MICHAEL CLARKE'S TWENTY20 POSITION

There has been alot of talk recently with regards to Michael Clarke's Twenty20 abilities with the bat. It is understandable. His inability to attack his opponents became evident and exposed during the ICC World T20 final against England. Many people joked saying that a key to England's tactic would be to ensure he didn't get out. This isn't a technical weakness, this was a mental weakness that viewers tapped into. No surprise that England managed to keep Pup out there to graft his way to 27 runs and get out cheaply. His series ended poorly regarding his own performances which clouded his brilliant display of leadership and tactical execution for his bowlers. I like the fact Pup has shown better focus and maturity in his approach to both the media and in fact the general approach he has to his cricket.
The bloke hasn't exactly had a pleasant time the last few months.

He was under fire with his leadership role in the side after he pulled out of the Black Caps tournament to deal with a personal issue. He returned and displayed mental toughness as he reached a century against the Black Caps. The time out was given by his teamates to allow him to handle is personal matters with his now ex-partner. The media swamped him and instead of telling the lot of them to 'get stuffed', he approached it calmly and accepted the fact they have a job to do and that he is a target as a high profile person. He still performed at the elite level thereafter and went over to the Caribbean to face another battle as a Captain in a major event. He was aggressive in his tactics, he showed plenty encouragement to his team and at all times he was clearly boosting them, motivating them and was always on the go. He was fantastic but unfortunately it didn't pay off in the Final against England. That is the nature of cricket. You are never, ever in control! The way he's handled all of these personal battles both on and off the field is surely admirable to the more casual or viewers.

So, having expressed my thoughts and feelings regarding Michael Clarke's leadership abilities, I have no doubts he is capable of doing the job as a Skipper or a man in a leadership role. He was nutured during the post-Waugh stages, so there's no reason for him to not have this trait.
But the argument doesn't really lie with his leadership abilities, but rather his Twenty20 game as a batsman at the elite level. Is he or isn't he suitable?

Alot of people are moaning about the Strike-rate. It's a very important part of T20 cricket and if you don't get settled soon enough to either rotate the strike repeatedly or find the boundaries to drive the momentum, the game is not suited to your style of cricket and can affect the team.
Pup was put in the leadership role as an opportunity. What was the opportunity?
To develop his leadership skills in Twenty20 cricket to directly boost his leadership status and skills both tactically and mentally. Was this achieved? Yes, it was.
If he wasn't being considered as a Captain for the future One Day or Test side, would he be in the Twenty20 Squad? Given his performances since Twenty20's have become more regular, no I don't think he'd be a regular. But I believe he can turn this around, but it would have to be done very soon!

The NSP recently selected the side to play two T20's against Pakistan. Pup is in as Captain and this will be another challenge set for him. To not waste any more time on a psychological discussion here are the statistical facts that will actually back him with regards to the Strike-rate debate. You will see the expected Strike-rate is actual fact not a representation of his batting.

You need to look at Pup's ODI stats first of all. It was the format he debuted for Australia in and it was better founded than T20 cricket. In only 3 ODI series (consisting of more than 2 matches), he has only achieved a Strike-rate over 100.00 on three occassions. All of these were in the early stages of his career.
In 13 series he has been striking it between 80.00 and 100.00. The drop in Strike-rate became more evident from 2006 onwards as his Test career starting to blossom and the cumulative Strike-rate in ODI's became situated between the 70's and 80's. While this doesn't serve as well founded evidence for his Strike-rate issues in T20 cricket, it is in actual fact a good indicator of one thing. It is not his natural game to mow along at a Strike-rate of let's say, 120 plus.
In the 2007 World Cup he displayed his flashy, natural game as a cautious starter who would do the typical number four role. To stick around, find the gaps, rotate the strike with caution and then drive the momentum for the middle order to progress from. He ended the World Cup campaign as the 10th highest run scorer in 11 games at a Strike-rate of 94.98. He averaged 87.20 and I really believe this is his natural zone. The cumulative Strike-rate may indicate the 80's and I believe he could go along at a run a ball in a more urgent form of the game, but the natural tendency of his to try build a foundation tampers him a bit.

The slower scoring rate though is a likely result of an important format of the game. Test cricket.
With leadership comes responsibility and where it matters, Pup had to cement himself in the Test Squad with many Baggy Green legends calling it a day. His average increased and from 2008 things really exploded for him in a positive way. After 2006 things took shape for him but in taking control of his Test game he has lost a bit of touch in his ODI game, notably his scoring rate. In comparing year to year, season to season you can see that with the ascendancy in Test cricket, his ODI game has not become worse but it has lost that 'flashy' element.

In T20i's he has a cumulative Strike-rate of 101.39. That is a run-a-ball and what is required. He started at 175 though. From periods 2006-07 he was nestled around the 140+ Strike-rate. After that it dropped dramatically from 120, so roughly the period of 2008, which is when his ODI game took an evident knock for pace and his Test cricket became prolific, is where all these Strike-rate concerns began to appear clearly.
Tie in the responsibility to improve his Test match batting (especially after his 2006/07 Ashes series where he made a magnificent return) and the sacrifices in his natural ODI game to boost his Test abilities, it has affected his Strike-rate and it all funnels into his T20 game.

Pup is not a 120+ Striker of the ball as I've mentioned. He is currently a grafter, a patient batsman with elegance, flash and traditional stroke-play being the feature of his game.
In honesty the Strike-rate isn't the issue, it's the maturity of his game and how it's reshaped his shorter format batting that had made his T20 cricket become an issue.
This has resulted in the Strike-rate concerns everyone goes on about.

But one positive thing you can see is that Pup has the ability to readapt his game technically or within the match. If you can see the patterns that emerge in his Stats and the drastic changes that I have certainly seen in his batting since his 2004 debut, I am certain he can also adapt to Twenty20 cricket with the mental discipline and determination.
The only thing preventing this is Michael Clarke himself. Whether he values ODI and Test cricket too much to rather leave the current T20 abilities as they are or whether we will see a major change in his T20 skills, we will only know with time.
But despite the ability he certainly possesses to change his game which could easily turn him into a competent T20 middle order cricketer, I feel the importance of his abilities are now better suited to longer forms of the game.

In conclusion, moaning about his Strike-rate is not valid if you don't understand Michael Clarke's natural game which has taken shape over the course of 6 years.
The Strike-rate has been affected as a result of a brilliant testament to improving another aspect of his game which is more important.
His natural game is his issue for Twenty20 cricket, NOT THE STRIKE-RATE!

However, the best of players learn ways to make themselves valuable in any form of the game. So, either Pup will have to adapt his game to T20 cricket quickly (which I believe he can) or he will bow out of T20 cricket all together and opportunity given to someone else.
Some State T20 cricket would probably serve him well if he was available. He has met his objective the NSP set out for him which was to be a leader of a team, got some confidence via experience and boosted his Captaincy skills.

To wrap this article up, before calling for Michael to go and dismissing him as a dull T20 batsman, I believe we will need see one of two things; his ability to adapt or he will make way for someone else where his true class in Test and ODI cricket will be shown.
His suitability as a T20 batsman will be determined by the ability to adapt rapidly.
The games against Pakistan will be a good indication of this outcome, but if an exit in T20 cricket means better focus for Test and ODI cricket on his behalf, I'm all for that!

Don't rule him out of things....just yet.

M.J Clarke's STATS Sources to analyse courtesy of Cricinfo.com 'Statsguru':
T20, ODI, Test cricket.

Clarke's ability to adapt to becoming a more seasoned Test cricketer could happen with T20 cricket to meet his natural instinct.

IMPORTANT SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENTS

The exciting news is out in the open with both Australia's T20 & ODI Squads announced for the ODIs versus England and two T20s versus Pakistan, while Australia A has also announced the Squad's to play Sri-Lanka A. This is the most interested I have been in an Australia A match in many years to be honest.
For Australia's tour fixtures please see the Fixtures page on the site or CLICK HERE.

AUSTRALIAN T20 SQUAD:
Michael Clarke (Captain), Shane Watson, David Warner, Cameron White, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Brad Haddin(W/K), Daniel Christian, Steven Smith, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, Dirk Nannes, Shaun Tait.

Michael Clarke will retain the Captaincy, which I have no problems with. In fact I am working on an article to express my views regarding both the criticism and praise he has been dealing with with regards to his leadership in the World T20 and his batting. It's important he has another crack at it for confidence and leadership authority that the NSP must try to encourage in the emerging senior players mentality.
Otherwise there's no need to dig into the side for any more analysis. It's nearly same side that was selected for the recent ICC World T20 with Tim Paine being the only bloke not in the line-up. Thought he would have been given a chance in T20s (which I am in favour of) but he is also playing for Australia A so some tactic behind that.

AUSTRALIAN ODI SQUAD:
Ricky Ponting (Captain), Shane Watson, Shaun Marsh, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Cameron White, Brad Haddin(W/K), Steven Smith, James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, Clint McKay, Doug Bollinger.

Really excited to see Punter's name back in the mix! Can't wait to see him back in action and it will be good to see him in the ODI arena before the Test matches, which is usually the cycle of things nowadays. Hope the break has equipped Punter with the drive needed to bring on some more match-winning efforts. Any time Punter makes a return I watch with eager anticipation as to how he will approach things. I am far away from the bandwagon who want Punter to retire. I strongly believe he still has some blazing cricket left in him yet. Won't ever forget how invaluably he has contributed to the team for more than a decade. A mordern legend of the game!
Doug Bollinger, James Hopes and Shaun Marsh are the additions here. Some may be a bit annoyed Douggie B wasn't selected for the T20 side but given the success of the T20 bowlers recently it is fine to stick with those bowlers and give them a chance with Shaun Tait and Dirk Nannes to pull out of the side after the two T20s as it is. Douggie has become a mean Test bowler and also has the spark to unleash some destructive ODI performances against any side.
With Doggie's entrance though for the ODIs Dan Christian, David Hussey and David Warner will be done with their tour, meaning five members of the T20 side will be done.
I thought David Warner or Dussey would have had an opportunity for the ODI squad but Shaun Marsh is back in the team as well as James Hopes. Marsh will add better stability at the top of the order and once again we have a left hand/ right hand combo with him alongside Watto. Catfish has recovered from his injury and while I thought he would be playing for Australia A and instead Dussey given another ODI chance, Catfish rarely does a great deal wrong so he is always a valuable member to the side in limited overs cricket. He is really taking the spot of Adam Voges with Clint McKay coming in as another bowling option.
Can't find much wrong the selections and it's evident the competition for places is heating up!
This is especially valid with the NSP holding back the Test Squad announcement due to the Australia A fixtures.

AUSTRALIA A SQUAD:
Two 4 day games @ The Allan Border Field/ Brisbane, June 18th-21st & June 25th-28th.
Ed Cowan, Usman Khawaja, Michael Klinger, George Bailey (Captain), Peter Forrest, Andrew McDonald, Tim Paine, Mitchell Marsh, Steve O'Keefe, Ben Hilfenhaus, Josh Hazlewood, Peter George, Mitchell Starc.

I really thought Trent Copeland would have been given an opportunity to play for Australia A after his sensational start to First-class cricket for New South Wales, but with Ben Hilfenhaus getting back into his bowling strides after a frustrating injury setback while baring in mind he is part of a relatively set and rapidly developing bowling attack, the focus is more on a batting spot after Phillip Hughes messed up his shoulder.
The importance of this game is that it will present the NSP with the final draftings to make up the Squad to play in the two Test matches against Pakistan in England in July. For this reason it is exciting. Who will hang onto their places from the New Zealand tour and who will be in-line to maybe receive a fresh Baggy Green?
Ed Cowan had a really good summer so my gut feeling is that he will be competing alongside New South Wales young batsman Usman Khawaja for a potential place. Both of them can bat in the top or middle order, so their flexibility and good form puts them in the contenders list.
Really pleased to see Tim Paine will have the Keeper duties to further his credibility and work-load. Otherwise familiar blokes like Andrew McDonald, George Bailey and Michael Klinger (don't rule this man out for a Test spot!) are there with Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh are there. They both represented Australia's U/19 squad at their World Cup win. Mitch is the younger brother of Shaun if you don't by now, who are the sons of Geoff Marsh.
McDonald has been given the opportunity in both the Four-Day & One Day sides to probably give him an opportunity to back up the contract he was issued to be one of the 25 men with Cricket Australia contracts. Better to find a use for him rather than another contract that is nothing more than a good payment, notably a Brad Hodge scenario.

The most exciting news for me is that Ben Hilfenhaus' return has a date on it now and I can't wait for him to bowling again to try get a spot in the Test side. The conditions in England are suitable for him and after his successful 2009 Ashes campaign I hope to see him sending down a bunch at the Pakistani batsmen in the British conditions.
For all the news and progress Hilfy has made CLICK HERE to go to Hilfy407.net where you can get more information on his return.

AUSTRALIA A SQUAD; 5 limited overs fixutres
Tim Paine, Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges, George Bailey (Captain), Travis Birt, Aaron Finch, Andrew McDonald, Mitchell Marsh, Xavier Doherty, Brendan Drew, James Pattinson, Jake Haberfield, Josh Hazlewood.

George Bailey will have the Skipper duties once again, while Adam Voges makes an appearance for the Aussie A ODI Squad as he will not be forming part of the ODI team to play England. Victoria's Aaron Finch also has the call-up which is a very promising selection. Very pleased with the candidates in both Australia A's Four day and One Day sides.
NSP doing a much better job now, at long last.

Now, it's all about waiting to monitor the way the Squads perform and of course the individuals. Until then, the Test Squad annoucement will only take place early July.

AUSTRALIA'S T20 TOURNAMENT REVIEWED

I have found the critical standpoint from so many cricket fanatics regarding Australia's T20 performances rather amusing. They have, with a blind eye, clouded the good performances with the loss in the final against England along with finger pointing at Michael Clarke and erratic criticism of the bowling attack, the batsmen's abilities to handle pressure and basically anything to make the fine efforts of the boys seem average.
Having been booted out in the POOL stages of the 2009 event, to make the final in this years event was a brilliant achievement alone but to do it unbeaten until the final was just as impressive. Of course the upset was the way things fell apart in the final versus England but the team have accepted the defeat and we move on.
All in all, very proud of the way the blokes performed and there's always another shot at the next event to get that Trophy back from England! The ASHES URN in number 1 on the list!
Of course the Southern Stars clinched the Women's ICC T20 title to take the Trophy away from England!
This article will be my review of our Squads performances individually while also highlighting my three favourite moments of the event.

It was a delightful event to watch which was boosted by the ICC waking up and allowing traditional West Indian cricket spectating to be a main attraction! Musical instruments, portable swimming pools and a blast of a time were evidently a huge part of the success and it made viewing the event on TV entertaining. Perfect for Twenty20 cricket.

Nathan Hauritz, Tim Paine and Dan Cullen made loafing in the dugout and bringing on the drinks look like the best job on the planet. They did play in the warm-up games but it was quite evident they were on the tour as cover players.

David Warner:
Runs: 150, H/S: 72, Average: 21.42, S/Rate: 148.51, Sixes: 10.
Having started off with a bang, it was an anti-climatic end to the Pitbull's campaign. Caught for a duck in the semi-final's against Pakistan and then run-out off his terms in the Final, he walked off with a question mark as to what damage could he have really inflicted against England?
Nevertheless, we saw his capabilities which are wild when he gets going! My best shot of his to watch is when he slashes a ball outside of off and sends it flying high into the boundaries beyond deep long-on. It takes a dead-eye, plenty of power and a definite talent to smack a ball the way he does. His performance against India was with no doubt his finest moment. I would like to see him make his way into the ODI side again but I also admire his desire to play earn a Baggy Green one day. Read THIS ARTICLE here regarding this.
He also took 8 catches and was one of our finest fielders alongside the Huss. They were energetic and really do give it 100% dedication.

Shane Watson:
Batting; Runs: 163 runs, H/S: 81, Average: 23.28, S/Rate: 146.84, x2 Fifties, Sixes: 10
Bowling: Wickets: 2, Average: 82.50
I think many feel Watto had a dissapointing tournament with both the bat and ball. While he did score two fifties in the tournament including an assault of power-hitting alongside his opening partner David Warner, he ended on a low. His bowling was attacked with the predictable good line and length he delivers which was on a generally good batting wickets and he didn't show case much in Semi-final and Final. What this does prove is what a crucial part he is of the Australian unit in all forms of the game. When he delivers his brilliance on the day the effect is noticeable. Sadly, as a bloke who can pride himself on being a cricketer built for the big matches, it was so unfortunate when he was caught behind in the Final for just 2 runs.
What I did like in the statistics was how similar his Strike-rate was to David Warner. Both of them are on par in the late 140's, but what we would all love to see spike is their averages which also ended up being closely comparitive in the early 20's.
Both of them hit 10 sixes too. Most destructive opening duo in T20 cricket? Yeah!
Looking forward to seeing him in the ODI and Test arena again!

David Hussey:
Batting; Runs: 179, H/S: 59, Average: 29.83, S/Rate: 130.65, x2 Fifties, Sixes: 10
Bowling; Wickets: 6, BBI: 2-3, Average: 7.83
Not being awarded a CA contract for the year, Dussey needed to make a huge impression to keep himself on the radar. He did this and I am certain that another good season with the Bushrangers and a successful Champions League outing will secure him another contract and a spot in both the T20 and ODI sides.
He is a nervous starter and nervous to watch too when he starts to build his innings. We all know this, but when does get going he is explosive! The one question many Australian cricket fanatics have that remains answered is, 'Why didn't he bowl in the final?'
He only sent down 8 overs but those figures of 2-3 and an impressive average, I am not sure why Pup didn't toss it to him to create some magic in the final. He can plug in a few yorkers back to back at lofty pace and also has the knack to pick up cheap wickets. I'd have had him bowl in my team any day! His innings in the Final was an admirable one.
After that quick collapse of wickets, he had to stand tall and rebuild the innings alongside Michael Clarke who struggled. With a handicap to not be able to play his natural game with the urgent job at hand to steady the ship, it wasn't a surprise his strike-rate didn't take off how we usually expect it to. But, he held the fort and his efforts alongside State Skipper Cam White gave us a fighting chance. Well done Dussey on what I think was a successful campaign.

Michael Clarke:
Runs: 92, H/S: 27, Average: 15.35, S/Rate: 80.70
The posititives up front are important here.
The reason Pup is Captain of our Twenty20 squad is to streamline him into a leadership role and to start fine tuning his skills both tactically and mentally. T20 is a fast paced game that requires quick thinking so to have him in this role is a wise tactic by the NSP. I think he was a strong leader who held his team-mates up in high regard and what I enjoyed most was his aggression out there! He gave his bowlers attacking field settings to work with and he used their skills wisely. His execution was good.
In the final he was tested and when our bowlers started to take a beating he ran out of ideas and struggled to think on his feet. It was a sad end to what had been an impressive effort from Pup!
You have to lose eventually and it was a pain to see it happen in a big moment for him.
The downside to his ICC T20 was obvious. He didn't and couldn't deliver with the bat in hand to meet any expectations. He also couldn't find a slot for himself in the batting order.
He let the pressure of a poor strike-rate get to him with additional public awareness of this and he became complacent in his approach. He got bogged down easily and where he is usually a natural at finding the gaps and caressing the ball to the boundary (usually through the covers), he found this tough and in the final he failed again at number three. He publicly stated that he expects the NSP to look at his performances. Whether he remains in the Squad or not, he got excellent experience and if he continues to pump out the runs for the Baggy Green in Test cricket, I won't complain!
The improvement in his Test cricket has come as a result of additional leadership responsibilities and becoming more patient to build an innings. The flashy ODI spark has left his game a fair bit that was evident three years ago. It will all come together for Pup!

Cameron White:
Runs: 180, H/S: 85*, Average: 45.00, S/Rate: 146.34, Sixes: 12, N/O: 3
How awesome was The Bear? Aggression, quick thinking, power hitting and invaluable T20 experience served him well in this tournament and if his promotion to number 3 for the ODI's versus England last year and a century in the ODI's during the summer against Pakistan weren't enough to put him on the map, this tournament was.
After being sent to India to serve as a leg-spinner in a very unfair debut call-up by the NSP who had some panic issues in 2008, I was proud to see the way Cam clawed his way back into the side. He's dismissed his bowling and has turned himself into a dependable specialist middle order batsman who also has a very safe pair of hands in the field.
He hit the most sixes of the tournament and was unbeaten three times. This shows how prized his wicket will become in limited overs cricket!
He is a gentleman, an experienced Skipper (for the Bushrangers) and a very laid back sort of bloke on the field. You rarely see him show any anger or disaproval at his team-mates or his own efforts and these qualities alongside his brutal batting skills have rightly earned him the Vice-Captaincy. He is only 26 years old so he will be around a bit longer and he will put the Baggy Green cap back on! I won't be surprised if it is in a leadership role too.

Brad Haddin:
Batting: Runs: 98, H/S: 42, Average: 14.00, S/Rate: 102.00
Keeper Stats: 3 catches, 2 stumpings.
Hads struggled in the tournament with the bat and the gloves. It is surprising because his Wicket-keeping was near flawless this summer. But I don't think Hads has ever been that good a T20 cricketer in all honesty. That comment is not intended to discredit him because I regularly speak out how excellent a stroke-maker he is with the bat and how his Wicket-keeping has stepped up dramatically and returned to the level it was far from for sometime. Perhaps giving Tim Paine the opportunities in T20 cricket is called for as he is most likely the man to replace Hads down the line. Hads in ODI and Test cricket, I'm obviously all for it but handing the gloves to Tim Paine for T20 cricket and then this allowing an open spot for a bowler or batsman...I think it makes sense. Hauling Tim along on tours is important for his development though and he has done plenty to boost his reputation when he has represented the ODI side.
So Hads' T20 tournament, personally I didn't think it was anything special on his part but his innings of 42 against the Windies was a calm innings by his standards and he got the side over the finish line.

Michael Hussey: (Current Australian Player of the tournament in the voting Polls)
Runs: 188, H/S: 60* (24), Average: 94.00, S/R: 175.70, N/O: 4
Huss is a machine! He is the number 1 bloke any team would want in a rescue mission to save a match. He has done it many times before but his finest moment was against Pakistan to get us into the Finals. If we had beaten England that innings would've had even greater significance.
His Test performances have dropped drastically but after his century in the 5th Ashes Test he regained some confidence. However, his ODI performances didn't get affected. He continued to be the ideal late innings assaulter to any bowling attack and he is a highly energetic fielder with gully and the outfield being his zones. He picked up 8 catches also to add to his credibility.
Before the tournament began he wasn't seen as that good a T20 cricketer, but when he was announced in the Squad he probably knew he needed to show some skills. In fact his situation was slightly similar to his brothers.
But he managed to let his ODI brilliance flow into his Twenty20 game and he was unstoppable at the best of times. He was unbeaten in 4 innings and was our highest run scorer. If that wasn't enough he also had the highest strike-rate and well, Huss is now a middle order specialist in both ODI and T20 cricket. Whether his Test career manages some longevity or not, he is a must have for the limited overs arena. We agree?

Steven Smith:
Wickets: 11, BBI: 3-20, Average: 14.81. Economy Rate: 7.08
Stevo has a reputation as an emerging all-rounder for NSW who is a dynamite player!
However he did the job with the ball in his first major tournament for Australia. His batting wasn't a sight when he was out there but his bowling was really good. He needs to be developed as a leg-spinner so NSW cricket has a huge responsibility to ensure he is given the opportunities at first-class level. I am probably not alone in thinking he will stay around the T20 and possibily the ODI sides a bit longer. His batting in first-class cricket though is damn good!
But it was about his bowling for the team in the tournament and he did some damage!
He was our second highest wicket-taker with 11 wickets and at an Average of 14.81 with best figures of 3-20, he is heading in the right direction. While usually critical of everything the team seem to do, Shane Warne did have something contructive to say in favour of the team, that Stevo must focus on becoming a specialist spinner come batsman. Agree with Warnie as Stevo is a young bloke.

Mitchell Johnson:
Wickets: 10, BBI: 3-15, Average: 14.81, Economy rate: 6.49
Mitch had a quiet tournament. He wasn't a big talking point and ended the tournament with good results but nothing spectacular. He did start off well in the warm-up games and he found consistency, which made him a regular wicket-taker when brought into the attack. His control of the ball was so much better and he picked up wickets that were a result of really good seam bowling. He did pick up 10 wickets and his Average of 14.50 and the economy rate of 6.49 is way better than what some may have predicted.
He wasn't featured as a batsman and if anything he has taken a backseat as an emerging all-rounder and is back to being a specialist bowler.

Ryan Harris:
Wickets: 1, Average: 28.00, Economy Rate: 7.63
Ryano only played one game and was given the call-up after Brett Lee injured himself and had to pull out of the tournament in the warm-up stages. After a really awesome IPL stint for the Deccan Chargers and a golden summer in his return to the Green & Gold, Ryano was back in action but only for 1 game when Mitchell Johnson had an elbow infection. He did his job in that game as a reliable bowler but after that match he was on the bench with the other blokes.
Getting the call-up over Doug Bollinger? Absolutely nothing wrong with it.
Douggie B hadn't proven alot when the NSP had to make the Squad announcement and Ryano proved alot more in both his ODI and T20 appearances. In the IPL both of them were similar with their stats so to even judge the call-up based on the IPL would have been a tough one. But it's International cricket that counts most and Ryano had the advantage and performances over Douggie.

Dirk Nannes:
Wickets: 14, BBI: 4-18, Average: 13.07, Economy Rate: 7.03
Dirty Dirk was a superb handler of the new ball. Steep bounce, genuine pace and with a point to prove that he belongs in the T20 side he started off with an intimidating reputation which didn't fade fast! He was the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 14 wickets. In a T20 tournament that doesn't even involve 10 matches a side this is one hell of an achievement and he was crucial in the teams walk to the final. His stats are quite outstanding.
His average and economy rate are equally impressive but the only blemish was the way he fell apart a bit in the final stages of the event. Like Shane Watson, he displayed how important he is to the side when he was either hot or cold. He was also our only bowler to get a 4 wicket haul!

Shaun Tait:
Wickets: 9, BBI: 3-20, Average: 14.55, Economy Rate: 5.53
Taito returned to the Caribbean, his ideal hunting ground!
In the 2007 World Cup he was the pace-demon alongside Glen McGrath, Nathan Bracken and Shane Watson as the bowling unit.
The recent summer he returned in ferocious style, clocking in some bloody fast deliveries!
His wild display of, at times, frighteningly quick bowling would make a batsman contemplate a change of underwear after standing up to an over of 'The Wild Thing'. One thing that has really assisted Taito is the evident control in his deliveries. His purchase in his action is so much better and may be a key reason for the better control we have seen from him. His wickets generally came from brilliant bowling as opposed to wild, wayward stuff.
If you don't agree just look at the Economy rate; 5.53 from Taito, you'd better believe it!
I like the way he knocked over the stumps to wrap up a few innings.
Taito to become a regular in the ODI side? I am not too sure if this will happen but I am certain he will be a regular in the T20 side. I am pleased to see Taito back in action and seeing him in the Caribbean brought back some good memories of the 2007 World Cup for many of us at the LIVE chat.

Top 3 moments:
1) Michael Hussey's finest rescue:
Huss' innings against Pakistan in the semi-finals! One word, 'Epic'.
It was one of the most exciting moments I have experienced in all my years watching cricket and the way he made it look so easy was a testament to his cool and calm attitude under pressure! The innings was epic and the result of the game was special with the way he brought us back into the match. He scored 60* off just 24 deliveries. Read about it HERE.

2) Cam White bear swipes Sri-Lanka.
After being in deep trouble at 4-30 and then 5-67, 'Bear' strode out to the wicket and unleashed hell with his bat in hand! He blasted the ball and drove us back into the match all the way to a defendable target. Of course he was assisted by The Huss, but damn Bear let rip! He ended up bashing 6 sixes and 6 fours in this innings. At last the cricketing public were able to see how he can heave a slog sweep with visual ease and grace deep into the stands. Sri-Lanka got a mean dosage of it and when he ended his innings on 85 not out off 49 deliveries, it was evident Cam White had put himself on the map. He followed this match winning innings up with a flying catch at backward point which drew comparisons in our LIVE chat to a Bear catching a bolting Salmon! He took a screamer and the big wicket of Dilshan was claimed. It was easy for the bowlers from that point.

3) The David Warner & Shane Watson hour!
They occupied the crease for 10.5 overs and systematically began shut down India's hopes of winning the game early on. After Harbhajan Singh started proceedings off by bowling a sneaky maiden-over, brutal power hitting awaited the Indian bowlers. Combined, the two of them belted 13 sixes, 7 to the Pitbull and 6 to Watto. They also achieved another bit of fine team work as they hit 6 sixes in a row against Ravindra Jadeja. Okay, it was done in consecutive overs but merging his last three delivers bowling the 4th into the 10th over, it was a 6 sixes affair.
The partnership amassed 104 runs at a combined strike rate of 10 runs per over.
Seeing the way the bashed the ball all around the place and took advantage of India's weakness (being their bowling) was exciting. Our bowlers yet again followed up and ripped apart India's top order and India ended up losing the match. It made sure the T20 clashes were even:
AUS vs IND = Played 4; Australia won 2, India won 2.

THE SOUTHERN STARS ARE VICTORIOUS!

FOR SOME THOUGHTS ON THE MEN'S ICC T20 FINAL click here or scroll down to my previous article.

Some good news. Leave it up to the ladies I guess. The Southern Stars have beaten New Zealand in the Womens ICC T20 Final. It's a brilliant achievement and I am really pleased for them, so lift that Trophy proudly Ladies!
Was a game that came down to the wire to win by 3 runs! I was also really stoked to see Michael Clarke and a few of the guys (Pitbull Warner, Stevo, Mitch) stay behind to support them in their final game. Gave them something to cheer about.

They stumbled with the bat but still managed to post 106 runs with some vital runs scored rapidly at the end of their innings.
The bowlers won the game with some class fielding and a good attitude from ball one. Ellyse Perry really kick started the Black Caps' downfall and she ended with outstanding bowling figures of 3/18 in her 4 overs. She was Player-of-the-match too.
The number of dot-balls our bowlers delivered choked the run chase. Those dot-balls are a critical element to execute in T20 cricket so the pressure they managed to build after posting a challenging but not too daunting a target was great. That nailed the Black Caps' hopes and the Aussie ladies are the Champions, taking the title from England...thank goodness for that!

They did well without Jodie Fields leading them (due to an injury) and Alex Blackwell deserves full credit for her leadership duties and of course the performances from her team mates to end their Caribbean tournament unbeaten in the main games. Well done to the Southern Stars! But of course, I'm still totally gutted we couldn't beat England.

Take a bow ladies! Southern Stars begin their plans to win ICC T20 Womens Final

ICC T20 FINAL: SO CLOSE, BUT OUTPLAYED

Still feeling the punch of that loss. Sure, we could say it was just Twenty20 cricket but it was still a final and any chance of taking the title and being victorious, you want it! Still really proud of the boys and Michael Clarke's leadership. After being knocked out of the first round in 2009 they fought hard to rebuild the side, played with synergy and were brutal from the POOL stages right until the Final. It just fell apart at the end and we bowed out in sad style.
Take some pride from our progression to the final and join me in saying a big congrats to the boys!
It was frustrating and aweful to lose to England but we'll have the big say this summer!

I'd also like to thank YOU for joining me in LIVE chat. It was great to have finally chatted to alot of you I have mixed with here on the blog over the years or on Twitter in real time during the games. Your input was valuable and I hope you had a good time chatting with other Aussie cricket fanatics. I sure enjoyed your input and while not always a place for the family to enjoy a sophisticated chat, that's kind of what this site has always been about. It's a place where I can share my opinions, both analytically and socially, about Australian cricket with no limits. So to have your input from both an emotionally driven or constructively critical point of view, it makes my intention of this site more qualitative. And of course in live time chat, true emotions and a choice of words fly out! So, cheers to the lot of you and once again. A pity it didn't carry on where we could all have our say when lifting the Trophy!
See you in July for another Live chat hopefully! Until then it's comments or browser viewing.

AUSTRALIA: 6/147 in 20 overs; DJ Hussey 59, CL White 30
I was going to dig into the way the boys played in the final, but what's the point?
Upon further discussion with some other people I have come to realise that we just didn't play the type of cricket we had prided ourselves upon and we paid the price for an early collapse that was hard to come back from.
We lost three quick wickets, one to a daft piece of running which saw our biggest hitter back in the hut not on his own terms (Pitbull Warner) and then an unfortunate dismissal where Brad Haddin was hit on the hip but given out caught behind. He had the bruise to show it.
After that it was difficult. England were all over us and the momentum died until the late innings assault from Cam White (who had been brilliant for us throughout the tournament) along with David Hussey who made a half-century that required some gritty determination.
It's easy to be critical of Dussey but I think he actually played a brilliant innings. He came in a situation where he needed to rebuild alongside Michael Clarke, who struggled with the blade throughout the tournament for acceleration in his innings. Dussey was limited with his natural game and had to spend extra time trying to find the gaps and push ahead. It was a big ask but when he did launch some big shots it was great. But even after Michael Hussey joined him we were likely to fall 20 runs short of what the wicket put on offer.
Just got affected by an early collapse which will always hurt in some way in a Final.

ENGLAND: 3/148 in 17 overs
There was always an opportunity for us to win this game but we would need a rapid flow of wickets similar to what England did against our top order. It didn't matter whether it was the top or middle order we ripped through, as long as it happened.
It didn't happen and after getting the wicket of Michael Lumb, the magic didn't happen and we were officially outplayed. Hate to say it, but that's the hard fact.
They took their chances, pulled it off. They found the gaps effectively and our fielding tactics couldn't answer the questions that Pieterson and Kieswetter asked us on a wicket that flattened out quickly.
When we did get rid of them and there was sniff of a possible turn around to shock them, but Eoin Morgan slapped a six to mid-wicket and that sealed the deal. Fittingly for the Poms, Paul Collingwood hit the winning runs.
I wouldn't even say we peaked to early. We were just outplayed. That's how cricket works and it will always find a way to surprise...in ways that aren't always for our pleasure!
Our cricket was sensational throughout but when defending a target of 147 in a final and the opposition gets one solid partnership it will be hard to make the comeback.
Next time, I guess we'll have to try it all over again!

A more indepth article on 'Player analysis for the ICC T20' and some memorable moments will be up later this week. Just not in the frame of mind to be going off on a massive write up just yet and forget some important facts.
Just need some time on my part to dig into the Statistics, watch my highlights footage and see what the lot of you think with the latest POLL:
Vote for your AUSSIE PLAYER OF THE ICC T20, in the Poll at the top of the Blog. I have made a list of candidates based on who would be the main blokes (to save space too on the sidebar) most likely to get nominated. Make your vote.

See you here at the Baggy Green or on Twitter. Feedback regarding the Live chat and the site in general is welcome. Send a liner via email.

David Hussey fought hard after our top order collapse!

Image: Copyright Getty Images

THOUGHTS AHEAD OF THE ICC T20 FINAL

LIVE CHAT here for the Final 30minutes before the game commences for the build-up.
Look forward to seeing you there for the big game. Come on Aussies, let's get the Twenty20 reputation to the highest level and grab that Trophy we don't have and are so close to gaining.

At last Australia are in the ICC T20 final! Coutesy of the late innings heroics of Michael Hussey in one of his finest late innings assaults, we beat Pakistan (2009 Champions). The old enemy, England, await us and it is fitting to say that the two best teams of the tournament with the most vengeful attitudes in the cricketing world are going head to head. Bring it on England!
I am proud of the boys and they have played brilliant T20 cricket. They have done a fantastic job and while Michael Clarke is well aware of the obvious fact his batting has let him down a bit, he has been a genuine leader and a smart tactician! The muppets out there saying that keeping Pup in their will ruin our chances are a bit clueless. While he can't run at a strike-rate of 150+ he can find the gaps with ease and on this wicket with the in-built Old School Aussie attitude from the Waugh/Ponting era's he will attack. And I hope he shocks the critics. A direct hit is due from him too. Hope to wrap it up victoriously.

THE WEATHER is the biggest concern. There is the possibility of a thunderstorm (a default forecast in the Caribbean) but I hope we don't have the game interrupted. It would be aweful to have another final in the Caribbean affected by rain. So far any forecasts of rain have missed the ground for our games so I hope that this pattern continues. It will be warm though.

The teams strengths are evenly matched with regards to their performances during the event. England have been stronger within their batting while our guys have been outstanding with the ball. However, last game we saw the bowling had a rare blunder in the tournament but our batting was elevated through the middle order to chase down a monstrous total. But having watched a few of England's games they have been decent and have entered this tournament with a well rounded side. I had a gut feeling before the tournament started that they would surprise everyone and get to the main stages. I don't think we can underestimate them and it will be about synergy once again which has been our strength as a team with attitude but our bowlers will have to be on song! I am certain this will be a key for us to lift the trophy. Our bowlers have to do their job and back in Barbados, I see no reason for them not to shock England!

I have found it interesting that the critics have been all over Kevin Pieterson as the danger man. I guess it is fair enough because he's had a terrific tournament and has the same tendency as Sachin Tendulkar to really perform against us.
But one of the articles read that if our bowlers do the type of damage they can do in Barbados, that England don't have a strong enough middle order ('A Michael Hussey' is what it read) to survive a collapse. They have missed one man out in the previews.....
Eoin Morgan! This bloke is capable of some brutal late hitting and he also goes about his business in a rather laid back way to kick off his momentum. He gave us a beating in one of the ODI's in England (which we still won) but I am certain we can contain him.
Pieterson the main threat? Personally that Irish bloke is a concern.

My opinion. Win the toss and bat. While we are capable at chasing or setting a target, I think it is in our nature to set the target and put the challenge out there for the opponent. Barbados works in our favour from both a batting and bowling perspective. Given the nature of the way our side is generally more attacking than conservative, chasing a target can often leave the guys in a bit of a complacent mindset. This is the final though, but Australia in a final...it is always about batting first, getting the runs on the board and defending.
And if Watto and Pitbull Warner strike out, it will be the ideal foundation.
They are both due for the bigstage but Shane Watson is built for the big matches and I have a feeling this will be his game with the bat. Let's hope Stuart Broad gives him some attitude!
If we do bowl first (which I only expect us to do if we lose the toss and Collingwood makes us bat) the boys will just have to field at the benchmark standard.
According to the lot of you with a poll I have up, you believe the 'Flawless fielding standards' have been the main contributing factor to our success. The standards dropped in the semi-final so being positive, that was our hiccup.

THE HUSS PULLS OFF THE GREATEST T20 WIN!

Wow! That was an epic match and the boys have made it to the finals.
Unquestionably that was one of the greatest matches I have seen to define the Australian sport attitude to 'never give in'! One of personal best moments and the feeling after Michael Hussey hit those winning runs, I can't quite explain it but running a victory lap around my garden, screaming my lungs out while waving the flag was probably appropriate in the moment with the sense of pure joy in a successful challenge defining the moment. The way celebration in sport can be daft, amusing, inspiring or exciting is always a slight mystery almost as if you were with the sportsman in their moment. It is great.
Usually I tend to not go overboard with personal revelations on the blogsite but in a game like this it's great to be able to express your feelings with other fanatics.
Credit to Pakistan, they really tested us but challenges are what the guys thrive on.
No doubt the lot of you who streamed in here at the end of the game thoroughly enjoyed it too.

PAKISTAN: 6/191 in 20 overs
Our bowlers were off-colour and I guess they had to have their off day. It was quite amusing because during the live chat I made an observation that when we played India and put together that big total they started the innings off with a maiden over bowled by Harbhajan Singh.
We then took them to town. Dirk Nannes started with a maiden over to Pakistan and then the Akmal brothers dominated. Kamran Akmal, while he didn't strike it cleanly and had a fair bit of luck to start with, he did the job by scoring a fifty up front. It was then up to his younger brother Umar Akmal. He was explosive. In an over that could have defined the game he blasted Mitchell Johnson all over the place with crisp shots. The 18th over went for 24 runs and Pakistan probably felt they had their foot in the door to another ICC T20 Final.
David 'Pitbull' Warner was excellent in the field taking three catches but in general our fielding was well below par.
The wicket didn't favour the way we approached the match perhaps and Pup opting to bat may have also been determined by the threat of rain. But we can't be critical as the boys have bowled excellently throughout the contest. It was obviously a bit concerning that in the semi-finals, the big moment, that they all had a bad day simultaneously!
But, we were about to witness one of the most entertaining run chases in a semi-final. While it was a Twenty20 match, it was still a semi-final with the pressure on. So, for those of you who witnessed the run chase you will all know how brilliant the roller coaster ride of emotions was!

AUSTRALIA: 7/197 in 19.5; MEK Hussey 60* (24 balls, 6 sixes), 43 (31 balls, 5 sixes)
Things started off terribly. The most average of supporters would have understandably lost a fair bit of hope up front. Things didn't get better though after David Warner was caught.
Shane Watson followed soon after having a good bash at Mohammed Aamer. He took the battle to him, verbally as well, but he tried to launch one straight down the ground it went safely into the mits of the man at deep long on. Watto looked set for a big one but finals really seem ot be his specialty. Two were down and it was Brad Haddin and Michael Clarke.
They built a bit of a partnership but sadly it wasn't enough. After 8 overs the situation was 3/62. Not too bad considering Pakistan only had 63 runs at that point but they hadn't lost a wicket. Michael Clarke was stumped, Brad Haddin was stumped and David Hussey ended up being caught and bowled, but Dussey played his part too.
When united with his State Captain, Cameron 'The Bear' White, Dussey played a small cameo. Needing some serious momentum after the rapid collapse of wickets he scored 13 runs with 1 six but it was crucial to get Cam White going. He set some momentum that Bear just followed on in destructive style!
To give an example in the importance of Dussey's minor role, his partnership with Cam White resulted in 43 runs. It all added up in the end.
The Bear stayed true to his reputation in power heaving two slog sweeps deep over the midwicket boundary region and when he was eventually caught down on the deep mid-off boundary mis-hitting a full toss, he had sent 6 massive sixes into the stands that had given us the best glimmer of hope to reach the finals. Cam White's innings was invaluable. Kudos to The Bear, well done mate.

Casting my thoughts back to the start of the tournament where we were seen as the Dark Horse probably with little T20 credibility, the hard work had been put it and the reputation was there. Dominant in our POOL stage and then brutal in the GROUP stages, it seemed harsh to have it all flushed away in the Semi-Final where it really mattered in a make or break game.
Michael Hussey walked out the wicket with 105 runs on the board and too many wickets down to have the upper hand.
The battle to victory was daunting but I know for a fact on the Live chat there was an element of hope that came about when The Huss got going. In typical Huss-like style he built his innings up. He stuck around with Cam White for a while to ensure he gave him the support needed to amass his innings of 43 runs. Singles and really energetic running between the wickets is a key feature of a Michael Hussey innings and his match saving innings a few matches back was no different.
It became the Michael Hussey show. Steven Smith didn't last too long and given that Mitchell Johnson hasn't really fired with the bat in a while you probably felt that Huss needed another striker with him. Smith was stumped and back in the hut.
48 runs were still needed. If Michael Hussey needed that one defining moment to steal the crown in the Michael Bevan match winning comparisons, this was the moment!
He was a machine, his focus was portraying true determination to the onlooker and once he connected Shahid Afridi for one of his trademark pull shots for six, it became a very real possibility that Michael Hussey was going to go for it whether or not he had support from the other end of the pitch.
Mitchell Johnson bowled a shocker where he was dispatched for 24 runs. It was Mitchell's first blunder in a while but he made up for it in a silent manner. He took a back seat and was smart. He ran like a dog, showed his true athletism and also scored 1 crucial run inparticular. The first ball of the 20th over, he took a single which gave Michael Hussey one of his greatest challenges on the cricket field.
One comment I did like somewhere was that it would have been great if Shane Warne was watching after his comments a few months back stating that Huss should retire.
In Tests he's been streaky, admittedly, but he hasn't let us down in ODI's (many forget this) and he has been a central figure of our performances this tournament.
17 too win off 5 balls against Pakistan's finest spinner, Saeed Ajmal.

The last over went something like this: 1 (MJ), 6, 6, 4, 6!
Doesn't get much better than that! The only thing I can suggest is that if you saw it, watch it again and if you missed it, try and watch a highlights package because it was epic! The Huss, you little beauty! The final six was a massive bash to deep long-on where he opened his stance right up, freed his arms and yes, it was over!

We are into the finals and England are the opponents. In my eyes, the stage is set for the perfect showdown and Paul Collingwood got his wish. Better yet, I am sure he didn't it to happen in such a dramatic way. England, we'll see you Sunday for the biggest T20 match!
Again it is an all or nothing encounter but this is still a victory to enjoy.

LIVE CHAT will be on for the final, here at the Baggy Green! I'm really excited that our Live chat has survived for the entire tournament so I hope Michael Clarke and gang will give us something special. See you on Sunday and until closer to then I leave you with Cricinfo's coverage, which was alot tamer than what went on here!

Hussey: "By the end there I was just swinging hard as I could every ball. I can't believe we have won the game. This is the best feeling of my career. White played well. Pakistan played really well, I wasn't sure whether we would do it. This game continues to amaze. This is the best feeling in my career. I can't explain it. "

19.5
Saeed Ajmal to MEK Hussey, SIX, Australianism prevails! What a great dramatic game this has been. Goose bumps! What a heartbreak for Pakistan. Michael Hussey has played like a dream. Whaddaplaayaaaa! He finished the game with yet another big hit. This is the Twenty20 innings of his lifetime. And what a way to finish it in style. He cleared the front foot and swung the ball over long-on. The while ball disappeared beyond the boundary. The Australian dug out erupted in joy. The Pakistani camp is stunned. U N B E L I E V A B L E. Hussey is mobbed by his team-mates. Clarke envelops him with a hug. The entire squad is out there on the ground. Take a bow Michael Hussey. Respect.
19.4
Saeed Ajmal to MEK Hussey, FOUR, 105.4 kph, Absolutely crunched! And the scores are level! Unbelievable scenes here. Michael Hussey you beauty! What immense drama here. It was a length delivery outside off stump, Huseey slashed out at it and edges it past backward point fielder . IT went over the leaping fielder. It was that close. It was that dramatic.
19.3
Saeed Ajmal to MEK Hussey, SIX, 113.8 kph, OMG! It's a six! Fabulicious! Stunning! What a strike. What drama! This time he went down on his knee to swing it over long-on for a glorious six!
19.2
Saeed Ajmal to MEK Hussey, SIX, 100.0 kph, What a thunderous wallop. Tonked! Ajmal drops it short and Hussey waits before he plays a crunching pull shot. IT's a six!
19.1
Saeed Ajmal to Johnson, 1 run, 114.3 kph, almost yorker length as he follows Mitch who was moving away outside leg stump .. edged to short fine-leg region.

Hussey calls for a drink. 18 from the last over. Ajmal to bowl.

The man-of-the-moment, Michael Hussey! An innings we won't forget in a hurry.

Copyright: AFP Images, Text Copyright & courtesy of Cricinfo Live coverage.

AUSTRALIAN T20 SEMI-FINALS

Live chat will take place, here at the Baggy Green for the crucial semi-final match versus Pakistan approximately 15-30 minutes prior to the commencement of the match.

Come in numbers to show support to Michael Clarke and the gang as all the hard work can be washed away if a semi-final doesn't go according to plan.
We have never made the final as we were knocked out in 2007 to India in the semi-final, so alot to proud of to just get into the final two for the Trophy!
I am confident the boys can win it though as they know the opposition and should be able to execute their plans effectively given their consistency.
Pup must be commended on his Captaincy with his aggressive tactics and he's consistently backed himself and his team.
We have played ferocious cricket with Synergy being the core feature but Pakistan, we often say it, they are an unpredictable unit and the 2009 Champions.
If we field like we have thus far it would one way to get ahead of the Pakistan camp but in cricket nothing is a given so it will all come down to the big moments.
And I really want to play England!

The Southern Stars (Australian womens team) won their game by 7 wickets against India, with Skipper Alex Blackwell scoring 61 runs to secure a spot in the final!
Just another reason the Green and Gold must try and defeat Pakistan.

Hope to see you later for the big game!

THE SEMI-FINALS, HERE WE COME!

It wasn't that big a match in the end. The Windies were probably very deflated after Sri-Lanka launched a late innings assault to end India's tournament which also meant their (Windies) chances of a semi-final were sailing away. They didn't helped their own cause by being bowled out for 105 runs. Pity because they are a decent T20 side but I had a feeling they wouldn't manage the big match situation against us in front of their home crowd. Once Chris Gayle was done it was all over, he was very upset understandably. I hope the Windies keep trying though.
So the victory means the Semi finalists are confirmed.
Australia, Sri-Lanka, Pakistan and England. We will play Pakistan in the 2nd Semi-final.
Not too much to report from this game other than it was down to another sensational effort from our bowlers and I feel like I'm repeating myself! We know how they are executing things.
Our fielding was no different than what we have seen and if we play like this in our semi-final game, the conditions won't matter a great deal, our synergy will be the winning factor!

WEST INDIES: 105 all out; SPD Smith 3-20, MG Johnson 2-22, DJ Hussey 2-3
The Windies batted first and that was a change for us. It was an interesting start to the game to see how we went. Chris Gayle, he was the danger man (as he always is) but he pre-match discussion's usually backfire when he plays against us. He hit a four and then Dirk Nannes bowled him. It was a top delivery that Gayle tried to swipe at, but it barged through and he was all done at four runs.
Our fielding then maintained the momentum. The energy levels were high, the fielders were committed and of course we took the catches that mattered!
David Hussey took a beauty over his head off one than Shiv Chanderpaul skied and it was another freakiest catch by Dussey. He then continued as he took 2 wickets for just three runs. He's stepped it up dramatically this tournament with his T20 game and that spell of bowling was the best bit of stand in bowling you will see. But that catch of his was, for me atleast, the momentum set up for the rest of the innings.
Steven Smith set a good example for the St. Lucia's tracks slower characteristics. Slow and steady was his tactic and he got the drift and a respectable amount of turn too. He did a fine job and the Windies batsmen fell for the lure he set out for them. He found himself on a hatrick after Brad Haddin took a lightning stumping (continuing his elite level Keeping) and then there was an equally impressive caught and bowled by Stevo. Two wickets in the over and then he picked up another in the mix there which was an easy catch on the boundary fences by Michael Hussey who worked like a dog on the outfield. The leg-spinners confidence is growing and Warnie has called for him to focus upon it. That shouldn't be taken lightly. He was awarded Man-of-the-match so a massive congrats to him on this achievement!
Mitchell Johnson was a bit off colour but he picked up the wickets and contributed under the radar. It's good to see Mitch out of the spotlight. His focus looks good and he had a nifty deflection off his finger tips to catch Dwayne Bravo out his crease!
Taito didn't pick up a scalp but he delivered economically and the Windies continues to be a happy place for him, while Dirty Dirk remains the top wicket taker in the tournament. Take a bow!

The Windies' total was small and it was a big ask for them to pull off a dramatic win.

AUSTRALIA: 4-109 ; BJ Haddin 42 (46), DA Warner 25 (12)
The biggest question for our innings was how we would go about the run chase. Would it be aggressive or tactfully paced. The answer was to tactfully pace it, prompted further by losing both our openers in quick succession.
David Warner helped us get the start that was needed. Get some runs on the board quickly but assertively. He hit out with 25 runs and then found himself caught at first slip again. He did blast one YAHOO maximum but was out the next ball. Watto didn't let rip but he's saving it for the semi-finals (I can near guarantee it). He was bowled around the legs by Sulieman Benn in an attempted Sweep shot. The Windies went in with both Benn and Nikita Miller, which was a good move tactically but of course they didn't get the runs for them to be effective enough.
Michael Clarke and Hads came out to bat still needing a decent amount of runs but partnerships would be the key to get us home as there was no urgency on run rate or an intimidating score. It was an ideal state of the game for Pup to get some time in the middle with Hads, who also hasn't really let loose in the tournament.
Both Hads and Pup did a fantastic job. They played the spinners with excellent foot work, aggression when the ball was the to be hit and how good was their running between the wickets?
That's been another big feature of our game, the running between the wickets. It's guaranteed a lot of runs and hasn't seemed at all reckless. From Warner to Johnson each guy is very athletic and they are very quick between the wickets. Steven Smith gets run out a lot but I am sure that this laughable trend will end soon.
The Windies did well to hold us down but I honestly label this as the lack of urgency on our part.
In a serious pressure cooker we'd hit em hard, but it wasn't there and as a result we just chipped away at the runs. Hads batted brilliantly and just couldn't get us over the finish line. His innings stats indicate what his role was. 42 off 46 deliveries. A strike-rate under 100 for Hads is a rare sight but that was the intention.

So the two guys who hadn't contributed with the bat made sure the got us closer to the victory mat and with that we opened the door to the semi-finals where we will be playing Pakistan, again.
The focus shifts to that game and what a big one it will be! Everything we've achieved has been terrific, inspiring and deserves the recognition and applause, but it doesn't matter much if you get knocked out in the semi's. So, I am excited to see how the boys prepare. We know what to expect from the opposition, it's more a case of how do we treat our own game.
Our bowling and fielding has won the bulk of our tournament thus far but it's all about that one word again, 'Synergy'. But the batting, while explosive at times, has also caused a lot of panic but someone has also picked up the mess.

Doesn't always happen so we need to be alert and not let Pakistan upstage us!

LIVE CHAT at the Baggy Green for our semi-final match, so I hope to see many of you making an appearance for that game! It's been great having the lot of you make an appearance and have your say during the games so I hope to see you at the games where it really matters to show your support for the boys!
The ICC T20 title is there for the taking, this could be our moment!

It's all or nothing now, so let's give em nothing! Aussie, Aussie, Aussie....

(NOTE: The Southern Stars have made the semi-finals and will play India in the Ladies contest, so keep an eye out on their performance and let's hope they make the finals)

Steven Smith showed more exciting aspects of his developing game for us with a Man of the match award!

Copyright: AFP Images

THE LANKANS WINNING STREAK GETS SNUFFED!

Defending 168? At one stage it looked like a big ask as were struggling well short of the triple figure mark. Now we would assume given our Twenty20 credibilities of the past it'd be a tough score to defend against a side like Sri-Lanka.
Sri-Lanka's response, 87 all out! I can honestly say I didn't bet on this, I am actually a bit stunned that we pulled off a victory in such a dominating style.
If anything it has really shown how we have regrouped, adjusted to Twenty20 cricket, gotten an excellent crop of players together and with a big event where we have had a terrible history the boys are doing their best to turn things right around!
Very proud to see how they have stamped their authority in this tournament and however far we get it has been a top effort.

Still have to take on the Windies who beat us alongside Sri-Lanka in the 2009 event. I feel confident to take them on in front of their home crowd where I expect them to get ahead of themselves. They are often their own worse enemies!
Dangerous opponents though because of their unpredictability and a Captain who has peaked at the right time who leaves destruction in his wake. That is Chris Gayle folks.
Without getting over confident, our performances have been sensational and truely spectacular. The Batting has had its worrying moments but someone has stood up while the bowling has been tactically executed with aggression and the fielding has been at the elite level.
Things have fallen into place and the momentum is there. But we still have to keep marching on if we want a chance to hold up the ICCT20 Trophy!

Just a quick review regarding the game because it's really the same input from the bowling and fielding as it has been from game one! All I can say with regards to that department is, 'epic'!
Bring on a different track for the next match. I like the challenge of a different surface and conditions where our team gets questioned!
All of you who want to question the team on another track or their abilities, I want you to challenge me on this if you wish...

AUSTRALIA: 5/168 in 20 overs; CL White 85 (49), MEK Hussey 39 (26)
Cameron 'Bear' White had a memorable game. Six sixes, two of which probably turned the momentum around permanantly for the match. Clean strikes with monstrous sixes, yes! It was great to see Bear announce himself in a big ICC event. Watch his innings. Shows that T20 does require a batsman to have a brain.
Alongside Michael Hussey they put together a match winning centurion partnership and the way they complemented each other was exciting and tactically impressive to witness.
The Huss has been on the ball two games in a row and like Bear he has really shown in Australian colours why he is a dangerous batsman. His ODI form has rippled into his T20 game while Cam White has transformed himself into a dependable senior cricketer in both ODI's and T20 cricket.

Things fell apart early with David Warner and Shane Watson unable to have another crack up front as a destructive duo. It will happen but I didn't expect David Hussey to be stumped first ball and Brad Haddin to go playing a daft slog after showing his classy stroke making skills so early in his innings.
Michael Clarke had the right approach which seemed to actually settle Cam White down so while he only made 14, I really feel Pup had a role in setting the tone that was the foundation for Bear and Huss. Still, after Pup was bowled it was a worrying situation but there will always be one guy to stand up!
Fortunately there were two of them and what a spectacular job they did!
Dissecting the fielders all over the ground they tore through the Sri-Lankan bowlers and stole every bit of momentum possible. Cam White's two sixes bashed back to back was the big moment of the game where you just knew he was in one of those moods.
From that point it was the Bear 'n Huss show. They played with caution early on, played late on the ball gliding plenty balls to either third man or fine leg with soft hands and of course they ran hard and fast between the wickets.
To get us to 168 runs after that start just shows how well they did!

SRI-LANKA: 87 all out (16.2 overs); MG Johnson 3-15, SPD Smith 2-12, DP Nannes 2-19
How awesome was our bowling attack?
The only gloomy moment was Shane Watson's first over but that is the risk with Watto. He bowls drastically different in T20 as opposed to his Test game so anything he bowls at a good length is bound to get a beating against the right batsman. This was Dilshan, one of the best T20 batsman.
He blasted Watto and that seemed to be the boost Sri-Lanka needed. Good thing is Watto came back and bowled a good over to get some confidence back again!
But our fielders dictated the rest of the game by assisting our bowling attack at all times and Dilshan was wrapped up due to the following moment.
Cam White took a screamer at Gully, flying through the air and grabbed the catch like a Bear holding onto a prized Salmon in a fresh water spring off the bowling of Mitchell Johnson! That's why Cam's the Bear. He's strong bloke who heaves the ball a long way with the bat and his big hands make him a quality slip fielder. On this occassion it was with both the bat and an excellent in-field catch.

Dirk Nannes had a spectacular direct hit from third man which had him smiling away for a good couple of minutes. That was excellent stuff that was on the back of another marvellous spell of bowling from him. He's made his mark in this tournament. He must just do his utmost best to keep leading our bowling attack!
Mitchell Johnson was a beast! He has been bowling so well lately and I had a feeling he would do some damage. 3 wickets for 15 runs. Where do you want to point fingers at the man? I'm so pleased to see Mitch in the form he's in and he seems so focused and also a bit of out of the spotlight. This may be quite an important factor that is working for him. He's doing his job with little fuss. Keep it up Mitchy!
Steven Smith showed some guts and determination out there. He was brilliant in the field as he always is, but he teased the Sri-Lankans and his rewards were; Bowled Kapugedera and had Chandimal stumped neatly by Brad Haddin!
Two wickets and even though he is bound to get a beating at some point or another he is showing attitude out there and sticking to his plans and it's working! Stevo is doing a fantastic job.
Michael Clarke is also doing a fine job as our Skipper it must be said.

Otherwise everyone did chip in and Shaun Tait still managed to get some good pace out of the wicket that lost alot of characteristic due to the overnight rainfall.
Adapting to conditions has indeed been a key factor and will continue to be so, but this is a side that have one goal and that is to win each game they play. They're not getting ahead of themselves and as a bunch of 'T20 know hows', we head into the game against the Windies with 15 very enthusiastic blokes, high on energy!
One game to go, the semi-final opportunity is glowing now!

Thanks again to all of you who joined in for the LIVE chat during the game here at the Baggy Green. Had our most readers and contributors so far so a big cheers to the lot of you.
Hope to see you for our final Super Eight game against the Windies.

CAM WHITE LAUNCHES IT! Trademark freeze frame here, what a photo!

Copyright: Getty Images

WARNER TELLS 'EM!

As some of you may know I'm a big defender of Test cricket, well cricket in general but particularly Tests. The history and tradition of the Baggy Green is one of the most epic things in cricket and possibly world sport!
I really believe the media has blown things out of proportion with cricket losing interest due to Twenty20 but I reckon it's no thanks to certain curators who prepare flat, dull wickets that take this shape half way through a Test match. That's another days discussion though.

But reading David 'Pitbull' Warner's recent comments I had to say it was awesome seeing his views. Short and simple but he's throwing his ambitions out there and I hope he continues to strive towards representing the Baggy Green and get that cap.
It would be a good chance to see someone challenge Sir Vivian Richards still standing record for the fastest Test century.
In a Sunday Telegraph source when probably asked about the Twenty20 'specialist' tag he has, understandably, been handed he's perhaps starting to feel he's maturing as a cricketer. His innings against India showed all of those indicators. A paced out innings, straight bat shots, quick singles, shifting his tempo with relevance to the game and of course backing himself for the power hitting . These were all solid aspects that he didn't quite implement into his innings two years back.
"A lot of the guys in the team take the mickey out of me about being a Twenty20 specialist,
"Your ambition as a kid is to play Test cricket and wear the baggy green. That's always been my goal."

What I liked the most and would hope Hilditch and company (the NSP) read into was the following statement. "It's probably better that those guys don't come up to me and tell me what to do because it could play with my head,
"I know what I have to do."

This is what I like to hear from a player and I am pleased to see the attitude that was present in the Waugh era is making a comeback into the current crop of players.
Warner's telling it like it is from his opinion and content with where his game is at.
I guess a few more Sheffield Shield for NSW next season is the next step and best of all is that he has plenty time to do so.

For Australia's second Super Eight match against the silent assasins Sri-Lanka, join in for LIVE chat here at the Baggy Green 15 minutes before commencement of the match for some pre-match discussion. A win here makes that Semi-final opportunity look golden, but this is a game I am nervously anticipating.
But with Murali out the team it makes our task less daunting on paper. Taking on one of our victorious opponents who knocked us out in the 2009 ICC T20, it should be good.

CARNAGE AT THE KENSINGTON OVAL vs INDIA

Once again the wicket's surface stayed true to its reputation and the fast, very bouncy track assisted our bowlers brilliantly to bring down India in massive win.
The playing field is even at last. Before the T20 India had won 2 of the last three T20's, while Australia had 1! Now it is neatly nestled at 2 all and this win was a big win.
After being knocked out early in 2009, this is a tremendous turnaround so to win the first Super Eight game is a huge relief. Really proud of the boys and the way they are getting stuck into the opposition and giving them nothing! Sensational T20 cricket. Still two games to go so no time to get carried away. One more victory should be enough to get the semi-final call-up!

AUSTRALIA: 5/184 in 20 overs; DA Warner 72 (42), SR Watson 54 (32) DJ Hussey 35 (22)
The key to this game was partnerships. Michael Clarke and Tim Nielson pointed out that was this was an identifiable problem with the game against Bangladesh, despite winning it convincingly.
You can see why MS Dhoni opened with Harbhajan Singh. There is always a chance to grab an opener in a T20 match with the spin tactic and he was probably looking to try choke the runs against Watto and Pitbull as they don't like waste time as a general rule, but it didn't last when he gambled in another spinner! It was fantastic to see the tactic backfire.

Watto and Pitbull Warner were wild upfront but it didn't start off that way.
Things were steady and easy at first with some excellent running between the wickets. The two of them showed off their athletism and the partnership took off. Watto has been a bit scratchy with the pull shot early on in his innings. During the summer it was a major factor in Tests for his dismissals which came after the LBW's were his initial headache. But he showed us! His pull shots were the key feature of his game. Power, timing and a solid technique ensured when he got ahold of them they flew! He was keen on the sweep shot against the spin too.
Watto has become a monster for us and in any format he is now a key player and I won't write him off from another massive performance again in this competition. He also had a bit of a bowl which was good to see.
But David Warner played the smartest innings I have seen from him for Australia.
He started off playing forward defensive shots, guiding the ball into the gaps and showed his hunger for the singles. And while Watto went to town on the Indian bowlers, Pitbull took a back seat. But no for long, cruise control became the ultimate display of power hitting! I love seeing him blast those deliveries wide of off-stump or off a good length to the deep long on or midwicket boundary!
Between himself and Watto they tallied 13 sixes! What an opening duo and against India, well, they picked an important game to let rip!

David Hussey came in and didn't waste time to bash his first YAHOO Maximum (our own take on the IPL boundary branding hysterics) and he held his focus really well to assist our massive assault against the Indian bowlers. In fact according to Sylvester we actually hit Jadeja for 6 sixes in a row.
Things fell apart a bit in the last four overs as at one stage 200 looked a given. Still, 184 was a brilliant effort courtesy of our openers who put together 104 in 10.5 overs.
Michael Clarke holding himself away from the number 3 position was a called for strategic move but in all fairness it's not like our middle order did wonders anyway. Having Dussey in at three is still a great move.

INDIA: 135 all out in 17.4 overs; DP Nannes 3-25, SW Tait 3-21
It's not the first time we have steam rolled India but they were saved from an even bigger defeat due to Rohit Sharma sticking to his natural game. He started off with alot of panic but he soon took control when no Indian batsman could handle the pace and bounce generated by Shaun Tait and Dirk Nannes.
Mitchell Johnson was a bit low on pace which is understandable given his injury but even Steven Smith got a few to rip off the deck with some niggling bounce.
Dirk has really announced himself to the big stage for us and alongside Taito it was excellent to watch them rip through the Indian line-up, which was going to be India's biggest strength.
Taito is thriving in these conditions and looking at the purchase in his delivery action he has so much more control! And he is staying true to being 'the wild thing' with the pace. Epic to see this bowling attack all capable of hitting the 150km/h mark. Dirk Nannes deserves all the credit after his brutal work with the new ball up front that started shipping India's ship. That yorker to send Yuvraj Singh packing, wow! That was a beauty of a delivery!
The bowlers were outstanding again so take a bow boys!

There were two things I noticed in this game, while not major it's good to note:
1) India were outdone by the pace in either mistiming the ball by being way to early on the short or just being beaten. Alot of the dismissal were skied shots similar to how alot of our top order were outdone against Bangladesh. Granted it was stupid shots on our behalf in that game but still, shows the characteristics of the Kensington wicket and against teams like South Africa or Sri-Lanka (up next) it will be good to see how Pup's statement of 'adapting to the conditions' stays relevant game in game out.

2) We lost momentum in our batting in the last four overs as well as our bowling. Fortunately in these circumstances it didn't affect us but it is just interesting how that pattern emerged. We seemed set to clean India out for 80 odd but whether Rohit Sharma just had total control or we lost some energy out there, either or!
I'm not trying to dampen our victory in any way but it has been a trend where we have lost our killer instinct at times to wipe out the opposition's lower order. One of the blokes on the chat made mention of this and I agree. But of course this all faded when Taito bowled Nehra to end the match.
Momentum, it's a big thing is this format and as Pup mentioned at the post-match presentation you have to try your best to keep up the winning streak in this format.......

May we continue to do so as much as of that as possible!
Sri-Lanka are up next. Join in for LIVE CHAT once again for this game here at the Baggy Green.
Still a big game as they defeated us in 2009 and we need another win!
Hope you can join us and at the moment it feels good to be winning T20 games in the big stage.

Man of the match; David 'Pitbull' Warner

Image copyright AFP Images.

PHILLIP HUGHES' BOXING MISHAP

Reports say that while boxing, Phillip Hughes dislocated his left shoulder!
The Cricinfo source reported this happened on Tuesday.
It's a huge blow to our left handed opener who will likely miss out now on the Pakistan Tests in England which is a few months away.

Shane Watson and Simon Katich will probably be at the top as the set duo.
Depending how long Phillip is out for, if we were to start looking at potential reserve openers to fill the void, Michael Klinger (recently named Redback's Skipper) will be next in-line. But I don't see the need for this at present but let's see what the NSP decides closer to the time.
There's an Australia A game against Sri-Lanka A not to far away which is where Ben Hilfenhaus will be looking to drive his comeback. We'll see who impresses during that two match series.

A reminder for those of you who want to join in for Live chat with other Australian cricket fanatics for our game against India in our first Super 8 encounter, be here at the Baggy Green prior to the commencement of that game.
Check your regional schedules for times as we will be running live chat during all of Australia's Super8 games.

THE HUSS GUIDES US INTO THE SUPER8's ON TOP!

I did my best to ensure the attitude taken by Aussie supporters going into our second game wasn't, 'Oh, it's only Bangladesh'.
Sure enough having this attitude was well needed after they certainly have us a good challenge to rise above.
The good news is that the boys won the match convincingly in the end and are through to the Super 8's with no rain delays present in either of our completed fixtures!

AUSTRALIA: 7/141 in 20 overs
Shane Watson and David 'Pitbull' Warner were unable to let loose against the Bangladesh bowlers which wasn't an issue actually as they are saving their best ammo for India! Although Watto and the pull shot! He was sent packing during the summer for a few games playing that shot early on in his innings. Don't get me wrong, when he connects it it stays connected but he really struggles to execute it early on. That's an observation though which seems valid.
We couldn't hold the fort though after they were dismissed with Michael Clarke, Cam White, David Hussey and Brad Haddin following soon after.
Pup coming in at three is a tactic I'm still not quite understanding especially when it comes to losing momentum and that it does seem to add a bit of pressure on the batsman up front.
Strategically most of you seem to be in favour for him being placed around 6 or 7 to be a part of a rebuild if needs be in a collapse and it gives him the freedom to let loose without any panic over the game being put in a state of immediate disarray.
The timing seemed to be our downfall. A lot of the guys were dismissed skying the ball either being to late on the ball being outdone by the extra bounce (expected in Barbados) while also being a bit too quick against the spin which was a vital element of Bangladesh's game.
But when it was a bit gloomy our modern day Michael Bevan strode out to launch the ideal late innings assault. Michael Hussey was outstanding.
Patiently he worked the singles and when the time was right he was powerful in his pull shots, his timing was exquisite with the cover drives he plays so fluently in the shorter forms of the game and he didn't give Bangladesh anything to work with.
He ended up scoring an unbeaten 47* (off 29 balls) with 4 fours and 1 six. Was great to see Huss arrive for us in T20 at a big event. Expect more!
He was well backed by Steven Smith who made his first major impact with the bat scoring an aggressive 27 off 18 with two solid straight bat strokes for six!
I was very pleased to see our middle order fight back and not give in and after the way things started out it was fantastic to see the side put together 141.
And on a stats note, Steven Smith was run-out again.

BANGLADESH: 114 all out in 18.4 overs
All we needed to seal victory was a couple of quick wickets up top. Sure enough it came and we had Bangladesh staring down the barrel at 4-15. As always there will be someone to step up and they had a few partnerships to drive them into triple figures but they were blown away for 114.
Our fielding was terrific and a key factor to our success. Just like the first game we didn't drop catches, the energy levels were maintained throughout the 20 overs and each guy was sharp. Brad Haddin is constantly on the go both with his chirping and presence in the game. The guys are retrieving the ball quickly and tossing them right into Hads' gloves ball after ball. That energy was inspiring to see and let's hope the boys maintain these standards because it will be essential going into the Super Eights.

Dirk Nannes was a beast with the ball! 4-18 in his 4 overs, nothing to question about his performance. His line was great, he used the conditions to his advantage by banging it hard into the deck and ensuring he bowled at a tricky angle to the right handed batsmen in particular. Dirty Dirk announced himself at the tournament with that performance! He is a key member of this side and we really need him to perform in each game he gets out there, the results will be rewarding for us.
Shaun Tait, well as I have mentioned a number of times now the Carribbean is his hunting ground and memories will ignite the ambition to be fast, ferocious and successful.
He may have only picked up 1 wicket but seriously, look at that economy rate! Look at it! 3.75 runs per over and two maiden overs. That's just excellent work by Taito and The Wild Thing can walk away with his reputation as 'the' Wild Thing based on his speed and ferocity. 4 wides, not bad Taito, not bad.
Ryan Harris did well stepping in for Mitch (who has an elbow infection) and Steven Smith was bold in tossing some up with good flight to tempt the Bangladesh batsman (mostly their lower order). Yes, he will go for a few runs but he will also get a wicket, guaranteed every time. He had a few flippers that went horribly wrong but he fought with focus and it's a good move by Pup to put him into bowl in any tough situations.
He gets a bit of a beating, tough, you keep him in there until his spell is complete. It builds confidence and character and as a young exciting talent it's the way to go especially if he is getting the break through's! The thing is the selectors aren't going to axe him in a flash due to any mishaps which is the way to keep a guys enthusiasm to improve at a high. Having seen him have a good hit out now with the bat it is all great for Stevo.
Pup managed to go for under 14 in his over, just 12 runs this time. 10 next game!

Pup isn't my first choice as T20 Skipper but he is there so we should respect this as there is a plan behind his position as T20 Skipper. But besides coming in at number three he generally has aggressive tactics which work well for this team in the field. So I commend him for this. He's got a good tactical mind, all we need is for him to drop himself down that batting order.

Catch of the match? Michael Hussey's one on the out-field. If that wasn't enough he also took another to give his brother a wicket and seal the deal as the Man of the Match!
David Hussey did a fine job too with 2-8 in 2 overs. Crucial bowling there from Dussey.

Victory and we have put the nightmares of 2009 behind as we head into the Super 8's!
Our fixtures will be as follows (according to the Windies scheduling)
Friday 7th: Australia versus India
Sunday 9th: Australia versus Sri-Lanka
Tuesday 11th: Australia versus The Windies

The big game there of course is the 7th. Some pay back is due for 2007 where we were really going head to head with India, courtesy of Sreesanth, but he's not around so I just expect some competitive cricket.
In fact payback for 2009 as Sri-Lanka and the Windies knocked us out in then in the first round! I actually like this alot!

We will be LIVE during all three of Australia's Super Eight games here at The Baggy Green, so tune in 15-30 minutes before the game here at the site to have a live chat with other Australian cricket fanatics.
Looking forward to chatting to those of you who can make it!
Once again a big thanks for your input during the first 2 games if you were involved.
It's been great to see your opinions as the game goes on, both serious and comical, and The Baggy Green really has some epic blokes on board who know their cricket!
See you for Australia versus India.

A much better state of affairs for Australia and the specialist T20 side can definitely be approved as a big contributor to our success in the Pool stage of the event.
No doubt the boys are shifting their focus to the Super Eights.
Expect aggression and high energy!
But Michael Hussey, what a way to show your experience and skill!


Image Copyright and Courtesy of AFP images