Roar Rookie
Joined July 2013
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Big sports fan, useless sportsman. Read my tweets: @RudiEdsall
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Going into the ICC World Cup, the perceived wisdom was that only three sides had a realistic chance of winning the tournament: Australia, New…
After an undefeated tri-series, Australia look to be in good touch ahead of the World Cup. But what else did we learn from the…
Rarely has a changing of the guard in international cricket been as palpable as in the recently completed Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Steve Smith and Virat…
Australia scored a convincing 4-1 series win over South Africa, so what have we gleaned from two of the favourite nations ahead of the…
Well argued mate. The hate towards Watson, especially in the short form of the game, is bewildering. For my money, the biggest issue he’s had has been misuse – his figures would be elite for a number six all-rounder. Unfortunately he bats at 3 and gets judged on that.
Shane Watson is vastly under-appreciated
Agree with this 100% and have been saying it since they came out here in November. They have huge depth issues and I can’t see the possibly winning the World Cup. Australia have to be in the conversation but NZ look clearly the best team at this tournament.
Sorry South Africa, there's no way you'll win the World Cup
I actually signposted this problem for South Africa back in November – http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/11/26/five-things-learnt-australia-vs-south-africa-odi-series/ – and I stick by it. SA can still win the World Cup but they’re probably going to need to bat first and have a high quality individual batting innings in all three knock out games. Not out of the question but seems unlikely given the relative strength of the other contenders.
South Africa's depth issues prove a stumbling block in World Cup bid
Agreed. I think Maxwell is a huge asset and a match winner, and I think he’ll have an Andrew Symonds vs Pakistan in 03 moment in this tournament.
Five things we learned from the tri-series
I didn’t give myself enough words, but I sort of agree with this. I think they have an excellent front line, but the fifth bowler spot will be of huge concern to them.
Five things we learned from the tri-series
Neither of them are likely to win the World Cup, no. England aren’t as awful as they looked before they came down here though
Five things we learned from the tri-series
Spot on article. South Africa will storm through the group stage but I feel their bowling depth will be exposed when it comes to the crunch. Needing to get ten overs out of Duminy/Bahardien will cost them.
Ignore the hype, South Africa have weaknesses
Definitely. I’m excited to watch Joe Root too, he’s an amazing talent – averaged 97 in 2014 with the bat and when he makes tons he goes big, a rare quality. I think this young KL Rahul fellow is one to watch as well, he was clearly over awed on debut but looked compact and classy in Sydney. The Dravid comparisons are deserved
Australia vs India: A tale of two (stand-in) captains
I agree, he’s a brilliant talent and a brash personality and I love him. I think the boos are out of respect, similar to the way Ponting copped it in England
Australia vs India: A tale of two (stand-in) captains
You make some excellent points. For what it’s worth, I think his best use is as a floating pinch hitter style player, coming in to smash some runs after the 40th over or so. A nominal batting position of 8 is his best spot I feel, coming in after Haddin (or Wade).
Five things we learnt from the Australia vs South Africa ODI series
I see your point, but the fact is that every batsman in the top order made runs at one time or another. The only time they all failed together was on a bowler’s pitch at Perth where 17 wickets fell for around 300 runs.
Five things we learnt from the Australia vs South Africa ODI series
Agreed, SA’s bowling depth is rubbish and will cost them in the knockout stages. Steyn is good at this level, Philander and Morkel can leak a bit, Tahir is ok and the rest isn’t worth discussing. A decent batting side will feel comfortable setting a target or chasing.
Super Starc is carrying Australia's lacklustre bowlers