By Paddles - 23 Dec 2019 11:28 AM
Well - its onto Melbourne where a huge crowd is expected with 16k Kiwis flying over, and many expats from within Australia heading to the MCG.
2 talking points through all the media i have read, how will the MCG pitch play? Because if it is a total road, and gets a negative rating, no MCG test next year, it will be on icc susspension. And how will Australia combat the short balls of Wagner and co. I brought up the Wagner short balls before the last test, and was ridiculed that I was wrong to even suggest they could be an issue, and that they would not trouble Smith and Co at all, just the tail enders. Not quite how the media have read that situation since with all 6 Aussie batsmen getting out to shortballs, including supremo Steve Smith twice to Wagner - (he now has him 3/4 innings with a short ball). I did read Graham Hick having a whine and moan about short pitch bowling as being negative. Yes negative. Hopefully that leaves about as much impression on the umpires as it deserves. Lol at negative bowling. I am really interested how Smith adjusts, here. I back him to try and put the shot away. But Wagner will keep bowling them even if Southee ceases.
For team selection, NZ is in a mess, and will drop Raval and bring in wicket keeper Blundell to open. This brings NZ's wicket keepers in the side upto 4 with Latham and Nicholls. Will Young is still injured, and Blundell has a contract, so NZ won't be bringing over some young whipper snapper with talent like Glenn Phillips, but instead send a lower middle order wicket keeper out to open, in a Boxing Day test. Interesting decision. Boult will be back, at least.
There is no word on the NZ 4th bowler scenario, with local rags bracketing Santner with Astle. I would prefer Astle to Santner. But I think I would simply rather debuting Jamieson and going all seam. Like I would have the last test, too and said as much before on it on my preferred forum. For Aus selection, Patto is the favourite to replace Hazelwood, but Siddle is begging for a go. I am thinking they will go with Patto. I think we all see that as an obvious selection if fit.
Anyway, have a merry xmas all. And see you all here Boxing Day :)
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By flyslip - 1 Jan 2020 3:09 AM
If the kiwis are playing a specialist spinner who is used to the conditions, they would be better off trusting him to do the job, then drop Santner and CDG and bring in another batsmen.
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