Roar Rookie
Joined December 2018
23k
Views
10
Published
51
Comments
Published
Comments
So what goes into a Pure Sport? Does sport have some sort of ideal Platonic form? Not sure. What I will call ‘Pure Sports’…
In Indian Wells, with wins over two young players vying to be the future of tennis, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have set up…
Michael Neser won’t be picked in the upcoming Ashes squad, however he deserves consideration. Aside from already being 28 years old, the main reason…
Tim Paine should be made a Companion of the Order of Australia. Bradman has one. Laver has one. It may seem strange that Paine…
It’s just a plain fact that Australia can’t win the World Cup and the Ashes. Our ODI and Test teams are inexperienced at best.…
One of the quandaries that has become most apparent this summer is the overabundance of fast bowlers at Australia’s disposal. It is a problem…
The first few weeks of January are always built up with hope and anticipation and usually followed by a swift culling of the locals…
Grand slams have it all. The biggest names all playing in the same tournament. The drama of great match-ups. The endurance of fronting up…
The Perth Scorchers are undoubtedly the most consistently successful team in the BBL’s short history. They have never finished worse than third in the…
There used to be true cricket role models. Most of them were good or great men off the field, but what they were actually…
I think Cummins, Starc, Head will definitely be in there. The others you mentioned will be in the conversation too if they are fit. I’m sure an ODI squad that is stacked with Ashes players will actually still be very competitive. Could it be stronger with more limited overs specialists? Sure. I think that the international experience will be invaluable for whatever squad. I’d just rather invest it in Ashes contenders. Rather than Zampa, Finch and Tye.
Do we care more about the World Cup or the Ashes?
We do have plenty of ODI depth and some of the Test players wouldn’t be disastrous at the World Cup. Khawaja, Burns, Patterson could conceivably do a good job. But yes, it could be even better to have them play county cricket. If that’s feasible, the quality in opposition should be there. Red ball cricket in English conditions would be just as valuable.
Do we care more about the World Cup or the Ashes?
I agree with you and Samuel that picking the right teams for both events is the key but every squad picked in the last year has left the punters scratching their heads. It’s just not that easy and it doesn’t seem to happen. Why would we expect them to get it right all of a sudden? If there is a way to get the non World Cup players who will be playing the Ashes into some English domestic cricket then that may be enough preparation. Failing that, if we prioritise the Ashes, why not sacrifice the strongest ODI squad for a passable squad that actually helps prep for the following Test matches.
Do we care more about the World Cup or the Ashes?
Perhaps! However, we will have to work extra hard to win the Ashes. If that’s what we want the most, why not sacrifice our strongest ODI team to help prepare for the Tests instead?
Do we care more about the World Cup or the Ashes?
I think there is a bit more hope given the WI have ran through England twice now with ease. England also has a horrendous World Cup history. They are playing at home though which could help their chances. Australia has more of a chance than you give them.
Do we care more about the World Cup or the Ashes?
For it’s first ever Test Match, what do you give Manuka Oval? Maybe I’m biased but surely A+ for singlehandedly solving Australia’s batting crisis.
The Liebke Ratings: Australia vs Sri Lanka, second Test
I was at the ground watching Burns and Head rollick along. Very happy to see Burns score runs and would love to see him at the Ashes. I feel leaving Harris out as he has been solid but I think Burns’ case was too strong. His advantage of being able to pull the ball well is something we’ve lacked in recent months.
Burns and Head cement Ashes spots
I like your boldness. But I don’t think that is close to happening. The batsmen will only be dropped for a new batsmen/all rounder. I love Cummins’ role. Bowling primarily. If he gives you a bonus 30 runs with the bat, all the better. Don’t give him the pressure of trying to be an all rounder.
The burden of Australia’s fast bowling depth
Totally agree. I doubt anyone would out-patience Pujara though. All the rest could have been gotten cheaper though.
The burden of Australia’s fast bowling depth
Not sure if he is back on his knee yet. But yes I’m all for rewarding strong Shield performances.
The burden of Australia’s fast bowling depth
The toothless spells put out by Hazlewood and Starc over the last few matches have become insufferable to watch. As you rightly say, they are failing to make the batsmen play.
I think Sayers would be a great inclusion in the Ashes squad. Strikes me as a Siddle type bowler?
The burden of Australia’s fast bowling depth
This is part of my frustration. To not take Starc and Hazlewood seems crazy because if they do click into form, they are our best bowlers. But it is looking like they aren’t going to hit their best again in the short term. So I guess there is a third spot up for grabs?
The burden of Australia’s fast bowling depth
Thanks Scott – you may well be right. Nadal certainly made lighter work of other players and Alex wasn’t a simple pushover.
I think the set-down comeback against Sharapova by Barty was possibly the Australian highlight of the Open. That or Bolt’s five sets against Simon.
The ten Aussie singles players who made it out of Round 1, rated
Oh wow – I didn’t know that. Thanks for your comment!
The ten Aussie singles players who made it out of Round 1, rated
I like your radical suggestions!
If these things happen at the 2019 Australian Open, tennis will be the real winner
When tickets are pretty expensive, you really don’t want to feel like the game is being cut short. Even after 6-6!
If these things happen at the 2019 Australian Open, tennis will be the real winner
I agree that is a far better compromise.
If these things happen at the 2019 Australian Open, tennis will be the real winner
I agree Thiem is another younger player who has a chance. He is certainly much stronger on clay as you point out his success at the French Open. He has sort of been caught between the truly young players like Kyrgios and Zverev and the older guys who haven’t been able to break through like Anderson.
If these things happen at the 2019 Australian Open, tennis will be the real winner
Personal role models you can get from anywhere and we don’t need Shane Warne or Andrew Symonds to fill those roles. But I do need them to learn leg spin or aggressive batting!
Can’t say I’d want to learn anything of the current blokes though.
Why are Australian cricketers so uninspiring?
Thanks Jude!
Yeah I’m not interested in the drama between players or off field. Just want to see great performances!
Why are Australian cricketers so uninspiring?
Yes I fear that Klinger may be past it. A friend also pointed out that their order is constantly changing which must be hard.
The gap between bat and ball is finally showing for the Perth Scorchers
I haven’t heard that one before but I’ll keep it in mind haha
Why are Australian cricketers so uninspiring?
Thanks Paul – much appreciated.
I agree that it is most important to fall in love with the way someone plays their cricket. Charlie sounds like he would have been great to watch!
Why are Australian cricketers so uninspiring?
If our Test players are getting a chance to play lots of County or ‘A’ Tour red ball matches then yes that could be a good substitute. I agree the game and environment will be different from a Ashes Test, however, the lack of mental fortitude, in our batsmen especially, I feel has been our problem. Thinking about shot selection and match awareness skills will all be honed in an intense WC setting. I think they are useful Test skills as well.
Do we care more about the World Cup or the Ashes?