Seriously Tim? Seriously?
It has absolutely nothing to do with their success.
It has everything to do with the way they carried on the other night against the Raiders.
No one begrudges their success. But gee whiz can you do it with some humility.

It’s beyond unrealistic.
Clearly Handscomb will be the next in line should a back up ‘keeper be required.

Yep, I smashed my six year old daughter in chess last night Don Freo….
I’m comfortably world class.
????
Honestly.

Completely agree.

Don Freo – admittedly it is perhaps a little too early to cast judgement on this pitch however it certainly doesn’t look good. Particularly given what transpired last year. Cricket fans want a true contest: this isn’t providing one. Simple as that.

I think you’ll find that those same 73,000 reasons will simply stop going if it’s no contest. Yawn

If this is what the MCG now dishes out then it’s time to move this fixture.
First time in 48 years two or less wickets have fallen on Day 1 of a Boxing Day Test. This following on from last years debacle.
Sorry, but Boxing Day is an event and if they can’t make it even a semblance of a contest then it’s time to say goodbye.
I’m backing in a D/N Boxing Day Test in Adelaide!

Matt, What is this ‘proof’ you keep talking about!?

Proof of what?

The author states – “Hazelwood and Starc are ESTABLISHED STARS whereas Bumrah is a promising newcomer”.

That clearly suggests he seems Hazelwood a better bowler as it currently stands.

You go on believing whatever you like. You’re entitled.

Meanwhile all other sensible and impartial judges will I’m sure continue to rank those proven performers above those with ‘potential’.

Jake,

I know mate – thanks.

They’d love to have Australia’s overall record. It’s all a slight envy thing mate.

Haha Savage and Matt,

You even have others now, including the original author of the article, stating that Starc and Hazelwood are better players at this stage.

“You clearly are a hypocrite” – really Savage? You clearly don’t understand.

Let me explain. The ICC individual rankings are more reliable as they take on a players performances everywhere. Whereas the team rankings – whilst I know are also based on total performances everywhere – constantly change because teams these days are strong at home and weak away.

In other words, once India hit he road, you’ll see their rankings drop slightly and alternatively once Australia get home, their’s will rise slightly.

I know you’re excited about India’s current performances – and so should you be. Just don’t get too carried away would be my advice.

I’d much rather be ranked 4 for two years and win the World Cup – than be ranked 1 for years and win nothing ?

Thanks for sharing your opinions though – even though on this occasion you were slightly wrong.

Keep enjoying India doing well.

Matt wake up.

Hazelwood is ranked number 1. For a reason.

Bumrah is not.

I simply don’t need to explain anything.

They are the facts. Probably because he’s actually achieved things like a World Cup.

If you don’t like it – take it up with the ICC who do the rankings. Not with me.

I’m happy to go by te official ICC rankings:
1: Josh Hazelwood
2: Imran Tahir
3: Mitchell Starc
4: Jasprit Bumrah

Ok champ. Don’t like it then email Dave Richardson at the ICC.

Matt,

I’m Not arguing about this anymore.

You simply and obviously cannot see reason.

Starc and Hazelwood are superior to Bumrah in stats, results and on the ICC rankings.

Bumrah has been around for 5 minutes – to even compare him to bowlers who are established Champions is nonsensical.

You believe what you want.

Republican…

And you were plain WRONG.

Don’t deal in myth and fiction mate.

Deal in fact.

The sky is blue my friend.

Matt you’re embarrassing yourself.

YOU’RE comparing them yourself – saying that Bumrah is better!!!

We only have the what he’s produced in his career so far. Based in that evidence, Starc and Hazelwood are superior. And the ICC agree!!!

Bumrah was here in Aus and lost the ODI series. Fact.

He may be better now but I’m not prepared to rate him higher than Starc or Hazelwood who have achieved a lot more over a longer period of time.

Let’s see where he is at in 18 months and then come back to me.

Republican,

You can’t write complete fiction and try and pass it off as fact.

The majority of your previous comment was complete and utter rubbish. Let me just point a few things out for you:

1) They are NOT ranked higher in ODI or Test cricket. NZ are ahead of us in T20s but so is just about everybody!

2) Australia are ranked Number 1 in Netball

3) Australia are ranked 10 in Basketball – New Zealand are 23

4) Australia were 10th on the Medal Tally at the 2017 World Athletics Championships – New Zealand were 23rd

5) Australia and New Zealand won the same number of medals at the Sailing regatta at the Rio Olympics – in fact Australia were ahead in the table due to the fact they won more silver

6) Australia are ranked number 2 in the World in Hockey – New Zealand are 8th

7) Australia has 5 of the top 10 surfers in the world – New Zealand have NONE in the top 50

In all of the above you had NZ “on par” or “above” Australia.

Added to that, you conveniently point out that Rugby League is a minor sport in NZ – however you don’t point out the fact that Rugby is far far less popular in Australia than League is in NZ. How many World Cups has NZ won in Rugby League compared with Australia’s two Rugby World Cups?

Please, Republican – if you want to make outlandish statements at least have SOME ACTUAL facts to support your argument.

NZ do well for a small country, no doubt. However they simply don’t compete with Australia across all sports – and nor should they.

Matt,

Tell the ICC that. They’re the ones doing the rankings.

And Matt – Hazelwood and Starc are only young as well. And Starc you may remember was the 2nd fastest bowler in ODI history to take 100 wickets.

Matt – Hazelwood and Starc have also actually won a World Cup.

Bumrah is going ok at the moment – let’s see how he travels. Let’s see his record in 12-18 months.

Please don’t make silly comparisons.

Savage and Manish…

You guys talk absolute rubbish.

Australia has won 5 World Cups. Four of those were away – including in England in 1999. I have no idea why you keep mentioning the fact that the WC is not in Australia. Four World Cups outside Australia gentlemen. End of.

I also find it incredible that Indian fans are going on about home and away records… India are renowned for being pathetic away from home. I’ll say it AGAIN – India HAVE NEVER EVER WON A TEST OR ODI SERIES IN AUSTRALIA. Ever.

Australia didn’t have a great CT in England earlier this year but they were also very unlucky with the weather. No rain and they make it through to the Semi-finals.

Manish – “one day superiority (self imagined)”. Just have a look at the history of ODI cricket and that should cover that ridiculous statement. There just is no argument there.

Lastly, India have a great record at home at the moment BUT SO DO AUSTRALIA. And here’s the thing – India currently hold NONE of the ICC trophies.

So stop embarrassing yourselves and trying to compare a few wins at home as some sort of evidence that India are now the undisputed kings of the world.

I have answered it Savage.

I’ve said previously that I don’t think any team has stamped their authority across the globe internationally.

Most are very strong at home and inconsistent away.

Enjoy the cricket Savage.

Savage – I understand your point and I disagree.

I don’t think they’re the best across all formats.

They’re very very good at home.

Poor away (outside the subcontinent).

Hopefully that solves it for you.

Savage,

No, not irrelevant. I have not said that.

They’re playing poorly – they need to improve.

All I’ve said was that you need to put it in perspective. Simple. Is it the end of the world? No. Australia have also WON the 20 of the last 22 at home. Is it all doom and gloom? No.

Perspective! Don’t worry about Australia. They’ll be fine come World Cup again. As always.

Until then – enjoy.

Savage,
Yeah you’re right – India are the greatest ever. Australia are rubbish.
Hahaha

That’s why India haven’t won a test in Australia since 08. That’s why they’ve never won a series in Australia. Ever.

India are one of the worst travelling teams in history. Period.

No one team is the the best at the moment in my view. All teams are very strong at home and weak away – except South Africa.

Savage – You were the one who started on history – ‘the best record in ICC over the past 7 years’. You bring up history – you will lose every time.

Fact:
Australia are Current World Champs.

Pakistan are current Champions Trophy Champs.

WI are current T20 Champs.

Get over it.

Matt, my dear fellow.

Hazelwood and Starc are CURRENTLY ranked No 1 and 3 respectively in ODI cricket. Both ahead of Bumrah and Bhuvi. Fact.

No one is disputing that Australia are playing poorly. India are playing very well.

All people are saying is that you need to put it into perspective.

Australia have also only lost 2 of the last 20 odd ODIs at home. They’re current World Champs. They are clearly focused on the Ashes and aren’t totally focused on this meaningless series.

Just relax Matt.

Haha, Get real Savage. Everyone beats Australia at T20 … what’s your point? Unfortunately T20 hasn’t registered on CA’s radar until recently.

Last time India won an ODI series in Australia?

Last time India won a test series in Australia?

Like I’ve been saying mate – enjoy the success. They’re playing well – at home. Unfortunately India are one of the worst travelling teams in history!
I hope that changes for you ?

Savage,

You are conveniently ignoring my comments. India are very good – Australia have been very poor. I’ve said that at least twice now.

My original note was in response to you going on about how India have “dominated ICC over the last 7 years”…. You were living in the past – going on about past results. I simply said that you won’t win that game! If you want to compare past – you will lose.

Also,I believe Australia are the CURRENT world champions? Correct? For a record 5th time? Correct? As far as I remember – Waugh, McGrath, Ponting, Warne etc didn’t play that tournament.

The point most sensible people are making is that, like it or not, this series is meaningless. India are playing great cricket – but equally they could come to Australia or go to South Africa and lose comfortably.

“I still won’t mind as long as they’re competitive unlike when teams come to India”. Do you even hear yourself? Australia have won series in India. Australia only just lost the series there earlier this year. When was the last time India was competitive in Australia? In fact, how long has it been since they even won a test in Australia? I repeat, they have NEVER EVER EVER even won a series in Australia.

Enjoy India’s current success Savage. They’re playing well. Just remember to keep things in perspective my friend.

Matt,
Both these players were here when India last got beaten in Australia.
If you seriously rate those two ahead of Stac, Cummins, Hazelwoood and Coulter-Nile, then clearly you haven’t been watching cricket for very long. Starc is comfortably the best white ball bowler in the world.
Anyway, lastly – most people aren’t saying that they ‘don’t care’ about Australia losing overseas. What they’re saying is ‘please put it in perspective’. Until only a few months ago, Australia were ranked number 1 in ODI cricket and had been for 2 years. Yes it’s a slump and they’re playing poorly – but swings and roundabouts my friend. Swings and roundabouts.