How important is the A tour to England?

It’s hard to draw any real conclusions from Australia’s tour of the West Indies, particuarly the batting.

Yes, the batting was disappointing.

Plenty of 20s and 30s but nobody really going on with it. However the wickets were slow and runs hard to come by. The top 3 were particuarly disappointing as they were batting against a harder ball and generally had the best of the batting conditions.

Ricky Ponting didn’t get a big score and consequently his test deeds of last summer were forgotten by some critics. Indeed, to make a point, Malcolm Conn rolled Ponting’s ODI form from last summer in with his test form in the Carribean, ignoring the run gloat he had prior to the tri-series. Poor Malcolm must have a short memory, it was only a couple of months ago he expressed a mea culpa about Pontings spot in the side.

Media reports today have both Ponting and Ed Cowan under pressure to hold their spots. Cowan does need a score at test level, while Ponting is always going to be under pressure at his age if he doesn’t score consistently. Unfortunately for Cowan and Ponting, the cloud over the future in the side won’t be passing anytime soon with Australia not playing any winter test matches. There are five ODI’s against England in July followed by the T20 World Cup in September.

The lack of winter test cricket is why I think a lot hinges on the  Australia A tour to England where they’ll play the England Lions in couple of first class games. The selections for this tour will be interesting, and South Australia’s Tom Cooper and Victoria’s Rob Quiney are two player who I’d like to see get a game for Australia A. Usman Khawaja is another who will most likely get picked. If Khawaja is picked, these games will be crucial for him. Khawaja can ill afford to continue to not take chances given to him by the selectors. Peter Forrest is another who we can expect to see on this tour. While not a pure ODI player, in his one day appearances he has looked comfortable at international level, and is the next inline test player.

Given it was Australia A matches that launched David Warner into test calculations, these Australia A matches present a terrific opportunity for players to press their claims. This is especially the case in the lead up to the next Ashes series, runs in England against the Lions should weigh heavily on the selectors minds.

These matches will also be a bit of a test for the selectors – will they gave players like Cooper a chance, or will they go back to the likes of Shaun Marsh and Phil Hughes?

On another note, there is talk of both James Pattinson and Pat Cummins being selected for not just the ODI matches against England.

Given Cummins missed the whole Australian summer and James Pattinson missed the back half of it and then lasted half a test match against the West Indies, why bother risking them in a meaningless One Day tour?

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by theboundaryrider on April 27, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Ashes, Australia v England, Australia v West Indies, cricket
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Posted by theboundaryrider on April 27, 2012

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Australia v West Indies – Series Preview

Ahhh, Australia v West Indies.

In the Carribean.

It was mythical stuff when I was growing up.

I’d read about the fearsome fast bowlers baying for blood. The rapid crowd cheering every body blow. The battered and bruised batsman. I remembered being captivated by reading about exotic venues like Sabina Park and Kensington Oval. In particular, I remember reading about Allan Border’s 98 in Antigua and Wayne Phillips’ 120 at Kensington in 83/84 and wishing I saw them.

Then of course, pay TV came, and we got to watch it and see it first hand. Steve Waugh confronting Curtley. An overweight Greg Ritchie being part of a pitch invasion. Cricket in the Carribean was just brilliant.

Now days, of course, cricket in the Carribean conjures up much different imagery. Excitable but small crowds. The unbeatable machine is now a rag tag team with a bit of talent, who don’t win much and struggle with the legacy they’ve inherited. The West Indies will never be the side they once were. Probably never even be close.

What does this mean for touring sides?

A West Indies tour now isn’t something to fear. It is an opportunity. Even the minnow nations can go to the West Indies and think they’re a chance.

As a player though, a tour to the West Indies is a catch 22. Do well, that’s fine, it was to be expected. ‘It’s only the West Indies’.

Fail, and you’ll find eyebrows raised….’what happened there….it was only the West Indies’.

For this Australian team, that’s certainly the case. Australia should be far too strong for the West Indies. It’s hard too see them having the firepower too bowl Australia out twice AND score enough runs to win a test.

While Australia should win 2 or 3-0, it’s actually a risky series for a couple of players.

It is a good opportunity for Ed Cowan and Dave Warner to further establish themselves at the top of the order. I’d expect to see Cowan’s no fuss style give him a pretty consistent series against an average attack while it’s hard not to see Warner coming off once or twice. These two players should be able to consolidate their positions.

Likewise for Michael Clarke, the opportunity beckons to further build on his outstanding record with the bat as captain. If fit, he should be amongst the runs.

The real question marks in this series hang over Mike Hussey and Ricky Ponting. Both players, in particularly Ponting answered their critics brilliantly against India. The murmurs about Ponting though started again during the CB Series before he was eventually dropped. Both players will be hungry for runs, particularly given the selectors have blooded Peter Forrest in the 50 over side. Forrest has clearly been blooded with a view to graduating to the test side.

For Hussey and Ponting, this is where the catch 22 strikes. A big series for them will have their critics shrugging ‘It was only the West Indies’. A poor series, and those same critics will be that bit louder…..’They’re too old, after all, it was only the West Indies’.

It’s also a big series for Shane Watson. He’ll be the new number three. His batting dropped off in 2011 as he took more responsibility with the ball. Watson needs to re-establish himself. He has a great opportunity to do this.

The series is a big opportunity for the three quick bowlers – Pattinson, Siddle and Hilfenhaus. Siddle and Hilfenhaus are both in career best form and full of confidence. Likewise, James Pattinson will be itching to get back in the test arena and enhance his fast growing reputation. I really can’t see the West Indies batsman resisting Australia’s pace trio too many times.

In many ways, the bowler to watch for Australia will be Nathan Lyon. He has been given a good run, the captain has faith in him and he finished the Indian series on a high.

Of course, it would be remiss to write about the Australian side’s prospects against the West Indies without touching on the wicketkeeping spot.

Brad Haddin leaving the tour has given Matthew Wade a massive opportunity. A successful series, and Matthew Wade will be Australia’s keeper for the immediate future.

Should he fail, however, then it will be all bets off for Australia’s next series with perhaps Haddin, Peter Nevill, Chris Hartley and a possible fit again Tim Paine all eyeing the wicketkeeping spot.

What about the West Indies?

While I think they’ll be cleaned up, they are capable of having their moments. Their hopes of being competitive will rest with a couple of individuals who through their own performances, may be able to lift the side. It’s doubtful though that they have the quality in 1-11 to sustain enough pressure to beat Australia over 5 days of cricket. Australia were poor in the ODI series, but the test side I different and as we saw last home summer against India, much more disciplined.

The player I’m looking forward to seeing the most is Darren Bravo, who has made a fantastic start to his short test career. On the whole though, the West Indies batting line up is far too inconsistent to put big scores on a disciplined Australian attack who, has we saw against India, now bowl well to good plans.

With the ball, I can see the West Indies causing Australia some difficult moments, but lacking the real strike power run through the Australian batting line up and put themselves in a winning position. The West Indies test squad includes the likes of Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy, Ravi Rampaul and Fidel Edwards. Honest quicks, but hard to see them matching the consistency of Pattinson, Siddle, Hilfenhaus and Harris.

The real shame about the West Indies side is their inability to field their strongest possible test line up because of the Indian Premier League.

I’ve no doubt that a fit Dwanye Bravo would make them much more competitive. Bravo is the type of player who can make things happen with bat and ball and change momentum of a match. Likewise, it is really disappointing  Sunil Narine will be not be playing. He troubled Australia in the ODI’s, however, because he isn’t contracted he is also playing IPL. While Narine hasn’t played a test, his performances in the shorter games were outstanding. It would have been great to see if he could transfer that form across. Then of course, there is the enigma that is Chris Gayle who was a spectator for the ODIs. Again, I’ve no doubt that in the right frame of mind, Chris Gayle would make this West Indies side better.

Generally though, their pace attack is honest without putting fear into any batting line up. On a flat track – they may have some long days in the field.

Overall, with Australia’s firepower, confidence and experience, I can’t see anything less than 2-0 or 3-0. That being said, the inner child in me who grew up in awe of the West Indies wouldn’t mind if they took a test off us….

The Test Matches

7 April – First Test, Kensignton

15 April – Second Test, Queens Park

23 April – 3rd Test, Windsor Park

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by theboundaryrider on March 28, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by theboundaryrider on March 28, 2012

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Sticky Wickets in the Carribean

I haven’t seen much of the first three ODI games in the Caribbean. It really is the worst tour for TV times in Australia.

By rights though, Australia should be down 2-1. Even the match Australia won comfortably, we failed to convince. The bowlers got the job done. In all three matches, the batting has failed to convince.

So far this series, Australian batsman have only scored two half centuries – and they came in the middle order of the third match.

All this, against what has to be said is now a minnow cricketing nation.

Are these three batting performances an aberration on less batting friendly pitches? Or is it really where the Australian ODI side is at?

I actually think it’s probably a combination of the two – combined with selectors shuffling the deck.

Despite winning the tri-series, for much of it, I felt the Australian batting under performed and didn’t score the runs they should have. The rotation system, injuries to Watson then Clarke meant that rarely in the home summer did Australia play their best batting line up. Granted, they racked of a couple of big scores, but these weren’t the result of a ‘team’ effort, rather individual efforts or one big partnership lifting the score. In the three games so far in the Windies, that big partnership or individual effort has been lacking – and the totals have been average.

But – I don’t think that is a reflection of where Australia is at. Rather, I think it reflects the slower wickets which have exposed inconsistent performers.

Consistency in the batting hasn’t been helped at the selection table. Watson coming into the side has seen Matthew Wade float up and down like a yo-yo after some reasonably efforts opening. 5 runs in 3 digs so far in this series. Not the form he was looking for as he presses a test berth. In his defence, he has batted at three different positions – 3, 8 and 7.

Then there’s Peter Forrest. Did well in Australia, missed out twice in the first two games in this series before being dropped. I don’t think Forrest is a long term option for the One Day side – unless he opens and plays the anchor role which seems to have gone out of fashion. Striking at 65 in his 9 ODI matches he has played doesn’t cut it anymore. But still, he has had a taste of International cricket and while be better for it if test selection comes knocking.

The absence of Michael Clarke hasn’t helped, but George Bailey has come into the side this series and looked every inch an international ODI player.

Clarke’s eventual return to the ODI side will see us have the core of a good batting line up with Clarke and Bailey in the middle order followed by the two Husseys.

At the top of the order, we’ll need to see a bit more consistency from Dave Warner, though he is starting to show that. Likewise with Shane Watson, though to be fair he really hasn’t had much cricket at all.

The two real question marks over the ODI batting line up are Mike Hussey’s future and where to bat Matthew Wade. Ideally, I think Wade should open, with Watson at three. As for Hussey – we do need another reserve batsman that can step in, not just when it’s Hussey’s time to depart but in the case of any injury.

There are a few likely candidates around – Callum Ferguson is the obvious ready made proven at international cricket batsman, but the new selection panel don’t seem a fan. Usman Khawaja may be worth a run – always does well for NSW and could well build confidence at the International level by playing and doing well in ODIs.

It will be interesting, to see just how the selectors look after the ODI batting line up and who the next one they’ll blood will be.

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by theboundaryrider on March 23, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by theboundaryrider on March 23, 2012

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Why Ricky Ponting Deserved Better

Today is a big day in Australian cricket.

For the first time, we get a sneak peak at life without Ricky.

Ponting is arguably Australia’s greatest ever ODI batsman. Growing up I watched Dean Jones wear that crown, followed by Mark Waugh. But Punter’s achievements surpass both of those two. One just needs to look at his trophy cabinet and big scores in big games that see that.

This is why I think he deserved better than to leave pyjama cricket the way he did. There is no doubt at all that Ponting’s form in the tri series so far was making it difficult to justify his selection. Australia’s batting, for the most part, had underperformed. Ponting’s form was a big reason why. The form shown by Peter Forrest, the return of Shane Watson and players such as Tom Cooper and George Bailey knocking on the door amplified the pressure on Ponting.

So, given his form issues, given that his omission is entirely justified, why did he deserve better?

Throughout the one day series, the selectors have been going to great lengths to protect players, wrapping them in cotton wool and saying they’re rested. Everyone knows Brad Haddin was dropped – but the blow was softened because he was ‘rested’. Ricky Ponting, however, wasn’t rested. The selectors were quite clear. He was dropped. In fact, the axing of Ricky Ponting was the first time the selectors spoke truthfully and bluntly about a player’s omission from the tri-series side. Brad Haddin, don’t worry mate, you’re rested, you might be back, but Ricky, you’re gone.

In that context, I think Ricky was harshly treated. It then kick started speculation about his test future, all resulting in that farcical press conference where Ricky Ponting announced retirement from a form of cricket that he probably wasn’t going to be picked again in.

The selectors could have handled it better. Maybe he could have got one last game in his home town. Maybe he could have got the tap on the shoulder so he could announce his retirement prior to being dropped.

 The way the selection panel handled Ponting’s departure is symptomatic of their performance during the one day series. They pulled all the right levers during the test matches, but seemed to have slightly dropped the ball in the tri-series. I can’t help but think that they way they axed Ponting was a reaction to the criticism they had received for ‘resting’ players.

I think one of our greats deserved better.

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by theboundaryrider on February 24, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by theboundaryrider on February 24, 2012

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ANZ Stadium – Taking International Cricket to the People

I’ve been to two T20 games at ANZ stadium this year. A Sydney Thunder game that was rain effected but that drew 30,000. And last nights blockbuster international. Both events were really enjoyable. In fact, I walked out last night thinking it can only be a good thing if we see more international cricket at Homebush.

I’ve previously written about the affordability of the SCG test. The, potentially, enormous cost of taking a family there. The great advantage that ANZ has it’s accessbility. Once the major event transport is activated for the game, your ticket covers your transport. Trains and buses virtually drop you off at the gate. It’s brilliant, and always seems to work very efficiently. I was travelling from work, west of Homebush on the train and was immediately struck but the number of families heading to the game – Mum, Dad and the kids out for a day at the cricket.  No hassles about parking in Moore Park. No walks or slow bus trips from central. An almost door to door service. Not only is it easier, you don’t have the added expense. And, when you’ve spent money on 4 or 5 tickets for the family to head out – that’s a saving you’ll appreciate.

ANZ also provides much better facilities than the SCG for spectators. Stadium food is stadium food, but I find you’re a bit better catered for than at the SCG. A bit more variety though I’m not sure I’ll ever learn that THE NACHOS AREN’T THAT GOOD.

The viewing was pretty good. I’d suspect up high you’d feel a bit distant, but down in the ‘bowl’ you had a good view. The atmosphere was also great with 60,000 in there. I’ve found you get a good atmosphere when there is anything upwards of 30,000 there.

And, the atmosphere brings me to the main point as to why we should see more international cricket at Homebush. If we want cricket to grow, it should be accessible to as many people as possible. Last night, there were kids there, probably for their first international cricket match, who would have been locked out by a SCG sellout. The extra capacity of Homebush let’s more people see the game, and it lets more kids have their first experience of the Australian cricket team – and that matters. We can either play more international games at Homebush or have families missing out on really big nights like last night because the SCG is sold out.

There’s still a few chinks to be worked out. The orientation of the pitch etc, but the more cricket that is played the more those things will work themselves out.

In saying all that, I don’t think test cricket has a place at Homebush. Test cricket & the SCG have spiritual bond you can’t break. But the more shorter form cricket the better.

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by theboundaryrider on February 2, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Australia v India, big bash league, cricket, T20 Cricket
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Posted by theboundaryrider on February 2, 2012

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Australia 2011/12 Test Ratings

Another home test summer has come to an end for Australia – and it has been remarkably successful. We’ve seen the emergence of James Pattinson – and the re-emergence of Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle. Ricky Ponting has also had a boom year and Michael Clarke excelled.

Here’s how I rate those who have worn the Baggy Green this year out of ten.

Phil Hughes – 3

Hughes had a chance to cement a space at the top of the order, but his habitual flashing outside the off stump will probably mean it some time before he returns to the test line up.

David Warner – 7

Warner has shown the capability to take his powerful T20 game into the test arena. Two centuries, both differing in style and circumstances highlight his summer. However, those centuries have been surrounded by low scores and early dismissals. Warner still has some way to go, but it was a promosing start. In the long-term, the selectors should be looking for greater consistency.

Ed Cowan – 7

Drafted in on the back of a Shield run glut, Cowan managed two half centuries in his four tests. Like Warner, a promising start to his test career, however I would think the jury is still out on his long-term prospects. Cowan should play in the West Indies, and will need to start to convert some of his starts into big scores.

Usman Khawaja – 5

Khawaja’s two tests against New Zealand reflected his short career to date. Looked solid, didn’t look out of place, but failed to get a score. Khawaja will be back though and I get the feeling when he gets that break through score there will be a lot of runs following. Should be crucial to the next Ashes Series.

Michael Clarke – 9

What can you say – brilliant captaincy. A triple century and a double century. Has there been a more dominant performance in a home summer by and Australian captain? The only blotch on Clarke’s record this summer is the Hobart loss to NZ.

Ricky Ponting – 10

Player of the summer for me – and I had severe doubts as to whether or not he still had it. Three half centuries and two centuries in his six innings against the Indians point to his dominance. In fact, of the six home test matches, the Hobart test was the only one where Ricky failed to get past 50.

Mike Hussey – 8

Like Ponting, the Indian series reinvigorated Hussey. He had a shocking series against New Zealand – but came back against the Indians with two vital innings – his half century in Melbourne and unbeaten 150 in Sydney were huge innings in the context of the series. Hussey tapered off in the final two test matches but did more than enough to get on the plane to the Windies.

Shaun Marsh – 2.83

Seems appropriate to give Marsh his average.

Brad Haddin – 4

Haddin has probably played his last test match in Australia. He struggled through much of 2011 with the bat, and the Indian series was the one where his keeping started to deteriorate.

Peter Siddle – 8

Outstanding summer. The emergence of young quicks seemed to breath new life into Siddle. 29 wickets against India was a just reward for his efforts. Siddle, importantly, became a go to man. The quick that Clarke could throw the ball to break a partnership. More often than not, he did it.

James Pattinson – 8

Young, fast and aggressive. Pattinson had a brilliant start to his test career, firstly against New Zealand and then claiming 15 wickets in the two tests he played against India. In my opinion, his best efforts of the summer came in Sydney on the first day where his four wickets set Australia up.

Ryan Harris – 6

Injury saw Harris spend some time on the sidelines and ultimately lose his place in the pecking order. Harris toiled manfully in his two tests, but its hard to see him playing regularly when Pattinson and also Pat Cummins are available.

Ben Hilfenhaus – 8

Genius move by the selectors to bring back Hilfy. He bowled fast, aggressively and swung the ball. Completely different bowler to last summer. 27 wickets in 4 tests is a true reflection of his efforts.

Nathan Lyon – 5

Lyon got a couple of cheap wickets against the Kiwis but struggled against India.  Both he and the selectors will be buoyed by his four wickets in India’s second innings in Adelaide.

Mitchell Starc – 6

Coming into the side for the NZ series, I thought in those two test matches Starc looked out of his depth. Earning a recall for Perth, Starc looked a better bowler on the fast WACA pitch and showed why he is so highly regarded. Certainly more a prospect at the moment, Starc will benefit from playing more first class cricket while being drip fed international cricket in the shorter forms. If anything, his performance in Perth shows that Australia now has genuine depth with its pace attack.

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by theboundaryrider on January 30, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by theboundaryrider on January 30, 2012

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Australia’s Keeping Options

It took just one tweet, just one tweet, to send my Twitter feed into a spin for about half an hour this morning. That tweet, was from Cricket Australia’s Peter Young:

Aust keeper Brad Haddin to captain @JuliaGillard PM’s XI team to take on Sri Lanka on February 3 at Manuka Oval

It was almost like my twitter feed was trolled, such has been the anti-Haddin feeling on the twittersphere ever since that appalling shot in South Africa. Slowly, for Haddin, the runs have dried up and his work behind the wickets has slipped with some dropped catches. All things being equal, he should be playing for his career in Adelaide.

No longer are keepers judged on their keeping, but on their batting and keeping. The expectation now in Australia is that our keeper is a more than adequate bat. Unfortunately for Haddin, his bat has failed him for 12 months – and now, his glovework is letting him down.

So, if Haddin was to go, who are the options?

Tasmania’s Tim Paine has been the man in waiting. With a few tests behind him and almost 30 one dayers he’d be an easy slot into the current line up. Unfortunately for Paine, his immediate future is in doubt. It is very possible that Paine will go from man in waiting to man in waiting as there may be a new incumbant behind the wickets for Australia when he is fit again.

So – who else is there? Here is how some of the other keepers compare:

Matt Wade Vic

50 FC games, 188 dismissals and averages 40 with the bat. Also 2 T20 internationals

Chris Hartley Qld

77 FC games, 350 dismissals and averages 31 with the bat.

Luke Ronchi, WA

57 FC games, 219 dismissals and averages 33 with the bat. Has a handful of ODIs and T20 internationals to his name

Peter Nevill, NSW

18 FC games, 70 dismissals, averages 49 with the bat.

Of those players, really only Hartley and Wade would be serious options. Hartley may have a slight edge over Wade as a keeper, but Wade is clearly a much better batsman and particuarly this year has clearly out performed Hartley. Peter Nevill was included, not so much as a contender but one to watch. Since coming up to NSW from Victoria he has blossomed in Haddin’s absence. Nevill is the only keeper to figure in the current top 10 runs scorers in this years Sheffield Shield. It will be interesting to see where he goes if Haddin is axed and becomes a NSW regular.

For the record, Brad Haddin averages 35 in test cricket with the bat, and 39 in FC cricket. Tim Paine, in his 4 tests averaged 35 with two half centuries. A more than useful contribution given 3 of his 4 tests have been away to India.

I think Tim Paine, when fit, is the best gloveman in the country. However, he isnt fit, which means someone else will get their chance.

With the T20 internationals and One Day games coming up, I’m expecting to see Victoria’s Matthew Wade get that chance. Wade has already been identified in the absence of Paine as atleast a short form keeper – and is easily the best batsman of the remaining choices. If Wade gets a chance during the ODI’s and takes it – he should be on the plane to the West Indies as number one keeper. Once Wade is in the team, the spot should be his to lose – which may be hard on Paine who is just hurt at the wrong time, but that’s the way it is.

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by theboundaryrider on January 17, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by theboundaryrider on January 17, 2012

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To grow or not to grow?

The Big Bash has really gone off over the last couple of weeks. After a slow start crowd wise, particuarly in Sydney and Melbourne, the fans are flocking to it and viewers keep on switching on. It’s been a real bonzana, over 30,000 in Sydney on the weekend, a bumper crowd in Adelaide and sell outs or near sell outs in Hobart and Perth. It’s certainly been a Big Bash, not a Big Flop.

Yesterday, there were reports in the Daily Telegraph or Channel 9 wanting to get their hands on it. To them, I say hands off. It’s working well. No need for you to come in, change it and ruin it.

Today, we read in the same paper that we may see an expanded Big Bash next year.

THE Gold Coast, Canberra, Newcastle and Geelong are all in the running to have a Big Bash team as soon as next summer as the reinvigorated Twenty20 competition continues to explode.

Is this a smart move? Long term, yes, provided the infrastructure is there I think its an obvious move and we’ll see regional areas have teams they can get behind now it’s a city based competition.

But is next year too soon? I think so. While I’ve enjoyed the Big Bash, I think as it stands the talent pool is a bit stretched, particuarly when players on national duty arent available. One just needs to look at the Sydney Thunder….Daniel Smith batting in the top 4 and fielding in the out field? Please. They just haven’t been competitive unless Warner or Gayle have fired.

So, if Cricket Australia are going to expand as early as next year, they really do need to think about how they’re not going to dilute the talent pool and keep or even improve the quality of cricket played. In doing this, they must also do something about creating certainty for the franchises and fans. One year player contracts don’t do that.

Planned, careful expansion would be beneficial to the Big Bash. Rushed expansion that dilutes the talent pool, and results in players switching sides every year won’t.

Feel free to comment below, I’m particuarly interested in where people think the Big Bash should expand to.

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by theboundaryrider on January 12, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by theboundaryrider on January 12, 2012

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Has India’s poor performance papered over Australia’s cracks?

With Australia still basking in the europhic Sydney test, which saw an innings victory and records broken at every turn – much of the focus has rightly focused on just how bad India have been and how rapid their decline from world number one has been.

However, if Australia are to continue to improve, and challenge England for the Ashes, they must have a cold hard look at their team and make sure that the weaknesses in the side arent being overlooked simply because the side is winning. A look at the Australian performance over the last two test matches does show the team is vulnerable, and a better side than India may well have capitalised.

A quick look at the Australian side, shows from 1 through to 11, there are still many question marks.

Batting

Despite the massive Sydney score, the batting is a concern. The top three are all players yet to establish themselves and all have question marks over their ability at test level. They’ve all shown glimpses – Warner in Hobart, Cowan in his debut innings, and Shaun Marsh who looked every inch a stable number 3 in Sri Lanka and South Africa. We need to see more consistancy from these players to provide Australia with stability at the top of the order. Australia cannot afford to be reguarly 3/40 odd.

Prior to the second innings in Melbourne and the Sydney test, massive questions were being asked of the middle order – particuarly old hands Hussey and Ponting. Many wanted them dropped – and there was justification. It’s ironic then, that in the two tests against India, the players with the biggest question marks over them are major reasons why Australia are 2-0 up.

Both Ponting and Hussey have secured their short term future., and unless it’s of their choosing, it’s hard to see either of them not touring the West Indies – where a weak attack and flat tracks will have them salivating. The concern leading into the next Ashes series will be how to manage their departure from the side. I think it’s unlikely both Hussey and Ponting will be a source of consistent runs in the next Ashes series. For the time being though, it is clear they are Australia’s best options – particuarly when the younger brigade haven’t been taking their chances and demanding selection. So, for the time being, their future remains assured. They’re scoring runs and there isn’t anybody demanding to be picked in their place. Shane Watson will return at some stage, but he can slot in anywhere from 1-6.

Wicketkeeper

Probably ther player under the most pressure is Brad Haddin. It seems a player is always in the fans and media’s sights in Australia. Runs and Hussey and Ponting have seen attention shift to Brad Haddin. He had a poor 2011 with the bat and this summer his glovework hasn’t been up to his usual standard. The absence of Tim Paine has probably taken some of the heat off Haddin, but a poor Sydney test has put him right in the firing line. Unless Haddin performs in the final two tests, he will be under real pressure to hold his spot, with Victoria’s Matthew Wade liked by many.

The Bowling

The bowling has been the big surprise for me this summer – particuarly the quicks. Pattinson has been a revelation, Hilfenhaus rejuvenated and ten times the bowler he was last year – and Peter Siddle bowling well and taking vital wickets. Ryan Harris is lurking around the squad, and with Pat Cummins on ice Australia’s fast bowling stocks are the big plus the side has and the biggest threat to Englan retaining the Ashes.

The only real question you can ask in relation to the quicks, is who to pick when they’re all fit?

The spinning position is a bit more problematic. Nathan Lyon started his career with a bang, and was solid against South Africa and New Zealand. Against India he has looked unthreatening and appeared to be protected by Michael Clarke in Sydney. Better bowlers than Lyon have struggled against India, so he shouldn’t be judged too harshly or quickly. The real test for Lyon will be how much he learns and improves from this series.

What does all this mean?

Australian cricket is now clearly in a much stronger position going forward than it was a month ago. The debacle in Hobart against the Kiwis does seem a long time ago. It’s clear though, there are still some areas for concern in the side. All of these areas will need to be addressed well before the next Ashes series, because without a stable line up and players who have certainty in their role, Australia’s job will be that bit harder.

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by theboundaryrider on January 10, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Australia v India, cricket, Cricket, Test Cricket
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Posted by theboundaryrider on January 10, 2012

http://theboundaryrider.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/has-indias-poor-performance-papered-over-australias-cracks/

Should the SCG Test be more affordable?

In many ways, I’m pretty fortunate. I grew up with access to a members ticket, which I had access to pretty much whenever I wanted. I spent many summer days throughout the late 80s and early 90s perched up behind the bowlers arm in the MA Noble Stand. Recent years, however, I’ve been forced to sit with the ‘plebs’ and pay my own way. That’s fine, I can afford it, I just pick and choose when I go.

For some reason, I always seems to be at the New Years Test on Day 3. I’ve seen some great days cricket, and obviously yesterday will be one I long remember. It was terrific value, but what struck me was the cost. It wasnt an issue for me, but I do wonder how a single income family in Western Sydney could afford a day at the test.

By the time I’d walked through the gate, and sat in my seat, I’d spent about $130. My seat wasnt the flashest, I was in the concourse, thankfully the eastern side so I had the afternoon shade. We all know how expensive the cost of food is at sporting events, so I saved by bringing my own. But had a gone for a seat up in the stand, and bought lunch and a drink, the whole day would’ve cost me well over $200.

That’s fine for me, but what about families? For Mum, Dad and the two kids, it’d be a mightily expensive day out. The New Year test comes at a time of year when family budgets are stretched. Giving kids a good Christmas can stretch a family budget, then there is the expense families face during school holidays in keeping the kids occupied and happy. Even a simple day out at the beach has costs, even if it’s just petrol and parking.

Cricket Australia would no doubt be happy with three straight days of 30,000 plus. But while pondering the cost of a day at the cricket, I was looking across the field at a pretty much empty top deck of the O’Reilly and a maybe half full top deck of the Trumper Stand – so it wasn’t like the ground was full yesterday.

Cricket is facing more and more competition for the family dollar now. Likewise, Cricket Australia are facing competition for the TV dollar – which is where the big money is. Given TV is seen by many as the goldmine that can bring financial stability to the code, why can’t prices for a day at the test be reduced? Test cricket should be nurtered. Cut the prices. Fill the stands, and make the money off the TV rights and T20 gates.

I’ve also got a ticket for the T20 game at Homebush in February against India. Similar seat to what I had yesterday and its come at two thirds the cost. This ticket includes transport, so the real cost is probably about half the price. Not only is it cheaper, but its more accessible. The bus or train pretty much takes you straight to the gate.

So the struggling family in the outer suburbs of Sydney, or even the ones from regional areas who decide to save up and take the kids to the cricket – I wonder if they’d choose to have a really expensive day out at the SCG – or would they choose for a more affordable, easier to get to T20 experience?

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by theboundaryrider on January 6, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in cricket, T20 Cricket, Test Cricket
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Posted by theboundaryrider on January 6, 2012

http://theboundaryrider.wordpress.com/2012/01/06/should-the-scg-test-be-more-affordable/

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