light
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Suddenly, selecting the starting XI is looking like a daunting task for selectors. Players who have been on the chopping block have suddenly found form and it's becoming incredibly hard to find the right balance for the next test.
The Kiwi's are in serious trouble and this test will only have one outcome but it's important we give the right guys a run and a chance to prove themselves. Somehow we need to find room for Watson, Marsh and Cummins and have the ever-lingering Johnson still in contention.
Brisbane Test (score/10)
1. Phil Hughes (4/10) - Dissapointing both innings particularly second, how long does potential warrant selection?
2. Dave Warner (5/10) - Dissapointing with bat first innings but impressed in the field and with the ball. Looked threatening in the second innings showing glimpses of form.
3. Usman Khawaja (5/10) - Limited opportunities, looked promising first innings and fielded well in close.
4. Ricky Ponting (7/10) - Hard fought 78 and brilliant at second slip. Finding form at the right time for a Hobart swansong.
5. Michael Clarke (9/10) - Made the most of his chances with the bat but his tactics in the field were the most impressive facet of his game.
6. Michael Hussey (5/10) - Soft dismissal when we needed more from him. Questions will be asked over his spot with the returning Watson eyeing a spot down the order.
7. Brad Haddin (7/10) - Good with the gloves and solid with the bat. Silenced some critics and looked to be enjoying his cricket. Good to see.
8. Peter Siddle (6.5/10) - Toiled but was unrewarded. Didn't contribute to the bat but applied significant pressure with the ball and was workman-like.
9. James Pattinson (8.5/10) - Great debut with bat and ball. Second innings bowling was superb.
10. Mitchell Starc (5/10) - Tried hard but it just wasn't working. Solid with the bat but just didn't penetrate with the ball. Very little swing or threat, first innings was promising.
11. Nathan Lyon (7.5/10) - Was better than figures indicated. Bowled well and looks promising for the future.
...
If Marsh is ready, I can't see a need for Hughes and the top of the order. His technique lends itself to soft dismissals and we are already taking a risk with Warner. Marsh is solid and can play second fiddle if Warner decides to take it to the attack. The return of Watson also creates a dilemma as no-one really deserves to be dropped. We must remember NZ were weaker than normal and Hussey can't really be forgiven for his soft dismissal and low score. Watson needs to be lower down the order so it's likely we will see him replace Hussey or Khawaja, I would suggest the later of the two. Cummins return also places pressure on the bowling stock and I think he will replace Starc who just lacked creativity. Siddle is still off his best but I think he holds a key role as the experienced bowler and is somewhat reliable.
My starting XI for 2nd Test.
1. Phil Hughes/Shaun Marsh (Marsh if fit)
2. Dave Warner
3. Ricky Ponting
4. Michael Clarke
5. Usman Khawaja/Michael Hussey
6. Shane Watson (if fit)
7. Brad Haddin
8. Peter Siddle
9. Patrick Cummins
10. James Pattinson
11. Nathan Lyon
The Kiwi's are in serious trouble and this test will only have one outcome but it's important we give the right guys a run and a chance to prove themselves. Somehow we need to find room for Watson, Marsh and Cummins and have the ever-lingering Johnson still in contention.
Brisbane Test (score/10)
1. Phil Hughes (4/10) - Dissapointing both innings particularly second, how long does potential warrant selection?
2. Dave Warner (5/10) - Dissapointing with bat first innings but impressed in the field and with the ball. Looked threatening in the second innings showing glimpses of form.
3. Usman Khawaja (5/10) - Limited opportunities, looked promising first innings and fielded well in close.
4. Ricky Ponting (7/10) - Hard fought 78 and brilliant at second slip. Finding form at the right time for a Hobart swansong.
5. Michael Clarke (9/10) - Made the most of his chances with the bat but his tactics in the field were the most impressive facet of his game.
6. Michael Hussey (5/10) - Soft dismissal when we needed more from him. Questions will be asked over his spot with the returning Watson eyeing a spot down the order.
7. Brad Haddin (7/10) - Good with the gloves and solid with the bat. Silenced some critics and looked to be enjoying his cricket. Good to see.
8. Peter Siddle (6.5/10) - Toiled but was unrewarded. Didn't contribute to the bat but applied significant pressure with the ball and was workman-like.
9. James Pattinson (8.5/10) - Great debut with bat and ball. Second innings bowling was superb.
10. Mitchell Starc (5/10) - Tried hard but it just wasn't working. Solid with the bat but just didn't penetrate with the ball. Very little swing or threat, first innings was promising.
11. Nathan Lyon (7.5/10) - Was better than figures indicated. Bowled well and looks promising for the future.
...
If Marsh is ready, I can't see a need for Hughes and the top of the order. His technique lends itself to soft dismissals and we are already taking a risk with Warner. Marsh is solid and can play second fiddle if Warner decides to take it to the attack. The return of Watson also creates a dilemma as no-one really deserves to be dropped. We must remember NZ were weaker than normal and Hussey can't really be forgiven for his soft dismissal and low score. Watson needs to be lower down the order so it's likely we will see him replace Hussey or Khawaja, I would suggest the later of the two. Cummins return also places pressure on the bowling stock and I think he will replace Starc who just lacked creativity. Siddle is still off his best but I think he holds a key role as the experienced bowler and is somewhat reliable.
My starting XI for 2nd Test.
1. Phil Hughes/Shaun Marsh (Marsh if fit)
2. Dave Warner
3. Ricky Ponting
4. Michael Clarke
5. Usman Khawaja/Michael Hussey
6. Shane Watson (if fit)
7. Brad Haddin
8. Peter Siddle
9. Patrick Cummins
10. James Pattinson
11. Nathan Lyon
