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Before the first Test commences in Adelaide later today, let’s revive that mainstay of Australian primary schools in the 80s and 90s: the time capsule.
It’s time to throw some ideas about this summer of cricket out there for readers to laugh or marvel at six months from now.
No odds were consulted when writing this piece, and Cash Converters had sold out of crystal balls. I was forced to rely on some calculated guesswork, and the quiet hope that a few things on this list will come true.
1. Michael Clarke won’t play every Test
While the delayed start of the Test series appears to have given Clarke a better chance of overcoming his hamstring woes, I’m still worried about his failing body.
Although our skipper has not missed chunks of cricket, a la the illustrious Watto, selectors have been forced to nominate standby players with increased frequency, due to ongoing concerns about Clarke’s back and hammies.
With short breaks between the first three matches of the series, all it will take is one minor tweak and Clarke may be in plain clothes for a week. I hope I’m wrong and our medicos can somehow keep him on the park.
2. The condensed series schedule will prolong Haddin’s career
Brad Haddin starts the summer on the back of a run of poor form in the last few Test series. While many felt he would be given at least the first two games of the series to cement his place, the combination of a tighter schedule and Clarke’s injury concerns should allow him to see out the summer.
Selectors will be hesitant to name a replacement, with no time between games for them to find their feet. That said, another poor showing from Haddin could see him jettisoned before the next series against the West Indies, giving his successor time to settle in before next year’s Ashes tour.
3. Nathan Lyon will be dropped and selected again
As Ronan O’Connell recently highlighted, Lyon’s place in the side is once again under scrutiny, following a poor showing in our recent capitulation against Pakistan. Unfortunately for him, Indians are arguably the best players of spin bowling in world cricket.
As Adelaide Oval is likely to provide a run fest of sorts, Lyon may be discarded if he goes wicketless in the series opener. Perhaps the only thing that may prevent this is a history of strong performances at the Gabba.
However, a weak return there will surely see him on the bench for Boxing Day. This will inevitably be followed by his triumphant return at the SCG, with scribes forced to dine out on humble pie yet again after he snares a bag of wickets.
4. Australia will defeat India 3-1
India have a notoriously poor record in away Test series, so it’s not a big reach to suggest they’ll lose this one as well. The tight turnaround time between games will make it difficult for either side to regain momentum, making the outcome in Adelaide of great importance.
While another Mitchell Johnson onslaught will rocket Australia to victory in the trifecta of back-to-back games, India may find they are able to gain a consolation victory in the dead rubber, despite the aforementioned heroics of Lyon in his triumphant return.
5. South Africa will win the World Cup
A few weeks ago, a bizarrely timed one-day series was played between Australia and South Africa. While Oz got over the line in these poorly attended games, the Saffers showed enough fight to indicate they will be dangerous in next year’s World Cup.
With AB De Villiers in ridiculously good form, Amla always threatening at the top of the order, several dominant all-rounders, and a bowling attack well suited to Australian conditions, there is a lot to like about their side.
If Wayne Parnell continues to distract batsmen with his atrocious hairstyles, and safety experts are brought in to ensure the team avoids choking hazards, we could have an upset on our hands.
6. TV audiences will grow, live crowds will dwindle
If early season figures are anything to go by, KFC has demonstrated some marketing genius with their HFC (Home Cricket Ground) hashtag and advertising campaign.
Boxing Day is always likely to attract a big crowd.
However, with a digital signal being broadcast onto gigantic television screens across the country, and Channel Nine actually managing to show most of the game, thanks to some help after 6pm from GEM, many of us would rather stay in.
7. Steve Smith will be our top run scorer against India
The consistent growth demonstrated by Smith over the past 18 months has seen him rocket from fringe squad member to potential future captain. The secret to his success? His ability to play spin bowling and adapt to different conditions and challenges.
While several members of the side continue to demonstrate a limited approach with the bat, Smith shifts gears like a German sports car.
Add to this his fluency and footwork against spinners, and it’s easy to see why he continues to rack up high scores. India will struggle to contain him.
8. At least one Big Bash League team will use a cannon this summer
The BBL is not about subtle marketing and in-game entertainment. Fireworks and flames whenever the ball clears the rope or a wicket falls is perhaps an indicator to those in the crowd less familiar with the game that something important just happened.
With our local T20 smash fest entering its fourth year, teams must be running out of ways to dazzle crowds. With this in mind, I can see one brave marketer taking the retro movement one step too far and firing a cannon at the start of an innings.
If this includes an Evel Knievel-wannabe ending up somewhere in the shocked crowd, I’m on board.
There you have it Roarers, the highlights and lowlights of the 2014-15 season before they take place. What do you think will happen this summer?
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