I'll set this up, but I will be out tomorrow evening.

I've seen talk in the paper that Renshaw won't play. I'd drop Geoff Marsh to fit him in. I've seen Renshaw bat a lot of time in Asia.

Ok DC who stays and who goes for the next Test?
Four blokes have cemented their spots.. Finch, Paine, Head and of course Ussie who has played his best ever innings. They wont sack the vice captain so Mitch stays. Starc stays but his returns were mediocre, Lyon did his usual job.. he stays. I will persevere with Labuchange as he has much to offer with his versatility. Renshaw in for Shaun Marsh. Agar for Holland.

My Second Test X1:
Finch
Renshaw
Khawaja
Head
Marsh
Labuchagne
Paine
Agar
Starc
Lyon
Siddle/Neser.

I may consider switching Head with Labu to make it  top 6 left/right combinations. Uzzy has to bat #3 even if SOS is picked.
         

Yes looks like Renshaw is to be returned to Shield cricket in prep for India series. So folks we are stuck with Shaun Marsh whether we like it or not. If I was the coach I would have axed him for not only the deplorable shot he played to start the rot but his lack of leadership we expect from a senior member of our team.

Could the unthinkable happen and we get a pitch with actual grass on it for the Second Test? Having toiled on a Dubai pitch almost entirely bereft of greenery, the Australians were surprised to find a well-grassed wicket at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Sunday. Recent history would suggest the track will be far from the green seamer Australian Test sides have struggled on in recent Ashes series abroad and it's expected that curators will give the Abu Dhabi track a significant haircut ahead of the first ball on Tuesday.

I must say I'm surprised at Renshaw's omission.

I am no longer surprised by some things CA comes up with.

If they considered he was underdone why the hell did they pick him? They could have given the nod to a rookie like Jake Weatherald  or an elder stateman like Callum Ferguson.. both of whom have been in prime form.

Callum Ferguson has disappointed.

He had a lot of promise. He often looked good, then got out unexpectedly.

I think I'm out  on the turps tomorrow night, but might catch a bit of cricket early on.

I seem to remember Renshaw wasn't a bad first slip fielder too.

Nope!

I suppose a bloke as talented as he should be averaging more than @38 at FC level. His last few Shield seasons tho have been solid. Reason he was chosen to make his Test debut. Then what does CA do.. they drop him after a solitary Test match. What a massive kick in the guts that must have been.

So while you blokes go out and enjoy yourselves I will be here holding the fort once again.:P

Australia has lost toss again!!

I’m having a few before going out on the turps.

Mark Waugh reckons Lyon needs more help after a big bowling load in the First Test.

Waugh and Lee disagree over Starc’s current form. Waugh thought he bowled well without luck. Lee thought he was way below his best.

I’m annoyed Renshaw hasn’t been selected. Keeping him out of the team makes no sense.

Starc has a strike rate of 50 per wicket!

I'm with Lee.

 SO am I. This is what I have written on that subject.
If they considered he was underdone why the hell did they pick him? They could have given the nod to a rookie like Jake Weatherald  or an elder stateman like Callum Ferguson.. both of whom have been in prime form.

pitch looks slow and difficult for the pacemen

Gone - caught Labu bowled Starc,

They are 1-5 .

pretty good ball, even better shot, even better catch :D

Review!

Not out.

rubbish review
big inside edge and hitting outside off

wild over from starc but he seems to be getting some juice out of the pitch

good shape but not making the batsmen play a lot this over