AREH's Roar Profile

Nice! As discussed in this thread, during this lengthy period during home seasons devoid of Shield cricket which we’ve essentially been forced to get used to, where do those without BBL appearances – or contracts altogether – especially those with test ambitions, continue their hardened red-ball exposure? (Aside from grade, admittedly)

The Shield season doesn’t necessarily have to run alongside the entire test match period either, just most of it would be sure better than what we have currently. I know long-form only players are a rapidly dying breed, but…

Right now, what about those without BBL contracts or much game time, like Hunt, Whiteman, Patterson, Doran, Street, Nielsen, Solway, Sayers, Paris…there’s potentially more. These guys will have like…three odd months between Shield matches

It doesn’t have to be overhauled completely, as I understand the range of other factors, especially dollars, but christ…anything might be better than the current sham we have

Australia needs first-class cricket during the Big Bash window

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2021

Great shout and yeah unfortunately as a few others have pointed out, it’s probably unlikely to happen with the current reliance on BBL money, and where locked-in broadcast deals exist worth mega dollars.

I’ve no idea what the future holds for the tournament beyond this deal, and not suggesting for a moment it shouldn’t exist, it can have a place with some tweaks. However, the structure of the home season is a bit laughable these days.

No changing of the guard, but hard selection calls required for Australia

It’s sure odd – if they do back Burns and he can post a substantial score or two (it’s near-impossible to see how, I know) it’s almost like his run drought and horrid lead up is forgotten, because test runs are of course the best currency.

Yet more failures could be a bit disastrous – especially for him internally, and you can already envisage social media and the papers heading into meltdown. It would perhaps be wiser not to throw a guy in there with no form behind him, but gee…they might actually take the (huge) punt

Selection risks and injuries heap pressure on Smith and Labuschagne in Adelaide

2020

Has Wade ever opened in Shield cricket? My guess would be no, but unsure… would be familiar with a second new ball at least

If required, he could probably handle the role just fine – especially for only a test or two.

Justin Langer confirms Cameron Green will debut in Adelaide - if he's fit

That stuff about dreading the wait to bat etc. a few seasons back; opening sounds like Burns’ preference, I think

Tim Paine should open for Australia

I mean, things are obviously too far down the line now to return, but you do wonder about the lifespan of the BBL – especially hinging – I would imagine – on the changes to the refreshed broadcast deal (3-4 years away, ouch..) and the ability to attract sufficient stars – imports and Australian players.

It’s interesting to think about how the state-based Big Bash would have fared if afforded a little more time to grow. I guess it’s tricky because it existed in a period (2005-10..I think..?) where T20 was mainly in it’s infancy, and there were far more apprehensive fans compared to now.

But I don’t think the issue was switching to the BBL model, because it was working, flying in fact, through that peak window from seasons 3-6 arguably, with an attractive medium in duration, popularity, standard and of course, all on FTA. Some of the other comments here have just nailed it, with how CA have cruelled it since then.

Dear CA, what were you thinking?

Yep.

Happened to S.Marsh as an injury replacement for Khawaja in the 2015 Hobart test against the West Indies – and that was even after a test career-high 182!

Burns and Harris opening would give India huge chance in first Test

Yeah I think that’s what they’re hoping – hence giving him every chance to post some sort of score. Even then, it’s a horrid rut to carry someone into a test.

But another failure or two in this match would mean it’s almost irresponsible (and unfair to the individual, frankly) to select him.

How important is a three-day tour match?

I have wondered before how a Warner/Cook opening pair would click, when pondering world XI’s or teams of the decade etc etc…possibly quite fine

Who should be named the cricketer of the decade?

12 is in for the pink ball tour match – no Pucovski, obviously..

Joe Burns, Marcus Harris, Moises Henriques, Cameron Green, Nic Maddinson, Alex Carey (c, wk), Ben McDermott, Sean Abbott, Will Sutherland, Harry Conway, Mitchell Swepson, Mark Steketee

Make of that what you will (Y)

Warner officially ruled out of first Test

Pretty solid to start the season with a couple of tons, but for some reason just hard to see him earning another test opportunity, I feel like

Yeah the lack of context with the T20i matches continues to be shown.

Matthew Wade secures Test place as Australia scramble to victory

Gee, I know Burns’ shot was possibly an attempt at starting an unlikely chase positively, but it’s almost awkward now with how poor nick he appears in.

Poor Joe Burns, but not quite in the same sense we’ve said previously.

Christ, are they almost doing him a disservice on par with Maddinson (2016) if selected with form and confidence so low?

Green ton makes tough call even tougher

Exactly yeah as said below – playing in the T20i series and yet, one might argue this contest at Drummoyne would have been more important for the individual.

Was going to say…they may need to be wary of limited TV audiences too, in the future, with how the product is being manipulated and arguably destroyed.

Big Bash 2020-21 season to begin with limited fan attendance

Head has done enough and deserves the place, but yesterday’s wicket only fitted that theme of undoing his early work and almost throwing his wicket away with a preventable dismissal.

Could see Head become the frontrunner if able to lock his position down by the end of this season

Smith not yet ready to return as captain: Langer

Well said

Burns and Pucovski combine for just five in Australia A match

Have always felt Burns is better equipped to the middle, as the case at the beginning of his First Class – and test – career. Made it clear a few seasons back that he wants to open, though. Far from convinced he is technically suited to the new ball.

12 months ago I would’ve thought much closer to the mark, even on the cusp of another opportunity.

Pucovski’s promotion this season meant very limited time in the middle for Maddinson, as he’d often batted in the top three during his two previous excellent seasons.

Yeah that’s a fair shout Chris – especially the scenario just prior to the 2019 Ashes – that was an example of a single innings carrying enough weight to win selection.

I feel like it’s (almost) every home season at this time where the concept is trotted out widely in the media, and just think there’s so much more to it, including some intangible factors like temperament that selectors know plenty more about than any of us.

The ‘Bat off’ scenario is dragged out so often and reeks of unnecessary media hyperbole, to perhaps draw the interest of more casual fans. Others on here have pointed out that one innings or match will rarely define selections, too.

Actually a huge opportunity for Harris isn’t it, if he can get something substantial. I don’t know if it’s the fact he’s countered Bumrah and Shami reasonably well before, or the LH/RH thing or experience partnering Pucovski, but can see him earning another chance.

‘We went for Joe in the end, particularly after the recent tour match where he outscored Will.’

Intense tour game awaits India Test stars

Whyyyyyyyyy did he do that…?!

Shannon Gabriel strikes (or doesn’t) again

Windies tailender loses middle stump going for the filthiest slog you'll ever see

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