Roar Rookie
Joined December 2015
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QLD'er, been a passionate follower of almost every sport since I was a wee lad. Still have the build of a child but hopefully brainpower expanded to the extent I can offer some mildly interesting viewpoints.
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The Australian cricket team, media and fans have been up in arms over the last couple of days after comments from the Indian camp…
I will preface this by saying that I can't remember a time when I've had more trouble settling on Australia's best XI. Obviously change…
Australia had more gold medallists at this Paralympics than at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics combined. Don't ask me to name any though. Apart…
As a goalkeeper, I always relished penalties. They were the one occasion you could forgive yourself for conceding, yet be hailed a hero for…
If you haven't had the chance to read or watch Brendon McCullum's MCC Spirit of Cricket lecture, do it. It's a fascinating insight into…
Yeah that’s a fair point 🙂 I think my articles are pretty safe from being read though!!
Lyon still best spinner in the country
Interesting points Chris – I thought about that with the likes of Hazelwood, McGrath etc. but I do think it’s a bit different bowling in the same spot at 135km/h than at 85km/h (when you’re not really turning the ball, that is).
I think O’Keefe needs more tests in Australia before you can confidently say he’ll take more wickets than Lyon. Playing him in India is fine, but the home Ashes this year will be a very different kettle of fish. I don’t agree with those that say Lyon’s failure to consistently bowl us to victory shows that he doesn’t deserve the first choice spot. I think it’s an unrealistic expectation for a spinner, especially in Australia. He has consistently picked up key wickets at crucial times – if not the big hauls that some expect.
Lyon still best spinner in the country
I thought it rather obvious that I wasn’t downplaying his achievement – “Obviously O’Keefe bowled well,” “I loved seeing SOK clean up,” etc. And I’m not defending Lyon – his record doesn’t need defending. I’m simply saying O’Keefe shouldn’t shoot straight to the top on the back of one performance.
Lyon still best spinner in the country
A) because it’s the Shield.
B) because he’s not Shane Warne. This expectation in the post-Warne era for our spinner to consistently bowl us to victory is unrealistic and resulted in the revolving door of tweakers that were given a few chances then cast aside when they failed to do so.
Lyon still best spinner in the country
Could not agree more Zach. Stupid to try and beat India at their own game. Don’t pick spinners for the sake of it – pick them only if they’re actually test-standard bowlers. I would also have another specialist batsman in there to round out the top 6 (Burns for me) and have Smith and Warner bowl more overs. For me Lyon and the three quicks is our strongest attack on any continent.
Swing, not spin, is the key to winning in India
Totally agree, Ronan. Great to see fresh batting talent, but would’ve preferred Burns for a while longer, but Patterson over Maddinson. I don’t think Maddinson has the technique to succeed in test cricket. Renshaw is a very exciting pick.
Australia's selectors nailed it, with one glaring exception
Yeah it’s a fair call – and there’s no denying he’s well short of form at the moment. I just reckon he’s better suited to tests than some of the others performing well in Shield cricket.
The team to lift Australia out of the mire
Because while he may not have the numbers of some of his counterparts, he is a test match type batsman. It’s not necessarily just runs at Shield level that make someone capable and blunting a world-class attack.
The team to lift Australia out of the mire
But if you have two players of similar ability, it’s nonsensical to pick the one that will only provide a couple of years service to the team as opposed to a potential 50< test player.
The team to lift Australia out of the mire
Interesting team. Could be an idea to have experience at the top and the younger guys down the order. I would personally opt for a bit more balance though (i.e Ussie and Smith 3 and 4).
The team to lift Australia out of the mire
I agree James. Our keeper should be the best in the country, not an average one who can bat.
The team to lift Australia out of the mire
Fair calls. If I was a selector I’d drop S Marsh but I’m certainly comfortable with him playing on for a while. Similarly, I would stick with Lyon but wouldn’t mind seeing SOK given a chance. If only our best fast bowlers would stop breaking down (i.e. stop being treated like under-8’s and be allowed to bowl an unrestricted number of overs in Shield and warmup games) we would probably have the best attack in the world with those 4 guys you mentioned.
The team to lift Australia out of the mire
Definitely looks like a team of the future, but probably a bit soon to be blooding 4 or 5 guys at once I think.
The team to lift Australia out of the mire
Of course, but as does technique, temperament and experience.
The team to lift Australia out of the mire
Pat Howard, James Sutherland, and god-knows who else that is hanging around the team pushing this kind of crap, need to have a read of this and realise how much of a joke they’ve become to pretty much everyone on the outside.
Brendon McCullum spoke about the detrimental effects of sport science on the game in his Spirit of Cricket speech earlier in the year: http://www.theroar.com.au/2016/06/14/mccullums-message-stop-dehumanising-sport/
If there's anything Australia needs right now, it's more science and technology
I agree totally with pick and stick. That’s why I wouldn’t mind Ferguson and Mennie being given another chance, but Voges has to go. And I think Marsh needs to move on as well, but don’t mind him coming back on those grounds. I think a couple of changes do need to happen, but not half the team like some are suggesting.
I agree that the pressure put on a player to perform in just one test, which has been publicly stated by some of our dickhead selectors in the past, is just ludicrous.
The team to lift Australia out of the mire
Can’t argue with that (apart from Maxwell – we really need stability in our batting order and has proven time and time again that he can’t provide that when it’s needed). Like the rest of the team though. Bancroft just on the basis of a bit more experience and time around the Australian team. I wouldn’t mind Patterson even though I would favour Handscomb slightly if I had to pick between the two. Whiteman’s got potential but I would stick with Nevill. And wouldn’t mind Sayers or Bird.
The team to lift Australia out of the mire
Yeah I would assume they’d stick with Ferguson for a bit. SOK could be given a go in Adelaide but at the moment I don’t see him as a long-term option. An the only way I’d play Maxwell is at 8 as the spinner (but his bowling isn’t up to scratch yet). I think he’s the antithesis of what we need in our top 6 at the moment.
The team to lift Australia out of the mire
Pretty balanced side Andy – Hartley is a superb player who has been unlucky to play in the era of Gilchrist/Haddin, but at 34 I don’t think he’s a practical choice looking for the future.
The team to lift Australia out of the mire
Faullkner at 8 obviously bolsters the batting, but as you say, definitely more of an ODI side.
The team to lift Australia out of the mire
Yeah I understand them putting Marsh straight back in when he is fit – he’s probably done enough to hang around for a bit, especially if they’re going to make other changes. I don’t mind the look of Maddinson, but I can’t help thinking he’s still more of a one-day player. And Renshaw is certainly capable, but I don’t know if 11 games is enough to prove himself as a test player.
The team to lift Australia out of the mire
I see where you’re coming from – it was good coverage in terms of live broadcasting. But I just think the general hype and interest levels would be much higher if they were on at the same time.
Paralympians dominate - but who's watching?
Exactly – several factors to consider but I just think it would be worth combining them.
Paralympians dominate - but who's watching?
You’re making it sound like Lyon is my Dad. I’m not worried about him or feel the need to protect him. I’m offering my opinion.
Lyon still best spinner in the country