It has taken Aaron Finch’s hamstring injury, and the selectors sending Steve Smith and David Warner early to New Zealand for Usman Khawaja’s to be selected for the third and final Twenty20 clash with India at the SCG on Sunday.
Better late than never.
But because the selectors haven’t treated the Twenty20 series with as much attention as Test matches and ODIs, India has already comfortably won the series.
In what were two almost identical games, India crunched 3-188 in Adelaide to beat Australia’s 151 all out by 37.
Last night at the MCG, India plundered another 3-184 to beat Australia’s 8-158 by 27.
To show how much attention the selectors have paid to this series, there were six changes for the MCG last night.
Gone from the Adelaide loss are Steve Smith, David Warner, Travis Head, Kane Richardson, Cameron Boyce, and Shaun Tait.
In came Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, John Hastings, Andrew Tye, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon, with Tye, Boland, and Lyon made their Twenty/20 debut.
It didn’t make any difference, the result was just the same.
But Finch’s unavailability and with Smith and Warner leaving for New Zealand today, who will captain the side on Sunday?
Shane Watson looms large, but the resurrection of former skipper George Bailey which would also stiffen the brittle batting.
Khawaja should open with Shaun Marsh, with Chris Lynn, Bailey, Maxwell, Watson, Cameron Bancroft making his keeping debut, James Faulkner, Tye, Boland, and Lyon – with John Hastings to miss out.
The reappearance of Maxwell from injury last night was trumpeted across the board after he won the Australian ODI Player of the Year at the Allan Border Medal last Tuesday night in Melbourne.
You would think Maxwell would celebrate beating the far more favoured Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and David Warner by knuckling down with Australia in trouble last night.
Not on your life.
Maxwell last two balls in scoring one, dancing down the wicket to play yet another hero shot and was stumped.
Australia went from 2-99 to 3-101 with Maxwell yet again letting his team and himself down.
He should listen to champion Indian batsman Virat Kohli.
“I always try to keep my batting simple, nothing fancy,” is the perfect advice that translates to playing every ball on its merits – no reverse sweeps, no paddling, no ramping.
It’s worth reprinting Maxwell’s quotes after his 96 that clinched the ODI series against India.
“Early on, I got a little too excited trying to score a 150 strike rate every game.
“It’s going to be a hard grind trying to change a lot of people’s perceptions of how I’m seen.
“I’m hoping a lot more innings (like the 96) and hopefully people will start to forget the stupid nickname (the Big Show) and all that sort of thing, and the hype, and the trick shots.
“It’s something I’m trying to change, and it’s something I’m really working on,” Maxwell added.
Let’s see if Glenn Maxwell can keep his word on Sunday as Australia tries to regain some pride.
Amith
Guest
Yeah i agree open with warner and khawaja, they have batted together since junior cricket
Don Freo
Guest
As I've often said, there are 30 pr 40 players thst could represent Oz well. Picking a team is not something I like to do because too many that deserve a game get left out. I'm more interested in challenging those that write players off as useless and never to play...etc, despite the fact they are achievers at a high level. Nevertheless, I'll give it a go...after the following qualifications. (I don't like posts this long.) Batsmen: We have many that can open and it seems Finch was lucky in that he got the gig despite Marsh and Ussie being better. So, I'd leave Finch out. Watto, I'll slide down the list. Shaun is our opener. He failed in the last 2 because, after his 2 year run of form, he has been carrying drinks. He'll score as soon as he gets a regular Finch like gig. Bowlers: I am certain that all these quicks and mediums that bowl back of the hand or split finger slower balls are yesterday's men. We need quicks that can put the ball where they want it. Dougy can...but he costs 20 runs in the field. The mediums/fast all rounders can. Joel Paris can...and has. The two leggies are our best bowlers. Slow lefties? Doherty is fodder. Agar is not as tight as SOK and SOK gets hammered every time ge plays this game. Maxi and the 2 leggies. I leave out the one trick ponies like Hastings, McKay, Tye...but, strangely Laughlin has more than one trick. Keeper: If we need a keeper to bat, it is because we are in trouble. If that's the case, we need safety and method. Peter Nevill is a no brainer. So: Warner, S Marsh, Ussie, Smith (Capt), Bailey (drop him if he ever fails), Maxi, Watto, M Marsh, Nevill, Zampa, Paris Boyce, Laughlin, Lynn, Head, Gulbis ( thought I'd chuck in a reliable quick)
jammel
Guest
It's harsh Dan Ced, but Maxi Klinger isn't a chance for the T20WC squad imho. He's up against too many up and coming in-form batsmen like Khawaja/Head/Lynn, plus also some old heads like Bailey and Watto. Don't think now's his chance unfortunately. Plus with have Smith already for the "solid" role at #3 or #4.
jammel
Guest
Don Freo - who's your best T20 XI from those available (Plus 4 reserves)? Assuming the Marsh boys are there, and the usual suspects, but can you let us know your best XI?
13th Man
Guest
What a ridiculous statement. Firstly, we also have more sheep than people, is that necessarily a bad thing? Secondly I couldn't care less about a twenty 20 series when we have the opportunity to regain the number 1 position in TEST Cricket (the most important cricket format!) Thirdly I think it is far more important for our players to get used to conditions in NZ where the ball will undoubtedly swing and we struggle against that kind of bowling (remember Trent Bridge?) Lastly I think you are highly undervaluing New Zealand, I have been in NZ for the last 6 weeks and it is a marvellous country that punches well above its weight and to be honest I reckon it does a lot of things far better than Australia (and I am not just talking about sport here)
Bobbo7
Guest
The premise of your comment was that Australia should take the T20 more seriously because of the billion people who care. I was not comparing the NZ cricket team to the All Blacks, just making the point that the population is not always that important.
Don Freo
Guest
Indonesian... Was that one of your positive comments?
Pom in Oz
Roar Guru
Thank you. Yes, one of my values is to treat people with respect, when they have earned it. I believe David has, even though I don't necessarily agree with his opinions. You, on the other hand, are very un-Australian in your acerbic nature. Perhaps your folks would have made a better choice to have settled in South Africa, where your Dutch persona would have been better suited.
soapit
Guest
perfect team batting wouldnt be getting out after 20.
soapit
Guest
chasing 9 an over and a short batting lineup both needed to contribute. s marsh didnt.
Steve Whitey
Guest
NZ cricket is not too bad but comparing them to the All Blacks? A green apple to a sweet juicy orange.
Jarijari
Guest
best to open Ussie and Warner.I'd like Smithy at 3, followed by Maxie, Lynn and Jimmie Faulkner, Ludemann's my keeper pick, but they'll go with the useless Wade. Bowlers: Starc, Hazlewood,Lyon and Tye.
Bobbo7
Guest
Not really. No one will care about the T20 series by about 11pm Sunday. The NZ series will be much better cricket. Who cares about the sheep or populations? On this logic no one would play the All Blacks. But they are the premier draw card in rugby.
Don Freo
Guest
Always enjoy Ronan's stuff.
spruce moose
Guest
Australia also has more sheep than people. Just saying....
Rellum
Roar Guru
I'm glad you liked it.
Darren
Guest
Don - Marsh only scores at a run a ball in International T20's and his average is 18. It's just not good enough for top of the order. He just hasn't performed when given the change at International level.
Don Freo
Guest
Never seen you before. No particular loss.
Don Freo
Guest
David Lord is not a player. David's intention is only to belittle. I enjoy turning the attack back on that type of person. You, for instance, PiOz, have never made one positive post on The Roar. These players provide us with such joy and entertainment. Why do you think it is ok to belittle them? You are perhaps the only person that stands with David here. That is in keeping with what you reveal about your values in the posts you make.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Viv, just treat him as the fool that he is.