The Hate Club - An article by Will Swanton

One of the contributors at the Baggy Green Blog, Dan Stapo, sent me an article that really brought me some perspective.

We have all been guilty of speaking out in frustration against our team. Generally, here at the blogsite, it tends to be more so with regards to the actual performances on the cricket field. We know we couldn't do any better, but we also know how much time and passion we put into following the Baggy Green in any contest.
The feeling is only enhanced when you stand behind your side even when things begin to really test your frustration levels, e.g. The 2010/11 Ashes series.

This blogsite has always been about just discussing the game -what we think is best for the game - and showing total support to the side under the circumstances, but I also feel if you couldn't say it to the cricketers face, don't write it out!

However, the point where players personal lives are questioned or insulted is unaccetable.
I have never seen reason to question a players conduct unless it directly reflects as a direct insult to the Baggy Green and the supporters.

This article that Stapo sent me, was written bloody well by Will Swanton, who also admitted that even he has been guilty of using the criticism card, but there is a fine line between The Hate Club and Baggy Green loyalists who simply get frustrated for the side.
This could be related to many of our players like Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz and even Shane Watson a few years back.

We just want to see them do their best and make us proud. When they go through these form slumps and you can see it affect the team, if is frustrating cause there isn't a great deal you can do about it, other than continue to show your support, which at times seem ridiculously optimistic.
At the end of the day though it is far more rewarding when supporting and player and they come right, for example; Ricky Ponting's century during the World Cup quarter final.

The article is scanned and some files are a few MBs, so you can either open them to view in your browser or save them to your hard drive.
Have a good read and hopefully, like it did for me, it will open your eyes and ensure that you never fall into the shallow world of the Hate Club.

Will Swanton nailed this article and it was somewhat upsetting as well to read it, but he put things into perspective professionally.

I have also purposely excluded one page of the article. I don't know if the bloke in the crowd was flipping the bird at our guys or some of the Pom players, but it's not clear enough as to what the intentions of the bloke portrayed in the image were. So I opted to rather leave that off for a somewhat respectful reason.

Given I have little to no interest in the IPL this time around besides seeing how our Aussie players perform (so far very average given the competition's hype is fading), after a very insightful chat with my cricketing mates on Twitter, we had some good opinions shared regarding Twenty20 cricket, the proposed Big Bash league and the way the modern world's trends and value systems shifting is having a direct affect on the game.

Stay tuned for when I get the opportunity to share more on this, in the meantime, join Twitter and join us for the random moments of discussion.


The Hate Club - By Will Swanton - © Inside Sport Australia (May 2011 issue)












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Darren Bravo & the Aussie performances at the IPL

I will be honest that I haven't really been following the IPL.
Truth is I am actually enjoying the break from the cricket, but after watching my Australian cricket Glorious Summers DVD, I have to admit after watching that epic innings byBrian Lara at the SCG (he is one opponent I silently always wanted to perform well) I can't wait to see the Baggy Green back in action.

This innings of Brian Lara did prompt me to have a look at the West Indies vs Pakistan series. Nothing spectacular about it but I have become fond of one player who certainly has that image of Brian Lara about him, with both the looks and the technique with his batting.
Darren Bravo is his name and don't get me wrong, he's still finding his feet, but after seeing those wristy cover drives and viciously wild pull shots, at the World Cup in particular, I am confident in declaring this bloke has an X factor, he has something special to offer West Indies cricket. The appearances he's made in Test cricket allowed him to show us some of his emerging skills.
As was the case when I saw Eoin Morgan in 2007 at the World Cup and my never ending backing for Callum Ferguson - who will do something epic for Australian cricket one day - Darren Bravo looks like the real deal and I hope he can do wonders for the Windies. He scored 67 runs in the 1st ODI before being run out, and while it was a relatively slow innings, isn't that what is needed sometimes to anchor the side. In my opinion it is a sign of early maturity with responsibility.
I wish I could do something within the Windies team, maybe a motivational speaker, who knows.

Anyway, besides the reality that it is a bit of a wait until the Baggy Green pick things up again - they're enjoying a well deserved break - some of the Aussie players are currently at the IPL, making a quick buck and playing carefree Twenty20 cricket for their franchises.
It's no wonder some of the players can perform with such epic aggression, particularly come the batting. It's because the money is in the bank, the pressure of contesting in the true contests of International cricket is at a distance and the players can swing with the motivation being a generous salary and a simpler level of psychological battles both personally at the crease and what you can offer your team. This isn't to say that the players are not giving it their best shot for their franchise, but it certainly makes sense when you see some of the players piling on the runs.

The IPL also reminds us to appreciate high quality fielding, as for the 7 weeks or so this competition is on, you will not be seeing anything epic for sustainable periods of time.
Nonetheless, it is all about the fun and Brad Hogg's amusing efforts to become a more confident commentator.

STAND OUT BATSMEN:
David "Pitbull" Warner -
5 matches/ 5 innings/ 229 runs/ HS 77/ 45.80 avg/ x3 50s/ 24 (4s) 8 (6s)

Shaun Marsh - Shaun had that solid innings in Hobart but lacks consistency most of the time. Hopefully he can bring the noise to the Green & Gold regularly.
5 matches/ 5 innings/ 179 runs/ HS 95/ 44.75 avg/ x2 50s/ 15 (4s) 9 (6s)

Adam Gilchrist - This is where the IPL is great. Haydos bowed out to focus on his Tele show 'Matthew Hayden's Home Ground' (which is a wonderful show, I will also review his autobiography soon as well) but Gilly still shows us those wild cut shots and menacing drives through the covers...all in the wrists!
5 matches/ 5 innings/ 151 runs/ HS 61/ 30.20 avg/ x1 50/ 19 (4s) 5 (6s)

Mike Hussey - First innings following his 3rd century for the ODI team, Huss scored 83*.
3 matches/ 3 innings/ 132 runs/ HS 83*/ 66.00 avg/ x1 50/ 19 (4s) 1 (6)


STAND OUT BOWLERS:
Shane Warne -
6 matches/ Combination 9-145/ BBI 3-16

Shaun Tait -
3 matches/ Combination 6-91/ BBI 3-22

Douggie Bollinger - Hope to see this man back with the Baggy Green.
2 matches/ Combination 3-48/ BBI 2-30

That's a quick wrap as far as performances at the IPL go.
Any major cricket news to write about that would be good to discuss, keep your eyes open for updates.
The good news is the ICC Cricket World Cup format for 2015 is being reviewed, so hopefully Netherlands and Ireland have a chance to make the cut.
In short, better scheduling that enables momentum is step 1, step 2 is what teams are the best to compete and how can we increase the promising sides' appearances at the elite level.

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Michael Hussey's surprise century seals the series 3-0

Australia vs Bangladesh 3rd ODI --->> Scorecard
Result: Australia won by 66 runs
Australia won the series 3-0

THE BATTING:
8/361 from 50 overs: M Hussey 108/ S Watson 72/ R Ponting 47/ M Clarke* 47

It was quite a mixed batting performance out there on a wicket that had pretty much nothing in it for the bowlers, but very impressive stuff from our guys with 37 fours and 9 sixes hit…doesn’t quite match Shane Watson’s fifteen does it?
Watto looked set for another monstrous innings following his 185* but Bangladesh finally beat him at his own game of destruction. Watto was beaten by a slower ball to be bowled, but not after he’d made us proud with an exciting performance scoring 72 runs from 40 deliveries, in one over he belted four fours.

Ricky Ponting has been playing with confidence and playing an attacking game. It was frustrating not seeing him reach his half-century as I had tipped him to score a century before the game. He certainly looked capable but he was sent back LBW. Punter looked good this series! He belted some sixes in a way I haven’t seen him execute for maybe three of four years now. The burden of Captaincy is gone and he’s looking better. I am more interested come his Test cricket performances.

Michael Clarke was batting like a highly disciplined leader before departing short of fifty, like Punter. Michael has turned his limited overs game right around and after plenty of criticism (including myself at times) he has answered with solid batting and leadership that will has given me a lot of confidence in what he has to offer.
In a voting poll I once posted, the majority said he’s right for the job but needs time. So far, so good!
He walks away from this series with a memorable century to go in hand with the new chapter of his career.

Mitchell Johnson and Johnny Hastings decided to club the ball all over the show with brutal power hitting, while Michael Hussey was the centurion as the silent assassin, working amongst their batting to push our score to the maximum!
Huss scored his third ODI century and missed his beating his previous by 2 runs!
It was a typical Hussey innings with calculated risks, strong shots through the midwicket region, plenty of running between the wickets and an innings commenced with the perfect pace.
I knew we’d have a third centurion for the series, but didn’t expect it to be the Huss.
It was a good show from our established batsmen and lower order power hitters.

It was a different story for the un-established players.
Cam White was dropped for Callum Ferguson, who only managed 3 runs but the reality is Fergal has had a serious lack of game time at Cam’s expense.
Tim Paine, also lacking time with the bat in match situations, only scored 7 runs.
I’m not worried about either of them but they need more game time as both of them are key players in the next two years or so. Tim wasn’t exactly given many overs to do too much as it was.

Steven Smith is the player to go in my opinion. As my one mate Matt stated, “Smith can wait another 5 years like everyone else”.
It’s a fair enough point. White had an extended run of chances and as a player with a reputation and experience, he was given the boot.
Stevo, as entertaining and as good a fielder as he may be, hasn’t really delivered anything since his innings against Pakistan last year in the Test match. There are players who deserve his place.
He’s a young man, has time on his side and some more game time with New South Wales will help. He's got a bright future ahead of him and certainly has talent but I think the selectors punted him into action at the elite level too soon.
I’m stating a fact that I’m sure others can agree on. I don’t like criticising any of our players – and rarely do so - but amongst the confusion as to what he is in the team to do and his lack of noticeable input, I don’t get his default selection.
The selectors need to realise you don’t select a young bloke because he’s a good fielder.
His time will come but you get the feeling it’s not Steven Smith time, yet.

*Since posting article, the news is Steven Smith has to have ankle surgery. Best wishes for his recovery.

THE BOWLING:
It was a good test for Michael Clarke and the bowlers to go for the kill, minus Brett Lee who will have to wait even longer for that 350th ODI wicket!
The only way for Bangladesh to have a chance was to go for broke from the first over. They did a brilliant job and our bowling was sadly quite bland again with a struggle for 10 wickets, as we saw in the ICC World Cup. Can only get better!

Tamim Iqbal certainly tried to chase things on his own as he raced away in an entertaining effort to create momentum and pressure, but Mitchell Johnson soon bowled him and ended his short starring role.
It was a matter of time.
A huge congrats to Mitch as he picked up his 150th ODI wicket, his 100th ODI is next! He ended with 3-67.

James Pattinson was on debut and qas the first change with Mitch and Hasto taking new ball honours.
He struggled on debut and this is all part of the learning curve as a modern day fast bowler in limited overs cricket. Had we had Ryan Harris, Doug Bollinger or the very impressive youngster Mitchell Starc on the scene they'd have been the contenders for the spot in the side.
After Mitchell's wicket Bangladesh fought damn well, with Shahriar Nafees and Imrul Kayes gunning it in style!
Steven Smith's introduction alongside Xavier Doherty produced an opportunity to affect the required run-rate. Once that was pushed up to over 10 an over and Nafees fell to Mitch and Kayes to Pattinson (his maiden wicket in ODIs), it was our game but not without a serious assault by Bangladesh. Their supporters can be very proud!

Shane Watson took a beating in his opening overs but Watto pulled things back nicely as overall Michael Clarke was able to get the tactics to tighten things up and go for the win.
We still didn't get 10 wickets, which is a slight concern but it wasn't exactly the best track to get wickets on...even though "it was just Bangladesh".
A valiant fight by the Bangladesh team and they will be glad to have put on a good total.

WHAT’S AHEAD?
This series has shown us positives with our experienced, settled players and Michael Clarke has won his first series as Skipper. Tougher challenges await our new Skipper.
They have recovered after the World Cup and can now head off to the IPL or the off-season with some momentum.
The return will be a tough one against Sri-Lanka, followed by South Africa, so the batsmen need to graft hard come those epic clashes, which will be leading to a summer against India!
The Baggy Green side is slightly different to the Green & Gold setup, but the break will be good regardless. I know Usman Khawaja is working on his game over on the Country circuit, while Simon Katich has recovered from injury and ended the State season with New South Wales.
The bowling is the big debate.

The time has come for The National Selection Panel to make some decisions.
With Clarke as Captain and a new era upon us, Andrew Hilditch must push off and the time of strategic and logical change must be implemented! I think Hilditch has his review in August.
We do need to see the upcoming blokes get more exposure in the matches.
We also need to see the next group to come through predominantly in limited overs cricket, with one player Aaron Finch coming to mind as a serious contender to debut for the Green & Gold down the line. The talent is there and the synergy is alive.

The following Aussies will be at the IPL, while the rest will be working at their game in the off-season.
It’s the first time in a long time there’s actually been a genuine off-season, so even though I will be watching Rugby Union and not writing as frantically, when there is something worth writing about you’ll be getting the usual opinion to get your valuable input!
It has been a lot of work at blog and a lot of analytical cricket viewing the last 10 months , notably159 articles since July 2010!.

It’s been a strange period for Australian cricket but I’m very confident about the future and excited about the change, as Callum Ferguson pointed out.
Thanks for the support over the last few months, thanks for your input via the Baggy Green Blogsite or Twitter and as always, keep an eye on the site for more chirps!
Stay strong Baggy Green fanatics, it gets better from here.

Long live the tradition and history of Australian Cricket, long live Cricket!
Wonder if Cricket Australia feels the same way?

THE STATS:
Click here for the Stats review courtesy of Cricinfo.com

Centurions: Shane Watson (185*/ 6th ODI century), Michael Hussey (108/ 3rd ODI century), Michael Clarke (101/ 6th ODI century)
Half-centuries: Shane Watson (72)


Michael Hussey slog sweeps powerfully on his way to his 3rd ODI century. He dominates the midwicket region in particular.

© Associated Press

Shane Watson had another power session opening the batting with 72 runs from 40 deliveries

© Associated Press

Ricky Ponting looked in good touch this series. He was unlucky to be run out again in game 1, but the pull shot has returned!

© Associated Press

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Watto blasts his way to a new record

Australia vs Bangladesh, 2nd ODI --->> Scorecard
Result: Australian won by 9 wickets / Won the series 2-0, one match to go.

Many will rant on that this epic century came against Bangladesh, “just Bangladesh”.
Fact is, Watto still had to go out there and score all those runs and do it in tough conditions to maintain that power and focus to execute 15 sixes, also coming against slower paced bowling. Maintaining that consistency to belt the ball like that and do it at that rate in the weather conditions was something.
It’s a brilliant achievement and what a machine!

After following on from the Skipper, Michael Clarke, who scored his 6th ODI century, Watto – the Vice Skipper – scored his 6th century in this 2nd ODI of the three match series, and decided to take some records along with it.
Remember this innings, don’t take it for granted and in time it will set in just how good it was!
In the modern stage of Twenty20 overkill and the expected sight with a barrage of sixes via, at times, terrible technical execution of shot selection (and luck), this was a composed innings with elegance and incredible power by a bloke who is now one of the best batsmen around, nestling in as one of the finest Australian batsmen of all time and how far has he come along in general?
It’s just another splendid effort.

Here’s some of the general info regarding his innings:
- The highest ODI total by an Australian batsman, passing Matthew Hayden’s record of 181 versus New Zealand in 2007 (just before his insane World Cup campaign)

- The second fastest ODI century by an Australian. Haydos deservedly still holds the record from 66 deliveries.

- It was the most sixes EVER in an ODI innings, featuring 15 brutal sixes (including 4 in a row in one over). It surpassed Xavier Marshall’s 12 sixes (West Indies).

- It was Watto’s highest ODI score, beating his previous of 161* against England during the summer.

- It was the most runs scored via boundaries in an ODI. 150 runs (x15 fours, x15 sixes), passing Herschelle Gibbs’ 120 runs in boundaries during the 438 match at the Wanderers in 2006.

SR Watson: 185* runs/ 96 deliveries/ x15 fours/ x15 sixes/ 192.70 strike-rate.

THE BATTING:
Brad Haddin departed early again. I still think he is right at the top of the order for now but I was hoping he’d have a good innings as it would have been nice for Hads to have a break and Tim Paine to have a chance to do some Keeping. Maybe Hads can do some fielding in the final ODI?
Not a lot of running by Watto in the really muggy conditions, so he took the aerial route!
During his partnership with Ricky Ponting, Punter only added 37 runs as he simply returned strike to Watto as often as possible.
The two of them scored the highest partnership for Australia in limited overs cricket during the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy semi-final, but this time it was Watto who owned the show. It is awesome to see Punter hitting sixes again in crisp style! I’m glad he was there till the end. Good time in the middle for Punter and equally entertaining for him as well as it was for us to see it.

Cameron White was left out of the side following his very concerning form slump. I think his outing to India for the IPL will help him out, believe it or not. It will allow him to play aggressive cricket and really lunge at the bowlers to try up the confidence meter with less pressure.
Callum Ferguson deserves his place in the side and while he was merely a fielder for this game, it would be a huge relief for Callum to have been placed in the starting XI. He has to play more games for Australia. He’s going to be an invaluable member of this team in years to come and his style of batting is effective in the sub-continent conditions. I’m confident about this forecast.
Pity for Cameron, but the call is the right one. Further time continuing to play a bloke in a form slump can do more damage than good.

THE BOWLING:
The bowling was alright. Nothing spectacular and it was frustrating not seeing 10 wickets fall in another outing, but the total was kept under control and at no point did it look like Bangladesh would run away with it.
Mushfiqur Rahim put up a brilliant fight for his 81 runs and gave some of our bowlers a hiding, but it was overshadowed by Watto as he dominated with the bat and won the game for Australia, securing the series.

Brett Lee still chases that 350th wicket (puts him 30 behind Glenn McGrath’s 380 wickets) and bowled with consistency and unfortunately took a beating at the end of his spell. Hope the champ gets that wicket in the final ODI!
While Mitchell Johnson was wayward – has to happen some days – he picked up three wickets at under 6 runs an over.

Steven Smith was given a decent bowl out and picked up two wickets. I haven’t been a supporter for Stevo to appear as an almost given in the starting XI but this is also because I don’t know what his role is. This has never been made clear and it was atleast pleasing to see him send down some very effective overs!
Xavier Doherty bowled very well in my opinion. He got some decent flight but generated consistent spin and hit his areas nicely. The bloke needs more game time cause he’s decent enough to fulfil a spinners role but we can’t handle chopping and changing.

Shane Watson ensured Bangladesh would be walking away with no momentum and played an innings that may be dismissed given it was against a “minnow” side in a “meaningless” tournament, but if you are a loyal Australian supporter and understand the importance of this next era and that every game for Australia is won to try and support the boys to win, you will appreciate Watto’s effort for the rest of your cricket viewing days!

That’s the series! Well done to Michael Clarke on his first series as the official Skipper of the Green & Gold and another special well done to Watto. Go you good thing!
One game to go, 3-0 will be what the boys set off to do. Then it’s IPL for some, for others it’s a lengthy break until Sri-Lanka.

Shane Watson’s innings wagon wheel & the Australian innings Worm (aka Watson worm):
Courtesy of Cricinfo.



The Shane Watson 185* gallery.



© Associated Press

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1st ODI: Michael Clarke returns a Captain's century

1st ODI: Australia vs Bangladesh --->> SCORECARD
Result: Australia won by 60 runs

Michael Clarke's first official ODI as Captain was a successful one.
Not only was it a victory, but he has also returned a reply to many of the critics by posting a century during the 1st ODI against Bangladesh.
He brought it up with a six and this was followed on from some decent performances by him during the World Cup. Michael had been criticised for a slow scoring rate and more often than not adding pressure on his batting partner.
This was predominantly an aspect of his Twenty20 cricket, but with that aside and his test struggles an aspect of his game only needing rememdy down the line, the way he has imposed himself against his opponents with his limited overs batting has been splendid to witness.
I am also one of those guilty for not showing him the ultimate support that should have been there during the summer, but he really did a brilliant job out there and returned the goods with a century.

It is actually a relief to see Ricky Ponting playing as purely a batsman and that the Captaincy duties rest with another player, one who seems far more ambitious to take on the leadership role. While Michael scored a century in his first official ODI as Skipper, Punter looked solid during his first official ODI not in the Skipper's role. It was unfortunately cut short with another run out to add to his career stats. But I have a brilliant feeling that Punter will be able to focus on his specialty better than ever and remain an invaluable member of Australian cricket until he call it a day.
Having read Michael's statements in the media and his general outlook, I have a gut feeling this bloke may well be developing an attitude and backbone that we need to pull our cricket in general out of a pit. The Captain can make it happen and with fresh ideas and charisma around, it may spark that change needed. This is obviously no disrespect to Punter - and also too soon to get speculating - but he just had too much on his plate and had carried the Captaincy burden for too long.

Shane Watson and Brad Haddin opened the batting - a partnership I hope to see for a while - with Watto getting some sort of a start after Brad departed early being bowled for just 10, a bloody aweful shot Hads!
Things slipped a bit after Watto and Punter departed after decent contributions but Michael steered the ship back on track.
He steadied his innings nicely and the way he built his innings was well adjusted to the tempo of the match and more importantly what the team required.
He used his feet graciously as he usually does against spin bowling and it was an innings that would have stamped some kind of authority on his part. Yes, it may be Bangladesh but he still had to go out there and do the work.

Mitchell Johnson backed Pup well towards the end as Mitch delivered a Michael Hussey-like late innings assault to score 26 unbeaten runs from 13 deliveries, featuring 2 fours and 2 sixes. It was an enjoyable cameo role that Mitch played and ending it with a six whacked away to the midwicket boundary was worthy a shout or two.

Cameron White remains a bit of a worry. I'm in two minds about it. The first being I don't think Steven Smith should be in the starting XI. Not sure why he is the golden boy to get these preferences but he's generally there.
Either Callum Ferguson or Tim Paine deserve a chance to have a bat. They sat around at the World Cup and did nothing and now against Bangladesh will they also continue being water-boys?
Both of them have a PROVEN ability to perform for the Green & Gold, both are flexible in the batting order and are key future prospects for us.
Cam White also has a reputation and a recognised ability in limited overs cricket. I do see Michael's reasoning to bowl Bear for a few overs as an effort to boost his confidence with his involvement in the side given his batting has been bleak.
Between Bear and Stevo, I think their IPL stints will allow them a chance for a hit out but it will be tough to see who can turn things around this series.
I hope Bear does return to some kind of form soon.

The bowling was alright. It would have been great to have seen 10 wickets claimed, but the victory margin was good enough and the expected Bangladesh batsmen were the blokes to put the runs on the board.
Brett Lee started things off as the maestro he is, while Mitchell Johnson picked up an early LBW as well. They complemented each other well, but Mitchell was particularly impressive. A few more wickets would have been ideal but check the economy rate! 2.87, these sorts of wonders happen when he bats well!
John Hastings also picked up a wicket and it's great to see him getting game time, boosted by that hat-trick as well.
Xavier Doherty made a decent impression in his sub-continent appearance. A few more games will be good to see what spin he can generate on these tracks and what variances he can bring to the spin bowling department.

Bangladesh have a decent side. Their issue is their development is poor given how long they have been involved in International cricket. A big issue is they have no "Stickability". Players come and go and form is temporary. Their players who have some kind of ability to generate class for longevity always end up ruining it and the team takes a step back with these players in and out.
If they can find some way to keep a core group together and not solely rely on one or two players abilities it will really give them a better foundation to build upon. They are well behind where they should be but they have potential and a cricket mad nation to get better. As we saw, the expected blokes batted well. Just a thought.
Both teams have something to gain from this series so I don't see it as a waste.

So that is a 1-0 standing with two games to go. After that, embrace yourself for the Australian cricket drought.
There is IPL cricket, which is kind of worth following as we have a stack of Aussie cricketers taking part in the IPL 2011. Have a look here to see who is part of the cricket cash festival in India.
Great start for Michael Clarke and some good cricket from our guys. Don't need to be a cricket guru to know there's loads of room for improvement but the result was brought in as a victory and this will put things in perspective going to the 2nd ODI.


Michael Clarke punches the air in celebration for his 6th ODI century.

© Associated Press

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Australia's warm-up game and a new Big Bash?

Australians vs Bangladesh Cricket Board XI --->> SCORECARD
Result: Australia won by 90 runs

*Brief thoughts on newly proposed Big Bash League at the end of the warm-up game views.
* CLICK HERE to view the Australian Players participating at the IPL (Indian Premier League) for 2011.

Okay, first off, I see there may have been some misunderstanding with regards to the reference on the scorecard stating, "Retired Hurt".
This is a warm-up match and quite often when a batsman has had a good hit out in the middle and feels they have some form, they will effectively retire to give another batsman a chance to have some time in the middle. However, for scorecard reference, it has to state "Retired hurt".
So Brad Haddin and Michael Clarke are okay, they aren't injured, they were just batting very well, so don't fret!
The Bangladeshi bowlers weren't unleashing a West-Indian 80s fast bowling movement of destruction and fear.

Having not watched the game and relying on a vivid bulletin, there seems to be plenty of positives to try and draw from.


BATTING: 6/308 from 50 overs
Shane Watson's low score I'm not even worried about. I firmly believe Watto has found his natural game so he will come right. Even if he has a streaky run this series, he will always come right. Our Vice-Captain has stated he's excited for what's ahead.

Brad Haddin was awesome in the World Cup being our top run scorer and really showing better discipline at the top of the order. He called it quits after scoring 66 runs from 61 deliveries with 38 of those runs in boundaries.

Ricky Ponting has followed on from his Quarter final century and his first "unofficial" game without the Captaincy, with what has been declared a fluent innings of 69 runs. Having not seen it all I will say is that's a damn good sight!

Michael Clarke also retired after scoring at a run a ball with 56. If anything, it's a good start for the Skipper and he's certainly upped his momentum for scoring in limited overs cricket at a good strike-rate. He's batting with elegance and if Michael can bring both aggression to his batting and his leadership, he's off to a good start.

Michael Hussey was the other bloke who did his job out there. Huss will be off on IPL duty after this series so he'll be digging deep to find his craft and bat with a blend of Twenty20 power and his usual ODI antics. I don't think Huss is done with limited overs cricket. He's rarely slumped into a hole with 50 over cricket as opposed to Test cricket.

Cam White continues his struggles, while Steven Smith was run-out. I am a bit upset that Callum Ferguson isn't being given further opportunities given he is our next best option to that of Michael Hussey. Stevo is probably being given the nod for further attempts to enhance his all-rounder potential and see where his area of focus should be, but I don't see why Fergal should be neglected. I hope he gets a chance...and I hope Cam White gets some runs soon! Well, he has an IPL stint coming to try and just let loose and maybe find some confidence in that arena.

All in all, a decent batting performance. I'm not too worried about our batting this series. There will be tests come the slower bowling department, but with runs on the board our bowlers have an easier task. Again, it's hard to really draw a structured opinion having not seen the game.

BOWLING: Bangladesh Cricket Board XI 7/218 from 50 overs.
The big news is John Hastings took a hat-trick. Two LBWs gave him the achievement and he did a job similar to something James Hopes was doing for us a few seasons back. Hasto doesn't overcomplicate things and using his height he can be a deceptive medium-pacer, so it's good to see him get a chance.
He returned figures of 4-15 from 7 overs. Sensational stuff and he essentially got the bowlers back on track.

On the topic of hat-tricks, did any of you see that New Zealand State match where the one bloke took 5 wickets in one over? Click here to take a look at the scorecard.

Brett Lee bowled economically and I bet he gave it his utmost best with burning ambition for the Green & Gold. What a Champ! After the way he bowled in that Group game versus Pakistan, it gave me even more respect for Binga. Hard to believe.

Mitchell Johnson grabbed two wickets. How the radar was, I'm not sure, but I really want to see Mitch find his destructive mode again. Especially in Test cricket.
Xavier Doherty was the other wicket-taker and he was expensive but it was a warm-up game for him in the sub-continent.
Watto was economical, as was Cameron White who was given the chance to have a bowl out. How about it? What's the plan? Bowl a few overs, get some wickets, get the confidence metre up to 100%?

The win was a good one and with the focus in Australia shifting to AFL and Rugby, I hope the cricket loyalists will find time to support our boys.
It is just three ODIs but this is the start of the next chapter.
We have a break before the real challenges kick in for both the Baggy Green and Green & Gold representatives with series against Sri-Lanka and South Africa.

The Green & Gold celebrate. John Hastings is the man of the moment. Hope he can deliver the goods again in the 3 ODIs!

© Associated Press

THE NEW BIG BASH LEAGUE?!
I will end this article stating that I am quite shocked and somewhat embarrassed with Cricket Australia's release of this Big Bash league proposal.
The team names apparently had alot of thought. I will be honest, it's a PR move because the names are crap and the concept isn't anything special.
I have been reading a few forum comments and so far it seems fair to say the supporters aren't really behind it.
The Big Bash was so damn successful recently, why change it?
The interest is there, the teams have an identity and the opportunity for growth within the existing model is in a healthy state.

Besides, I don't want to refer to my team the South Australian REDBACKS as the Adelaide Strikers. What a crappy name, and spare a thought for the Queensland BULLS supporters....Brisbane Heat? Seriously.

Cricket Australia, please facilitate the game and improve the quality, passion, interest and development for Sheffield cricket and general limited overs cricket. Don't try to compete with the IPL...you have zero chance purely based on numbers.
And lastly, it starts at school level to the Clubs, who need the support.
This article by Stuart Clark was like the cricket gospel to me. Read it, embrace it and see the logic.

They did produce a very cool graphic representing the proposed change, but I'm not interested in it. Call me a pessimist, but I don't see the point. I just don't. I only see a focus on bottom-line and a desire to compete with the IPL.

© Cricket Australia

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Michael Clarke as Skipper & the Bangladesh touring Squad

We have two major announcements to discuss, the first being the appointment of Michael John Clarke as the new Skipper of Australian cricket in Test and ODI cricket, with Shane Watson alongside as his deputy, while we also have the Bangladesh touring Squad on paper.
First off, here's the Squad and my chirps.

BANGLADESH TOURING SQUAD FOR THE 3 ODIs:
Michael Clarke (Captain),
Shane Watson (Vice-Captain),
Brad Haddin (Wk),
Ricky Ponting,
Cameron White,
Mike Hussey,
Callum Ferguson,
Tim Paine (reserve Wk),
Steve Smith,
Mitchell Johnson,
John Hastings,
Brett Lee,
Xavier Doherty,
James Pattinson.

The news is Ricky Ponting has been included in the side.
In all honesty, I was hoping he would just focus on Test cricket after standing down after that brilliant century in the Quarter final, but I reckon a closure on a masterclass limited overs career will happen on Australian soil. He deserves the best exit when it comes.
So, Punter is in the side and where he will be posted, we'll wait and see. It will be a refreshing change for him and this is a good start for Punter for the final chapter.

The major inclusions to note are those of Xavier Doherty and James Pattinson.
Xavier comes in for Jason Krejza, who tried his best at the World Cup given he wasn't on the drawing board for considered spinners but injury opened a door. Xavier is back in the mix after a solid debut against the Poms, so he deserves a chance and best yet is that can see him toil on a sub-continent track.
James comes in for Shaun Tait, who has retired from ODI cricket following our World Cup exit. I have my reserved opinions on this but as I mentioned on Twitter, best wishes to Taito on his Twenty20 endeavours and I genuinely hope he gets the reward he is looking for in the shorter form of the game.
I would have liked to have seen Mitchell Starc given the call-up or Peter Siddle, but James has his opportunity to add some more games to his Green & Gold stats.

Brett Lee is playing on and I reckon that because he is just a limited overs specialist, he will try keep marching on to chase that 400th wicket (65 to go) and see things through come a home summer. Binga was a total and utter Champ for us at the World Cup and it was just totally epic to see the speed demon take a smart, mature approach to his game which he has managed to fine tune in Twenty20 cricket. I am very happy he's hanging around to not only chase his personal goals, but also be there to mentor the younger bowlers, who should begin to get streamlined...I hope.

Tim Paine is in the side to make the trip as his duties being Hads' understudy continues.
I strongly believe that Callum Ferguson deserves an opportunity. Yes, he State performances were so so, but he has always played with courage and delivered the goods with the bat for the Green & Gold on many occassions. He's our next best alternative to Hussey/Bevan like role and I hope to see him adding more runs to the total!
Cameron White was in worrying form at the World Cup and his understandable value on his day is what kept him in the team. The performances may have given Fergal the edge to get a go in the starting XI (I hope at number 4 or 5), while Cam needs to just regain that aura about him. He has the ability as we saw when he made his maiden ODI century filling in for Punter at the number three role, but perhaps it'd be fair to give Fergal an opportunity after just scratching about on the sidelines during the World Cup.
John Hastings in a similar boat and we'll see if Steven Smith gets a place in a starting XI, as the batting stocks are decent and the front line spinner is Xavier.
Sadly, I see James "Catfish" Hopes has fallen out of the system, which is a pity as he played very good cricket for the Bulls this season.

David Hussey is not available as he will present when his first child enters the world. Congrats Dussey, fantastic news mate.

This side has decent balance, a fair blend of experience and youth so let's see how well the blend goes come the starting XI and of course the three matches against Bangladesh. I'm hoping for three solid wins to kick start this next chapter strongly!


THE CAPTAINCY SWITCH:
Regarding my last article on Ricky Ponting, I briefly stated my opinion regarding his Captaincy future. I didn't want Punter to hang up his Baggy Green cap, but the only way I saw things going forward for him - and what's best for the team - was for for him to dig deep and have the honour to step down as Captain. It's been a marvellous spell as Captain, he's had longevity and importantly there were so many high's to take note of.

Forget the obvious factors the media have pointed out so many times and rather focus on the way he led the side to 16 consecutive test match wins to tie with his former Skipper, Steve Waugh.
How about leading the side to two World Cup wins where he contributed valuably, as well as an Ashes series win of 5-0, where he had a staggering season with the bat?
Remember those moments and all the games we won where he also contributed? He took on the greatest side in world cricket and was affected by sudden retirements all at once.
He stayed strong and took on a massive group of unknowns amongst some shaky seniors. The results haven't great, but he tried his utmost best and did his duty.
The time was right to call it a day and hand over the Captaincy. Punter has fewer responsibilities now and can focus on his batting, while still having an impact from a leadership aspect.

Michael Clarke is not the public favourite, but he is there so let's support him. He needs the support when he takes to the field as the official Skipper and his recent turnaround in form has been a massive relief. A few good knocks in the Test arena will boost his credibility and perhaps some attitude will go a long way as well.
I am convinced his "fastlane" lifestyle was never that big of an issue until the Lara Bingle public affair began.
It spiralled out of control to a point where he was coming across like one of those pathetic football/soccer girls in Europe, and that unquestionably made a huge dent in the way the cricketing and general public respected him. That is where it escalated.
It does happen but even though it came to an end, and it would have hurt the man deeply as it would to any man, he picked himself up after a brief period to clear his mind and worked hard to try maintain a good image and show his focus to mature as both a cricketer and a person. That deserves respect in my eyes.

Michael is a sharp tactician and an aggressive strategist, as we have seen with his management regarding his bowlers in limited overs cricket and the way he takes risks to win with wise fielding placements, from what I've assessed.
He has a good mate to guide him - Shane Warne - and with some experience in the team ranks and a bloke who knows his cricket, he can do the job on the field. Now that he has the nod for Test captaincy as well, it will be the start of that role for him to hit the ground running as far as focus and a confident mindset go.
For Michael it will be very much about self-confidence and the ability to quickly learn to lead from the front I'd imagine. He'll know to back his players but also not be afraid to be opinionated when confronting the media and being a bit closed off come "pleasantries" with the opposition sides.
We need some attitude, we need some antics that will make us know we got a tough bastard out there who will back himself in a strong manner both on and off the field.
It begins now, let's support him as his capabilities get revealed.

Shane Watson is a fair replacement. Hussey and Katich are in the golden days now, while Brad Haddin's still an active senior involved in the game in the moment, but not right with career span to take on the role in all forms of the game.
Watto has plenty left in him and being an established and focused player in all forms of the game, he is right for the job.

Everyone has an opinion, I obviously have had to really get my mindset right to embrace Michael as the Skipper given how much I admire and respect Punter, but the whole system is refreshing.
It's time for selection policies to be strong, consistent and hopefully Cricket Australia can facilitate these changes so we don't end up as the second Windies, although I know this wouldn't happen...I'd hope as supporters of the Baggy Green we'd never let they day happen!

Best of luck to Michael and Watto, and furthermore well done Punter on making a massive decision. The time of change begins, as the brief Ponting era closes and the era of Rebirth begins for Australian cricket.
We are all a part of this history. Embrace it, be excited about, accept the rollercoaster ride ahead and never lose your pride in the Baggy Green!
Good luck to the Green & Gold for the Bangladesh tour. The 2015 development has begun!

Michael Clarke and Shane Watson pose at the SCG. These are the men that will have to be the leaders of the Rebirth for Australian cricket. Wish them luck and support them.

© Associated Press


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