New Zealand vs Australia: 1st Test, Day 2 as it happened - Aussies take strong lead but Smith, Marnus out cheaply

Yeah, Bancroft should have been brought in to replace Warner. It’s a real shame there aren’t any other top order batsmen really pressing for selection.

Bancroft. Not convinced by Bancroft, but he has been solid in the last couple of years. Otherwise, I am not sure who else to pick.

Lose his spot to who though?

I agree with everything, except for your last sentence. If Australia wins next week, and Labuschagne misses out again, then there will be pressure on him. Labuschagne may need to start well next summer in the SS, otherwise he could lose his spot.

He can’t/wont go back to batting at 4 - the selectors have made it clear that spot is Green’s. So the only other option is to drop Labuschagne to put Smith in at 3. Now, Labuschagne is in terrible form and probably deserves to be dropped. So one option is that he does get dropped, Smith moves back to 3 and the selectors bring in a proper opener - which based on form is clearly Bancroft. But as long as Australia keeps winning Tests I don’t think any changes will be made.

That's not answering my question. Also if the selectors drop Smith, they should get the bullet.

We’re in agreement about the selectors, yes?

"he put his hand up to do it!" And the selectors should've knocked back Smith's suggestion. Smith is not a selector. Are you suggesting that if Smith fails as an opener, the selectors should drop him? You have admitted that "nobody's bashing the down as a replacement".

You can’t use the ‘but he shouldn’t be opening’ as a caveat though - he put his hand up to do it! Fair point about the reality that nobody’s bashing the door down as a replacement. My fear is that the selectors will simply allow all the oldies to keep playing essentially as long as they like. They then retire pretty much at the same time and Australia is left with a highly inexperienced team for years to come. But I don’t really blame the players for hanging on too long - given the opportunity, they almost always do. It’s the responsibility of the selectors to ensure a smooth evolution from one generation to the next.

He averaged 42 last year. Sure, a drop off from his lofty standards. And in his last three tests, he has been opening, which he shouldn't be. However, if someone new came into test side and was averaging 42, Roarers on this site would be happy with that. I will judge Smith's form when he is batting at three or four. And besides, when you look at domestic cricket, the cupboard is pretty bare as far as battimg is concerned. I

As I say, your choice.

I did have a few responses lined up Don but what I will say is this ... I was not rude but often different interpretations can be seen in the written word on here What one writes innocently may be seen by others as something different all together I'm leaving it at that...enough has been said

Your choice. If you want conversation, talk cricket. If not, that's who you choose to be.

Actually , I didn't say 91 was a failure. You made a mistake and will not admit it... Just not big enough to admit your mistake And I don't carry on like anyone on here. I leave that to you. I don't know why you are so aggressive Don but you don't blackmail me And you don't carry on conversations You just make spiteful comments to anyone who has an opinion But it's not too late to come over from the dark side We on here can forgive you :laughing: :laughing:

A normal person doesn’t have a problem admitting they made a mistake. Fascinating you can’t do that. A psychologist would have a field day with you…

The greater question is why you think 91 is a failure. That's where the conversation was. If you want to carry on like Christo, my response is simple; I write you off and carry on conversation with the cricket fans on here. The choice is yours.

Simple question I asked you. You'd need to answer that first.

Thank you!!

Because I asked politely and I thought you would respond the same Just something to do with good manners... no matter Bartlett had a good match . Give a young bloke exposure to the big time and they are up and away with confidence A name to watch but tell me I'm wrong with that opinion Because that's what you will do. Sadly..

So you think scoring 91 is a ton do you Donny? Yes or no? It’s a very simple question Donny, even for you… :laughing: