Australia won the first Test against Pakistan at the Gabba yesterday by 39 runs, thanks to Nathan Lyon and Jackson Bird.
Not the offie Lyon and paceman Bird, but Lyon and Bird batting 10 and 11 in the first dig.
They came together after Peter Handscomb was bowled for 105, leaving Lyon and Bird both scoreless.
66 deliveries later, Lyon was dismissed for 29, Bird was unbeaten on a career high 19, there was a no-ball from Wahab Riaz and the pair had put on a priceless 49 runs for the last wicket.
Yesterday Pakistan looked like setting a new world record successful chase of 490.
But if either Lyon and Bird had been dismissed quickly, Pakistan would have won the first Test.
So the scene is set for a bumper Boxing Day Test at the MCG, with the Australian team selection a major point of interest.
In a post-match interview, skipper Steve Smith let the cat out of the bag when he said an all-rounder will be in the discussions for Melbourne.
That could only mean Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, or Glenn Maxwell – surely not the latter.
My pick would be Head, in keeping with the selectors’ newly promoted youth policy.
Head’s a 22-year-old left-handed batsman, right arm offie, and a brilliant fieldsman, who also keeps.
There’s one potential problem with Head depending on who he replaces – Nic Maddinson, or Nathan Lyon.
If it’s Maddinson, the status quo of seven left-handed batsmen in Adelaide and the Gabba would remain, if it’s Lyon that would be eight lefties.
But how could the selectors banish Lyon when he was played such a major role with the bat for Australia to win?
Those sort of decisions are never forgotten, nor forgiven.
So the safest selection course after back-to-back Test wins would be to send the same 12 to the MCG, with Chad Sayers the drinks waiter.
As the team ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
ak
Roar Guru
Pakistan really showed the spirit. All these years there is no international matches happening in their country. Yet they always fight. Even though they lost they certainly won a lot of hearts. What a fight. Azhar Ali started. Younis contributed. And then Shadow made a valiant effort. Aamir, Riaz, Yasir all gave it their 100%. Now eagerly waiting for the boxing day test. And for now enjoying India spanking the Poms???
Bee bee
Guest
I think most Australians look at spin as the job for the unco kids who can't bat or bowl but still want to play cricket. Our batsmen being the worst offenders of all. Scared to think what's going to happen next time we play on a turning deck. The SCG test might be sobering viewing if it actually turns this year.
aPunter
Guest
Wink
AREH
Roar Guru
Yes important to note I was talking about the second innings, David.
bearfax
Guest
Bird yes. Had a fine test and deserves the accolades. But Lyon? Seems he can do no wrong in many people's eyes. The fact is he took two wickets for 139 at an average of 70. Pakistan almost won this match because there was no killer blow at the end against the tail enders, a job usually left to the spin bowler to clean up. Sure he batted well, something he usually doesnt do. But fair dinkum. I think sometimes Lyon could take 1-150 and still be thrown bouquets from the stands
Basil
Guest
That's it! I was trying to put my finger on it but you've nailed it. Hes like the little unco kid that everybody cheers when he gets a touch in underage footy.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Had the Bird Lyon partnership been at the end of a completed second innings and if Head actually kept then there might have been some sense to this....
I hate pies
Guest
Drop Wade and bring in Head to keep. Keep Maddinson for a little longer.
Birdman
Guest
Bird is the word.....
rock
Guest
Lyon also had 3 fairly easy chances put down by an inept keeper.
Blackfish
Roar Rookie
When is Lyon ever going to wrap up a game for us. The crowds usually cheer the team dunce and it was on again in Brisbane.
Pedro the Maroon
Guest
Would have Australia declared at 5-202 if the Bird/Lyon partnership not been so fruitful? I think not. If if if ...
spruce moose
Guest
Considering your writing style and commitment to research, I think calling someone else a wasted talent is a bit like the pot calling the kettle black David.
Lancey5times
Roar Rookie
I have always found it odd that Maxwell is so much on the outer with David due to his reckless batting and throwing away of his wicket yet he was and no doubt still is an unabashed fan of Brad Haddin.......
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
I have a feeling though, that like many batsmen getting well into their 30's, that he doesn't bowl anywhere as much as he used to.
Lancey5times
Roar Rookie
Thank you David, You're right I don't particularly like Christmas. I get too many presents and the holiday shopping traffic means it's a pain making so many trips to the orphanage to hand them out to needy kids. A whole lot of replies here which is encouraging given your usual disappearing act but I am yet to hear you address the constant queries on this thread regarding either A) the 2nd innings declaration vs the Lyon/Bird partnership or B) Travis Head's wicketkeeping. Gonna back this up with any stats mate? I'm sure you could make some up.
Lancey5times
Roar Rookie
Turns out you take as much time to actually read and understand Roarers posts as you do researching facts for your articles. 'anything less would have just meant Smith kept Australia batting a little longer in the second innings' I'm pretty sure the Aussies weren't bowled out for 340 in their second innings, Expert.
Lancey5times
Roar Rookie
I forgot my grammar.... :)
David Lord
Expert
A cheap shot at Glenn Maxwell, when is he going to score runs that count? If he had any cricket brains to match his wonderful natural ability, he would be among the first picked in all three formats. In short, he's a wasted talent, and it's entirely his own fault.
David Lord
Expert
Impossible for Steve Smith to bat on Ryan, had Australia been all out for 340.