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Peter Fenwicke (45)
Agree regarding Khawaja, very different dismissals but they were the type of decision on which a game can be determined. That was a night & day decision for mine, the ball wasn't anywhere near the bat.
Regarding KP us arm-chair umpires can never really know whether he hit it or not but there was certainly a sound on the stump mic (whether it be ball on bat or simply his spikes shuffling on the pitch). The noise that accompanied it was loud enough to suggest there should have been something on hot spot, his reaction when being dismissed also indicated that he didn't believe he hit it. I'm no expert but when it comes to that type of situation I think the batsman should be given the benefit of the doubt. Obviously the on-field decision should be taken heavily into consideration and I think it was the right decision. The reaction of the Aussies behind the stump and in particular Siddle suggested they didn't believe he hit it, I refuse to believe snicko is any sort of confirmation as it is not in real time. Then again, it was KP so I'm happy for him to be given out and it really had no bearing on the game in the end. Had it been an Aussie batsman I wonder if we would all be reacting the same way? Also had we bowled England out it would have been a far bigger issue.
Reputation has to mean something in cricket and KP doesn't strike me as the kind of batsman who would intentionally pretend to not hit it. On the contrary the time he took to review perhaps suggests he wasn't sure himself. That's a fine line and although he is one of the more controversial blokes in world cricket he seems like an honest player (even Warne mentioned something along those lines).
I have no solution to DRS but I just think we are entering dangerous territory and the ICC needs to work out some sort of precedent or general rule of thumb for these kind of dismissals. Credit to the third ump on the consistency though, had he overturned that decision we would have some interesting headlines today. There at least appears to be some clarity now and this series is shaping up quite well, no longer is 5-0 on the cards and we are looking competitive again.
Quick ratings:
Rogers 8/10. Great first innings knock that set the tone and showed some great signs fielding. His experience is invaluable.
Watson 4/10. His bowling is proving his most valuable asset right now. How much longer do we keep persevering with him opening?.
Khawaja 4/10. Never looked threatening in either innings but has all the shots to be a solid middle order player. No 5 would be a better position IMO.
Clarke 9.5/10. Our best by a considerable margin, first innings knock was world class. Good decisions in the field minus the Root drop.
Smith 8/10. Looks to be in great form with the bat just fell short of a ton, wasn't at his best with the ball but proving to be a valuable asset.
Warner 6/10. Second innings proved he needs to be at the top of the order. Will get better in time once the Root situation blows over.
Haddin 8/10. Great first innings knock and very impressive game with the gloves, finally found some form and influence in the field.
Starc 5/10. Found bowling to the top order tough which was concerning but had notched a quick 50 with the bat to gloss over an average test.
Siddle 7/10. Always threatens and has a lion heart, big game player.
Harris 8/10. Our best bowler when fit and had the ball moving. He's got to be considered in the top 10 worldwide.
Lyon 5/10. 1 wicket in what was a very disappointing showing, that pitch had plenty to offer spinners and he failed to get anything out of it.
