+x+xcloser than it should have been when paki was six down
Australia's 3rd and 4rd bowlers need so much work
surprised the dorf hasnt had a chance
We also dropped Zampa and did not select Lyon.
Just before I went to bed Richardson got movement from the pitch and was unlucky not to take wickets.
Gday Dc,
jaszyjim - Well an interesting match, at least we tried something different.
The match showed up our fragility against good bowlers. From the top;
Finch - a good score but very lucky. Never looked settled, no foot movement,
a day when luck went his way.
Warner - Finally showing his class & why he is so important to this side.
Smith - uncharacteristic shot, his head & body not to the ball, hence weight on back foot
resulting in a lolly pop.
Maxwell - given his chance early, no real pressure, no foot movement = out.
Marsh - never looked settled, slow to get to the ball = out
Khawaja - same as Marsh.
Carey - Not a big score but in the middle order only Marsh @ 23 was higher.
Coulter Nile - Disappointing & the rest the same.
Conclusions:-
The main point in this world cup is consistency. Too often we hear the excuse that so & so is having
an off day. It's the world cup & an off day can cost you a match. These guys are paid
extremely well not to have an off day = not an excuse. If you want an off day, then go home.
Finch & Warner stay as 1 & 2, given the understanding that Finch will be suspect with top bowlers.
Smith stays at 3.
Now we get interesting - Marsh & Khawaja playing together, what a chance to compare.
Both got a start & both failed = 4th spot a ? - due to lack of batsmen to select from
in the squad, probably Marsh
5th spot - Maxwell to me, as I said from the start should be dropped.
Batting = no foot movement, bowling not good enough and will be picked off in both by good teams.
If we use him as our yard stick as to who is included = no one better & he is included,
we loose against good teams.
If dropped will probable be replaced by Khawaja - no one else over there.
6th should be a good an allrounder, Stoinis being injured was our best, but we don't have one.
Carey should bat 6.
7 - Coulter Nile, unimpressive with both ball & bat = drop him & replace with M. Marsh.
At least he can't do any worse & may provide a spark.
8 to 11 = bowlers;
Cummins & Starc the only ones performing, although if Starc has an off day like he did against India,
then he is a liability. Inaccurate at his pace = lots of runs.
Richardson got wickets but not impressive.
Why Finch bowled himself, despite getting a wicket, in lieu of Smith I will never know.
Was not impressed with Finch's captaincy at all in this match. Is he feeling the pressure from
Smith looming over his shoulder?
Lyon should be included at 11.
Should Behrendorff replace Richardson?
That's my lot