Spin Doctor Says…“Australia has named an unchanged line-up for the second test in Hobart, the question will be whether the selectors will stick with the side when Shane Watson and Shaun Marsh are fit to return. It always seems Phil Hughes can step up when the guillotine is ready to fall, and the pressure is on. I’m all about the next generation of cricketers developing, and preparing for life after Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey. The selectors, however, need to decide whether they are nurturing Hughes or if they have found a new opener in Khawaja, and whether the opportunity will be lost if Hughes fails again.
Khawaja looks the real deal, his innings against New Zealand in Brisbane was solid and looked every bit the part in the Baggy Green.
Pattinson has taken his opportunity by the scruff of the neck and will be out to show his talent on a bowler friendly green top in Hobart. Pairing with Siddle we will see the pair spearhead the Australian attack including young firecracker Mitchell Starc and develop a lethal line up that reminds us of the days of the greats like Lillee, Thompson and Hughes.
One thing is for certain, they need to get it right for the series against an in form Indian outfit.”
Spin Dr says……”Selection dilemma”
Posted on December 9, 2011
Posted in: Cricket
adammourad
December 9, 2011
Nice debut post Spin Dr.
I’m a fan of Hughes but I wouldn’t be against Khawaja opening the batting.
He will have a longer career playing for Australia then what Hughes will.
Our new look pace attack has just demolished the kiwis. What an effort by patterson. this kids future looks bright!
Now lets see what our batters have to offer.. Hughes in particular
adammourad
December 9, 2011
and then just like that… Hughes fails again!
fatbillmack
December 9, 2011
Unfortunately I think Phil Hughes has played his last test match for the time being after another failure today. I think he will make way for Watson to come back into the opening position and I would replace Starc with Cummings once he is fit again. As much as I like to see Ponting go, I think it’s fitting that the selectors let him finish his career at the end of the Indian series so he can go out on his own terms as a reward for his service over the years. If he doesn’t retire though on his own, I think the selectors need to look towards the future and wield the axe. We need to look towards the future but in saying that, not mess around too much with things, the guys there already need to have a chance to establish themselves and gain some valuable experience before the next Ashes tilt. Hughes needs to go back to State cricket and work on his technique as well as exercise some demons so he is ready to step back into the opening role once Hussey retires (again hopefully at the end of the Indian series) with Watson dropping back to bat at 5 or 6. As far as Ponting’s replacement goes, I think Ed Cowan is looking the goods at the moment and deserves his shot.
The fatman out……….
adammourad
December 9, 2011
Billy what do you think of Warner as a test player?
I agree about Hughes. Unfortunately he just fails more often then not. Fair enough the ball was moving like crazy today but openers are meant to get us through those early overs not have our first drop always coming in after a few overs…
Starc for Cummings is a must…
fatbillmack
December 9, 2011
I think the jury is still out on Warner as it’s still early days but I think he has the potential to be one of our great openers. From what I have heard he has worked really hard over the off season spending hours on end in front of the bowling machine in a bid to shed his “T20″ only image. I think he has the perfect mix of guts and determination to hang in there and do the hard yards when times are tough, yet still have the ability to turn it on when quick runs are needed or to put the foot to the opponents throat when required. Only time will tell I guess, I just hope the selectors give him the chance.
The fatman out……….
adammourad
December 9, 2011
if there is any bowling attack in the world to announce yourself against. its the kiwis! without vettori there he has a great opportunity. if he sees out the shine of this ball he can go to town on them! hope he doesnt pull a phil hughes.