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David Schout is a Melbourne-based freelance journalist covering (mostly) cricket. He has written for The Guardian, the ICC, IPL, NCA Newswire and others. You can follow him on Twitter at @david_schout.
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Australia’s thumping win over Bangladesh overnight was all about the numbers. And they check out for Justin Langer’s men, whose hopes of progressing to…
Australia looks set to bat Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell at number three and four this T20 World Cup. However their presence at the…
There’s a lot going on in the cricket world at the moment. It’s just that most of it is frustrating and ultimately exhausting. The…
With England’s two best hopes of Ashes success all but certain absentees, further withdrawals could turn a highly-anticipated summer into a non-competitive farce. Reports…
Justin Langer has, for now, survived an intense fortnight of speculation about his role as Australian coach. Much as when he opened the batting…
All out 62. It wasn’t quite Trent Bridge 2015, but it wasn’t far off either. Australia’s lowest ever total in limited-overs cricket saw it…
Australian cricket fans were left fuming on Tuesday night, as many struggled to find a way to watch the Bangladesh vs Australia T20 series…
On this day two years ago, Mitchell Starc was on top of the world. Gearing up for a World Cup semi-final against England, Starc…
Aussie captain Aaron Finch says it would be “hard to justify” players returning for phase two of the IPL, but the league could provide…
Amongst New Zealand’s World Test Championship Final win in Southampton overnight, it was two more minor moments that underlined how captain Kane Williamson has…
Almost 150 years since the first ever Test match, cricket is finally attempting a World Cup of sorts for the game’s longest format. The…
Just nine days out from the inaugural World Test Championship final, no Australian broadcaster has secured rights to televise the showpiece event. EDITOR'S NOTE:…
After racist and sexist tweets from fast bowler Ollie Robinson were discovered during his Test debut against New Zealand, the England and Wales Cricket…
The contrast in Australia and England’s Ashes preparation couldn’t be greater, but the home side’s lean lead-in may just give it the physical and…
Cameron Bancroft has always said he takes “full responsibility” for the sandpapergate mess, but things have never been that clear. In an interview with…
After each lost their national contract in the last 12 months, an Aussie batting trio must take advantage of their current stint in the…
Should the IPL push hard for a resumption of the 2021 season later this year, international cricket will inevitably suffer. Executives have already confirmed…
There are many reasons to argue the IPL should not cancel its 2021 season despite an unfolding COVID-19 tragedy in India. The tournament is…
The shift from using ‘batsman’ to ‘batter’ in cricket is not a move for political correctness, but a positive step for the game. Last…
New South Wales rolled the dice several times on Day 1 of the Sheffield Shield final, but it was Queensland’s consistent execution that came…
Thanks Paul, you too! Looking forward to tomorrow 🏏
Five key questions ahead of the Boxing Day Test
I actually thought Lyon was the pick of the bowlers. I’d almost say I’ve never seen a finger spinner look so dangerous on a Day 1 Australian wicket (probably should’ve written this in the piece 😂 ) He’s taken for granted these days given he’s part of the furniture, but he’s a bowler at the peak of his powers.
Late wickets a just reward for disciplined Aussies
No, is the answer to your question – both can be true. Each time Starc turns in poor performances he is targeted to a greater level than almost anyone else in Australian cricket. His record for Australia is very, very good.
Late wickets a just reward for disciplined Aussies
Good point Dave, and yes you’re right. Seven on-sold them to to bypass the anti-siphoning laws, which to my knowledge stipulates a FTA broadcaster must simply acquire them first. So yes, while they did ‘bid’ on the ODIs and T20s (and get them), they on-sold to Foxtel immediately, which I assume was a pre-negotiation deal between the two. My point was more that if they valued them, they’d have bid and held onto them. Your point about the regulator not doing its job is spot on 👍
Channel 7 exposed as desperate and naive in cricket’s messy TV stoush
Still waiting for any evidence of what you’re claiming?
I take this issue extremely seriously and in recent weeks have spoken to mental health experts, the ACA and players about it. So once again, I urge you to go back and actually read it.
The tough call on Will Pucovski
Appreciate the comment but that actually wasn’t my point. I said the prospect of months inside heavily restricted hubs will weigh on the minds of both medicos and selectors before making a decision.
The tough call on Will Pucovski
Sorry, which stars weren’t risked?
Choker tag’s short stay and the pay-off for patience: Five things we learnt from Australia’s UK tour
I get where you’re coming from but I don’t think moving Labuschagne or Smith down the order would solve the issue. They’re not power hitters who can clear men on the rope; more accumulators who pick up the odd boundary. As for Finch and Warner, you’d need a crowbar to prise them from the openers spots.
Re: Maxwell, I think he is the man in the latter overs. He has the second-highest ODI S/R of all time. His issue, of course, is that he doesn’t do it often enough
Stuck in the middle: Aussies uncertain ahead of ODI series
The thing is, shifting Labuschagne or Smith down the order won’t solve the problem. They’re not power hitters and I couldn’t personally see that working. Warner and Finch won’t budge from opening, either. The key stat to look at here is S/R, which Maxwell is second-highest of all time (here: https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/282919.html). His issue, of course, is that he doesn’t do it often enough.
Stuck in the middle: Aussies uncertain ahead of ODI series
Thanks for the note Paul, always value your input!
Yeah as I referenced, I think Langer sees number 3-6 as very much fluid. In the last T20 the Aussies played (against South Africa), Warner and Finch put on 120 for the first wicket so they bumped Wade and Marsh up and pushed Smith down. Conversely, if there’s a relatively early wicket Smith will always be 3. But yeah, the last 5-6 overs is ideal for Marsh.
Re: the broadcast rights, I think Seven are desperate to cut costs and seemingly have little to lose by going public. They’re not a long-term partner like Nine was and probably don’t feel the need to protect the relationship if they’ve already decided they won’t bid again come next rights negotiations. I’d be surprised if CA don’t offer a discount on rights like other codes have.
Australia’s UK tour takes on importance of a different kind
Erghh that old argument hey
Australian players weary, but there’s little respite in sight
Good point! Thanks for picking up the slack. And yep, Wolvaardt’s in-out shot through extra-cover was one of the tournament’s best
Nerveless Aussies dodge rain on way to World Cup final
What a game. I too hit the sack. And wrote about it on here a while back: https://www.theroar.com.au/2018/10/25/how-i-missed-the-most-remarkable-odi-ever-seen/
Also, how good is it to hear the name Boeta Dippenaar
I went to bed at the innings break of the 438 game and haven’t trusted anyone or anything since
I know right, I hate those grade cricketers who’ve captained their country over 50 times
Chokers, front-runners, over-achievers: Why Big Bash storylines matter
Understand that perception (with guest stint players coming in and out) but most clubs actually retained the vast majority of their core squad from last season
Chokers, front-runners, over-achievers: Why Big Bash storylines matter
In his last 20 ODIs he’s bowled 5+ overs on 13 occasions. In this format he is most definitely an all-rounder
Five things we learnt from India vs Australia
It’s not just about the current form of India and Australia though, Paul. It’s a huge sample size of tests on Australian shores where the pitches (and Kookaburra, for that matter) offer little to the bowlers. And that’s my argument: when there’s a fair balance, cricket is invariably entertaining. But we don’t see it nearly enough. People tune out, which can’t be said of the Ashes 4-5 months ago
Newlands Test the tonic after flat Australian summer
Great comment Simon and interesting anecdote about your mate. Also agree 100% re: Kookaburra
Newlands Test the tonic after flat Australian summer
Ha, you are right. Can happen when you file after midnight…
Series slipping as Black Caps desperate for something special
Yeah I saw that too Paul, and it seemed strange. Why not just pick the squad after the England series? You’re right that Mitchell looked solid on debut but whether he could slot into opening in Aus is another thing!
Raval liability exposes Black Caps on the biggest stage
Nice summary Riccardo and you’re right, top order cover seemed a no-brainer
Raval liability exposes Black Caps on the biggest stage
Appreciate the note John, thanks. And yep, ideally would also like to see it at least go deep into Day 4!
Five key questions ahead of the Boxing Day Test