The first Test played at Adelaide Oval was a fantastic match. It was always going to be an incredibly emotional match following the tragic passing of Phillip Hughes.
I thought the way the game was played by both sides was outstanding. Both sides played the game in a positive aggressive manner. Australia’s batting, lead by Warner, Smith and Clarke was absolutely brilliant in emotional circumstances.
I must make mention the Indian team and their attempted chase on day 5. The way Vijay and Kohli went about the task of scoring the required runs was very impressive. Although they failed to chase down the total, it was great to see Murali Vijay and Kohli lead from the front. Kohli wanted his team to go about their cricket in a certain way, and they almost got the result.
In the end it was a lot of runs for India to chase down on Day 5. I thought Nathan Lyon was outstanding throughout the match.
The key for me was the pace he bowled and the energy (spin) he was imparting on the ball. There were times he got a bit flustered, especially when Vijay and Kohli went hard at him. He started to bowl faster and straighter, however he quickly rectified this and got back to spinning the ball up and landing the ball in the rough outside off stump.
By spinning the ball up, I am referring to flighting the ball- it can be a temptation for spinners to simply throw it into the rough fast and flat. By spinning the ball up you allow yourself the option of beating the batsman through the air as well as off the pitch. It is the best he has bowled in Test cricket in my opinion.
I enjoyed Brad Haddin’s assessment post match. The Aussies kept their focus and took the emotion out of it all- they simply backed themselves to play on skill. Trust your preparation, trust your plans and nail your skills.
It was a winning strategy.
I am sure it was the most emotional singing of the team song in Australian Cricket history. Seeing the pictures of all the players and support staff on the ground standing on the number 408 certainly brought a tear to my eye and was a lovely tribute to Phillip.
Now both teams have battled selection issues going into the second Test.
Australia have a new captain in Steve Smith due to Michael Clarke’s injury. This is a very good decision by the selectors. They could have gone with Haddin, who no doubt would have been very good, however the Australian selectors are mindful they have to take a longer term view for the betterment of the team. It is an ageing team and the selectors have some decisions to make in the not too distant future.
What we have seen in the last few years is contrasting philosophies in how to select teams. When Arthur was in charge, all we heard was “future” and “forward planning”. Think rotation policies. “If we do this now, in a few years time we can compete.” In essence it was crystal ball stuff.
Since Lehmann has taken charge, the philosophy has been about winning now and picking a team accordingly. Boof is of the opinion that winning creates positivity and a strong culture and that the best team plays. The Australian team has a real “live for the moment” mentality.
Both philosophies have merit. The key for Darren Lehmann and Cricket Australia is to find the right balance between winning now and planning for the future. I see the selection of Steve Smith as captain as a massive step in getting that balance right.
I can see Australia making changes for the Gabba Test. Shaun Marsh will come in for the injured Michael Clarke. I also believe a change will be made to the seam attack. Australia have been sweating on the fitness of Ryan Harris. They did everything they could to have him on the park, but it seems it wasn’t enough.
I did think that Peter Siddle would make way for Josh Hazlewood. We have heard about Siddle being given feedback from the coaching staff about his pace. He is not as quick as he was a couple of years ago, and it will be noted by the selectors that, in Marsh and Watson, they have two seamers that can bowl the same pace and essentially do the same job.
They have used this opportunity to play Hazlewood in Siddle’s place. This will be a great challenge for Siddle to find a way back into the team. I fear he may have to wait a while if he loses his place.
I was interested to see Starc added to the team, I admit. I believe he will be a permanent feature in the Test side before long – as Ryan Harris is not going to be around for much longer. The selectors have sprung one on us by replacing him for this Test, though.
As for a prediction for this Test, India will need to find a way to combat the bounce at the Gabba. I fear it will be too much for them though. Australia to win and win comfortably.
An article yesterday was mistakenly published under Jason Gillespie’s name. It was changed to Geoff Lawson, the real man responsible! Apologies Jason.
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