A Test century on debut by Rob Quiney would be an adrenalin rush for the brittle Australian batting line-up as they try to regain world number one Test status.
The three-Test series against top dog South Africa begins at the Gabba tomorrow.
But it’s a big ask for the 30-year-old Victorian leftie against the best pace attack on the planet of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel, and Jacques Kallis.
In my lifetime, there have been 264 new baggy green caps, 167 of them pure batsmen or all-rounders.
But only 12 have cracked the debut ton in 64 years. It’s a mighty elite group:
Jimmy Burle (1951), Doug Walters (1965), Greg Chappell (1970), Gary Cosier (1975), Dirk Wellham (1981), Kepler Wessels (1982), Wayne Phillips (1983), Mark Waugh (1991), Greg Blewett (1995), Michael Clarke (2004), Marcus North (2009), and Shaun Marsh last year.
Quiney showed he’s not overawed by the occasion by taking 85 off Steyn and Philander for Australia A at the SCG last week, while Morkel and Kallis were rested.
And there’s an inbuilt plus for the Australian batting with five of the top seven left-handed. If Steyn has an Achilles heel, it’s the lefties.
That aside, the South Africans out-rank the Australians right across the park.
Batting – Hashim Amla (2), Kallis (4), AB de Villiers (5), Alviro Petersen (29), JP Duminy (50), and Jacques Rudolf (54).
Australia – Clarke (6), Mike Hussey (17), Ricky Ponting (20), David Warner (44), Ed Cowan (60), and Matt Wade (70)
Bowling – Steyn (1), Philander (2), Morkel (9), Kallis (32), and Imran Tamir (61).
Australia – Ben Hilfenhaus (6), Peter Siddle (7), James Pattinson (31), Nathan Lyon (35), Mitchell Starc (71).
Pretty comprehensive in South Africa’s favour on paper.
It could be different if Rob Quiney inspires his new team-mates to raise the bar.
AndyMack
Guest
Really???
Neuen Calvo
Guest
Where is Graham Smith on that list or did I miss something? Talking about Bannerman he scored 239 in the three tests he played. 165 comes from 1 test. But again those days were endless tests with 8 ball overs
Don Corleone
Guest
No need to get offended, I wasn't referring to you which I thought would be obvious since you identified yourself as being a retiree.
Martin D.
Guest
Keep your opinions to cricket Don and don't you dare lecture me about lifestyle. I've paid taxes for decades and worked like a dog to earn a fairly frugal retirement with very little to luxuriate in.
Don Corleone
Guest
I was talking to you Martin, are you a pixie? Ahh, finally got my feet up after a long day keeping test match traditionalists in the lifestyle they enjoy.
Neuen Calvo
Guest
Well you have to concede some sessions to the bowlers that is playing well. You put pressure on no batsman as it is test cricket. Sessions will come where you dominate. You do not want to expose your tale cause you put pressure on yourself thanks to trying to bat at 4 a over. Patience is the name of the game. If you do not have it you will not get far
mds1970
Roar Guru
That's why I love the WACA Test - them being a few hours behind us, I'm home from work and there's still plenty of cricket to go for the day.
Martin D.
Guest
Are you talking to pixies Don or am I missing something?
Don Corleone
Guest
Lucky you, Martin. I'm looking forward to retirement. Three comments totalling about 5 minutes...amazingly the organisation hasn't fallen down around me.
Martin D.
Guest
You work 9 to 5 and you've got time to do this? (I'm retired, by the way.)
Don Corleone
Guest
I wish. If I was getting a cut...I'd probably be sitting in my private box at the game. Unfortunately, I work 9 to 5, Monday-Friday (unlike many self-styled 'traditionalists' and 'purists' it seems), with a 40 minute drive home. If I'm lucky I get to watch two-fifths of a test match and would love to watch the final session of each day during the evening. Despite what some bizarre people have been saying, the Cricinfo tab at the bottom of the screen just doesn't cut it.
Martin D.
Guest
You obviously get your cut then godfather?
Don Corleone
Guest
I'm glad it's about ratings...more people, including me, will actually be able to watch the thing. Bring on the night tests. I'll catch the final over if I'm lucky tomorrow and there's still hours of sunlight left.
Martin D.
Guest
It's about TV ratings.
Jason
Guest
It would be crap as I would miss a chunk of it having to put the kids to bed. Better to leave work at lunch at watch it at the pub.
jameswm
Guest
How good would it be to get home from work at 5.30-6 and be able to watch the last two sessions of a test day? Bring on night tests...
Martin D.
Guest
No more chances for Hughes. He still looks foolish at the crease with his appalling technique.
josh
Guest
That's almost a session for 37 runs... That puts pressure on the remaining batsmen too score other wise you end up being dudding yourself out of a win. No one really wants test cricket that slow. And it won't do Quiney any good either, for long term selection. Ask Khawaja that scenario is exactly what he was doing.
King Kebab
Guest
Think positive boys Quiney is set for his debut tonne, he WILL make it tomorrow! Gotta think positivly and it will happen! Im suprised about Hilfy being ranked 6th too....good on him! I disagree with McDonald, he isnt much chop of late.......anyone think Hughes should be given another go or what? Against Sri Lanka not SAF Would you bat or bowl first tmrw?
astro
Roar Rookie
Hilfenhaus is ranked 6th? Wow...