Roar Rookie
Joined January 2024
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Money talks. It has seemed inevitable for a long time, but we may finally have the ‘nail in the coffin’ moment for Test cricket…
Sydney. SCG. The sixth of January. An enthralling New Years test drew to a close as Australia flexed their muscles on the final two…
“It’s not pretty, but it just might work.” Under a gritty and mesmerising captain and a steely, hard-nosed head coach, ‘Bazball’ has breathed new…
I think what Australia do well, particularly at state level, is placing importance back on regathering form at club level. You have seen it for NSW with Baxter Holt (100* for Eastern Suburbs last weekend), Blake McDonald and Blake Nikitaras, the two latter being part of an undefeated St George side. I think the importance placed on ‘squad mentality and preparation’ in the modern game is what has allowed Australia to dominate test cricket in recent times.
I think if Australia want to continue to be the best at the top level, they should strive for the best out of our up-and-coming players. We saw Cam Green make a name for himself when he went from ball one of the Shield season, and ended up in the Australian lineup at 21 years old. Ultimately, I think if a batsman is willing to grind during the shield season to succession, they will be rewarded with a Baggy Green.
The final stand: How Steve Smith's shift to opener exposes the Australian cricket team's twilight era
I don’t think Cameron Bancroft is the apex of Steve Smith’s worries. I agree there are a lot demons within that relationship between Bancroft and the current Australian side, but I truly believe that Renshaw was purely selected over Bancroft based on his 136 red at Manuka for the PM’s XI. Bancroft had his chance, and he didn’t take it.
The final stand: How Steve Smith's shift to opener exposes the Australian cricket team's twilight era
The only criticism of this would be that Short is currently batting in the middle-lower order in a Victorian side that are undergoing a somewhat rebuild. I think for him to be the next Warner (if we want that again), he needs to establish himself at the top of the order in the longer format of the game. I agree though, fantastic talent.
The final stand: How Steve Smith's shift to opener exposes the Australian cricket team's twilight era
I think the best home sides of our generation have made their home country a fortress. The Shield, although a long break, actually gives all players the entire spectrum of Australian playing conditions. A 60 on a pre-christmas deck is worth 100+ after christmas. In terms of batting, I agree we have the stocks to do it, but I guess Cricket Australia are under the philosophy of ‘why change a winning formula?’
The final stand: How Steve Smith's shift to opener exposes the Australian cricket team's twilight era
I think the best sides make their home grounds a fortress. The Shield season provides all types of conditions faced in Australia, so it is easy to see why Australia’s fast bowling stocks are plentiful. Will it take time to gather a new FBC (fast bowling contingent)? Absolutely. But I think we are better placed than most.
The final stand: How Steve Smith's shift to opener exposes the Australian cricket team's twilight era
The English press love a sports capitulation. Cricket World Cup this year and England football’s loss to Iceland at the 2018 Euros to name a couple. Despite drawing a home series (again) to Australia they seemed to be positive, but it will be interesting to see their reaction if they are beaten convincingly in the first test.
Bazball heads to India: Can England still swing away, or will the spinners strike back?
Thanks mate, appreciate it!
I agree, Bazball is a high risk, high reward situation, but I think with England being at the low point that they were, it made them roll the dice to great effect. The ECB will honk their own horns whilst they are doing well, but are very quick to point the figure and intervene when things go the other way. Who remembers when Andrew Strauss dropped Broad and Anderson for the West Indies tour? How bizarre and unjust was that?
I fear that the ECB will stick their neck out to protect the MCC long room again if India proves a disaster, and could spell a really premature end to this England lineup.
Bazball heads to India: Can England still swing away, or will the spinners strike back?