartley or Paine and probably the former after his performances for QLD in the shield last season. Bowling stocks look great, Pattinson is a must as first in line back up, wouldn't mind seeing Faulkner or Bird on the plane too, if not both. Benny Hilfenhaus must be in with a shot too, he's managed to be ranked the 17th best test bowler in the world right now according to the ICC. That's ahead of Starc, Watson, Pattinson and Lyon and a whole host of other quality international bowlers.
I have a feeling that if we win this series it may be the last we see of Haddin and Clarke. Haddin must know that this rich vein of form can't continue for too much longer and family has always come first for the bloke. Clarke's back is also completely screwed. Should we win the series, which I pray we do, I think Pup will call it stumps and let someone else lead the side into a new era (maybe Smith or one of the bowlers, we don't have too many options). It would be fitting too, considering where Australian cricket was when Clarke began his international career, where it went and hopefully finishes.
The bloke deserves all the praise he receives but my fingers are crossed we get another year or so out of him so we can work out a successor. Anyone who averages over 50 as test cricketer is a decent cricketer in my opinion, that's not even considering the consistency of his performances as captain of an often sinking ship.
Bring on the Proteas!
End rant <