The Sheffield Shield returns and with it all the drama and intrigue around who is voted off Test selection island next. Stay tuned for the latest episode of Surviv… I mean, the Sheffield Shield.
Queensland v Tasmania (The Gabba, Brisbane)
3 Sentence Summary
A typically tricky Gabba wicket provided an entertaining contest for the fans. Gabe Bell gave the Tasmanians a shot at rolling Queensland for a low score, but Queensland led by 224. Tasmanian skipper Jordan Silk led the Tigers home in a tricky chase.
Who pushed Test claims?
Jack Clayton made it a tricky total for the Tasmanians to chase while showcasing his potential Big Bash skills in the process. His 102 in a difficult situation showcased his class. Gabe Bell also showcased his skill with 10 wickets, and through 35 Shield matches, he has 135 wickets! Watch this space…
Queensland opener Matthew Renshaw. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)
Who did not push Test claims?
The selectors and Matt Renshaw, after being promoted into the Australian 13, would be disappointed with his output. 2 runs and 2 runs make for disappointing reading, but it was a difficult wicket. He will hope for more runs in the next Shield game.
Victoria vs South Australia (Junction Oval, Melbourne)
3 Sentence Summary
The usually batting-friendly Junction Oval pitch played more like The Gabba on Day 1, with wickets tumbling regularly. While Jake Lehmann slammed the pitch, it provided an entertaining match overall. Victoria won with a nervy chase proving that more than ever the tail needs to make runs too.
Who Pushed Test Claims?
A great return to Shield cricket for Nic Maddinson. Selected for Australia when he was not in form, an outstanding 12 months in Sheffield Shield cricket could help propel him back into the side with potential spots opening up. Watch this space.
Who Did Not Push Test Claims?
Marcus Harris. Disappointed that he was not selected for the Australian side, he had a chance to push his claims on a ground where he averages 78. Unfortunately Harris failed to deliver on that average and will be hoping for a bigger score next round.
Western Australia’s Cameron Bancroft. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)
New South Wales vs Western Australia (WACA Ground, Perth)
3 Sentence Summary
Insert obligatory pitch comment here. Full of controversy, in the end, New South Wales showed why its crop of talented youngsters were handed Baggy Greens (along with their Baggy Blues… That was a joke for those that did not get it) with Ollie Davies in particular guiding them home. Sam Whiteman’s 102 was the score of note for Western Australia as they look to put a disappointing round behind them.
Who Pushed Test Claims?
Chris Green, better known for his T20 exploits, quietly took 6 wickets in the second innings to go with his 3 in the first. At 30 years old and only having played 10 matches of Sheffield Shield cricket, time and long-form experience are not on his side, but stranger things have happened. He does however need to remember to stay in his crease when blocking a return throw from the bowler.
Who Did Not Push Test Claims?
Step into Cameron Bancroft’s shoes for a moment. Missing out on that coveted spot in the Australian 13 despite being a consistent starter for the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash to go along with sparkling form in the previous six Shield rounds (not to mention last year), only to fail to convert a start in his first round back. He’d feel pretty frustrated. Here’s hoping Bancroft returns to his dominating best as a batsman and continues to push his case in the remaining Shield rounds.
New South Wales’ Daniel Hughes. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Best XI of the round
This looks at the best players in each position and fits them in where appropriate. Players can be moved down a rung in the batting order from where they normally bat, but they cannot move up. For example, Matthew Renshaw could open or bat at 3, but since he did not make runs in the middle order, he would not be eligible to bat in the middle order. The objective of this is to track the consistency across the Shield season. At least one player from each side should be selected unless one team utterly dominated that round.
Nic Maddinson
Sam Whiteman
Daniel Hughes
Jack Clayton
Ben McDermott
Moises Henriques
Harry Nielsen
Chris Green
Fergus O’Neill
Gabe Bell
Billy Stanlake
Stay tuned for Round 8!
DTM
Roar Rookie
"This is the important bit. A guy like O’Neill wouldn’t be an ideal 12th/13th man for a home series. He needs to be out in the middle continuing his learning trajectory." I agree. However, the same can be said for Morris. CA has halted Morris's development by adding him to squads and not playing him. O'Neill has actually benefitted by not being selected for Aus squads. The concussion rules mean that international teams need like for like replacement players available so it appears you need 3 "twelfth men". I don't see why the top Shield players shouldn't be rotated through these positions.
Opeo
Roar Rookie
Beau Webster. Took 4/56 on the weekend and now has 17 wicketsbat 34 this season and is averaging 60 with the bat. Batted well last season too.
Opeo
Roar Rookie
It is amazing isn't it? If O'neill bowled quicker he could have bowled way worse and he probably would have been in an Australian test squad by now. As it stands now, bowling speed is more important than wickets.
Opeo
Roar Rookie
I could see Manenti or Matt Short maybe being chosen as a spinning all-rounder for tests in Asia. Does Jhye Richardson need to adjust his action a little bit and/or bring his speed back. I am not sure how bad his injury but he just spent nearly 12 months out, played one Shield game, a few big bash games, and got injured again. For the time being Marsh is justifying his inclusion in the XI with his batting alone so in my opinion we can afford to have another all-rounder, and Green’s bowling is much better than Marsh’s. I just hope Green can get a few more runs.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
No he didn't.
Opeo
Roar Rookie
“You seem to want to jump to white ball stuff because the red ball doesn’t suit.” O’neill outbowled Morris last season in the Shield, and has outbowled him this season, and has a better career average. Red ball suits O’neill beautifully. It just so happens that he has better numbers in white ball cricket too. “You need to look at games played and strike rate.” You literally had games played and strike rate quoted to you and you still say that.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Righto then. So earnest! :happy:
Gibbo
Roar Pro
Fair enough! Well, I'm not a fan of measuring up people too early for higher honours. Let's see how Davies, Morris, JFM and Edwards are going in a couple of seasons from now, and then we can chat.
Frodo
Roar Rookie
Some people, like you, just can't handle the truth! How about them Vics, hey?
Redcap
Roar Guru
Nah, no interest in Origin.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
I just did.
ojp44
Roar Rookie
I enjoyed these observations MM and agree with what you say other than that I dont think its arguable that Malcolm Marshall was the best of his era of Windies quicks.. he was the best, no argument. Could beat you with pace but could also swing the ball... my all time favourite bowler, RIP Malcolm.
Gibbo
Roar Pro
Suppose you'd also support the also-ran NSW Blues in the Origin as well? Maybe this year they'll pick some decent players. But yes, Davies and Edwards are having good seasons, but let's not get carried away. Davies was a BBL basher just 12 months ago.
Gibbo
Roar Pro
Hmm...great question! With how the selectors have treated Shield performances, I'd say not.
Gibbo
Roar Pro
Geez! At least we could keep it somewhat civil if not urbane?! Perhaps more along the lines of, "I would that my horse had the speed of your tongue" or something like that.
Frodo
Roar Rookie
Correct me where I'm wrong, Donsy you smug, obnoxious, wannabe erudite from the boys' college.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
There's a comment with no knowledge behind it. I doubt you even know who he is because you certainly describe a bowler that's not him.
Frodo
Roar Rookie
Morris has pace. No question. That's all he's got though. Doesn't swing the ball and doesn't seam it. Without a fast, bouncy pitch he's not much good at all. All hype! And how's about them Vics? Could win it all this season depite WA being the best side ever!
mrl
Roar Rookie
Go the Redbacks...err REDS...err South Australia...err Strikers the blue team!!!
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
If you are "insured of where Morris is at", that's your issue. Be advised, Morris is in very good form.