Comments on: Australian cricket rests with rookies

By: sheek

sheek — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 22:39:17 +0000

Historically, Australian cricket has tended to introduce young players in mostly desperate times. During the carnage of the 4-1 shellacking in 1928-29, the selectors introduced 20-year-old Don Bradman & 19-year-old Archie Jackson.

In 1970-71, following a 4-0 drubbing by the Saffies & during a 2-0 loss to the Poms, the selectors introduced 23-year-old Rod Marsh, 22-year-old Greg Chappell & 21-year-old Dennis Lillee.

Of course, the selectors have also selected young guys during good times. As the Aussies were ascending in 1991-92, they gave 22-year-old Shane Warne his spurs, despite avergae first class results up to that time.

Phil Hughes & Marcus North, both particularly, will energise the Aussies cricket team, reinvigorating the senior men. I can’t say the same for Dean Bollinger & Andy McDonald, who frankly, I don’t see as long term prospects. But Peter Siddle is another with a bright future.

That’s the way it goes, some debutants go onto great careers, others will fade quickly. Back to 1970-71, Marsh, Chappell & Lillee were the debutants to forge great careers.

Spinners Terry Jenner & Kerry O’Keeffe enjoyed several years in the sun without either reaching great heights. But other debutants from 1970-71, Alan ‘Froggy’ Thomson, Ross Duncan, Tony Dell & Ken Eastwood, all faded quickly.

By: O'Neill

O'Neill — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:52:44 +0000

Absolutley correct were the selectors to pick Phil Hughs regardless of how he performs in the up coming tests. He one of the best performed domestic batsman and more importantly young and enthusiastic. If they had of picked Rogers i’m certain you would have called the selectors gutless for not going with Hughs.

Your opinions are well founded and mostly accurate, but try writing a positive piece at some stage.

By: drewster

drewster — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:45:52 +0000

Yes Geoff, The rookies wil have to do a good job or Australia will be embarresed by the end of the tour. North made a fair start in the warm up game with twin 50′s no and a 6 wicket bag in the second innings which you would think will give him a start in the first test, Hughes got 50 in the second innings, although against a side not exactly packed with international players but a fair return for a first hit out.
If Clarkes back doesn’t come good, Then What? Talk about a bare cupboard (Replacement batsmen on tour).
Good Luck Boys! I’ll be cheering (and praying) for ya!