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Brett Deledio will miss the 2019 grand final through injury. This follows the heart-breaking – and ironic – events of 2017. Deledio moved from…
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Another season, another finals campaign for the insatiable Perth Scorchers. Incredibly the side has never missed a finals series since the Big Bash League's…
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An in-form Aaron Finch will miss the fourth ODI on Australia Day. A hamstring strain is the culprit as Australia look to turn their…
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It was a length ball, outside off-stump and Steve Smith, on 45, attempted to flay it through cover point in his typically unconventional way.…
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I agree that human nature (and therefore human error) will always be present but there’s room for improvement. The technology could be better but also the systems and rules around technology need to be adjusted – what happened on Sunday night wasn’t logical. There was too much doubt to say, ‘Yes, that was definitely out.’
Cricket must embrace technology or abandon it
What if a different innovation came along? Something other than a multitude of cameras from all different angles? Yes, the expense is the big issue but it could become a point of difference in the future.
Cricket must embrace technology or abandon it
I agree, James. There was no way that the umpires were sure that the catch had carried. And that’s where the issue lies. The on-field umpires could have given their opinion on whether they thought it was out or not but it shouldn’t stand against evidence that is inconclusive. What happened to the benefit of the doubt?
Cricket must embrace technology or abandon it
Great point, DavSA. Innovate – that’s exactly right. It’s not good enough to just keep up but lead the way.
Cricket must embrace technology or abandon it
Fair points, cos1. I think that Australia’s ODI woes can be attributed to experimenting with their line-up to come up with the right formula to beat England and win next year’s World Cup. Losing is inevitable during this trial and error process because of the lack of cohesion. Once they have settled on a team and strategy then we’ll have a better idea of where Australia stands relative to the other International sides
Australia's ODI woes are overrated
Let’s hope that’s the case! They’re hot favourites at this stage but the World Cup is still 16 months away.
Australia's ODI woes are overrated
Agreed, Jack. Cricket Australia’s words don’t match up with their actions. I hope they come to the understanding of what they want the league to be before it’s too late.
Finding balance with the Big Bash
I agree, anon. Is there a reason there are less international stars? I wonder whether this is an internal decision by clubs to foster local talent ala the Perth Scorchers.
Finding balance with the Big Bash
Good point, qwetzen. It would be new territory that’s for sure.
Finding balance with the Big Bash
Interesting ideas, Gurudoright. I like the Gold Coast idea but I can see why Cricket Australia would be apprehensive given the struggles of the like of the Gold Coast Suns.
Canberra, I think, would be an even longer shot. Is there enough volume there to build a supporter base?
Finding balance with the Big Bash
Good point, peeko. The numbers for this season are incomplete and we’ll have a better idea of the overall trend at this season’s end.
Finding balance with the Big Bash
It’s the basics too, isn’t it Bazza? Ground fielding, for example. There have been big improvements in boundary catching while hopping around the rope, but there are more simple errors slipping into each game.
Australia need to sort out their fielding to win in South Africa
Good point, James. Steve Smith’s fielding is brilliant at times but it can be sloppy too. He can’t be considered a truly great fielder until he finds consistency.
Yes, the BBL highlights the issue. There’s a lack of emphasis on fielding with all the focus centred on power fielding and cunning bowling.
Australia need to sort out their fielding to win in South Africa
There’s no doubt that Matt Renshaw is a player for the future but he needs to score runs at the state level before he can be considered in the Australian line-up.
Australia need to sort out their fielding to win in South Africa
Good question. I know he’s been working with the IPL side, King’s XI Punjab though I’m not sure what he’s doing with the rest of his time.
Australia need to sort out their fielding to win in South Africa
Good point, James.
I think Faulkner and Dunk still have lots to offer though. It was only last year when Dunk topped the runs chart and although Faulkner has been on the outer, he’s only 27!
A fault in the Melbourne Stars
Well said, Marc.
And James, I agree. As time passes, Tomic is becoming less polarising and more a figure who’s loathed by all. It’s difficult to fathom his mindset – what an opportunity he has!
Why Bernard Tomic is definitely not counting his millions
I agree, Wayne. Age shouldn’t be an issue. Yet the selectors have made it clear in the past that age is a factor so what has changed?
Last summer Ed Cowan’s four-day form was red hot yet younger talent got the nod. Where’s the consistency?
Is choosing Cameron White right?
My thoughts exactly, Michael. The issue is the lack of consistency. I think it contributes, in part, to the spectator’s lack of trust for the selectors.
Is choosing Cameron White right?
Good call, Saurabh. There’s definitely a lot of ‘grooming’ with Travis Head.
Is choosing Cameron White right?
I agree. The selectors are selecting for team culture over form. I think it’s a good move; cricket is a team game and Maxwell is, at times, a selfish player.
The Maxwell dilemma
Great argument – Smith was pivotal.
But would Warner and co. have stepped up in his absence?
Would Australia have regained the Ashes without Steve Smith?
Harris was special, there’s no doubt there.
Your right, Cummins hasn’t quite harnessed the swing component. He relies more heavily on hitting the wicket hard. But there’s no doubt that he can develop that ability.
I hope you’re right about Cummins durability. That’s a scary prospect for opposition sides.
The rise and rise of Pat Cummins
Success! My point exactly, Paul.
There needs to be a decision one way or another regarding the role of technology. It’s not that there won’t ever be another contentious decision but technology shouldn’t be contributing to the problem.
Cricket must embrace technology or abandon it