Who's the best? If Williamson certainly isn't the best, who is then? AB de Villiers?

Other than de Villiers, I'm struggling to think of a better batsman. I don't think Smith is as good as Williamson. His technique is too unorthorodox and there are big question marks next to Smith's ability on wickets that aren't absolute fucking roads. Root is also very good but question marks next to him on when the ball is pitched up properly. Kohli at times, but at other times not that special.

Williamson is basically technically flawless, plays every conventional shot very elegantly, he's detects line and length quicker than just about anyone and thus is in position to time his shots perfectly very early (look at those pull shots he played), his powers of concentration are Dravid-esque and his temperament is superb. He can score big runs on wickets which all our batsmen (except Rogers) looked hopeless on. He scored a beautiful century at Lord's on a tough wicket.

And, of course, Williamson spends his winters playing county cricket in England. None of this T20 bullshit.

This is precisely why our best batsmen should be forbidden from playing in the IPL, they should be "cushioned" from the Big Bash and they should be encouraged to play county cricket.

its a shame usman is not batting in the second innings

Allah was unable to protect him

Not sure if serious, I'd say AB de Villiers, Amla, Cook & Y Khan are all ahead of him at this stage on longevity, performances against the top nations (Aus, Eng, Ind & SA) as well as their performances away from home.

I'd say even Matthews deserves to be in this conversation but he plays a very different roles to these guys.

Don't get me wrong I'm a huge fan of Williamson and it will only be a matter of time until he is the greatest imo but he needs to go to Eng, Ind & SA and score more runs first.

lol Fox running some New Idea styled article about Mitch J supposedly retiring after this test.

Wtf?

-PB

I know I said it before but I would much rather see a test over and done with in 3 days than a drawn out 5 dayer with no result.

We need proper pitches back. What ever happened to the pacemans paradise of the waca

Inside job to get Mitch to retire!

-PB

Mitch has been average since his stellar home summer against England.

:lol: if you say so buddy. Highest average and strike rate in our last overseas tour, and 2nd highest economy.

Edited by 11.mvfc.11: 17/11/2015 08:47:24 PM

Pattinson isn't ready yet for Test Cricket. I would've brought him in for the Boxing Day test. This game is too early. His got 2 Shield Games before the Boxing Day Test.

Edited by somebody: 18/11/2015 12:03:45 PM

Edited by somebody: 18/11/2015 12:04:38 PM

Edited by somebody: 18/11/2015 12:05:24 PM

Was hoping Bird or Behrendorff would be picked. :(

Shaun Marsh back in the team, collective groan.

-PB

Take the readings of speed guns with a grain of salt. Even today I suspect they're not always absolutely accurate, and in days gone, they probably were not too accurate.

I think the fastest delivery ever recorded was simply knocked down for an easy single. Something to remember :lol:

But, yes, express pace is an asset. It does need to be used properly.

Who's the best? If Williamson certainly isn't the best, who is then? AB de Villiers?

Other than de Villiers, I'm struggling to think of a better batsman. I don't think Smith is as good as Williamson. His technique is too unorthorodox and there are big question marks next to Smith's ability on wickets that aren't absolute fucking roads. Root is also very good but question marks next to him on when the ball is pitched up properly. Kohli at times, but at other times not that special.

Williamson is basically technically flawless, plays every conventional shot very elegantly, he's detects line and length quicker than just about anyone and thus is in position to time his shots perfectly very early (look at those pull shots he played), his powers of concentration are Dravid-esque and his temperament is superb. He can score big runs on wickets which all our batsmen (except Rogers) looked hopeless on. He scored a beautiful century at Lord's on a tough wicket.

And, of course, Williamson spends his winters playing county cricket in England. None of this T20 bullshit.

This is precisely why our best batsmen should be forbidden from playing in the IPL, they should be "cushioned" from the Big Bash and they should be encouraged to play county cricket.

Not so hard to bat in Australia anymore

In the last four years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of draws and big runs down under

The high-scoring draw at WACA wasn't an exception to the rule. In recent years, Australian conditions have become increasingly favourable to batting.

Since January 2012, 25% of Tests in Australia have been drawn, up from 13% in the eight-year period between 2004 and 2011

The average runs per wicket in Tests in Australia since 2012 is 38.33, which is higher than in all other countries except Bangladesh

Perth and Brisbane, historically excellent venues for pace and seam, have slipped significantly in terms of fast bowlers' averages in the last four years, compared to other venues around the world during this period

In these last four years, Australia have a 14-1 win-loss record in Tests at home, with a batting average of 50.34; in England and in Asia during the same period, they have a win-loss record of 2-12, and a batting average of 29.06
http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/942931.html?CMP=NLC-DLY

Would be 'okay' if there was no one really pushing for selection but you've got Klinger literally banging the door down, Bancroft a young talent who could have got a 2 test taste of test cricket or even Maxwell as logical options, giving Marsh his 5th recall is a joke.

Would be 'okay' if there was no one really pushing for selection but you've got Klinger literally banging the door down, Bancroft a young talent who could have got a 2 test taste of test cricket or even Maxwell as logical options, giving Marsh his 5th recall is a joke.

Its the latter tbh. Despite bettering Marsh in terms of first class average and runs this season and over the last few years, his FC average is still under 40. Hes a decent player in the form of his life and for 2 tests thats a lot better than 5th chance Shaun Marsh tbh.

Will be great to see Siddle crack 200 Test Wickets- thoroughly deserves it