Comments on: The rise and fall of Michael Hussey http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/ The Roar is a sports opinion website. We tackle sports opinion rather than simply sports news. And we embed user-generated content — in the form of articles and comments — into the fabric of the site. Featuring some of the best sports writers in Australia — including the Sydney Morning Herald's Spiro Zavos — The Roar aims to be the leading sports website in Australia. Sun, 21 Mar 2010 19:13:54 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: Dave http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-185318 Dave Fri, 07 Aug 2009 07:45:09 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-185318 & a fine human being? I can’t comment on that because I don’t know him…… but he’s a good batsman & a fine human being?

I can’t comment on that because I don’t know him…… but he’s a good batsman

]]> By: Whiteline http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-184890 Whiteline Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:27:20 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-184890 Ah yes Quick Johnny and Mr Woods, glad to see a bit of intelligence here today. But let's remember, sometimes the half cut tennis ball can swing too much but obviously James has mastered that too - would have been a tough comp the under 12b's. Ah yes Quick Johnny and Mr Woods, glad to see a bit of intelligence here today. But let’s remember, sometimes the half cut tennis ball can swing too much but obviously James has mastered that too – would have been a tough comp the under 12b’s.

]]> By: William F Woods http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-184882 William F Woods Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:16:32 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-184882 Spot on, Quick Johnny, nice-play! And I couldn't agree more with Whiteline - move over Cooley...... Spot on, Quick Johnny, nice-play! And I couldn’t agree more with Whiteline – move over Cooley……

]]> By: QuickJohnny http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-184870 QuickJohnny Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:05:34 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-184870 I see Jameswm is coming under fire, and I must say 'rightly so.' Swing bowling is an art, and bowling in the backyard with half a tennis ball taped up is far from bowling in a test match. If Jameswm you can indeed swing the ball at will, why on earth hasn't Hilditch and Co called on you? The bottom line is that England's bolwers are bowling better, and Australia's batsman are so used to playing with V-8 bats on flat decks on small grounds that even badly-timed defensive prods can make the boundary. Now, they actually have to display some technique, and their flaws are being found out. I wonder what would happen if today's batch of batsmen were put on a Gabba green top and had to face the likes of Hadlee, Alderman, Lillee??? No contest. I see Jameswm is coming under fire, and I must say ‘rightly so.’ Swing bowling is an art, and bowling in the backyard with half a tennis ball taped up is far from bowling in a test match. If Jameswm you can indeed swing the ball at will, why on earth hasn’t Hilditch and Co called on you? The bottom line is that England’s bolwers are bowling better, and Australia’s batsman are so used to playing with V-8 bats on flat decks on small grounds that even badly-timed defensive prods can make the boundary. Now, they actually have to display some technique, and their flaws are being found out. I wonder what would happen if today’s batch of batsmen were put on a Gabba green top and had to face the likes of Hadlee, Alderman, Lillee??? No contest.

]]> By: William F Woods http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-184852 William F Woods Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:50:55 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-184852 Hmmm..interesting comments. I firstly refer to Colin's words regarding Jameswm, who was comparing his own batting to 'Fabio' Watson. All I can add is that if I were describing my own batting on an internet site like this, I would at least opt for a proper test batsman with a proven test and 1st class record. Now - in reference to the 'Dark Art'. Well, I could go on to say that I used to be able to bend it both ways with a worn 4-piece ball on a flat concrete strip in hot temperatures on a dusty field beside a river - but I would be telling porky pies. The reality is that not everyone CAN swing a ball AND get it to land where they want. Obviously, we are all not as gifted as Jameswm. Hmmm..interesting comments.

I firstly refer to Colin’s words regarding Jameswm, who was comparing his own batting to ‘Fabio’ Watson. All I can add is that if I were describing my own batting on an internet site like this, I would at least opt for a proper test batsman with a proven test and 1st class record.

Now – in reference to the ‘Dark Art’. Well, I could go on to say that I used to be able to bend it both ways with a worn 4-piece ball on a flat concrete strip in hot temperatures on a dusty field beside a river – but I would be telling porky pies. The reality is that not everyone CAN swing a ball AND get it to land where they want. Obviously, we are all not as gifted as Jameswm.

]]> By: Colin N http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-184687 Colin N Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:11:52 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-184687 "swing is not that dark an art. I have always been a swing bowler and the dynamics are pretty simple. So Anderson swings it both ways? I always have too, and without any practice. It’s not that hard. The practice is for it to be consistent and for your action to change as little as possible." Is this just a huge ego trip? I think you described yourself as batting like Shane Watson before and now you er.....swing both ways. The ball that is. “swing is not that dark an art. I have always been a swing bowler and the dynamics are pretty simple. So Anderson swings it both ways? I always have too, and without any practice. It’s not that hard. The practice is for it to be consistent and for your action to change as little as possible.”

Is this just a huge ego trip? I think you described yourself as batting like Shane Watson before and now you er…..swing both ways. The ball that is.

]]> By: Dave http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-184602 Dave Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:26:22 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-184602 I think 34 miaybe the age wich batsman start to decline. Allan Border David Boon Hayden Greg chappell Gilchrist . However the Waughs seem to have been about 36 when the decline set in . I think 34 miaybe the age wich batsman start to decline.

Allan Border
David Boon
Hayden
Greg chappell
Gilchrist

.

However the Waughs seem to have been about 36 when the decline set in .

]]> By: Whiteline http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-184599 Whiteline Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:16:38 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-184599 Jameswm You are cracking me up. Perhaps you are the answer. Big Troy Cooley see ya later, the guru is in town. Jameswm

You are cracking me up. Perhaps you are the answer. Big Troy Cooley see ya later, the guru is in town.

]]> By: adam http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-184377 adam Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:40:10 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-184377 youre upyaself youre upyaself

]]> By: FIsher Price http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-184364 FIsher Price Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:18:49 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-184364 It seems that way. Damien Fleming used to manage it on our pitches. It seems that way. Damien Fleming used to manage it on our pitches.

]]> By: Jameswm http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-184362 Jameswm Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:13:27 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-184362 Agreed. And the kookaburra ball swings in Australia too, don't you worry. All the coaches over here seem to worry about is hitting the pitch. Agreed. And the kookaburra ball swings in Australia too, don’t you worry.

All the coaches over here seem to worry about is hitting the pitch.

]]> By: FIsher Price http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-184359 FIsher Price Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:09:55 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-184359 What I was alluding to is this silly accusation that England unduly rely on swing bowling. In fact, Australia's bowlers would be advised to learn and apply it properly themselves. What I was alluding to is this silly accusation that England unduly rely on swing bowling. In fact, Australia’s bowlers would be advised to learn and apply it properly themselves.

]]> By: Jameswm http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-184348 Jameswm Thu, 06 Aug 2009 01:59:08 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-184348 Fisher Price - swing is not that dark an art. I have always been a swing bowler and the dynamics are pretty simple. So Anderson swings it both ways? I always have too, and without any practice. It's not that hard. The practice is for it to be consistent and for your action to change as little as possible. And Wasim Akram remains the best swing bowler I've ever seen. If the Aussies struggle with swing, they're lucky he's not there. Fisher Price – swing is not that dark an art. I have always been a swing bowler and the dynamics are pretty simple. So Anderson swings it both ways? I always have too, and without any practice. It’s not that hard. The practice is for it to be consistent and for your action to change as little as possible.

And Wasim Akram remains the best swing bowler I’ve ever seen. If the Aussies struggle with swing, they’re lucky he’s not there.

]]> By: FIsher Price http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-184333 FIsher Price Thu, 06 Aug 2009 01:37:09 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-184333 Quite so Greg - it seems as though a lot of fans aren't aware of Hussey's travails for WA. He was struggling as a Shield opener, so moved into the middle order from where he was dropped at some stage. It goes to show that working hard (and long) on your game in both hemispheres can pay dividends. I'm mighty pleased for him; that I think Hodge is much better batsman than him notwithstanding. Quite so Greg – it seems as though a lot of fans aren’t aware of Hussey’s travails for WA. He was struggling as a Shield opener, so moved into the middle order from where he was dropped at some stage. It goes to show that working hard (and long) on your game in both hemispheres can pay dividends. I’m mighty pleased for him; that I think Hodge is much better batsman than him notwithstanding.

]]> By: FIsher Price http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-184330 FIsher Price Thu, 06 Aug 2009 01:33:54 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-184330 Vinay - I rather liked Anderson's ball to Manou in the first dig. Vinay – I rather liked Anderson’s ball to Manou in the first dig.

]]> By: Whiteline http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-184069 Whiteline Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:32:41 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-184069 Vinay and Greg - well said to you both. Let's watch with interest. Vinay and Greg – well said to you both. Let’s watch with interest.

]]> By: Greg Russell http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-184043 Greg Russell Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:41:02 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-184043 Sheek and Spiro are correct. To try to put another angle on what they have said, there's a good reason why Hussey wasn't selected for test cricket until age 30: because his Australian first-class record didn't warrant it. First-class statistics are a matter of open record, and if one consults cricinfo one can see that Hussey, although he scored heavily in English county cricket, and although he made some big scores in the Pura Cup, he never AVERAGED such that he demanded inclusion in the Australian side and such that he appealed as one of the great batsmen of the game. In fact in many ways Hussey was lucky that he even got a start in test cricket. He never scored with the consistency of Bevan or Elliott or Hodge or Blewett (any more?) in Pura Cup cricket, however he established a reputation as an excellent fielder and "finisher" in one-day cricket, so he got a chance in the Australian one-day side, did well in that arena, and so when Langer was injured for a few tests against the West Indies in 2005-6, Hussey was given a chance. He made a couple of centuries, was retained, and the rest is history. It's statistically unusual that rather than having a test career of many ups and downs, Hussey has had one of a massive two-year up and then a massive two-year down. But the end result is that the law of averages is catching up with him, and his average is finding its true level, which is probably going to be in the 40s (given his recent form, who honestly believes that he will keep it at the current level of 53?). I recommend Sheek's point about Dungog Doug. Sheek and Spiro are correct.

To try to put another angle on what they have said, there’s a good reason why Hussey wasn’t selected for test cricket until age 30: because his Australian first-class record didn’t warrant it. First-class statistics are a matter of open record, and if one consults cricinfo one can see that Hussey, although he scored heavily in English county cricket, and although he made some big scores in the Pura Cup, he never AVERAGED such that he demanded inclusion in the Australian side and such that he appealed as one of the great batsmen of the game.

In fact in many ways Hussey was lucky that he even got a start in test cricket. He never scored with the consistency of Bevan or Elliott or Hodge or Blewett (any more?) in Pura Cup cricket, however he established a reputation as an excellent fielder and “finisher” in one-day cricket, so he got a chance in the Australian one-day side, did well in that arena, and so when Langer was injured for a few tests against the West Indies in 2005-6, Hussey was given a chance. He made a couple of centuries, was retained, and the rest is history.

It’s statistically unusual that rather than having a test career of many ups and downs, Hussey has had one of a massive two-year up and then a massive two-year down. But the end result is that the law of averages is catching up with him, and his average is finding its true level, which is probably going to be in the 40s (given his recent form, who honestly believes that he will keep it at the current level of 53?).

I recommend Sheek’s point about Dungog Doug.

]]> By: vinay verma http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-184011 vinay verma Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:31:18 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-184011 Here's something to ponder. The two best balls in thi series have been bowled by spinners. Swann to Ponting second innings lords and hauritz to Flintoff,first innings. Anderson got five in the first innings but the batters were culpable. The two in succession that Onions got were good balls but not unplayable. Line and length may be oldfashioned but it works. The fact remains Englands bowlers use the conditions(when available) better than their Aussie counterparts. Hold Cooley and Neilsen responsible. Whiteline...you've got to laugh otherwise we can only cry. Here’s something to ponder. The two best balls in thi series have been bowled by spinners. Swann to Ponting second innings lords and hauritz to Flintoff,first innings. Anderson got five in the first innings but the batters were culpable. The two in succession that Onions got were good balls but not unplayable. Line and length may be oldfashioned but it works.
The fact remains Englands bowlers use the conditions(when available) better than their Aussie counterparts. Hold Cooley and Neilsen responsible.
Whiteline…you’ve got to laugh otherwise we can only cry.

]]> By: Whiteline http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-184004 Whiteline Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:01:10 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-184004 Mr Cricket will score runs if the sun is out (as will everyone else!). Perhaps you guys should start to call him Mr Snickit or indeed "Missed my Ticket". Stuart Clark must be below pace or something or unless the selectors are working on the old age theory of rewarding for past performance in regards to Siddle, who has been embarrassing - especially on the odd occasion when he has actually got a wicket!!!! Mr Cricket will score runs if the sun is out (as will everyone else!). Perhaps you guys should start to call him Mr Snickit or indeed “Missed my Ticket”.

Stuart Clark must be below pace or something or unless the selectors are working on the old age theory of rewarding for past performance in regards to Siddle, who has been embarrassing – especially on the odd occasion when he has actually got a wicket!!!!

]]> By: vinay verma http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-183947 vinay verma Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:34:28 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-183947 i'm sorry but I like sacred cows! i’m sorry but I like sacred cows!

]]> By: Mushi http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-183940 Mushi Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:17:39 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-183940 I love a little statistical analysis of the old batsmen’s stats and I’m starting to lean strongly towards Clarke actually having surpassed Ponting as the best Australian batsman. Since the start of the last ashes series ponting has averaged 49, and if I remember correctly the standard deviation on this is in the 50s meaning he is a big hit and miss contributor (no shock there). Clarke on the other hand has averaged 60 and (this is from memory) a much lower standard deviation so not only does he generally contribute more he does it with far more consistency. I love a little statistical analysis of the old batsmen’s stats and I’m starting to lean strongly towards Clarke actually having surpassed Ponting as the best Australian batsman.

Since the start of the last ashes series ponting has averaged 49, and if I remember correctly the standard deviation on this is in the 50s meaning he is a big hit and miss contributor (no shock there). Clarke on the other hand has averaged 60 and (this is from memory) a much lower standard deviation so not only does he generally contribute more he does it with far more consistency.

]]> By: FIsher Price http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-183934 FIsher Price Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:08:44 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-183934 Let's not forget that swing is a valid and integral skill to bowling - it's not some black art that England are unfairly deriving advantage from. Let’s not forget that swing is a valid and integral skill to bowling – it’s not some black art that England are unfairly deriving advantage from.

]]> By: Worlds Biggest http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-183933 Worlds Biggest Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:08:08 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-183933 I agree with Vinay regarding the bowling changes. Binga did get 5 wickets against the English Lions in the lead up game before the 1st Test, his first 5 wicket haul in England. Beggers can't be chosers when it comes to our bowling ranks at the moment. It may be a case of " there is no one else " but I would take an 80% fit Lee over Siddle at the moment and Clark to come in for Hauritz. I hope Haddin is fit as Mannou doesn't fill me with confidence with the bat. We MUST win this game to save the Ashes. I agree with Vinay regarding the bowling changes. Binga did get 5 wickets against the English Lions in the lead up game before the 1st Test, his first 5 wicket haul in England. Beggers can’t be chosers when it comes to our bowling ranks at the moment. It may be a case of ” there is no one else ” but I would take an 80% fit Lee over Siddle at the moment and Clark to come in for Hauritz. I hope Haddin is fit as Mannou doesn’t fill me with confidence with the bat. We MUST win this game to save the Ashes.

]]> By: Brian http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-183919 Brian Wed, 05 Aug 2009 06:54:22 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-183919 I mostly agree but what makes Hussey a sacred cow, I'm sure Watson could bat at 4 and make a slow 20 or 30. The attack yo suggest does look a good bet but if Watson's playing it seems unneccesary to also have 4 paceman. The variety of Hauritz could be better. Why not take a chance, back the form of Clarke, North & Co and if Haddin plays go with 5 specialist bowlers irrespective of Watson. After all the oppossition have made only one century in the whole series thus far and Australia has made 6. It seems to me that if the ball doesn't swing England can't bowl Australia out if there were 4 specialist batsman and if it does swing then Hussey is not going to add much to the total. I mostly agree but what makes Hussey a sacred cow, I’m sure Watson could bat at 4 and make a slow 20 or 30. The attack yo suggest does look a good bet but if Watson’s playing it seems unneccesary to also have 4 paceman. The variety of Hauritz could be better. Why not take a chance, back the form of Clarke, North & Co and if Haddin plays go with 5 specialist bowlers irrespective of Watson. After all the oppossition have made only one century in the whole series thus far and Australia has made 6. It seems to me that if the ball doesn’t swing England can’t bowl Australia out if there were 4 specialist batsman and if it does swing then Hussey is not going to add much to the total.

]]> By: vinay verma http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-183878 vinay verma Wed, 05 Aug 2009 06:14:18 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-183878 replacing " Hughes" replacing ” Hughes”

]]> By: vinay verma http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-183877 vinay verma Wed, 05 Aug 2009 06:13:32 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-183877 I cant see them dropping Watson. Lets treat him as a specialist replacing uges. His bowling is not upto it. If Haddin is fit he comes back. Then the only changes tht can be made are Lee for Siddle and Clark for hauritz. The bowling of Lee,Clark,johnson and hilfenhaus looks our best bet to taketwenty wickets. Katich and North have to bowl some overs. I see Johnson coming good. He needed the work in the legs and sorting out in the mind. I believe he is right now. But on form you would have to say the England bowlers look better as a unit. Onions and Anderson are bowling better than any of our pace guys. That is not to say Johnson and Hilfenhaus cannot match them. I cant see them dropping Watson. Lets treat him as a specialist replacing uges. His bowling is not upto it. If Haddin is fit he comes back. Then the only changes tht can be made are Lee for Siddle and Clark for hauritz. The bowling of Lee,Clark,johnson and hilfenhaus looks our best bet to taketwenty wickets. Katich and North have to bowl some overs.

I see Johnson coming good. He needed the work in the legs and sorting out in the mind. I believe he is right now.

But on form you would have to say the England bowlers look better as a unit. Onions and Anderson are bowling better than any of our pace guys. That is not to say Johnson and Hilfenhaus cannot match them.

]]> By: adam http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-183844 adam Wed, 05 Aug 2009 05:18:14 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-183844 bollinger indeed... lee never amounted to the hype in my opinion... australian cricket is still waiting for someone to takeover from mcgrath and spearhead the pace attack... i never believed johnson to be the answer as so many of his wickets to date have come from bad shots by batsman rather than great bowling... bollinger indeed… lee never amounted to the hype in my opinion… australian cricket is still waiting for someone to takeover from mcgrath and spearhead the pace attack… i never believed johnson to be the answer as so many of his wickets to date have come from bad shots by batsman rather than great bowling…

]]> By: adam http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-183836 adam Wed, 05 Aug 2009 05:08:02 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-183836 thanks... i forgot about hayden... just thinking of him now is making me ill... thanks… i forgot about hayden… just thinking of him now is making me ill…

]]> By: FIsher Price http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-183814 FIsher Price Wed, 05 Aug 2009 04:44:50 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-183814 Lee was a dreadful selection. Bollinger or McKay would have been more deserving tourists. Lee was a dreadful selection. Bollinger or McKay would have been more deserving tourists.

]]> By: Farmer http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-michael-hussey/#comment-183806 Farmer Wed, 05 Aug 2009 04:34:53 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21968#comment-183806 There is often mention of Lee being almost ready to resume, with an inference that if fit , he would be straight in and solve all our bowling problems of taking 20 wickets. Lee has not played for yonks. He was in ordinary form (even ineffective) prior to this tour. His selection was more on hope than anything else. Why do we think Lee is going to save us. It would be like putting down one blunt knife and picking up another one. There is often mention of Lee being almost ready to resume, with an inference that if fit , he would be straight in and solve all our bowling problems of taking 20 wickets.

Lee has not played for yonks. He was in ordinary form (even ineffective) prior to this tour. His selection was more on hope than anything else.

Why do we think Lee is going to save us.

It would be like putting down one blunt knife and picking up another one.

]]>