Paddles
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+xFor all the hoo hah about Nathan Lyon... and he does have a fairly impressive record, specially last three years. He is not going to run thru a side even when conditions are in his favor.. such as here. To date Ashwin has outbowled him. He is a cleverer bowler with a wider repertoire. Now make a liar out of me Nathan. Lyons averaging 38 this year which includes a tour to Pakistan... He averaqed 36 in 2016. 2017 is one great year (23.5) in between two poor years tbf.
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Paddles
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See I would bottle up Starc's determination, fitness, height, his sheer pain threshold to bowl fast all day - and take it any day, but outside that great yorker, he needs a stock delivery.
He doesn't have one. And he overpitches/slides down leg far too often...
Physically, he has it all. Courageously and mentally, he has it all. But he does not have a stock ball.
Mitch Johnson had the same problem, till he found the middle of the pitch and said - yups that's my stock ball from now on...
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Test_Fan
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This test match is almost over.
We are losing because we do not have enough quality batsmen, Pujara is a high quality test match batsman, not quite in the Kohli and Smith level but only slightly below it. He has been the difference, we do not have a batsman of that quality. I feel we must make at least one change. Finch is not a red ball opener. Do not start with the bullshit he can open in one day cricket. Mark Waugh was an excellent one day opener but never would have even dreamt of playing him as a teat match opener. Completely different games with completely different requirements. Maybe there is a place in the middle order for him but he must not open. If Patterson makes a big score for NSW I would definitely bring him in, a good young player in good form, worth a shot, cannot do worse than what we currently having the side. Burns is probably the best option to come in as an opener. Doolan started the season well but his last couple of matches he has not scored much and Renshaw is really struggling. If Renshaw can play an innings to save the match for Queensland in this current shield match perhaps bring him in.
Top 6, Harris, Burns, Khawaja, Head, Patterson, Handscomb, Or perhaps open with Khawaja again then Harris, Khawaja, Patterson, Head, Handscomb, Finch
Still looks very weak.
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grazorblade
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having 3 overturned decisions would really sap australia mentally
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BaggyGreens
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Lead is 230 and growing. Should we start to panic?
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Test_Fan
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+x+x+x+xAmazing the number of people straight onto Starc???WTF Last 10 tests for Starc 41 wickets 1189 av 29. With the bat 182 runs at 11 (so yes he hasn't performed well as an all rounder) and that includes Pakistan series Last 10 tests for Hazlewood 37 wickets 1092 av 29.51 With the bat 73 runs at 6 Last 10 tests for Cummins 47 wickets 1121 av 24 With the bat 265 runs at 18 So if there are questions on Starc there are bigger questions on Hazlewood, afterall Starc contributes more from an all round cricket aspect than what Hazlewood does. Should both be dropped? But I for one wouldn't be dropping Starc before Hazlewood Not good enough argument Last 20 tests Starc 98 wickets 2605 av 26,5 scored 549 with the bat av 17 Last 20 tests Hazlewood 78 wickets 2106 av 27 scored 150 with the bat av 5 This clearly shows Starc is a wicket taker av 2.4 wickets per innings, Hazlewood averages 1.9 wickets per innings (you need 5 bowlers of this calibre to take 10 wickets per innings) There is nothing that supports Hazlewood over Starc apart from opinions that vary from individual to individual. Please convince me with FACTS not opinions that supports Hazlewood over Starc. Remember a bowlers job is to take wickets and in 20 tests that is 400 wickets to take and Hazlewood can only take 78 of them (as I said that means 5 bowlers are required), at least Starc has done his fair share by taking 98 (only need 4 bowlers of that calibre) No attack averages 10w per innings. Not even the great West Indian attack. Its basically impossible over a larger sample due to run outs, retirements, rain outs, part timers taking wickets, declarations and losses. I get you don't like Haze, and you make some seemingly fair comparative points. But you're asking a bit much. And if I were you, I would look at the tail end vs top order percentages for Haze and Starc. Because I am quite sure Starcy does a lot of tail mopping, it is like comparing McGrath and Warne - where Warnie's tail end mopping is far more signifcant vs McGrath top order dismissals. Paddles I have those too Hazlewood top order 38% middle order 34% tail 28% Starc top order 36% middle order 33% tail 31% Sorry Paddles I don't see much difference and Starc has taken 30+ additional wickets But this is the one I like Starc has bowled or LBW 43.5% of his dismissals Hazlewood Bowled or LBW 31% of his dismissals, as I say to Baggers he doesn't attack the stumps enough and relies on poor shots from the batsmen, which let's be honest the 4 dismissals so far in this test were all poor shots. Many would say the opposite, that Starc attacks the stumps too much... But it does not surprise me Haze is getting less of the tail, and this does influence on averages. 1 more tail end wicket per game, is a huge difference to averages and strike rates. I'm not defending Haze as against Starc. I think you're right to question the attack. You're the only Aussie around I've met who does not buy into the Aus attack is "world class" myth... hmmm, I don't think the attack is world class either. 3 test match quality fast bowlers but nothing special.
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RedKat
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At worse the next squad has to be dropping Shaun Marsh and bringing in Joe Burns (yes he had a bad shield knock but hes had consistency over the last few seasons) and drop Finch down the order. But knowing selectors theyll either go unchanged or bring in someone like Larkin or Maddison who dont have the consistency but just got some shield runs.
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City Sam
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+xLead is 230 and growing. Should we start to panic? We won't even score 230, test is done
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Paddles
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+xAt worse the next squad has to be dropping Shaun Marsh and bringing in Joe Burns (yes he had a bad shield knock but hes had consistency over the last few seasons) and drop Finch down the order. But knowing selectors theyll either go unchanged or bring in someone like Larkin or Maddison who dont have the consistency but just got some shield runs. What about Renshaw... Many thought he was a cert for this game...
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City Sam
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+xAt worse the next squad has to be dropping Shaun Marsh and bringing in Joe Burns (yes he had a bad shield knock but hes had consistency over the last few seasons) and drop Finch down the order. But knowing selectors theyll either go unchanged or bring in someone like Larkin or Maddison who dont have the consistency but just got some shield runs. Saw a great meme earlier, the worst part about Smith's captaincy was not giving Marsh the sandpaper.
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RedKat
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+x+xAt worse the next squad has to be dropping Shaun Marsh and bringing in Joe Burns (yes he had a bad shield knock but hes had consistency over the last few seasons) and drop Finch down the order. But knowing selectors theyll either go unchanged or bring in someone like Larkin or Maddison who dont have the consistency but just got some shield runs. What about Renshaw... Many thought he was a cert for this game... Hes horrifically out of form at the moment. Would be a disservice to call him up. Burns has continual runs over the last few shield season (high 40s i think) and made a gritty 42 when he was last called up.
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BaggyGreens
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+xThis test match is almost over. We are losing because we do not have enough quality batsmen, Pujara is a high quality test match batsman, not quite in the Kohli and Smith level but only slightly below it. He has been the difference, we do not have a batsman of that quality. I feel we must make at least one change. Finch is not a red ball opener. Do not start with the bullshit he can open in one day cricket. Mark Waugh was an excellent one day opener but never would have even dreamt of playing him as a teat match opener. Completely different games with completely different requirements. Maybe there is a place in the middle order for him but he must not open. If Patterson makes a big score for NSW I would definitely bring him in, a good young player in good form, worth a shot, cannot do worse than what we currently having the side. Burns is probably the best option to come in as an opener. Doolan started the season well but his last couple of matches he has not scored much and Renshaw is really struggling. If Renshaw can play an innings to save the match for Queensland in this current shield match perhaps bring him in. Top 6, Harris, Burns, Khawaja, Head, Patterson, Handscomb, Or perhaps open with Khawaja again then Harris, Khawaja, Patterson, Head, Handscomb, Finch Still looks very weak. Any lineup of ours without the phenomenal Steve Smith looks weak. Is Burns still fishing at wide, moving deliveries? Prefer him down the order to be brutally honest. Still wanna see CA bring in a hard head such as White or Bailey. Cam has a similar FC av as SOS while Bailey is just below them but has scored masses of runs last three seasons.
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Test_Fan
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+xAt worse the next squad has to be dropping Shaun Marsh and bringing in Joe Burns (yes he had a bad shield knock but hes had consistency over the last few seasons) and drop Finch down the order. But knowing selectors theyll either go unchanged or bring in someone like Larkin or Maddison who dont have the consistency but just got some shield runs. Maddinson, LOL. The selectors must not do that and they will not. Larkin is not a good option either, Daniel Hughes would be the slightly better option but still surely cannot be picked. Burns and Patterson are the two they should be bringing in, a good inning for either of them in the remainder of the current Shield matches would be helpful.
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Paddles
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+x+xAt worse the next squad has to be dropping Shaun Marsh and bringing in Joe Burns (yes he had a bad shield knock but hes had consistency over the last few seasons) and drop Finch down the order. But knowing selectors theyll either go unchanged or bring in someone like Larkin or Maddison who dont have the consistency but just got some shield runs. Saw a great meme earlier, the worst part about Smith's captaincy was not giving Marsh the sandpaper. HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAH
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grazorblade
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+xAt worse the next squad has to be dropping Shaun Marsh and bringing in Joe Burns (yes he had a bad shield knock but hes had consistency over the last few seasons) and drop Finch down the order. But knowing selectors theyll either go unchanged or bring in someone like Larkin or Maddison who dont have the consistency but just got some shield runs. I'd drop everyone with a first class average under forty and replace them with khawaja Burns White Pattison Harris Maxwell Marsh the only one with an average over 40 dropped since he never managed to step up to this level and Harris kept in on the basis of potential
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MikeR
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+xStarc has always been overrated, he had a really good period around the world cup but he just isn't a consistent threat. Can't build up pressure and doesn't get the ball doing much, a poor mans Mitch Johnson. I agree and disagree slightly, he is a poor mans Mitchell Johnson but though Starc does spray the ball a bit but he is effective from 45 tests 185 wickets he's going to hit that 200 wicket mark easily at the average of 50 tests and considering his first 14 tests he was in and out of the side and he only took 45 wickets his next 150 wickets have come very quickly. But I agree with Paddles this is not a world class bowling attack. A World Class attack in this test would have realised how important it was to get India out as fast as possible hopefully under a 250 run lead as that is looking like a hard run chase for this Australian batting line up. Starc and Hazlewood wasted the new ball didn't make the batsmen play enough, they bowled too wide, first wicket fell in the 19th over, the ball lost it's proud seam and shine and it became easy for India to score from then on. As India now approach 250 lead they've only lost 3 wickets, thus the bowlers have to shoulder some of the blame if we lose this test. But they seem to be never under question, it is solely the batsmen fault. New ball taken Hazlewood 6 deliveries, batsmen shoulders arms to 3 deliveries, no danger to batsman but loss of seam and shine, but Hazlewood's happy no runs good for the economy rate. Bit too late India, probably already have enough runs.
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Test_Fan
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+x+xThis test match is almost over. We are losing because we do not have enough quality batsmen, Pujara is a high quality test match batsman, not quite in the Kohli and Smith level but only slightly below it. He has been the difference, we do not have a batsman of that quality. I feel we must make at least one change. Finch is not a red ball opener. Do not start with the bullshit he can open in one day cricket. Mark Waugh was an excellent one day opener but never would have even dreamt of playing him as a teat match opener. Completely different games with completely different requirements. Maybe there is a place in the middle order for him but he must not open. If Patterson makes a big score for NSW I would definitely bring him in, a good young player in good form, worth a shot, cannot do worse than what we currently having the side. Burns is probably the best option to come in as an opener. Doolan started the season well but his last couple of matches he has not scored much and Renshaw is really struggling. If Renshaw can play an innings to save the match for Queensland in this current shield match perhaps bring him in. Top 6, Harris, Burns, Khawaja, Head, Patterson, Handscomb, Or perhaps open with Khawaja again then Harris, Khawaja, Patterson, Head, Handscomb, Finch Still looks very weak. Any lineup of ours without the phenomenal Steve Smith looks weak. Is Burns still fishing at wide, moving deliveries? Prefer him down the order to be brutally honest. Still wanna see CA bring in a hard head such as White or Bailey. Cam has a similar FC av as SOS while Bailey is just below them but has scored masses of runs last three seasons. Burns in the middle order is definitely an option but it probably needs Khawaja to open to make it possible
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grazorblade
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+x+x+xThis test match is almost over. We are losing because we do not have enough quality batsmen, Pujara is a high quality test match batsman, not quite in the Kohli and Smith level but only slightly below it. He has been the difference, we do not have a batsman of that quality. I feel we must make at least one change. Finch is not a red ball opener. Do not start with the bullshit he can open in one day cricket. Mark Waugh was an excellent one day opener but never would have even dreamt of playing him as a teat match opener. Completely different games with completely different requirements. Maybe there is a place in the middle order for him but he must not open. If Patterson makes a big score for NSW I would definitely bring him in, a good young player in good form, worth a shot, cannot do worse than what we currently having the side. Burns is probably the best option to come in as an opener. Doolan started the season well but his last couple of matches he has not scored much and Renshaw is really struggling. If Renshaw can play an innings to save the match for Queensland in this current shield match perhaps bring him in. Top 6, Harris, Burns, Khawaja, Head, Patterson, Handscomb, Or perhaps open with Khawaja again then Harris, Khawaja, Patterson, Head, Handscomb, Finch Still looks very weak. Any lineup of ours without the phenomenal Steve Smith looks weak. Is Burns still fishing at wide, moving deliveries? Prefer him down the order to be brutally honest. Still wanna see CA bring in a hard head such as White or Bailey. Cam has a similar FC av as SOS while Bailey is just below them but has scored masses of runs last three seasons. Burns in the middle order is definitely an option but it probably needs Khawaja to open to make it possible Having Smith Warner Khawaja and 3 batsmen with 1st class averages over 40 means we actually have a team that looks test quality for the first time in how many years
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Paddles
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+x+xAt worse the next squad has to be dropping Shaun Marsh and bringing in Joe Burns (yes he had a bad shield knock but hes had consistency over the last few seasons) and drop Finch down the order. But knowing selectors theyll either go unchanged or bring in someone like Larkin or Maddison who dont have the consistency but just got some shield runs. I'd drop everyone with a first class average under forty and replace them with khawaja Burns White Pattison Harris Maxwell Marsh the only one with an average over 40 dropped since he never managed to step up to this level and Harris kept in on the basis of potential There's no hard and fast rules, but I am like you... I want to know solid reasons when someone who does not average 40 in FC is in a test team. England has finally realised that they are better off with all-rounders and wicket-keepers who average the same in FC as the batsmen who they tried before because they bring more to the team with the ball and often in the field as well...
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grazorblade
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+x+x+xAt worse the next squad has to be dropping Shaun Marsh and bringing in Joe Burns (yes he had a bad shield knock but hes had consistency over the last few seasons) and drop Finch down the order. But knowing selectors theyll either go unchanged or bring in someone like Larkin or Maddison who dont have the consistency but just got some shield runs. I'd drop everyone with a first class average under forty and replace them with khawaja Burns White Pattison Harris Maxwell Marsh the only one with an average over 40 dropped since he never managed to step up to this level and Harris kept in on the basis of potential There's no hard and fast rules, but I am like you... I want to know solid reasons when someone who does not average 40 in FC is in a test team. England has finally realised that they are better off with all-rounders and wicket-keepers who average the same in FC as the batsmen who they tried before because they bring more to the team with the ball and often in the field as well... yes you will get some players who have a good 1st class average but can't step up. The reverse though, where a player has a poor 1st class average and steps up, is very rare
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Paddles
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+x+x+x+xAt worse the next squad has to be dropping Shaun Marsh and bringing in Joe Burns (yes he had a bad shield knock but hes had consistency over the last few seasons) and drop Finch down the order. But knowing selectors theyll either go unchanged or bring in someone like Larkin or Maddison who dont have the consistency but just got some shield runs. I'd drop everyone with a first class average under forty and replace them with khawaja Burns White Pattison Harris Maxwell Marsh the only one with an average over 40 dropped since he never managed to step up to this level and Harris kept in on the basis of potential There's no hard and fast rules, but I am like you... I want to know solid reasons when someone who does not average 40 in FC is in a test team. England has finally realised that they are better off with all-rounders and wicket-keepers who average the same in FC as the batsmen who they tried before because they bring more to the team with the ball and often in the field as well... yes you will get some players who have a good 1st class average but can't step up. The reverse though, where a player has a poor 1st class average and steps up, is very rare Agree entirely. Hence the need for solid reasons..
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BaggyGreens
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+x+xThis test match is almost over. We are losing because we do not have enough quality batsmen, Pujara is a high quality test match batsman, not quite in the Kohli and Smith level but only slightly below it. He has been the difference, we do not have a batsman of that quality. I feel we must make at least one change. Finch is not a red ball opener. Do not start with the bullshit he can open in one day cricket. Mark Waugh was an excellent one day opener but never would have even dreamt of playing him as a teat match opener. Completely different games with completely different requirements. Maybe there is a place in the middle order for him but he must not open. If Patterson makes a big score for NSW I would definitely bring him in, a good young player in good form, worth a shot, cannot do worse than what we currently having the side. Burns is probably the best option to come in as an opener. Doolan started the season well but his last couple of matches he has not scored much and Renshaw is really struggling. If Renshaw can play an innings to save the match for Queensland in this current shield match perhaps bring him in. Top 6, Harris, Burns, Khawaja, Head, Patterson, Handscomb, Or perhaps open with Khawaja again then Harris, Khawaja, Patterson, Head, Handscomb, Finch Still looks very weak. Any lineup of ours without the phenomenal Steve Smith looks weak. Is Burns still fishing at wide, moving deliveries? Prefer him down the order to be brutally honest. Still wanna see CA bring in a hard head such as White or Bailey. Cam has a similar FC av as SOS while Bailey is just below them but has scored masses of runs last three seasons.
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Test_Fan
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+x+x+xAt worse the next squad has to be dropping Shaun Marsh and bringing in Joe Burns (yes he had a bad shield knock but hes had consistency over the last few seasons) and drop Finch down the order. But knowing selectors theyll either go unchanged or bring in someone like Larkin or Maddison who dont have the consistency but just got some shield runs. I'd drop everyone with a first class average under forty and replace them with khawaja Burns White Pattison Harris Maxwell Marsh the only one with an average over 40 dropped since he never managed to step up to this level and Harris kept in on the basis of potential There's no hard and fast rules, but I am like you... I want to know solid reasons when someone who does not average 40 in FC is in a test team. England has finally realised that they are better off with all-rounders and wicket-keepers who average the same in FC as the batsmen who they tried before because they bring more to the team with the ball and often in the field as well... Well Head and Handscomb have a wicket keeping background, Handscomb more than Head. We do not have any allrounders who can bat anywhere near well enough. Marsh is probably the best we have and he is nowhere near good enough with the bat. You have to select the best batsmen available and there is hardly any quality around so if the best players are under 40 then there is no option. Harris has averaged over 40 over the last 3 seasons so is an improving batsman even though he his overall average is low. Head has just under performed at Shield level, he came into the SA side as a very young player and looked very promising, just could not get through the 90s early in his career. However he has not really improved on that early promise and his FC average is low. Playing the fake cricket shorter forms of the game has hurt his development.
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Test_Fan
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Pujara out, but far too late, this Australian batting line up is not going to get 250+.
Shaun Marsh did guide WA to a 330 run chase against SA here in the Shield match with an excellent 163 not out. Time for him to do it at test level.
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grazorblade
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pujara the difference between the two teams really (and to a lesser degree ashwin)
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grazorblade
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+xPujara out, but far too late, this Australian batting line up is not going to get 250+. Shaun Marsh did guide WA to a 330 run chase against SA here in the Shield match with an excellent 163 not out. Time for him to do it at test level. how can you say that? We selected a bunch of good blokes who are mates with powerful people surely thats gotta make up for ordinary 1st class records
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Paddles
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+x+x+x+xAt worse the next squad has to be dropping Shaun Marsh and bringing in Joe Burns (yes he had a bad shield knock but hes had consistency over the last few seasons) and drop Finch down the order. But knowing selectors theyll either go unchanged or bring in someone like Larkin or Maddison who dont have the consistency but just got some shield runs. I'd drop everyone with a first class average under forty and replace them with khawaja Burns White Pattison Harris Maxwell Marsh the only one with an average over 40 dropped since he never managed to step up to this level and Harris kept in on the basis of potential There's no hard and fast rules, but I am like you... I want to know solid reasons when someone who does not average 40 in FC is in a test team. England has finally realised that they are better off with all-rounders and wicket-keepers who average the same in FC as the batsmen who they tried before because they bring more to the team with the ball and often in the field as well... Well Head and Handscomb have a wicket keeping background, Handscomb more than Head. We do not have any allrounders who can bat anywhere near well enough. Marsh is probably the best we have and he is nowhere near good enough with the bat. You have to select the best batsmen available and there is hardly any quality around so if the best players are under 40 then there is no option. Harris has averaged over 40 over the last 3 seasons so is an improving batsman even though he his overall average is low. Head has just under performed at Shield level, he came into the SA side as a very young player and looked very promising, just could not get through the 90s early in his career. However he has not really improved on that early promise and his FC average is low. Playing the fake cricket shorter forms of the game has hurt his development. Oh look - not everyone has a Sam Curran running around. NZ doesn't. I would be all over him if we did. Sam Curran only averages 36, but he has multiple motm and a mots already with those runs. He scores them at 8, when the game is on the line. England has built a more than useful team out of spare parts. It is quite extra-ordinary.
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Paddles
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Will Rohit slog?
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Test_Fan
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+x+xAt worse the next squad has to be dropping Shaun Marsh and bringing in Joe Burns (yes he had a bad shield knock but hes had consistency over the last few seasons) and drop Finch down the order. But knowing selectors theyll either go unchanged or bring in someone like Larkin or Maddison who dont have the consistency but just got some shield runs. What about Renshaw... Many thought he was a cert for this game... Renshaw is averaging 19 this Shield season, unfortunately he has hit bad form at the wrong time.
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grazorblade
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+x+x+x+x+xAt worse the next squad has to be dropping Shaun Marsh and bringing in Joe Burns (yes he had a bad shield knock but hes had consistency over the last few seasons) and drop Finch down the order. But knowing selectors theyll either go unchanged or bring in someone like Larkin or Maddison who dont have the consistency but just got some shield runs. I'd drop everyone with a first class average under forty and replace them with khawaja Burns White Pattison Harris Maxwell Marsh the only one with an average over 40 dropped since he never managed to step up to this level and Harris kept in on the basis of potential There's no hard and fast rules, but I am like you... I want to know solid reasons when someone who does not average 40 in FC is in a test team. England has finally realised that they are better off with all-rounders and wicket-keepers who average the same in FC as the batsmen who they tried before because they bring more to the team with the ball and often in the field as well... Well Head and Handscomb have a wicket keeping background, Handscomb more than Head. We do not have any allrounders who can bat anywhere near well enough. Marsh is probably the best we have and he is nowhere near good enough with the bat. You have to select the best batsmen available and there is hardly any quality around so if the best players are under 40 then there is no option. Harris has averaged over 40 over the last 3 seasons so is an improving batsman even though he his overall average is low. Head has just under performed at Shield level, he came into the SA side as a very young player and looked very promising, just could not get through the 90s early in his career. However he has not really improved on that early promise and his FC average is low. Playing the fake cricket shorter forms of the game has hurt his development. Oh look - not everyone has a Sam Curran running around. NZ doesn't. I would be all over him if we did. Sam Curran only averages 36, but he has multiple motm and a mots already with those runs. He scores them at 8, when the game is on the line. England has built a more than useful team out of spare parts. It is quite extra-ordinary. arguably pattison has a better 1st class record. Much better bowler and only a few runs weaker batsman
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