Proteas vs Aus: Tests in SA

[mark_s]

Harris looked alright to me in this test, better than he bowled in Aus.

Kreja isn't the answer - he averages nearly 50 with the ball in both first class games and test matches. Thats double his average with the bat. He won't be taken on the Ashes tour.

I think we have ruled out McGain, Hauriz and Kreja now. Time to look elsewhere, maybe Noffke, beau Casson or Cullen Bailey. Atleast there is a chance that they won't be poo.

 

[Scotty]

I think we might see them stick with McDonald for the Ashes, or otherwise bring Clark into the team to go with a 4 man pace attack. M Clark and Katich to bowl more.

We managed to win a test series in South Africa with two of our most experienced batsmen playing poorly (Clark and Hussey). If those guys turn it back on, then we should smash England.

 

[mark_s]

Both Clarke and Katich have back problems so they try to avoid bowling. McDonald has done enough to keep his place at this stage, but they will trial a spinner as well.

 

[Blue]

Awesome performance from SA with the bat and ball. Dead rubber yes but as an SA supporter it was good to see them play the type of cricket that got the wins here in Australia.

On TV last night Kasprowicz mentioned an observation by Terry Jenner that Aus needs to stop obsessing about a spinner and that there are better attacked available than trying to force a spinner into the team.

North bowled well in the preceding tests and if they can keep Katich fit to squeeze out 10 or 15 overs in an innings if needed then you really don't need a specialist spinner unless its on a track that will suit a bowler like Krejza.

Put the best 11 on the Park.

1. Katich
2. Hughes
3. Ponting
4. Hussey
5. Clarke
6. Haddin
7. North
8. Johnson
9. Siddle
10. Clark / Lee / H'Haus
11. Clark / Lee / H'Haus

Last two get selected based on conditions. Hilfenhaus will play a big role in England with the Duke ball. Lee has all the work to do and little opportunity left to prove fitness anyway.

 

[Ash]

Lee is useless in England. The pitches there aren't hard, fast and bouncy enough to suit him. If you look at Lee's figures for prior Ashes series in England, I think he was averaging something like 50-add with the ball?!?!

If Lee gets selected in the Ashes squad without looking like a world beater in several games (which, of course, he won't) to prove his fitness and form, then selection is a complete joke.

 

[Moses]

Career Bowling Average
Peter Siddle 27.65
Mitchell Johnson 28.01
Brett Lee 30.81
Ben Hilfenhaus 52.28

Mitchell Johnson's batting average: 34.70 !
Mitchell Johnson's batting average this year: 79.75 !!!

 

[PaarlBok]

Great fightback by the Aus lot and specially Johnson. Great unbeaten ton and also MacDonald. This win will set us up nicely for the One Dayers. Could not believe this was actually Albie Morkel's test debut.

From the nemy view I think its absolute important you lot get a decend off spinner for the Poms. Can always send my boy but surely thats the one you need. Cant believe you dont have them in your provincial sides. The Quickies is top notch and batting also.