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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…
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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…
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I think the point is that Australia has struggled, and continued to struggle, more than any of the other top sides. There’s a huge body of evidence that backs that up.
And as much as I agree re: patience, I think it’s slightly reductionist to say it’s a generational thing.
Lateral movement remains Australia’s overwhelming batting hurdle
If you have a listen you’ll hear I didn’t actually offer my opinion. I said selectors will likely pick him (or Labuschagne, it seems) as it gives them flexibility. They almost always pick an all-rounder
REVEALED: The XI you voted for in last week's schoolyard pick-a-team
True Paul. Root has spent some time at 3 in the last three years though
Ashes shapes as survival of the fittest
I might touch on that next week actually, would be interesting to look at the players used
Ashes shapes as survival of the fittest
That’s England’s key weakness, isn’t it. They tried countless options to partner Cook the last few years, none of which has worked, and now with him gone they’re hugely vulnerable.
Ashes shapes as survival of the fittest
Yeah, absolutely I do Paul. He’s an immense talent, which was highlighted in the World Cup. Like Bumrah, I can see him transferring his skills fairly seamlessly onto the test arena.
Ashes shapes as survival of the fittest
I knew this final was missing one thing – conspiracy theories. Thanks for bringing it to my attention
Final outrage valid, but also a veneer for the bitter
95% have accepted it? Very generous Paul!
Final outrage valid, but also a veneer for the bitter
If you thought Handscomb was comfortable last night we’re watching a different game
Thoroughly outclassed, but Aussies can take heart in ODI revival
Some good points Mike. I must admit I was in favour of selecting Handscomb, thinking he’d bat in the middle overs. As it turned out he was in very early and all at sea with the moving ball, something we’ve seen before at test level.
Thoroughly outclassed, but Aussies can take heart in ODI revival
Yeah you’re right Paul. Root could play a huge role as an anchor tonight
Feast-or-famine Jason Roy the semi-final key
Each to their own, I obviously don’t agree. Like I said, it’s not often the opportunity would arise, but when it does (as it has twice with Root this WC) then it should happen.
Is it time for cricket to embrace batting substitutions?
Correct, they should. And most of the time they do realise that. But sometimes they just don’t go out, and that’s when it should be enacted.
Haha everyone loves red ink!
Is it time for cricket to embrace batting substitutions?
Sorry mate…will make sure I give it a read
England’s rigid mantra exposed on the biggest stage
Haha I was waiting for that! Fair call. Must admit it was written with the thought England would knock off Sri Lanka, which seemed almost certain. Very happy to be (very) wrong on this one.
One thing I will say, let’s not get ahead of ourselves and credit the ICC. This format is a stinker for many reasons
England’s rigid mantra exposed on the biggest stage
True but it was a very tacky wicket at Headingley, which suited Sri Lanka to a tee (what an upset, btw). Hard to see any of the knockout games playing similarly
Superb Starc holds all the cards
Watson 1 in 10? The same guy that averaged over 40? The under-appreciation of Shane Watson is absolutely mad, the bloke was an ODI marvel
Enormous batting effort blasts Australia past Bangladesh
I agree re: time between games.
Closing the gap between the top 4-5 sides is also a fair point, but far bigger than what I’m arguing here. In 2015 there were two groups of seven. Six games each, quarters, semis, final – a far better model. The notion of playing NINE games each before we reach the knockout stage is ridiculous, and relied on upsets to keep things interesting til the end, which we have had few.
Meaningless fortnight looms at World Cup
I mean, we’re not going to agree here because it categorically does not reduce the amount of meaningless games. If Australia win tonight it’s virtually guaranteed the top four won’t change. That’s two weeks of games that merely determine finishing spots. If that’s a good thing for a tournament then we’re on a completely different page
Meaningless fortnight looms at World Cup
Tests completely different to ODIs. This is a knockout tournament
Meaningless fortnight looms at World Cup
Haha apologies! All fair points that you’ve expanded on there, btw. As a broader point I think if both teams are struggling with the Dukes it’s bound to be a great series from a viewer perspective. Far more so than the 2017/18 series – the Melbourne and Sydney tests were drab.
Lateral movement remains Australia’s overwhelming batting hurdle