Steve Smith got 0-91 off 16 against the Kiwis. Ryder punished him

Yep, lets not forget he has seen off Phil Jaques, who was touted as the best opening batsman to every play cricket a few years ago, to be NSW's first choice opening alongside Katich.

I'm just glad that they've finally given up on Steven Smith! Thank christ for that!!

Yeah the problem for Warner is that the only idea people have of him is from a few years ago when he burst onto the scene in 20/20's and struggled in the longer forms of the game. Fact of the matter is he has turned into an excellent opening batsmen and is well deserving of his spot.

Also does anyone else think this is a very big game for Hughes?

If Hughes fails, and Warner has a few decent innings, when Watson comes back Hughes could be fucked...

I look at that and think that is a side that could potentially score a lot of runs, but fuck we're gonna struggle big time for wickets!

I have to dissagree.

Everyone seems to think that because he is awesome at 20/20 that he must be rubbish at the longer form of the game, but the guy is averaging over 50 with a top score of 211 in his first 9 first class games for NSW. To me, that makes him thoroughly worth a go...

Can't understand Starc either, would like to have thought after their performances last year, Butterworth and Faulkner were now far ahead of players like Starc in the pecking order.

Starc would not be in my top 10-15 bowlers. I'm as perplexed as you

The only thing that explains Starc playing. Seriously, he doesn't even make NSW's full strength bowling lineup, and he somehow jumps past 5/10 other bowlers who have done more to deserve a spot? Come on.

See what I did there? ;)

FUCK AUSTRALIAN CRICKET. What an absolute joke

"Trent has had a lack of opportunities to push for selection in recent times. He will be disappointed but will work hard with New South Wales and I have no doubt he will again be putting his hand up for inclusion with good performances for his state."

Coz you took him to South Africa, and didn't give him a game on pitches that would suit his bowling to a tee. Jesus Christ.

Ohhhhhhhh wow. Copeland misses out, what the shit.

Sorry didn't clarify, that is the actual 12 man squad. Just predicted who'll be carrying the drinks out of that lot.

Nah, Copeland will definitely be picked. Between Starc, Hilf, Cutting and Pattinson for the 3rd Seamer spot. Pattinson outbowled all of them against the Kiwis, should be picked. But Cutting is the current love child, behind Cummins, and Hilf just always gets picked for god knows why.

Squad is in for the 1st test:

Warner
Hughes
Khawaja
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
Haddin
Cutting
Siddle
Pattinson
Lyon

12th man: Starc

That's what it will be imo. Hilfenhaus and Copeland miss out.

Worst line up in a while.

I'd say Funky's line up is spot on, especially after Warner's 65 in the Australia A game. They could make Khawaja open and put someone in like Smith at 6 but Warner opening is far more likely. I do agree Warner doesn't deserve to be there (go and watch him make a 100 now).

Warner
Hughes
Khawaja
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
Haddin
Copeland
Siddle
Pattinson
Lyon

I wouldn't have Warner anywhere near the test side, but that's who they'll pick.

Siddle, Copeland and _________________ for the bowlers spots surely.

James Pattinson has to get a go. Victorian bias aside, he's got better FC figures than Cummins, more FC experience, Better ODI figures for Aus, and has just taken 4 against the Kiwis. If Cummins can get picked on the back of 3 shit FC games, surely Pattinson deserves the same?

Shane Watson, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris and Pat Cummins all out of the first test against NZ.

His 50 probably saved him until at least the summer, but even if he'd gotten a duck, the least he deserves is a home farewell. If I was him I'd retire after the India series.

We won :lol:

What do you think about Punter? Should he retire or what

Send him to Hogwarts imo.

Burn him!

he's a witch!!

Completely agree, a guy that's only played about three first games let alone only a handful more in the other forms of the game and hasn't even done anything outstanding other than bagging two 4 wicket hauls in the T20s doesn't deserve to be anywhere Test cricket for any country... yet.

Fair play though, he peformed well and at the moment he is looking like Australia's next big thing.

Pfft. My point still stands. Never said that he couldn't possibly do well, just that he didn't deserve to be selected. And it's true.

Good win for you guys. It is an absolute disgrace though, that an Aus V. SA test series is only two tests. Such a waste.