Pretty amazing run chase, really did look like we were going to lose that one. Crazy stuff.

But let's take credit where it's due. Firstly a wonderful century from Eoin Morgan. Love watching that man bat. I think England should give him a crack in the test team.

Secondly, what about the two catches early on, firstly Gary Ballance's one-handed snatch out of the air to dismiss Aaron Finch for a third ball duck, and then Chris Jordan's remarkable take, again one-handed to remove David Warner.

Both those fantastic catches will be on the highlights reel and classic catches promotions for years to come I'd say.

Those early 2000's ODI's against NZ when Australia had Bevan and Simmo and NZ had Cairns...

So that's England done and dusted.

10-0 on the cards?

-PB

Aussie Squad to tour Seth Efika

Michael Clarke(c), Brad Haddin (vc), Jackson Bird, Alex Doolan, James Faulkner, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, David Warner, Shane Watson

---

For the Perth ODI, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, David Warner & Shane Watson have been rested.



Edited by Heineken: 20/1/2014 03:30:04 PM

8 bowlers in a 15 man squad? And only one real spinner?

What exactly has Shaun Marsh done to deserve a recall?

So if Lyon goes down injured...we're boned. Good call.

I'm curious who would you have as the back-up spinner?

It's South Africa. There isn't a turning pitch in the entire country. 1 Spinner, with 2 solid part timers as back up, is all you'd need in a 15 man squad.

EDIT: In fact, I wouldn't even have Lyon in my first XI if I'm honest.

Edited by Funky Munky: 20/1/2014 06:18:44 PM

You can't expect Afro to pick up on these details of a sport if they're not explored on South Africa's cricket Wikipedia page.

Cut him some slack.

There's no limit on squad size is there? Surely you take a second spinner. Give them a chance at gaining experience, cover injury and take the onus off Michael Clarke and his back issues should Lyon struggle or be injured.

Sorry champ, I'm tired tonight and simply don't have the energy to spare to give you the attention your parents obviously deprived you of.

Given how poor our spinning options are, I don't see why we would take a second spinner just for the sake of it. What's the point in playing a mediocre spinner when we could just play one of our quality quicks , Bird or Pattinson. Plus Steve Smith is probably as good as any of our other options spin options at the moment.

Why wouldn't you take Ahmed for the experience? If he's not going to make it into the team then no harm done giving him a chance to learn. Again, there' s no squad size limit is there?

I'd definitely be playing Lyon. The conditions suit Watson enough that he becomes a genuine 4th frontline quick. He won't have a massive series but he's in good form and I can see him being a real partnership breaker over there, plus I think every attack needs variety

Also congrats to MJ. Looking back at the last 12 months he was playing good cricket even before this series. Thoroughly deserved AB medalist.

Pretty sure there is a limit. And if there isn't, the cost of bringing another player, who realistically isn't going to play a single game, isn't really worth it. And even if Lyon does get injured, or plays poorly, I think any of the pace bowlers taken are going to have a better chance at doing well than any of the spinners they could have taken. Playing 4 pace bowlers + Smith/Clarke is really not the worst option in South Africa.

Given that Clarke has had persistent back problems over the last couple of years you can't really include him as a genuine bowler. You can't be relying on a couple of part timers if Australia gets stuck in the field for a prolonged period.

The cost of bringing another player is negligible when you're already taking 15 players over there and let's be honest, giving experience and opportunities to other players has been a massive thorn in the side of the Australian team for the better part of the last decade.

much like being unable to name a 27 year old fast bowler, I sure hope the national team which is too important too be named doesnt lose to anyone on Straya day!

Cricket, the game invented by Strayans, for Strayans!

Given we had such a small total, I'm surprised we won that one.

Second consecutive duck for Watson. Not a good summer.

Cricket is murdering the A-League almost like how Krusty handled the Special Olympics



Heil! Straya!

The hit n giggle has been run and lost

Without landing a few palpable blows on effnick ball confining it to mere niche sport

You keep saying this shit in other threads.

What the fuck are you on about?

-PB

Yeah amazing game in NZ. India are a real chance.

Big news with Watson out of the first test. Would think that gives Henriques a huge chance to get a game

If henriques plays we won't win a game.

Reading that Doolan will bat 6 and Hughes 3. Yeah don't rate Henriques either, not in tests anyway, but Watson was going to bowl some important overs

Now Marsh is on his way to South Africa :lol:

Keen for tonight.

Should be a good series, can't help but feel our side is far too cocky.

Also, think it's a bit of a piss take that Doolan and Marsh are playing, doesn't send a great message to the guys scoring runs in shield cricket. Ah well, good luck to them.

Not the greatest of starts lol.

-PB