I missed most of the cricket yesterday.

From what I saw, Patterson was dropped to a regulation catch on 0, and Burns was dropped early in his innings at slip.

I was thrilled to see Australia make such a big score after being 3-29. Burns now has four centuries for Australia in 16 Tests or so. Ironically, because of his poor Bellerive form from the tour game against the Sri Lankans, I would not have selected him.

Head and his partnership, from two  inexperienced Test players was excellent. At 3-29 they were under extreme pressure when they commenced their partnership.

The Canberra pitch looks good too. SL could also make a huge score. I think the selectors have erred not selecting a pace back up bowline all rounder, like Michael Neser, who has demonstrated  he has the stamina to play FC cricket. He is not   a Mickey Mouse cricketer, like Stoinis, who was selected in the squad because of Mickey Mouse cricket performances.

I'm still vexed that Aussie selectors have not selected Pucovski for this game. In the flesh, live, this guy has more talent than nobody else. 

I missed most of the cricket yesterday.

From what I saw, Patterson was dropped to a regulation catch on 0, and Burns was dropped early in his innings at slip.

I was thrilled to see Australia make such a big score after being 3-29. Burns now has four centuries for Australia in 16 Tests or so. Ironically, because of his poor Bellerive form from the tour game against the Sri Lankans, I would not have selected him.

Head and his partnership, from two  inexperienced Test players was excellent. At 3-29 they were under extreme pressure when they commenced their partnership.

The Canberra pitch looks good too. SL could also make a huge score. I think the selectors have erred not selecting a pace back up bowline all rounder, like Michael Neser, who has demonstrated  he has the stamina to play FC cricket. He is not   a Mickey Mouse cricketer, like Stoinis, who was selected in the squad because of Mickey Mouse cricket performances.

I'm still vexed that Aussie selectors have not selected Pucovski for this game. In the flesh, live, this guy has more talent than nobody else. 

Unchanged 11 for Australia, Marcus Stoinis is not playing. Hard me worried there, but sanity prevailed and he can go back to fake cricket.

I was worried about  Stoinis too, as I much prefer Michaeil Neser as the pace bowling all rounder. Stoinis is another stupid selection based on Mickey Mouse performances, not red or pink ball cricket.

My thoughts from watching players live at Bellerive have been confirmed by Shame Warne. He calls  for the inclusion of Pucovski and Riley Meredith in today's Test team, dropping Starc. 

He thinks it is best to blood young players at this time, not the future in a tough overseas Ashes scenario. Warne thinks Pucocvski is the best batting prospect we have, and, Meredith will be playing for Australia in all forms of cricket within a year.

He was very impressed with Richardson's debut too.

I am 100% with Warne. Pure nonsense to not changing a winning side. This test is the perfect time and place to debut Pucovski..

If Paine finally wins a toss.. makes sense with the overcast over Manuka.. to bowl first. 

Many pundits have commented on the fine job Paine is doing as  combined skipper/keeper. The man himself says he is thriving on it. He says that little has changed from his days as keeper only with his involvement in the mechanics of a game.. engaging with bowlers, and team mates. 

Puck has been complaining about his mental state evidently.. so CA has sent him home to his family. Is this going to be an ongoing issue thruout his career?

Paine has the most dignity, poise and media acumen as a captain since Mark Taylor.

He exceeds Waugh, Ponting, Clarke and Smith  by some margin.  The middle two were tantrum throwers when the team was losing. Waugh was described as selfish and callous by his former team-mates ( Warne and Michael Slater), whilst Smith was immature, weak by ignoring ball tampering, and always looked uptight in the field and upset with his team-mates.

Those calling for Smith to replace Paine must be deluded! 

Paine is leading the team from the front. He  was identified a long time ago for this role by national selectors, despite the idiocy  of Tasmanian Shield selectors.

I am 100% with Warne. Pure nonsense to not changing a winning side. This test is the perfect time and place to debut Pucovski..

If Paine finally wins a toss.. makes sense with the overcast over Manuka.. to bowl first. 

Many pundits have commented on the fine job Paine is doing as  combined skipper/keeper. The man himself says he is thriving on it. He says that little has changed from his days as keeper only with his involvement in the mechanics of a game.. engaging with bowlers, and team mates.