*For the ODI & T20 Tour Squad for the Proteas series article, click here.
I am finally reading Justin Langer's book Australia you *little beauty and really getting some wonderful insight into the great Australian team he was an invaluable member of.
I will review it when done because JL's style of writing is so easy to connect with and his honesty is what adds a really truthful dynamic not only into his own battles at the elite level, but also how damn hard this side worked. JL seems such a top bloke!
Even though we were a gloriously solid side, so much so you could write down a starting XI on paper and likely have it spot on (injury pending), reading JL's book you see how there was serious off-field competition and pressure these guys faced. The pressure to perform, the proof of performance, the credibility of blood, sweat and real tears!
I am reading a fair bit about the Windies tour of the late 90s and I really like the way he describes Brian Lara's brilliance, even when "The Prince" turned the tables against the Baggy Greens.
I remember the cracking century (embedded in the video below) at Antigua where he blitzed his way in no time to a memorable hundred.
Just watch the video and listen to the noise made by the Windies supporters! It was a gripping innings and if there was one man I wasn't too upset to watch spending a day belting our bowlers around the ground and making things tough, it would be none other than Brian Lara.
Right up there in my best batsmen and inspirational players of all time with Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh.
Enjoy the video, especially the the way he seems to even pour his emotions into those pull shots. Class! We were really spoilt in the 90s, weren't we?
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29 September 2011
28 September 2011
Discuss the ODI & T20 Australian Touring Squads
See previous article: How Kookaburra cricket balls are manufactured.
Twenty20 squad:
Cameron White (captain), Shane Watson, Doug Bollinger, Patrick Cummins, Aaron Finch, David Hussey, Brett Lee, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Stephen O'Keefe, James Pattinson, Steven Smith, Matthew Wade, David Warner
ODI squad:
Michael Clarke (captain), Shane Watson, Doug Bollinger, Patrick Cummins, Xavier Doherty, Brad Haddin, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Steven Smith, David Warner
Firstly I rarely question a player as I have little idea how hard it is to win a test match.
However when I see selection policies that are not consistent or provide fair opportunity, I get upset.
The worst part of this selection is that Andrew Hilditch is still in the puppet master seat.
I am generally a respectful bloke but I lost whatever respect I had for Hilditch from a selection perspective. His general contradiction became a joke but when I saw statements being quoted by him on the selection aspect, I just laughed, a laugh of total defeat.
I often think of blokes who were maybe extremely unlucky.
The point of State Cricketer of the year is to acknowledge you have stood out as Test cricketer of the year and chances are good you will be in line to represent Australia.
Michael Klinger wasn’t so lucky and despite winning the award twice, he remains with the Redbacks. Fortunately he is the Skipper and has responsibility leading the side.
Fact is what was the point of the recognition?
This was also at a time when the Hayden/Langer epic opening duo was over.
I am a Redbacks supporter so I may seem bias but surely it is just fairness on my next point.
Callum Ferguson wasn’t only the Vice-Captain for Australia A but also performed with A class excellence with the bat in hand.
He is versatile, has experience and while all the stats monkeys immediately start hauling out numbers and figures, there is also a natural instinct these guys have to perform under pressure and deliver the goods even if the stats are so, so.
Fergal didn’t make either the Twenty20 team or ODI side to tour South Africa, where he has experience and was one of our most consistent players in the 2009 tour.
Selectors seemed to have forgotten that!
Just recently he scored 70* for the Redbacks in the Champions League.
Anyone watch that? He was scratchy at times, but got the runs on the board. He looked determined as well.
Darren Lehman was a guy who was a damn fine cricketer, especially as a batsman against spin.
His stats don’t look epic but for the time he was with Australia he was a valuable member of the team and was damn good. The time he spent grafting at State level resulted in his impressive First Class and List A stats.
It remains, whether the stats are above average or prolific, fair opportunity based on performance, the right attitude and attributes should be the main criteria so players feel they are there credible reason, have confidence and importantly it is fair!
You can reverse that for some players with State versus International.
Anyways, I am a loyal Australian cricket supporter and whoever gets selected I will support them when they walk onto the field, but I have a right to feel aggrieved about these things.
I could on with other players and examples but no one would care what supporters think anyway.
On a note of clarity:
Ryan Harris probably wasn’t selected due to his importance for the test series, so resting him for the limited overs games is good, but unfortunate.
Also Mike Hussey needs to have his workload managed. He is currently playing for Chennai and should be rested before the ODI series where he is a vital player.
I must also say I do think Tim Nielsen wasn’t a bad Coach, with regards to his recent step down as Australian Coach and now stepping onboard with the Redbacks. Yes, more Redbacks news.
His job was a tough one, as it has been for our players with the never ending shuffle of players, debutants and inconsistent policies.
If anything I will point more fingers at the fitness blokes due to the ridiculous amount of injuries we have seen in recent years. Quite shocking! Player management becoming an issue?
As for Troy Cooley being the stand-in Coach, I am fifty-fifty on it.
In any case, feel free to discuss the teams. Very awesome players have been selected nonetheless to help us win the limited overs series against The Proteas.
Look forward to Matthew Wade’s debut and hopefully Doug Bollinger will make the test squad too.
I am still not at all convinced with Young Steven Smith getting the continual call-up to the limited overs team. It is still a selection based on potential in my opinion which has dragged on, and on, and on. Now Phillip Hughes, that is a guy I endorse because while he may have struggled he has proven that potential with performance at the elite level and had to come around.
In any case, if Stevo is the back-up allrounder, then I'd rather go with Dan Christian especially with Johnny Hastings out due to injury!
Stevo’s confidence could get more damaged than anything with the continual, “go youngster, go” push.
Would liked to have seen Mitchell Starc having another chance for the ODI team. He has been the most impressive youngster by a long shot!
I will end with this quote I had a good laugh at. David Warner fully deserves his opportunity with the team and I am excited to see him back in the ODI team, but it is amusing courtesy of Mr Hilditch:
“A key man in the T20 squad is David Warner, who has also been given a chance to resume his career in the 50-over format, having not played an ODI in more than two years. Hilditch described Warner's recent form as "irresistible", including three centuries in first-class and one-day cricket on the recent Australia A trip to Zimbabwe.”
Fair enough, I agree, but what about Callum Ferguson? He definitely had the edge over Usman Khawaja and Aaron Finch. Just saying, I support both Usman and Aaron.
What about Jason Krejza being booted out behind Michael Beer, who performed on par with him for Australia A?
You have to question these things factually and logically as a supporter.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
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Twenty20 squad:
Cameron White (captain), Shane Watson, Doug Bollinger, Patrick Cummins, Aaron Finch, David Hussey, Brett Lee, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Stephen O'Keefe, James Pattinson, Steven Smith, Matthew Wade, David Warner
ODI squad:
Michael Clarke (captain), Shane Watson, Doug Bollinger, Patrick Cummins, Xavier Doherty, Brad Haddin, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Steven Smith, David Warner
Firstly I rarely question a player as I have little idea how hard it is to win a test match.
However when I see selection policies that are not consistent or provide fair opportunity, I get upset.
The worst part of this selection is that Andrew Hilditch is still in the puppet master seat.
I am generally a respectful bloke but I lost whatever respect I had for Hilditch from a selection perspective. His general contradiction became a joke but when I saw statements being quoted by him on the selection aspect, I just laughed, a laugh of total defeat.
I often think of blokes who were maybe extremely unlucky.
The point of State Cricketer of the year is to acknowledge you have stood out as Test cricketer of the year and chances are good you will be in line to represent Australia.
Michael Klinger wasn’t so lucky and despite winning the award twice, he remains with the Redbacks. Fortunately he is the Skipper and has responsibility leading the side.
Fact is what was the point of the recognition?
This was also at a time when the Hayden/Langer epic opening duo was over.
I am a Redbacks supporter so I may seem bias but surely it is just fairness on my next point.
Callum Ferguson wasn’t only the Vice-Captain for Australia A but also performed with A class excellence with the bat in hand.
He is versatile, has experience and while all the stats monkeys immediately start hauling out numbers and figures, there is also a natural instinct these guys have to perform under pressure and deliver the goods even if the stats are so, so.
Fergal didn’t make either the Twenty20 team or ODI side to tour South Africa, where he has experience and was one of our most consistent players in the 2009 tour.
Selectors seemed to have forgotten that!
Just recently he scored 70* for the Redbacks in the Champions League.
Anyone watch that? He was scratchy at times, but got the runs on the board. He looked determined as well.
Darren Lehman was a guy who was a damn fine cricketer, especially as a batsman against spin.
His stats don’t look epic but for the time he was with Australia he was a valuable member of the team and was damn good. The time he spent grafting at State level resulted in his impressive First Class and List A stats.
It remains, whether the stats are above average or prolific, fair opportunity based on performance, the right attitude and attributes should be the main criteria so players feel they are there credible reason, have confidence and importantly it is fair!
You can reverse that for some players with State versus International.
Anyways, I am a loyal Australian cricket supporter and whoever gets selected I will support them when they walk onto the field, but I have a right to feel aggrieved about these things.
I could on with other players and examples but no one would care what supporters think anyway.
On a note of clarity:
Ryan Harris probably wasn’t selected due to his importance for the test series, so resting him for the limited overs games is good, but unfortunate.
Also Mike Hussey needs to have his workload managed. He is currently playing for Chennai and should be rested before the ODI series where he is a vital player.
I must also say I do think Tim Nielsen wasn’t a bad Coach, with regards to his recent step down as Australian Coach and now stepping onboard with the Redbacks. Yes, more Redbacks news.
His job was a tough one, as it has been for our players with the never ending shuffle of players, debutants and inconsistent policies.
If anything I will point more fingers at the fitness blokes due to the ridiculous amount of injuries we have seen in recent years. Quite shocking! Player management becoming an issue?
As for Troy Cooley being the stand-in Coach, I am fifty-fifty on it.
In any case, feel free to discuss the teams. Very awesome players have been selected nonetheless to help us win the limited overs series against The Proteas.
Look forward to Matthew Wade’s debut and hopefully Doug Bollinger will make the test squad too.
I am still not at all convinced with Young Steven Smith getting the continual call-up to the limited overs team. It is still a selection based on potential in my opinion which has dragged on, and on, and on. Now Phillip Hughes, that is a guy I endorse because while he may have struggled he has proven that potential with performance at the elite level and had to come around.
In any case, if Stevo is the back-up allrounder, then I'd rather go with Dan Christian especially with Johnny Hastings out due to injury!
Stevo’s confidence could get more damaged than anything with the continual, “go youngster, go” push.
Would liked to have seen Mitchell Starc having another chance for the ODI team. He has been the most impressive youngster by a long shot!
I will end with this quote I had a good laugh at. David Warner fully deserves his opportunity with the team and I am excited to see him back in the ODI team, but it is amusing courtesy of Mr Hilditch:
“A key man in the T20 squad is David Warner, who has also been given a chance to resume his career in the 50-over format, having not played an ODI in more than two years. Hilditch described Warner's recent form as "irresistible", including three centuries in first-class and one-day cricket on the recent Australia A trip to Zimbabwe.”
Fair enough, I agree, but what about Callum Ferguson? He definitely had the edge over Usman Khawaja and Aaron Finch. Just saying, I support both Usman and Aaron.
What about Jason Krejza being booted out behind Michael Beer, who performed on par with him for Australia A?
You have to question these things factually and logically as a supporter.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@Dan_Stapo
26 September 2011
How Kookaburra cricket balls are manufactured?
If any of you are interested to see how Kookaburra cricket balls are manufactured, the embedded video should be of interest to you.
I was contacted by Tom who created the video as a final presentation for his media studies. Check it out and feel free to discuss it in the comments section.
While I have watched videos and read numerous articles over the years about this topic it is always interesting nonetheless, especially when you get to see the visuals of the production. Great work, Tom!
Other news is that Matthew Wade (as predicted) is looking set to debut for us in the Twenty20s against South Africa next month.
Tim Paine's injury to his index finger is very serious so Matt will be on stand-by for Brad Haddin.
Pity for Tim, but I have been in favour of Matt to get the Twenty20 position for himself, while Tim and Brad remain the contenders for ODI and Test cricket.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
TWITTER
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@Dan_Stapo
I was contacted by Tom who created the video as a final presentation for his media studies. Check it out and feel free to discuss it in the comments section.
While I have watched videos and read numerous articles over the years about this topic it is always interesting nonetheless, especially when you get to see the visuals of the production. Great work, Tom!
Other news is that Matthew Wade (as predicted) is looking set to debut for us in the Twenty20s against South Africa next month.
Tim Paine's injury to his index finger is very serious so Matt will be on stand-by for Brad Haddin.
Pity for Tim, but I have been in favour of Matt to get the Twenty20 position for himself, while Tim and Brad remain the contenders for ODI and Test cricket.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@Dan_Stapo
22 September 2011
The Baggy Green Blog’s test XV touring Squad:
*News:
The ECB have announced the 2013 Ashes series venues: Lord's, Trent Bridge, Old Trafford, Durham (never held an Ashes Test, Kirby you pleased?) and The Oval.
At the conclusion of the recent test series it was safe to say our guys performed far better collectively than we’d have initially anticipated. It was a good win.
I have been thinking a lot about the potential Test Squad for the South African tour.
You will see my opinions below with the players I’d like to see make the cut in a 15 man Touring Squad scenario.
See the last section for players I would like to see but remain highly unlikely.
I hope the new selection panel (when named) will implement consistent selection policies too.
For the T20s and ODIs the teams I assume they won’t be drastically different sides in order to minimise travel costs with the away series which is only going to be two T20s and three ODIs.
It shouldn’t be too long until those sides are announced so I will wait until the official announcements.
The Baggy Green Blog’s 15 man touring Squad:
-Hughes, Marsh, Ponting, Hussey, Clarke, Watson, Haddin, Khawaja,
-Harris, Bollinger, Copeland, Johnson, Siddle,
-Hauritz, Lyon.
As a 13 man Squad (more likely) who would you omit, who would you replace for someone else (realistically)?
As you can see, when the right stocks are accounted for, selection becomes a very challenging job!
However, if you have to stick with consistent policies and base selections on performance, availability and proven experience these are surely your current, more realistic, contenders?
Take a trip down memory lane of the 2009 Tour Stats: Click here to view
BATSMEN/ ALL ROUNDERS/ KEEPER:
Phillip Hughes:
After his century in the 2nd innings it was a well needed return of confidence for Phillip.
It definitely gives me confidence to see him open for us in South Africa in conditions he is familiar with. It will be a good hunting ground to return to and I’d have him in there for the aggressive role.
Shaun Marsh:
Shaun has settled into Test cricket ridiculously well. I see no reason why not only should be selected but the number three spot should go to him as well. I am confident of his chances to make the most of the conditions on offer in Cape Town and Jo’burg. He will like the pace too.
He could also open if needs be. Number three is as good as an opening role if you lose an opener early in any case. Still creates the left-hander / left-hander duo.
Ricky Ponting:
He is experienced against the Proteas and Punter just needs to tighten up on his patience and discipline. Not respectful of me to say that but watch the Sri Lankan highlights. He brought about his own downfall.
Some want Punter to call it a day. He looked good out there in Sri Lankan series and I’d be selecting him for another chance. Although maybe the time is right to soon hand over ODI duties so he can focus on his test career, as many others have done. At the same time I don’t want Punter to go.
Michael Hussey:
Yes, the champ will make the tour to South Africa which is a relief as back in 2009 he was in a rut.
Ideally if you wanted Watson at six and had to leave out Usman Khawaja, Huss is more than capable of opening the batting. He’s experienced with the role and his general experience would give him leverage against the Proteas seamers.
His Test form has rocketed from extremely depressing right back to rock solid!
Against South Africa in 2009 was the first time I ever saw Huss lose his cool (in a moment against Dale Steyn) during his low patch.
I think some revenge is called for to really shine. He’s still a threat and I would like to see our seniors focus on test cricket until they retire.
Michael Clarke:
Like Phillip Hughes, Michael needed his 112 runs in the 3rd Test against Sri Lanka. Not just for him but for us as supporters too. It was due and he played well. A bit of luck, yes, but that is generally a necessity. He had an average tour in 2009 to South Africa so with the leadership role and some confidence behind him, I am positive about the challenge ahead for Michael and the boys.
Another thing with Michael lower in the order is generally he’d come up against an older ball or the spin department. His reflexes and instincts are sharper than ever (facing swing) and he is our best player of spin. He can also read a game well and after his no.4 promotion didn’t paid off, put him where he was always reliable.
Shane Watson:
Drop Watto to Six? I wasn’t fond of it the idea at first but think about it.
Imagine not seeing Shane Watson open the batting. Eventually as the opposition team you have Australia 4 or 5 wickets down thinking you are in the clear. Then Watson strolls out.
You certainly aren’t in the clear yet, especially if Watto has a licence to counter-attack!
Also, it isn’t like he has stacked up the centuries up top so a middle order spot may bring about even more of a challenge for him to graft harder. He will probably find the mid order easier as well as opening in test cricket is a hell of a tough job.
Importantly with his history of injuries, his work load management is crucial, so if Michael Clarke wishes to bowl him more often, drop him down the order and let him ease into a change of tactic.
Brad Haddin:
Brad should probably look to start moving away from limited overs cricket (recently retired from T20is). I believe he still has the goods for test cricket. If he could just be patient and stop getting out to stupid shots and suffering concentration lapses he has value on offer.
I still rate him as one of the best shot executors in the game. It’s no secret though Tim Paine (broken finger) and Matt Wade are eager for their not too distant futures as Test cricketers to get underway.
I must add that the comparisons drawn between him and Adam Gilchrist is totally unfair and if you know your cricket, comparing them is just plain bloody stupid so wake up!
Hads is a quality cricketer and was picked just when he was "arguably" past his best. He can still offer us value as Test level. His Keeping standards have picked up again to a professional standard that's reliable and that's what counts. I don't mind if he quit limited overs cricket altogether but he should try stay in the Test arena a while longer until we can safely say, "Okay Paine in or Wade in, Hads you did a fine job mate, thank you!"
Usman Khawaja:
Little harm in giving Usman a chance up the top of the order, but it would mean one of the batsmen listed above would likely luck out in that scenario. He will probably sit out but should he make the tour.
Even though I endorse Callum Ferguson for the Baggy Greens, Usman needs more opportunities to see if he is ready to get far more settled into the team.
As a more conservative and traditional player, I feel he’d compliment Phillip well as an opener, who is also a familiar State mate. I like the left-hander/ left-hander duo as well.
BOWLERS:
Mitchell Johnson:
This is tough.
With all due respect we know the MJ can present match winning story, but it happens rarely nowadays and you can’t keep selecting the X factor that shows up every now and then.
MJ is such a champ and when he has a good day on the field we all feel the energy.
Can’t shy away from the possibility that he is still a default selection, or should be regarded in such manner.
All I am saying is it isn’t wise to keep gambling on the brilliance of MJ when it is becoming a rare occurrence at Test level.
Fortunately for us in ODIs he still has the goods!
Ryan Harris:
This is disheartening because his selection likelihood is based purely on fitness and is always going to be injury permitting.
If he were invincible I’d have him in the ODIs and Tests, but he’s only human so I’d be resting Ryano until the Tests where he could have a really epic time on the Newlands surface.
Give the man the duty as our strike bowler with the new ball. He is our best bowler and I can’t wait to see what he delivers for us.
He is a match winner but injury is the biggest worry. It really sucks!
Douggie Bollinger:
The previous selection regime said he wasn’t fit enough and couldn’t handle the heat (maybe literally) at test level.
Doug expressed his annoyance at that comment so select him. His pace and bounce will be great in the South African conditions and he always adds a good spark to our side.
Doug is in my starting XI. Done and dusted, case closed, select him!
Trent Copeland:
TC held his own well in Sri Lanka.
He didn’t get a stack of wickets but I still have this gut feeling this bloke will deliver some mighty strong performances from us and I do see his role as important for the upcoming tour.
Think back to Andrew McDonald’s role in 2009.
He applied pressure from his end with his ridiculously consistent medium pacers and it allowed MJ and Peter Siddle to cause chaos.
TC can offer a similar role, if not better, to that Andrew did in 2009 on a track that offers more for a seamer. However, with Watto being used more as a bowler it could put TC on the benches, especially if we stack up the batting odds to combat The Proteas seam bowlers.
Peter Siddle:
He worked liked a dog in 2008/09. The biggest concern is top order wickets when given bowling duties. It is a big handicap in his game at the moment, but like Douggie B, Sids gives it his best and is so proud to play for us. When he gets a wicket he roars because he works so hard.
Maybe the chants of “Siddle is a wanker” will inspire him over in South Africa?
If he isn’t handling new ball duties and can plough through a team’s mid to lower order, I’d select him any day. Just some variation and top order havoc is needed in his game.
I believe he just needs to tap into his own skill set further.
Problem I see with sending him back to State Level is he will likely be tearing through opposition sides and show strong performances worthy of national selection. I still think Pedro is worth the Tour.
Nathan Hauritz:
A re-call is unlikely but to hell with it, I would be selecting this bloke! Surprised?
I don’t want another spinner to debut (sorry Steve O’Keefe) but we need to find consistency now so select Ritz who has the goods to somewhat hold his own.
I also reckon Michael Clarke would know how to utilise Ritz’ spin bowling far better than Punter did.
It isn’t like Nathan Hauritz is a laughing stock. Opposing teams know him and a few players have expressed their upset for him with the way he was treated by the Former NSP, recently Brendon McCullum.
Ritz can bat a bit too.
Nathan Lyon:
He is my front line spinner of choice for the limited overs series but I say give him another chance for the test series.
The conditions aren’t daunting for a spinner in South Africa and the rewards are there on the tracks but don’t expect miracles.
His test selection was one of total confusion and he was placed in a very challenging and pressuring role.
Only way we’ll know if he can do something of value in South Africa is if we play him in South Africa.
We need to show patience with a core group of spinners and stop the chopping and changing.
Please share what do you think?
Here are some of the definite contenders for the future:
Bowling prospects:
Mitch Starc:
In my opinion he’s our most impressive youngster. He’s had some ODI chances but I would like to see his State opportunities at First-class level in full swing, assuming no injuries occur.
Ben Hilfenhaus:
Hilfy lost his venom with a lack of wickets. Excellently economical but he just wasn’t getting the wickets. Some drew comparison to him and Peter Siddle. As a staunch Hilfy supporter, I can stand away from favouritism and say the difference is that while Pedro has been struggling for top order wickets, he can steam roll a middle to lower order of any side.
Hilfy may still have something to offer if he can deliver for the Tassie Tigers this season.
Luke Butterworth:
He did a fantastic job in 2010/11 for the Tassie Tigers and even though his Australia A tour returns weren’t as notable as I’d hoped for, he is still a guy on the radar.
James Pattinson:
James went on the tour to Sri Lanka and even had a sniff at a debut chance but Peter Siddle beat him to it. It would have been good exposure for him. In my honest opinion I’d prefer the young gun to spend more time at State level putting in his performances for the Bushrangers and if he can hold his own for another two seasons or so he’ll make the elite cut.
Steve O’Keefe:
The only reason I wouldn’t hand him a Baggy Green cap is because I am sick of seeing how many caps we have handed out.
The value of the Baggy Green was devalued by Hilditch and Co.
SOK has the goods and maybe he’ll get more recognition from the new selectors down the line but you have to admit he’s been a tad unlucky with only getting call-ups to a Twenty20.
Weird considering he is a Blues player?
Batting prospects:
Callum Ferguson:
Fergal was my first choice for the Sri Lanka tour especially after his brilliant performances in Zimbabwe where he took on a leadership role as well for Australia A.
The fact he wasn’t selected for the ODIs bugged me for days but I did think he had the edge over
Usman Khawaja on form and delivery of performances, not too mention Fergal has performed at the elite level under pressure. However Usman has made a positive impression at First-class level.
Unlikely for Fergal (would be yet another debutant) but he still has my vote for when Michael Hussey goes.
David Warner:
He should open the batting with Shane Watson in our ODI team and it is an insult to keep him as a Twenty20 player. He has expressed his strong desire to represent the Baggy Greens and even earned a stand-by call after Ricky Ponting headed home in the 2nd test.
David will be in our limited overs team but I don’t see him cracking the test side yet. Personally would like him to have another season of consistent appearances in First-class cricket. Then when the time is right, blood him for the team that matters!
Aaron Finch:
Aaron is another bloke who I want to see as an ODI representative, particularly to step in when Ricky Ponting retires from ODI cricket.
He will be able to adjust his game well to test level and had a damn good series in Zimbabwe for Australia A, but I am keen to see Aaron play for the Green & Gold in the not too distant future.
When Punter and Huss make way for newer representatives, Ferguson and Finch are the two up top on my list.
Keepers:
Tim Paine:
Injury will probably give Matt Wade his T20 debut in a few week’s time which is the right decision.
Matt and Tim (who are good childhood mates) have the potential to become a very solid duo for us with Keeper stocks.
Tim has the edge for the Baggy Greens and should be next in line to replace Brad Haddin, but the competition between Tim and Matt in limited overs cricket is good.
Tim could easily craft his skill with the bat at test level, but the opportunities are quickly tightening up for specialist batsmen. When Hads departs (or gets injured again), Tim gets my call.
Matt Wade:
Matt should be our full time Twenty20 Keeper/Batsman and I am inclined to actually suggest he should be eyed as the replacement for Brad Haddin, given my belief in Tim Paine’s abilities for Test level.
Irrespective of Brad Haddin, he is just behind Tim Paine in the waiting line for ODIs and Tests.
Matt should have the Twenty20s.
Quite a rant, but have your say.
The players are mentioned, the contingency players are in place and depending on how many guys head over to South Africa I am sure the selected guys will all have been mentioned above.
Time will tell for the all-important season ahead!
Would like your input!
The South Australia Redbacks and The New South Wales Blues are taking part in the current Champions League (Twenty20 stuff), so get behind them.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian. To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
TWITTER
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@Dan_Stapo
The ECB have announced the 2013 Ashes series venues: Lord's, Trent Bridge, Old Trafford, Durham (never held an Ashes Test, Kirby you pleased?) and The Oval.
At the conclusion of the recent test series it was safe to say our guys performed far better collectively than we’d have initially anticipated. It was a good win.
I have been thinking a lot about the potential Test Squad for the South African tour.
You will see my opinions below with the players I’d like to see make the cut in a 15 man Touring Squad scenario.
See the last section for players I would like to see but remain highly unlikely.
I hope the new selection panel (when named) will implement consistent selection policies too.
For the T20s and ODIs the teams I assume they won’t be drastically different sides in order to minimise travel costs with the away series which is only going to be two T20s and three ODIs.
It shouldn’t be too long until those sides are announced so I will wait until the official announcements.
The Baggy Green Blog’s 15 man touring Squad:
-Hughes, Marsh, Ponting, Hussey, Clarke, Watson, Haddin, Khawaja,
-Harris, Bollinger, Copeland, Johnson, Siddle,
-Hauritz, Lyon.
As a 13 man Squad (more likely) who would you omit, who would you replace for someone else (realistically)?
As you can see, when the right stocks are accounted for, selection becomes a very challenging job!
However, if you have to stick with consistent policies and base selections on performance, availability and proven experience these are surely your current, more realistic, contenders?
Take a trip down memory lane of the 2009 Tour Stats: Click here to view
BATSMEN/ ALL ROUNDERS/ KEEPER:
Phillip Hughes:
After his century in the 2nd innings it was a well needed return of confidence for Phillip.
It definitely gives me confidence to see him open for us in South Africa in conditions he is familiar with. It will be a good hunting ground to return to and I’d have him in there for the aggressive role.
Shaun Marsh:
Shaun has settled into Test cricket ridiculously well. I see no reason why not only should be selected but the number three spot should go to him as well. I am confident of his chances to make the most of the conditions on offer in Cape Town and Jo’burg. He will like the pace too.
He could also open if needs be. Number three is as good as an opening role if you lose an opener early in any case. Still creates the left-hander / left-hander duo.
Ricky Ponting:
He is experienced against the Proteas and Punter just needs to tighten up on his patience and discipline. Not respectful of me to say that but watch the Sri Lankan highlights. He brought about his own downfall.
Some want Punter to call it a day. He looked good out there in Sri Lankan series and I’d be selecting him for another chance. Although maybe the time is right to soon hand over ODI duties so he can focus on his test career, as many others have done. At the same time I don’t want Punter to go.
Michael Hussey:
Yes, the champ will make the tour to South Africa which is a relief as back in 2009 he was in a rut.
Ideally if you wanted Watson at six and had to leave out Usman Khawaja, Huss is more than capable of opening the batting. He’s experienced with the role and his general experience would give him leverage against the Proteas seamers.
His Test form has rocketed from extremely depressing right back to rock solid!
Against South Africa in 2009 was the first time I ever saw Huss lose his cool (in a moment against Dale Steyn) during his low patch.
I think some revenge is called for to really shine. He’s still a threat and I would like to see our seniors focus on test cricket until they retire.
Michael Clarke:
Like Phillip Hughes, Michael needed his 112 runs in the 3rd Test against Sri Lanka. Not just for him but for us as supporters too. It was due and he played well. A bit of luck, yes, but that is generally a necessity. He had an average tour in 2009 to South Africa so with the leadership role and some confidence behind him, I am positive about the challenge ahead for Michael and the boys.
Another thing with Michael lower in the order is generally he’d come up against an older ball or the spin department. His reflexes and instincts are sharper than ever (facing swing) and he is our best player of spin. He can also read a game well and after his no.4 promotion didn’t paid off, put him where he was always reliable.
Shane Watson:
Drop Watto to Six? I wasn’t fond of it the idea at first but think about it.
Imagine not seeing Shane Watson open the batting. Eventually as the opposition team you have Australia 4 or 5 wickets down thinking you are in the clear. Then Watson strolls out.
You certainly aren’t in the clear yet, especially if Watto has a licence to counter-attack!
Also, it isn’t like he has stacked up the centuries up top so a middle order spot may bring about even more of a challenge for him to graft harder. He will probably find the mid order easier as well as opening in test cricket is a hell of a tough job.
Importantly with his history of injuries, his work load management is crucial, so if Michael Clarke wishes to bowl him more often, drop him down the order and let him ease into a change of tactic.
Brad Haddin:
Brad should probably look to start moving away from limited overs cricket (recently retired from T20is). I believe he still has the goods for test cricket. If he could just be patient and stop getting out to stupid shots and suffering concentration lapses he has value on offer.
I still rate him as one of the best shot executors in the game. It’s no secret though Tim Paine (broken finger) and Matt Wade are eager for their not too distant futures as Test cricketers to get underway.
I must add that the comparisons drawn between him and Adam Gilchrist is totally unfair and if you know your cricket, comparing them is just plain bloody stupid so wake up!
Hads is a quality cricketer and was picked just when he was "arguably" past his best. He can still offer us value as Test level. His Keeping standards have picked up again to a professional standard that's reliable and that's what counts. I don't mind if he quit limited overs cricket altogether but he should try stay in the Test arena a while longer until we can safely say, "Okay Paine in or Wade in, Hads you did a fine job mate, thank you!"
Usman Khawaja:
Little harm in giving Usman a chance up the top of the order, but it would mean one of the batsmen listed above would likely luck out in that scenario. He will probably sit out but should he make the tour.
Even though I endorse Callum Ferguson for the Baggy Greens, Usman needs more opportunities to see if he is ready to get far more settled into the team.
As a more conservative and traditional player, I feel he’d compliment Phillip well as an opener, who is also a familiar State mate. I like the left-hander/ left-hander duo as well.
BOWLERS:
Mitchell Johnson:
This is tough.
With all due respect we know the MJ can present match winning story, but it happens rarely nowadays and you can’t keep selecting the X factor that shows up every now and then.
MJ is such a champ and when he has a good day on the field we all feel the energy.
Can’t shy away from the possibility that he is still a default selection, or should be regarded in such manner.
All I am saying is it isn’t wise to keep gambling on the brilliance of MJ when it is becoming a rare occurrence at Test level.
Fortunately for us in ODIs he still has the goods!
Ryan Harris:
This is disheartening because his selection likelihood is based purely on fitness and is always going to be injury permitting.
If he were invincible I’d have him in the ODIs and Tests, but he’s only human so I’d be resting Ryano until the Tests where he could have a really epic time on the Newlands surface.
Give the man the duty as our strike bowler with the new ball. He is our best bowler and I can’t wait to see what he delivers for us.
He is a match winner but injury is the biggest worry. It really sucks!
Douggie Bollinger:
The previous selection regime said he wasn’t fit enough and couldn’t handle the heat (maybe literally) at test level.
Doug expressed his annoyance at that comment so select him. His pace and bounce will be great in the South African conditions and he always adds a good spark to our side.
Doug is in my starting XI. Done and dusted, case closed, select him!
Trent Copeland:
TC held his own well in Sri Lanka.
He didn’t get a stack of wickets but I still have this gut feeling this bloke will deliver some mighty strong performances from us and I do see his role as important for the upcoming tour.
Think back to Andrew McDonald’s role in 2009.
He applied pressure from his end with his ridiculously consistent medium pacers and it allowed MJ and Peter Siddle to cause chaos.
TC can offer a similar role, if not better, to that Andrew did in 2009 on a track that offers more for a seamer. However, with Watto being used more as a bowler it could put TC on the benches, especially if we stack up the batting odds to combat The Proteas seam bowlers.
Peter Siddle:
He worked liked a dog in 2008/09. The biggest concern is top order wickets when given bowling duties. It is a big handicap in his game at the moment, but like Douggie B, Sids gives it his best and is so proud to play for us. When he gets a wicket he roars because he works so hard.
Maybe the chants of “Siddle is a wanker” will inspire him over in South Africa?
If he isn’t handling new ball duties and can plough through a team’s mid to lower order, I’d select him any day. Just some variation and top order havoc is needed in his game.
I believe he just needs to tap into his own skill set further.
Problem I see with sending him back to State Level is he will likely be tearing through opposition sides and show strong performances worthy of national selection. I still think Pedro is worth the Tour.
Nathan Hauritz:
A re-call is unlikely but to hell with it, I would be selecting this bloke! Surprised?
I don’t want another spinner to debut (sorry Steve O’Keefe) but we need to find consistency now so select Ritz who has the goods to somewhat hold his own.
I also reckon Michael Clarke would know how to utilise Ritz’ spin bowling far better than Punter did.
It isn’t like Nathan Hauritz is a laughing stock. Opposing teams know him and a few players have expressed their upset for him with the way he was treated by the Former NSP, recently Brendon McCullum.
Ritz can bat a bit too.
Nathan Lyon:
He is my front line spinner of choice for the limited overs series but I say give him another chance for the test series.
The conditions aren’t daunting for a spinner in South Africa and the rewards are there on the tracks but don’t expect miracles.
His test selection was one of total confusion and he was placed in a very challenging and pressuring role.
Only way we’ll know if he can do something of value in South Africa is if we play him in South Africa.
We need to show patience with a core group of spinners and stop the chopping and changing.
Please share what do you think?
Here are some of the definite contenders for the future:
Bowling prospects:
Mitch Starc:
In my opinion he’s our most impressive youngster. He’s had some ODI chances but I would like to see his State opportunities at First-class level in full swing, assuming no injuries occur.
Ben Hilfenhaus:
Hilfy lost his venom with a lack of wickets. Excellently economical but he just wasn’t getting the wickets. Some drew comparison to him and Peter Siddle. As a staunch Hilfy supporter, I can stand away from favouritism and say the difference is that while Pedro has been struggling for top order wickets, he can steam roll a middle to lower order of any side.
Hilfy may still have something to offer if he can deliver for the Tassie Tigers this season.
Luke Butterworth:
He did a fantastic job in 2010/11 for the Tassie Tigers and even though his Australia A tour returns weren’t as notable as I’d hoped for, he is still a guy on the radar.
James Pattinson:
James went on the tour to Sri Lanka and even had a sniff at a debut chance but Peter Siddle beat him to it. It would have been good exposure for him. In my honest opinion I’d prefer the young gun to spend more time at State level putting in his performances for the Bushrangers and if he can hold his own for another two seasons or so he’ll make the elite cut.
Steve O’Keefe:
The only reason I wouldn’t hand him a Baggy Green cap is because I am sick of seeing how many caps we have handed out.
The value of the Baggy Green was devalued by Hilditch and Co.
SOK has the goods and maybe he’ll get more recognition from the new selectors down the line but you have to admit he’s been a tad unlucky with only getting call-ups to a Twenty20.
Weird considering he is a Blues player?
Batting prospects:
Callum Ferguson:
Fergal was my first choice for the Sri Lanka tour especially after his brilliant performances in Zimbabwe where he took on a leadership role as well for Australia A.
The fact he wasn’t selected for the ODIs bugged me for days but I did think he had the edge over
Usman Khawaja on form and delivery of performances, not too mention Fergal has performed at the elite level under pressure. However Usman has made a positive impression at First-class level.
Unlikely for Fergal (would be yet another debutant) but he still has my vote for when Michael Hussey goes.
David Warner:
He should open the batting with Shane Watson in our ODI team and it is an insult to keep him as a Twenty20 player. He has expressed his strong desire to represent the Baggy Greens and even earned a stand-by call after Ricky Ponting headed home in the 2nd test.
David will be in our limited overs team but I don’t see him cracking the test side yet. Personally would like him to have another season of consistent appearances in First-class cricket. Then when the time is right, blood him for the team that matters!
Aaron Finch:
Aaron is another bloke who I want to see as an ODI representative, particularly to step in when Ricky Ponting retires from ODI cricket.
He will be able to adjust his game well to test level and had a damn good series in Zimbabwe for Australia A, but I am keen to see Aaron play for the Green & Gold in the not too distant future.
When Punter and Huss make way for newer representatives, Ferguson and Finch are the two up top on my list.
Keepers:
Tim Paine:
Injury will probably give Matt Wade his T20 debut in a few week’s time which is the right decision.
Matt and Tim (who are good childhood mates) have the potential to become a very solid duo for us with Keeper stocks.
Tim has the edge for the Baggy Greens and should be next in line to replace Brad Haddin, but the competition between Tim and Matt in limited overs cricket is good.
Tim could easily craft his skill with the bat at test level, but the opportunities are quickly tightening up for specialist batsmen. When Hads departs (or gets injured again), Tim gets my call.
Matt Wade:
Matt should be our full time Twenty20 Keeper/Batsman and I am inclined to actually suggest he should be eyed as the replacement for Brad Haddin, given my belief in Tim Paine’s abilities for Test level.
Irrespective of Brad Haddin, he is just behind Tim Paine in the waiting line for ODIs and Tests.
Matt should have the Twenty20s.
Quite a rant, but have your say.
The players are mentioned, the contingency players are in place and depending on how many guys head over to South Africa I am sure the selected guys will all have been mentioned above.
Time will tell for the all-important season ahead!
Would like your input!
The South Australia Redbacks and The New South Wales Blues are taking part in the current Champions League (Twenty20 stuff), so get behind them.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian. To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@Dan_Stapo
20 September 2011
The Baggy Greens win the Sri Lankan series 1-0
The test series has been concluded, as has the 2011 tour to Sri Lanka.
As quickly as test cricket finally returned to us it has gone again. Now we wait for the more intensive encounter in November against The Proteas, but until then the boys can take a lot from this series and prepare for the season ahead.
I am proud of the victory, proud of the Baggy Greens!
Also cheers to our mate Luke “Sparrow” Gillian who was over in Sri Lanka waving the flag and cheering the boys on keeping their spirits high no doubt. You may have seen him on TV a number of times sporting his Bent-Banani shirt.
I will post an article soon to discuss the Touring Squad possibilities for South Africa in October/November. Things with the batting do look better. Three centurions for the series with Michael Hussey just being the best of the best. Deserved the man-of-the-series award and even earned a hat-trick of man-of-the-match awards!
T20Is: Lost 2-0
1st T20I: Sri Lanka v Australia at Pallekele - Aug 6, 2011
Sri Lanka 198/3 (20/20); Australia 163/8 (20/20)
Lost by 35 runs
2nd T20I: Sri Lanka v Australia at Pallekele - Aug 8, 2011
Sri Lanka 157/9 (20/20); Australia 149/9 (20/20)
Lost by 8 runs
ODIs: Won 3-2
1st ODI: Sri Lanka v Australia at Pallekele - Aug 10, 2011
Sri Lanka 191 (41.1); Australia 192/3 (38.1)
Won by 7 wickets (with 71 balls remaining)
2nd ODI: Sri Lanka v Australia at Hambantota - Aug 14, 2011
Sri Lanka 208 (49.3); Australia 211/2 (38.2)
Won by 8 wickets (with 70 balls remaining)
3rd ODI: Sri Lanka v Australia at Hambantota - Aug 16, 2011
Sri Lanka 286/9 (50); Australia 208 (44.2)
Lost by 78 runs
4th ODI: Sri Lanka v Australia at Colombo (RPS) - Aug 20, 2011
Sri Lanka 132 (38.4); Australia 133/5 (28)
Won by 5 wickets (with 132 balls remaining)
5th ODI: Sri Lanka v Australia at Colombo (RPS) - Aug 22, 2011
Australia 211 (46.1); Sri Lanka 213/6 (47)
Lost by 4 wickets (with 18 balls remaining)
Tour Match: Sri Lanka Board XI v Australians at Colombo (PSS) - Aug 25-27, 2011
Sri Lanka Board XI 258 and 174/2; Australians 393 Match drawn
TESTS: Won 1-0 *Moved to #4 in Test rank
1st Test: Sri Lanka v Australia at Galle - Aug 31-Sep 3, 2011
Australia 273 and 210; Sri Lanka 105 and 253
Won by 125 runs
2nd Test: Sri Lanka v Australia at Pallekele - Sep 8-12, 2011
Sri Lanka 174 and 317/6; Australia 411/7d Match drawn
3rd Test: Sri Lanka v Australia at Colombo (SSC) - Sep 16-20, 2011
Australia 316 and 488; Sri Lanka 473 and 7/0
Match drawn
TOUR STATS:
TOUR NOTES:
Tim Nielsen has stepped down as Coach. Steve Rixon or Justin Langer (both good choices) to handle coaching duties until an official head coach is appointed.
Michael Hussey scored two centuries (14th and 15th test centuries) with 95 and 93 as well. He missed out on four centuries by just 12 runs! Not much more too add other than I can’t wait to see him up against The Proteas. Go on Huss you good thing!
Shaun Marsh scored an unforgettable century on debut (141) followed by 81 in the 1st innings of the 3rd Test. He was dismissed for 18 in the 2nd innings but in actual fact wasn’t out, a thrown away opportunity. What a splendid job he did. He looked the part completely out there in tough conditions.
Phillip Hughes has been under pressure after Simon Katich was unfairly booted out of the team. Phillip managed to turn his form right around (albeit on a flatter surface) but scored his 1st century for Australia in 20 innings at long last. He has had a very inconsistent run for us but hopefully this was what he needed before heading over to South Africa, a more promising hunting ground where he scored back to back centuries in his 2nd test match.
Three debutants emerged this series: Trent Copeland (#420), Nathan Lyon (#421) and Shaun Marsh (#422) following his Father, Geoff Marsh (#333), to the elite level. He’s already passed his old man’s highest test score!
Not only has Michael Clarke led the side to victory in his first official series as Captain, but he also played a defining Captain’s knock for all of us, scoring 112 runs in the final innings. His abilities against spin bowling have always been mentioned (sometimes a bit of overkill by commentators) but he really did show off just how good he is and footwork mixed with sharp instincts makes him a joy to watch when he's found rhythm. Along with Phillip Hughes it was a needed century before the build-up to the South African tour and he did have some luck with two missed stumpings to our relief.
He scored a commanding 60 in the 2nd innings of the 1st test but it has been a tough run for Michael but I am proud he finally scored that needed century which should really uplift his spirits. He’s done a bloody good job as Skipper and we should all acknowledge that.
While Ricky Ponting didn’t register a half-century, he got out to an unlucky pull shot in the 1st test when he lost his bat but really gave away his wicket, especially in the 1st innings of the 3rd test! He actually looks ambitious out there and in better control. The burden of Captaincy has gone and has fielding was ridiculously awesome, as always! I wrote an article on this exact issue with guys not showing enough patience and fortunately it only took one more innings for the blokes who were having difficulty applying themselves to turn out a 360 from impatient to patient.
Nathan Lyon took a wicket with his first ball and also took a 5-for when he delivered his first innings of spin bowling for Australia. He only managed another three wickets which is upsetting but yet again I will share a link with you to the following article where I highlight my opinion that I still think that while Nathan shouldn’t have even made his debut, he is still in our side and I really think he gave it his all. I just hope we don’t have to debut another spinner and with a new selection panel PLEASE may they find some consistency with the selection policies.
THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER SHANE WARNE! Let’s move on and get a useful spin bowler, which will take a bit of PATIENCE.
Ryan Harris was a beast and injury is sadly what will determine his future with our team. He has already contemplated retirement before so it is a huge concern that we have our best bowler in Australia deliver an epic performance with the ball, but now we have the serious threat of him not making the South African tour. His performance in the 1st test where he took 5-62 was outstanding but more impressively was his consistency in the 2nd test.
What a loss it was to not have him for the 3rd. What adds to this concern is the lack of wickets Peter Siddle takes with the new ball (while he ultimately gives it is all out there), Mitchell Johnson has gone very flat again and Trent Copeland is too new to be expected to deliver great things (he also doesn’t have the pace to be the spearhead bowler).
Doug Bollinger has to be seriously considered for the South African tour.
Shane Watson may have not delivered with the bat (a rare blunder) but he bowled extremely well, boasting his test bowling abilities to get some reverse swing and take useful wickets. Things will come right for him in South Africa and while I am all for him moving down the order, I don’t see it happening. Maybe if Michael Clarke has anything to do about it, utilising Watto more for his bowling would force him down the order. As someone wrote to me on Twitter, Watto would be a monstrous counter-attacker in the middle order and keep the opposition team with a few concerns with the big man still to come out and bat. Many advantages moving him down the order, but then we muddle up our top order again.
Who will partner Hughes? Usman Khawaja? Shift Shaun Marsh to opener? Move Michael Hussey even?
Brad Haddin also struggled with the bat, only his struggles have been going on for a while now. Fortunately Hads’ keeping standards have picked up again to a very good standard but ultimately when we know what the man is capable of, it is frustrating.
So while there were a few negatives, even nestled amongst the positives we won the series (yes!) and have moved up from Number 5 in the rankings to Number 4. The season ahead will only get harder but I am confident that with a change in selection policies, momentum taken from this series and the inspiring manner in which Michael Clarke is leading the troops, the South African tour could be a surprising one for us as it was in 2009.
Don’t forget South Africa have been out of cricket for some time now.
Congratulations to the Baggy Greens on a brilliant victory (should have been 2-0) and a successful tour under many pressing circumstances.
If you can’t stand the wait remember that The South Australian Redback and The New South Wales Blues are taking part in the Champions League. Yes, more Twenty20 but it’s two Aussie teams so get behind them, importantly get behind the Redbacks!
Catch me on Twitter along with Dan Stapo.
Anything else you wish to add, feel free to do so!
Michael Clarke celebrates his first century as Skipper and it was a century that has been a long time coming. As supporters we needed to see him reach the milestone as well.
© AFP
Old man Hussey (dig the grey burns) was, rightly so, named Man of the series. Well done Huss. Getting on in years but still as energetic as a youngster out there.
© AFP
The Baggy Greens celebrate their 2011 series win against Sri Lanka. Congrats boys.
© AFP
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite!
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
TWITTER
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@Dan_Stapo
I am proud of the victory, proud of the Baggy Greens!
Also cheers to our mate Luke “Sparrow” Gillian who was over in Sri Lanka waving the flag and cheering the boys on keeping their spirits high no doubt. You may have seen him on TV a number of times sporting his Bent-Banani shirt.
I will post an article soon to discuss the Touring Squad possibilities for South Africa in October/November. Things with the batting do look better. Three centurions for the series with Michael Hussey just being the best of the best. Deserved the man-of-the-series award and even earned a hat-trick of man-of-the-match awards!
T20Is: Lost 2-0
1st T20I: Sri Lanka v Australia at Pallekele - Aug 6, 2011
Sri Lanka 198/3 (20/20); Australia 163/8 (20/20)
Lost by 35 runs
2nd T20I: Sri Lanka v Australia at Pallekele - Aug 8, 2011
Sri Lanka 157/9 (20/20); Australia 149/9 (20/20)
Lost by 8 runs
ODIs: Won 3-2
1st ODI: Sri Lanka v Australia at Pallekele - Aug 10, 2011
Sri Lanka 191 (41.1); Australia 192/3 (38.1)
Won by 7 wickets (with 71 balls remaining)
2nd ODI: Sri Lanka v Australia at Hambantota - Aug 14, 2011
Sri Lanka 208 (49.3); Australia 211/2 (38.2)
Won by 8 wickets (with 70 balls remaining)
3rd ODI: Sri Lanka v Australia at Hambantota - Aug 16, 2011
Sri Lanka 286/9 (50); Australia 208 (44.2)
Lost by 78 runs
4th ODI: Sri Lanka v Australia at Colombo (RPS) - Aug 20, 2011
Sri Lanka 132 (38.4); Australia 133/5 (28)
Won by 5 wickets (with 132 balls remaining)
5th ODI: Sri Lanka v Australia at Colombo (RPS) - Aug 22, 2011
Australia 211 (46.1); Sri Lanka 213/6 (47)
Lost by 4 wickets (with 18 balls remaining)
Tour Match: Sri Lanka Board XI v Australians at Colombo (PSS) - Aug 25-27, 2011
Sri Lanka Board XI 258 and 174/2; Australians 393 Match drawn
TESTS: Won 1-0 *Moved to #4 in Test rank
1st Test: Sri Lanka v Australia at Galle - Aug 31-Sep 3, 2011
Australia 273 and 210; Sri Lanka 105 and 253
Won by 125 runs
2nd Test: Sri Lanka v Australia at Pallekele - Sep 8-12, 2011
Sri Lanka 174 and 317/6; Australia 411/7d Match drawn
3rd Test: Sri Lanka v Australia at Colombo (SSC) - Sep 16-20, 2011
Australia 316 and 488; Sri Lanka 473 and 7/0
Match drawn
TOUR STATS:
Tim Nielsen has stepped down as Coach. Steve Rixon or Justin Langer (both good choices) to handle coaching duties until an official head coach is appointed.
Michael Hussey scored two centuries (14th and 15th test centuries) with 95 and 93 as well. He missed out on four centuries by just 12 runs! Not much more too add other than I can’t wait to see him up against The Proteas. Go on Huss you good thing!
Shaun Marsh scored an unforgettable century on debut (141) followed by 81 in the 1st innings of the 3rd Test. He was dismissed for 18 in the 2nd innings but in actual fact wasn’t out, a thrown away opportunity. What a splendid job he did. He looked the part completely out there in tough conditions.
Phillip Hughes has been under pressure after Simon Katich was unfairly booted out of the team. Phillip managed to turn his form right around (albeit on a flatter surface) but scored his 1st century for Australia in 20 innings at long last. He has had a very inconsistent run for us but hopefully this was what he needed before heading over to South Africa, a more promising hunting ground where he scored back to back centuries in his 2nd test match.
Three debutants emerged this series: Trent Copeland (#420), Nathan Lyon (#421) and Shaun Marsh (#422) following his Father, Geoff Marsh (#333), to the elite level. He’s already passed his old man’s highest test score!
Not only has Michael Clarke led the side to victory in his first official series as Captain, but he also played a defining Captain’s knock for all of us, scoring 112 runs in the final innings. His abilities against spin bowling have always been mentioned (sometimes a bit of overkill by commentators) but he really did show off just how good he is and footwork mixed with sharp instincts makes him a joy to watch when he's found rhythm. Along with Phillip Hughes it was a needed century before the build-up to the South African tour and he did have some luck with two missed stumpings to our relief.
He scored a commanding 60 in the 2nd innings of the 1st test but it has been a tough run for Michael but I am proud he finally scored that needed century which should really uplift his spirits. He’s done a bloody good job as Skipper and we should all acknowledge that.
While Ricky Ponting didn’t register a half-century, he got out to an unlucky pull shot in the 1st test when he lost his bat but really gave away his wicket, especially in the 1st innings of the 3rd test! He actually looks ambitious out there and in better control. The burden of Captaincy has gone and has fielding was ridiculously awesome, as always! I wrote an article on this exact issue with guys not showing enough patience and fortunately it only took one more innings for the blokes who were having difficulty applying themselves to turn out a 360 from impatient to patient.
Nathan Lyon took a wicket with his first ball and also took a 5-for when he delivered his first innings of spin bowling for Australia. He only managed another three wickets which is upsetting but yet again I will share a link with you to the following article where I highlight my opinion that I still think that while Nathan shouldn’t have even made his debut, he is still in our side and I really think he gave it his all. I just hope we don’t have to debut another spinner and with a new selection panel PLEASE may they find some consistency with the selection policies.
THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER SHANE WARNE! Let’s move on and get a useful spin bowler, which will take a bit of PATIENCE.
Ryan Harris was a beast and injury is sadly what will determine his future with our team. He has already contemplated retirement before so it is a huge concern that we have our best bowler in Australia deliver an epic performance with the ball, but now we have the serious threat of him not making the South African tour. His performance in the 1st test where he took 5-62 was outstanding but more impressively was his consistency in the 2nd test.
What a loss it was to not have him for the 3rd. What adds to this concern is the lack of wickets Peter Siddle takes with the new ball (while he ultimately gives it is all out there), Mitchell Johnson has gone very flat again and Trent Copeland is too new to be expected to deliver great things (he also doesn’t have the pace to be the spearhead bowler).
Doug Bollinger has to be seriously considered for the South African tour.
Shane Watson may have not delivered with the bat (a rare blunder) but he bowled extremely well, boasting his test bowling abilities to get some reverse swing and take useful wickets. Things will come right for him in South Africa and while I am all for him moving down the order, I don’t see it happening. Maybe if Michael Clarke has anything to do about it, utilising Watto more for his bowling would force him down the order. As someone wrote to me on Twitter, Watto would be a monstrous counter-attacker in the middle order and keep the opposition team with a few concerns with the big man still to come out and bat. Many advantages moving him down the order, but then we muddle up our top order again.
Who will partner Hughes? Usman Khawaja? Shift Shaun Marsh to opener? Move Michael Hussey even?
Brad Haddin also struggled with the bat, only his struggles have been going on for a while now. Fortunately Hads’ keeping standards have picked up again to a very good standard but ultimately when we know what the man is capable of, it is frustrating.
So while there were a few negatives, even nestled amongst the positives we won the series (yes!) and have moved up from Number 5 in the rankings to Number 4. The season ahead will only get harder but I am confident that with a change in selection policies, momentum taken from this series and the inspiring manner in which Michael Clarke is leading the troops, the South African tour could be a surprising one for us as it was in 2009.
Don’t forget South Africa have been out of cricket for some time now.
Congratulations to the Baggy Greens on a brilliant victory (should have been 2-0) and a successful tour under many pressing circumstances.
If you can’t stand the wait remember that The South Australian Redback and The New South Wales Blues are taking part in the Champions League. Yes, more Twenty20 but it’s two Aussie teams so get behind them, importantly get behind the Redbacks!
Catch me on Twitter along with Dan Stapo.
Anything else you wish to add, feel free to do so!
Michael Clarke celebrates his first century as Skipper and it was a century that has been a long time coming. As supporters we needed to see him reach the milestone as well.
Old man Hussey (dig the grey burns) was, rightly so, named Man of the series. Well done Huss. Getting on in years but still as energetic as a youngster out there.
The Baggy Greens celebrate their 2011 series win against Sri Lanka. Congrats boys.
Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@Dan_Stapo
19 September 2011
A change in approach
Twenty innings and more than two years later, Phillip Hughes finally scored his third Test century and under the circumstances it is one to remember. It has been a ride where he has struggled to register anything substantial to keep him in the side but some fortune has gone his way.
This may have been the decisive innings to give him the ticket to head over to South Africa, where it all began in 2009.
Phillip Hughes, Ricky Ponting, Shane Watson and even Brad Haddin all frustrate me so much because while they are all at different stages in their careers and boast their very own special skills they bring to the Baggy Greens, they generally give away their wickets after making consistent starts to their innings which has begun to actually burden our performances.
I strongly believe the ridiculously smooth introduction of Shaun Marsh (who GIFTED his wicket to Sri Lanka on 18 when he wasn’t actually out!) and the peak in delivery from Michael Hussey has sent a strong message of emphasis to team-mates on patience and playing to their strengths.
Ricky Ponting has made two very promising (at times tricky) starts to his innings but has gifted things away and had a bit of bad luck when he lost his bat in timing a pull shot perfectly in the 1st Test.
It frustrates me because I am such a staunch supporter for Punter but he’s fighting!
However Phillip Hughes is the most frustrating guy to watch of the lot.
While his technique is unorthodox, he has a definite natural instinct and ambition which makes him a lethal batsman on his day and exciting one at that, which is odd for me as I generally don’t care for flashy, flamboyant batsmen but rather solid test cricketers.
His confidence is impressive and he has a genuine passion for representing the Baggy Greens.
This innings was crucial for him, some may say it has come too late but try look at the importance.
He started off with aggressive intentions (natural) within his innings but was far more disciplined in the process (unusual) which is an ingredient our guys have lacked, even to their own criticism.
He was strong with his off-side stroke play (as were Huss and Shaun in the first innings) and was an indication he was forceful in playing to his strengths. All the things we wanted to see differ blossomed.
What you would have also noticed as well was the way he executed boundaries to specific areas of the ground while looking for the singles in alternative areas.
The stroke display for the boundaries was notable; cut away fine, numerous powerful slog sweeps against the spin bowlers (always reminds me of his six that took him to his maiden test century against Paul Harris) and crisply tucking shots away off his legs.
His running between the wickets was sharp and impressively targeted into the areas he wasn’t hungry for boundaries. It is another sign of playing to his strengths (see the graphics below).
The century came in unfamiliar style. On 97, Ricky Ponting took the single to give Phillip an over to negotiate things. He played tightly with his defensive game.
It took him another 4 overs to get there and even had an LBW scare when he was on 99 but fortunately the ball hit him outside the line. Daft shot though.
He finally brought up the long awaited century and what a relief it was.
Operation advance the lead was to continue.
He is young but has time on his hands and in his short career, which has been slightly anti-climatically judged by most, he has endured a lot.
He debuted with a fourth ball duck and then performed with brilliant results (back to back centuries at Kingsmead) to become earmarked has our next opener for the future.
He was then dropped and had an average return to State level. He was recalled for the Ashes series and struggled after a good match appearance in New Zealand gave him the go ahead. He returned to State Level yet again but piled on the runs and was in solid form heading into this series.
He has been given the call-up again and has appeared to be stumped with his confidence.
To our relief, for his final innings of the series in a match that he had to play with South African tour approaching, he delivered an innings that I sat watching and wondering, “Is this the same guy?”
He made it look so easy out there. Classy boundary execution, better patience and discipline (kudos to Marsh and Hussey) but importantly was the return of confidence.
It was a return in many aspects for him and I am pleased because I hate seeing guys fail and struggle when it is not like they can’t perform and maintain a place at the elite level. Phillip can and will.
The learning curve is greater at his age and it is important in a young man’s development to go through these lows. Being so young with credibility only adds experience come the long-term.
Matty Hayden, Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer and even Steve Waugh all had frustrating battles to overcome in their careers and lean patches where they struggled. It made them better players, the legends they are today.
Phillip Hughes has always shown an inspiring dosage of self-confidence and a firm belief in his natural game. I think his mind was meddled with when all the short ball issues were pointed out and just screwed things up for him, credit to Freddie “Fredalow” Flintoff.
Look at Shane Watson. He is a far more seasoned cricketer and has been our greatest performer and most valuable player in all forms of the game. He has had a poor run this series but he is at a point where he won’t get hoards of know-it-all’s coming and telling how to fix his depreciating game.
No, he will come right cause he knows his natural game and has a solid technique that when he shows better patience or is able to gain momentum early on in his innings, makes him one of the most brutal batsmen in world cricket.
Being younger and less experienced, Phillip wasn’t so fortunate to be left alone.
Being left to merge with his natural game and having the right support network will help him like it has for Watto.
Even as supporters we lose patience with players and, funny enough, get impatient with the impatience shown from our selected batsmen (see my last article to get my drift).
Mitchell Johnson is on the receiving end from a bowling perspective and the loss of Ryan Harris has been exposed.
As for Phillip, I am proud of him and mighty pleased he was able to deliver an innings of hope and had a return of fortune which will only build him up before returning to the hunting ground where it all began. Personally, I want him to go to South Africa and recall what gave him that prolific start to his career but the time for consistency has to happen. He has had his opportunities and with Usman Khawaja knocking on the door having not done a great deal wrong with his few opportunities and other players also trying to get a second foot in the door for selection opportunities, Phillip needs to start maintaining these performances.
As Matty Hayden once said, a fifty in your first series isn’t good enough to indicate you will be a player of longevity.
Phillip had the centuries in his first series so longevity is a reality, but consistency and stamina will need to be his main goal now.
Forget the technical issues (which to be honest we know less about), the unorthodox approach to his game and the issues that cricket viewers bizarrely pointed out that his height limits him (seriously? What about Tendulkar, Ponting, Lara, Langer?).
It is simply time for this bloke to get his shit in order and start playing with consistency so he can cement his place and do the best job possible for our team.
I believe he can do it and I am sure he knows damn well that he can and this innings was a sign of extreme positivity which was also achieved in a pressurising circumstance.
It is time for Phillip Hughes to become Australia’s seasoned opener and prove to all of us why he wears that Baggy Green cap and why he will wear it for many years to come.
A brilliant innings and exactly what was needed. It was a necessary change of approach from Phillip.
Well done Phillip!
Let’s hope the lead can advance sufficiently tomorrow so we can win the series.
Game is tense at the moment and without Ryan Harris I am not anticipating any miracles.
The lead sits at 52 runs with Phillip Hughes on 122* (survived a close call on final ball of the day), while Michael Clarke is on 8 runs.
Have a close look at the areas of placement (captured when Phillip Hughes was on 106) - click image to enlarge.
Good looking sweep shot from Hughes. Well captured Cameraman.
© Associated Press
While retrieving information on Cricinfo I took a look at their commentary section to see what they had to say about Phillip’s century and came across these chirps:
Tim "Phil Hughes is the "batting Mitchell Johnson". Good in one away series in SA, but done nothing consistent since...."
Meety "@Tim - only Marsh & Hussey have done better than Hughes in this Series. Hughes's last 8 FC matches (inc Tests), have yielded 848 runs at over 65. Not including a List A ton for Oz A against the Saffa A side. Apart from Hussey, who else has been that productive? There are some but not many."
"Well it looks like the 2009 SA version of Hughes is back in this innings. Perhaps the 2009 version of Johnson will also turn up in the 4th innings of this test to bowl Aus to victory. Oh and then they'll be back off on a tour of SA. Things looking good for Oz!," says Ryan
Well said Meety.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
TWITTER
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@Dan_Stapo
This may have been the decisive innings to give him the ticket to head over to South Africa, where it all began in 2009.
Phillip Hughes, Ricky Ponting, Shane Watson and even Brad Haddin all frustrate me so much because while they are all at different stages in their careers and boast their very own special skills they bring to the Baggy Greens, they generally give away their wickets after making consistent starts to their innings which has begun to actually burden our performances.
I strongly believe the ridiculously smooth introduction of Shaun Marsh (who GIFTED his wicket to Sri Lanka on 18 when he wasn’t actually out!) and the peak in delivery from Michael Hussey has sent a strong message of emphasis to team-mates on patience and playing to their strengths.
Ricky Ponting has made two very promising (at times tricky) starts to his innings but has gifted things away and had a bit of bad luck when he lost his bat in timing a pull shot perfectly in the 1st Test.
It frustrates me because I am such a staunch supporter for Punter but he’s fighting!
However Phillip Hughes is the most frustrating guy to watch of the lot.
While his technique is unorthodox, he has a definite natural instinct and ambition which makes him a lethal batsman on his day and exciting one at that, which is odd for me as I generally don’t care for flashy, flamboyant batsmen but rather solid test cricketers.
His confidence is impressive and he has a genuine passion for representing the Baggy Greens.
This innings was crucial for him, some may say it has come too late but try look at the importance.
He started off with aggressive intentions (natural) within his innings but was far more disciplined in the process (unusual) which is an ingredient our guys have lacked, even to their own criticism.
He was strong with his off-side stroke play (as were Huss and Shaun in the first innings) and was an indication he was forceful in playing to his strengths. All the things we wanted to see differ blossomed.
What you would have also noticed as well was the way he executed boundaries to specific areas of the ground while looking for the singles in alternative areas.
The stroke display for the boundaries was notable; cut away fine, numerous powerful slog sweeps against the spin bowlers (always reminds me of his six that took him to his maiden test century against Paul Harris) and crisply tucking shots away off his legs.
His running between the wickets was sharp and impressively targeted into the areas he wasn’t hungry for boundaries. It is another sign of playing to his strengths (see the graphics below).
The century came in unfamiliar style. On 97, Ricky Ponting took the single to give Phillip an over to negotiate things. He played tightly with his defensive game.
It took him another 4 overs to get there and even had an LBW scare when he was on 99 but fortunately the ball hit him outside the line. Daft shot though.
He finally brought up the long awaited century and what a relief it was.
Operation advance the lead was to continue.
He is young but has time on his hands and in his short career, which has been slightly anti-climatically judged by most, he has endured a lot.
He debuted with a fourth ball duck and then performed with brilliant results (back to back centuries at Kingsmead) to become earmarked has our next opener for the future.
He was then dropped and had an average return to State level. He was recalled for the Ashes series and struggled after a good match appearance in New Zealand gave him the go ahead. He returned to State Level yet again but piled on the runs and was in solid form heading into this series.
He has been given the call-up again and has appeared to be stumped with his confidence.
To our relief, for his final innings of the series in a match that he had to play with South African tour approaching, he delivered an innings that I sat watching and wondering, “Is this the same guy?”
He made it look so easy out there. Classy boundary execution, better patience and discipline (kudos to Marsh and Hussey) but importantly was the return of confidence.
It was a return in many aspects for him and I am pleased because I hate seeing guys fail and struggle when it is not like they can’t perform and maintain a place at the elite level. Phillip can and will.
The learning curve is greater at his age and it is important in a young man’s development to go through these lows. Being so young with credibility only adds experience come the long-term.
Matty Hayden, Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer and even Steve Waugh all had frustrating battles to overcome in their careers and lean patches where they struggled. It made them better players, the legends they are today.
Phillip Hughes has always shown an inspiring dosage of self-confidence and a firm belief in his natural game. I think his mind was meddled with when all the short ball issues were pointed out and just screwed things up for him, credit to Freddie “Fredalow” Flintoff.
Look at Shane Watson. He is a far more seasoned cricketer and has been our greatest performer and most valuable player in all forms of the game. He has had a poor run this series but he is at a point where he won’t get hoards of know-it-all’s coming and telling how to fix his depreciating game.
No, he will come right cause he knows his natural game and has a solid technique that when he shows better patience or is able to gain momentum early on in his innings, makes him one of the most brutal batsmen in world cricket.
Being younger and less experienced, Phillip wasn’t so fortunate to be left alone.
Being left to merge with his natural game and having the right support network will help him like it has for Watto.
Even as supporters we lose patience with players and, funny enough, get impatient with the impatience shown from our selected batsmen (see my last article to get my drift).
Mitchell Johnson is on the receiving end from a bowling perspective and the loss of Ryan Harris has been exposed.
As for Phillip, I am proud of him and mighty pleased he was able to deliver an innings of hope and had a return of fortune which will only build him up before returning to the hunting ground where it all began. Personally, I want him to go to South Africa and recall what gave him that prolific start to his career but the time for consistency has to happen. He has had his opportunities and with Usman Khawaja knocking on the door having not done a great deal wrong with his few opportunities and other players also trying to get a second foot in the door for selection opportunities, Phillip needs to start maintaining these performances.
As Matty Hayden once said, a fifty in your first series isn’t good enough to indicate you will be a player of longevity.
Phillip had the centuries in his first series so longevity is a reality, but consistency and stamina will need to be his main goal now.
Forget the technical issues (which to be honest we know less about), the unorthodox approach to his game and the issues that cricket viewers bizarrely pointed out that his height limits him (seriously? What about Tendulkar, Ponting, Lara, Langer?).
It is simply time for this bloke to get his shit in order and start playing with consistency so he can cement his place and do the best job possible for our team.
I believe he can do it and I am sure he knows damn well that he can and this innings was a sign of extreme positivity which was also achieved in a pressurising circumstance.
It is time for Phillip Hughes to become Australia’s seasoned opener and prove to all of us why he wears that Baggy Green cap and why he will wear it for many years to come.
A brilliant innings and exactly what was needed. It was a necessary change of approach from Phillip.
Well done Phillip!
Let’s hope the lead can advance sufficiently tomorrow so we can win the series.
Game is tense at the moment and without Ryan Harris I am not anticipating any miracles.
The lead sits at 52 runs with Phillip Hughes on 122* (survived a close call on final ball of the day), while Michael Clarke is on 8 runs.
Have a close look at the areas of placement (captured when Phillip Hughes was on 106) - click image to enlarge.
Good looking sweep shot from Hughes. Well captured Cameraman.
© Associated Press
While retrieving information on Cricinfo I took a look at their commentary section to see what they had to say about Phillip’s century and came across these chirps:
Tim "Phil Hughes is the "batting Mitchell Johnson". Good in one away series in SA, but done nothing consistent since...."
Meety "@Tim - only Marsh & Hussey have done better than Hughes in this Series. Hughes's last 8 FC matches (inc Tests), have yielded 848 runs at over 65. Not including a List A ton for Oz A against the Saffa A side. Apart from Hussey, who else has been that productive? There are some but not many."
"Well it looks like the 2009 SA version of Hughes is back in this innings. Perhaps the 2009 version of Johnson will also turn up in the 4th innings of this test to bowl Aus to victory. Oh and then they'll be back off on a tour of SA. Things looking good for Oz!," says Ryan
Well said Meety.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@Dan_Stapo
17 September 2011
The importance of patience
If you were able to not get too nauseous while watching England bat during the last Ashes series, you would have noticed a key ingredient to their batting in a Test match.
That ingredient was patience.
To enhance the innings just a touch, discipline and a solid personal game plan to use your technique and strengths will really give you a great chance to succeed.
Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott come to mind.
With our side there was a constant push for "fresh, young talent" who more often than not don't have the patience, stamina or general skill with all the Twenty20 hype that's out there. You can forgive a young guy who gets a bit jittery and nervous in the start of his career but it will get to a point where even as a supporter you just won't be able to keep calm seeing good batsmen getting out with stupid shots.
It is even more frustrating when it is a senior batsman. There were so many instances in the Ashes series where our guys would flash at a ball often swinging away that could easily have been left. Then there were instances where England's bowlers would build some pressure. Instead of seeing it through with caution (something Simon Katich is so good at) they'd cave in and try go for broke with the big flashy shot and usually get out. This has been an issue with Brad Haddin which is frustrating cause he's such a classy batsmen when he does have better discipline and waits on the bad ball to blast much later in his innings.
The lack of patience has been noted by the players so I don't think I am out of my depth as a supporter in stating these things.
It is a big issue and has regularly been a downfall to our innings. Rarely scoring over 350 runs in an innings, rarely seeing more than one centurion emerge and how many times have our guys made good starts only to throw it away?
There will always be quality bowling but so often our top order give their wickets away to wild shots, a lapse in concentration and when they walk off the field their body language will suggest whether it was good bowling or was it just a careless bit of batting.
Just look at the current Test being played. We were dismissed for 316 which is far from ideal but not all that shabby on this wicket.
Phillip Hughes showed complacency in attempting to fend a ball that he could have left (tightly though) only to edge the ball onto his off-stump. Shaun Marsh (also a left-hander) received an almost identical delivery while he was still fresh at the crease and managed to leave it. Can't fault Phillip too much. He is maybe feeling some last minute pressure as he needed this game to determine whether or not he will be heading over to South Africa. His confidence seems so low which is frustrating as well because heading into this series his form was good.
Granted Shane Watson needs momentum to tap into his natural game but that drive of his wasn't the shot. Seemed too full for the drive and everything was out of balance. I know people are talking of his form and all but I have no worries about Watto.
He has been throwing his wicket away to back his natural game. Therefore I don't see any concern. I understand the benefits of moving him down the order as he'd be a monstrous middle order batsman, but this is the first series he's been hot and cold so give him another chance.
Ricky Ponting got out to nothing other than impatience.
He had built a solid innings and looked like the maestro he is. I was annoyed because I do want Punter to be around a while longer and when a man of such skill, class and experience throws his wicket away when we need him to be a main stay you can't help but slam your fist in annoyance.
His technique looked like an inform Punter, he was striking the ball crisply and he did such a good job leaving the ball but there were plenty of moments where he was quite on edge.
In the over he got out he was pinned down a bit and just had one more delivery to survive only to flash at it and get out caught. Full, swinging away and chasing a wide delivery and the lapse in concentration ended his innings. 48 runs to his name and another promising Ricky Ponting innings thrown away. I must say that even down at Number 4 he looked eager as ever. Come on Punter!
"Play disciplined shots" is what Michael Clarke said at the toss and he didn't do it himself. His poor form continues and I badly want him to connect with his A-game again.
Only he can turn it around. His 60 runs in the 2nd innings during the 1st test was a testament to his skill in these sub-continental conditions.
Moving Michael back to number 5 is a start because his number 4 promotion didn't work out.
This is why it was such a joy to see Shaun Marsh (81) and Michael Hussey (118) play with the key ingredient of patience.
They were disciplined in their game plan, left the good balls, backed themselves to fend off the good deliveries that had to be played and importantly it gave them a platform to PLAY TO THEIR STRENGHTS!
I enjoyed this interview with Shaun Marsh where he stated leaving the ball has been something he has worked on, "leaving the ball with intent."
Leaving the ball is an art and as far as I am concerned it is a way to play the ball to gather understanding of the innings, the conditions, the bowlers and your job at hand.
You saw Shaun, when the ball was in his slot and pitched alot fuller he would drive it with confidence that I am not used to seeing from a guy this new in his test match career. It is so inspiring as well to see Shaun emerge as a guy who is thriving at this level and enjoying the challenge rather than remain complacent not quite knowing his own game. This is where Young Steven Smith struggled during his career and to a degree Phillip Hughes with the short ball "issues" he had.
Even Shaun's footwork was glowing with confidence as he came down the track to the loose ball from the spinners but the way he left so many deliveries that is what I was so impressed by. Gutted he didn't get a century but it's been a wonderful start to a man that looks right for this level.
How about that pull shot to get to his half-century?
Michael Hussey scored his 15th test century and what a time it is to peak. His form returned during the Ashes series but the way he has played here is just epic!
He just missed out on a century in the first test (95) which was a scratchy innings but the conditions were ridiculously tough for day 1 to 3 so it was an innings worth remembering.
His balance in his cover drives, speed and awareness to execute his sweep shots and solid defence were highlights of his innings.
Yes, in any innings you will get deliveries that will beat you but a bit of luck goes a long way as Huss once stated aftert he 2009 Ashes series.
Seeing Huss bring up his century was a special moment because his honor to the Baggy Green is a testament of the hard work and pitfalls he has endured. What a player.
If we can win this test he is inline for a third man-of-the-match award!
What I am pointing out is the contrast with the Marsh and Hussey duo versus the way our batting has generally been on display for the last two or three seasons, or pretty much since the victorious tour to South Africa in 2009.
Patience is essential to thrive and survive and our boys have both the skills and the ability to do so. If the other guys can follow what Huss has excelled in and what Shaun has so quickly embraced within his game, we are on track for more destructive batting performances in the best sense possible!
Sri Lanka are currently 0-44 as I watch the game in anticipation for the Wallabies second game of the Rugby World Cup to begin.
Have a look at the Green & Gold website, the Australian rugby bloggers:
Australian Green & Gold Rugby Union Blog
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
TWITTER
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@Dan_Stapo
That ingredient was patience.
To enhance the innings just a touch, discipline and a solid personal game plan to use your technique and strengths will really give you a great chance to succeed.
Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott come to mind.
With our side there was a constant push for "fresh, young talent" who more often than not don't have the patience, stamina or general skill with all the Twenty20 hype that's out there. You can forgive a young guy who gets a bit jittery and nervous in the start of his career but it will get to a point where even as a supporter you just won't be able to keep calm seeing good batsmen getting out with stupid shots.
It is even more frustrating when it is a senior batsman. There were so many instances in the Ashes series where our guys would flash at a ball often swinging away that could easily have been left. Then there were instances where England's bowlers would build some pressure. Instead of seeing it through with caution (something Simon Katich is so good at) they'd cave in and try go for broke with the big flashy shot and usually get out. This has been an issue with Brad Haddin which is frustrating cause he's such a classy batsmen when he does have better discipline and waits on the bad ball to blast much later in his innings.
The lack of patience has been noted by the players so I don't think I am out of my depth as a supporter in stating these things.
It is a big issue and has regularly been a downfall to our innings. Rarely scoring over 350 runs in an innings, rarely seeing more than one centurion emerge and how many times have our guys made good starts only to throw it away?
There will always be quality bowling but so often our top order give their wickets away to wild shots, a lapse in concentration and when they walk off the field their body language will suggest whether it was good bowling or was it just a careless bit of batting.
Just look at the current Test being played. We were dismissed for 316 which is far from ideal but not all that shabby on this wicket.
Phillip Hughes showed complacency in attempting to fend a ball that he could have left (tightly though) only to edge the ball onto his off-stump. Shaun Marsh (also a left-hander) received an almost identical delivery while he was still fresh at the crease and managed to leave it. Can't fault Phillip too much. He is maybe feeling some last minute pressure as he needed this game to determine whether or not he will be heading over to South Africa. His confidence seems so low which is frustrating as well because heading into this series his form was good.
Granted Shane Watson needs momentum to tap into his natural game but that drive of his wasn't the shot. Seemed too full for the drive and everything was out of balance. I know people are talking of his form and all but I have no worries about Watto.
He has been throwing his wicket away to back his natural game. Therefore I don't see any concern. I understand the benefits of moving him down the order as he'd be a monstrous middle order batsman, but this is the first series he's been hot and cold so give him another chance.
Ricky Ponting got out to nothing other than impatience.
He had built a solid innings and looked like the maestro he is. I was annoyed because I do want Punter to be around a while longer and when a man of such skill, class and experience throws his wicket away when we need him to be a main stay you can't help but slam your fist in annoyance.
His technique looked like an inform Punter, he was striking the ball crisply and he did such a good job leaving the ball but there were plenty of moments where he was quite on edge.
In the over he got out he was pinned down a bit and just had one more delivery to survive only to flash at it and get out caught. Full, swinging away and chasing a wide delivery and the lapse in concentration ended his innings. 48 runs to his name and another promising Ricky Ponting innings thrown away. I must say that even down at Number 4 he looked eager as ever. Come on Punter!
"Play disciplined shots" is what Michael Clarke said at the toss and he didn't do it himself. His poor form continues and I badly want him to connect with his A-game again.
Only he can turn it around. His 60 runs in the 2nd innings during the 1st test was a testament to his skill in these sub-continental conditions.
Moving Michael back to number 5 is a start because his number 4 promotion didn't work out.
This is why it was such a joy to see Shaun Marsh (81) and Michael Hussey (118) play with the key ingredient of patience.
They were disciplined in their game plan, left the good balls, backed themselves to fend off the good deliveries that had to be played and importantly it gave them a platform to PLAY TO THEIR STRENGHTS!
I enjoyed this interview with Shaun Marsh where he stated leaving the ball has been something he has worked on, "leaving the ball with intent."
Leaving the ball is an art and as far as I am concerned it is a way to play the ball to gather understanding of the innings, the conditions, the bowlers and your job at hand.
You saw Shaun, when the ball was in his slot and pitched alot fuller he would drive it with confidence that I am not used to seeing from a guy this new in his test match career. It is so inspiring as well to see Shaun emerge as a guy who is thriving at this level and enjoying the challenge rather than remain complacent not quite knowing his own game. This is where Young Steven Smith struggled during his career and to a degree Phillip Hughes with the short ball "issues" he had.
Even Shaun's footwork was glowing with confidence as he came down the track to the loose ball from the spinners but the way he left so many deliveries that is what I was so impressed by. Gutted he didn't get a century but it's been a wonderful start to a man that looks right for this level.
How about that pull shot to get to his half-century?
Michael Hussey scored his 15th test century and what a time it is to peak. His form returned during the Ashes series but the way he has played here is just epic!
He just missed out on a century in the first test (95) which was a scratchy innings but the conditions were ridiculously tough for day 1 to 3 so it was an innings worth remembering.
His balance in his cover drives, speed and awareness to execute his sweep shots and solid defence were highlights of his innings.
Yes, in any innings you will get deliveries that will beat you but a bit of luck goes a long way as Huss once stated aftert he 2009 Ashes series.
Seeing Huss bring up his century was a special moment because his honor to the Baggy Green is a testament of the hard work and pitfalls he has endured. What a player.
If we can win this test he is inline for a third man-of-the-match award!
What I am pointing out is the contrast with the Marsh and Hussey duo versus the way our batting has generally been on display for the last two or three seasons, or pretty much since the victorious tour to South Africa in 2009.
Patience is essential to thrive and survive and our boys have both the skills and the ability to do so. If the other guys can follow what Huss has excelled in and what Shaun has so quickly embraced within his game, we are on track for more destructive batting performances in the best sense possible!
Sri Lanka are currently 0-44 as I watch the game in anticipation for the Wallabies second game of the Rugby World Cup to begin.
Have a look at the Green & Gold website, the Australian rugby bloggers:
Australian Green & Gold Rugby Union Blog
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@Dan_Stapo
12 September 2011
2nd Test: Poor weather dampens our victory chance
Back in Australia, Ricky Ponting and his family were celebrating the birth of his second daughter.
Over in Sri Lanka, Shaun Marsh received his Baggy Green Cap from his father, Geoff Marsh.
Baggy Green #333 handing his son his very own cap #422, what a great moment it was to see and it was a sentimental moment of history for the Baggy Greens.
Unfortunately the memories created and the good performances by the boys (and a total over 400 runs at last) weren't enough to beat the rainfall that came down upon Pallekele Stadium.
Too many sessions of play were lost and if we feel this frustrated as supporters, spare a thought for our team who really gave it their best out there to win it.
Special congrats to Shaun Marsh on a wonderful debut I won't forget and to Michael Hussey on another man-of-the-match award.
Can't forget Ryan Harris on another strong performances as the leader of the fast bowling unit.
Scorecard for the match
Result: Match drawn and man-of-the-match was Michael Hussey
>BOWLING: Sri Lanka all-out 174
Ryan Harris 3-38, Trent Copeland 2-24, Nathan Lyon 2-41, Mitchell Johnson 2-48, Michael Hussey 1-0
Sri Lanka elected to bat after winning the toss.
While not as crucial as the 1st test with the toss, they had an advantage but right from the start there was a definite sense of complacency from their batsmen how to go about their game and our bowlers mauled them.
They gave our batsmen another golden chance to stamp authority on the match, dismissing the Lankans for just 174 runs.
With 14 runs on the board, our opening duo of Ryan Harris and Trent Copeland had them at 3/14.
Partnerships are a given even in the bleakest of situations for a batting side, but only Kumar Sangakarra and Angelo Mathews (continuing his good form from last game) offered substantial contributions.
Our bowlers were outstanding yet again in their ability to work collectively from their respective ends, build pressure and get wickets.
This was again made possible by not only consistent bowling and well implemented strategies by Michael Clarke, but also by our impressive fielding standards both in the in-field and out on the boundaries.
Ryan Harris was mighty impressive again. Our strike bowler kept it controlled, produced genuine pace and got his usual movement in the air with a hint of additional swing on offer early on.
Thereafter (having already claimed a top order wicket) he just varied things a little bit, while still steaming in for his 16 overs to earn his deserved 3 wickets.
TC set things up for us with two massive wickets in the Sri Lankan top order. He has the McGrath-like skill to keep hitting his line and length consistently but also has enough movement to keep a batsman concentrating and at times relying on their keen instinct to handle these minor variations. Those two wickets were ideal and that was all we needed from him, while he just built up the pressure from his end from that point.
Loved Michael Hussey’s catch at gully! So impressed with our fielding standards.
Watch out England!
Mitchell Johnson showed up spray mode but managed two wickets for us. I was impressed with his short pitched deliveries though, some of those bouncers were brilliant. I like the duo of Ryano and TC as they can maintain their stamina for lengthier periods than Mitch, but in many ways equally tricky to deal with as a batsman gets a good offering of variation taking them on. This also allows MJ to keep bowling with aggression and when he has a good day (which we know is match defining) they will be brutal, in my opinion.
Let the trio develop!
Nathan Lyon suffered a bit of a beating here and there but that is good!
I want to see him challenged and learn how to counter-attack against batsmen taking him on. It will bring out an aggressive streak in his repertoire. He still managed to get a wicket in his first over, teasing Mahela Jayawardene to take him on again, but just tossed it wider outside of off-stump only to get out caught.
He took another caught and bowled to get his 2nd wicket. He did the job, which is another confidence booster.
I liked the tactic of giving Michael Hussey an over just to give Michael Clarke a chance to regroup with his own game plan, but then on his third ball Huss surprised everyone in dismissing Kumar Sangakarra with a flighted delivery which lured Kumar into the drive and Phillip Hughes took the catch.
Filling the void for Punter’s off-spin bowling?
>BATTING 1st innings: 7/411 declared
Michael Hussey 142, Shaun Marsh 141
Phillip Hughes and Shane Watson set of in an instance to give us all the momentum needed to break down the Sri Lankans body language.
Dealing in boundaries, with very strong off-side stroke play, together they had a partnership of 60 runs by the time bad light and stumps were called to give us the dominance for Day 1.
Watto had 36 runs (6 fours) and Phillip had 23 runs (5 fours).
I was really hoping to see Phillip make the most of his start and just reach his half-century for his confidence given his form has been rock solid outside of the Australian team in recent times.
Day 2 came and unfortunately Watto ended up falling to a dismissal similar to when TC bowled Dilshan. Leaving one outside of off-stump that didn’t bounce as expected and swung in and hit the stumps.
Phillip Hughes continued with his innings in a far more conservative manner while Shaun Marsh got settled at the crease for his debut stand for the Baggy Greens.
After doing all the hard work, Phillip defended one half-heartedly almost looking to glance it to mid-wicket but just edged it onto his pad to be caught by that well used position in the series thus far, the bat-pad at short leg.
Michael Clarke had displayed excellent use of his feet and brilliance with the way he can control his bat angles against the spin, just guiding the ball with soft hands into the gaps. I was gutted when he got out for 13 chasing after one which he edged to Mahela Jayawardene in the slips. His form is there, he just needs to keep at it!
As another frustrating batting collapse began to appear on the horizon, the debutant Marsh and the senior expert at match-saving heroics, Michael Hussey, rebuilt our innings in grand style.
Patience, discipline and bold confidence were on display, especially when looking for the boundaries.
Huss was a champ in holding the fort from his end but also not getting tied down to add pressure on Shaun. It allowed Shaun to keep going along with the strategy that had worked for him and credit to Huss for this approach.
What I was most impressed with was the way Shaun negotiated the seam bowlers.
He was ridiculously patient in leaving many, many deliveries outside of off-stump and was sharp in detecting deliveries he could dispatch. It was cautious but ideal temperament which has been lacking in our line-up for a while. On debut and in the pressurising circumstances, especially after Michael Clarke departed, I was most impressed.
He was shaky at times against the spin bowling but that is never easy. He will only improve.
My most memorable part of his innings was the way he backed himself to go for his half century. Those three boundaries in the 68th over to register his maiden fifty and up the attack to the mid-off region was just a positive sign in so many regards.
Huss brought up his half-century soon after and it was a highly purposeful innings.
Huss had all the shots on display.
Just 13 runs short of Shaun's maiden century, the clouds grew thick and the light began to dissappear.
We’d have to wait for the showdown on Day 3. The run chase was in place, but the intensity would be on for Day 3 to see if Huss and Shaun could reach their milestones and then build the lead.
The epic story is Shaun did reach his maiden century and even surpassed his Father's highest test total. Michael Hussey scored his 14th century and played a commanding innings.
I won't go writing all about it again as I wrote about it during their partnership and as our innins came to a closure.
You can read about all of that right here.
The declaration came early which was a pity as Usman Khawaja charged down the ground to smack a six and really force at a late innings assault alongside Ryan Harris but the weather cut their efforts short.
The weather would remain a burden for the game and ultimately washed away any hope we had of securing a victory our team deserved.
>BOWLING 2nd innings:
Ryan Harris 3-54, Michael Hussey 1-2, Trent Copeland 1-63, Shane Watson 1-43
Ryan Harris was the leader of the pack and has comfortably assumed the role as our senior bowler.
Trent Copeland offered stable support and continued his good start to his International career, while Mitchell Johnson and Shane Watson did what they needed to do.
It is a concern though with MJ arriving up as either the match-winner champ or the wayward slinger. I know many people are concerned but his economy-rate is good. He has been able to maintain some pressure at his end but the wickets aren't coming his way.
I did notice numerous incidents of luck not going his way but Ryan Harris has taken on the role as our main bowler.
All in all we could harp on about the bowlers but ultimately it was the movement he got with the new ball and the way he was still able to steam in, hitting the deck hard and made sure he maintained pressure with the old ball in hand.
The serious concern is Ryano's career is totally dependent on how his body holds up after some really screwed up injuries. He left the field and even though I want the best playing XI out there, if it means he needs to be rested to avoid the risk of losing him for the all important tour to South Africa, I'd rather he rest up and heal.
Nathan Lyon only walked away with two wickets, but he can't be dropped out in place of Michael Beer for the final test. He has to be given more time. We can't be impatient with these guys, they need a fair chance and if the selectors decided to be all insane and select Nathan Lyon, let him stay there a while and atleast prove things for himself!
I think he is learning alot.
I also enjoyed Michael Hussey taking another wickets. Our very late emerging all-rounder!
Bowling figures:
5 overs, 3 maidens, 2 wickets, 2 runs.
The Sri Lankan's batting remarkably better and although our fielding standards took a bit of a dip, we did well but the weather essentially destroyed our chance of victory and I'm quite upset about it, but that is uncontrollable so you extract the positives.
We lost an equivalent of about two and a half sessions of play I think (maybe more) so it was a serious loss of time.
We'd have taken this game in my opinion with more time on our hands but the Lankan's also put up a very good fight.
I thought of Amazing Adelaide, but it wasn't to be.
Cheers up fanatics, these things happen but the scary reality is that we have to win the final test.
Yes a draw will result in a series win but we need a victory before the gruelling summer ahead. It is going to be very demanding and frankly I think the guys can still lift the intensity and performances.
The team isn't quite settled but the general atmosphere is far more positive.
The final test begins on Friday at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.
This picture just says it all! Hard luck Skipper.
© AFP
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
TWITTER
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@Dan_Stapo
Over in Sri Lanka, Shaun Marsh received his Baggy Green Cap from his father, Geoff Marsh.
Baggy Green #333 handing his son his very own cap #422, what a great moment it was to see and it was a sentimental moment of history for the Baggy Greens.
Unfortunately the memories created and the good performances by the boys (and a total over 400 runs at last) weren't enough to beat the rainfall that came down upon Pallekele Stadium.
Too many sessions of play were lost and if we feel this frustrated as supporters, spare a thought for our team who really gave it their best out there to win it.
Special congrats to Shaun Marsh on a wonderful debut I won't forget and to Michael Hussey on another man-of-the-match award.
Can't forget Ryan Harris on another strong performances as the leader of the fast bowling unit.
Scorecard for the match
Result: Match drawn and man-of-the-match was Michael Hussey
>BOWLING: Sri Lanka all-out 174
Ryan Harris 3-38, Trent Copeland 2-24, Nathan Lyon 2-41, Mitchell Johnson 2-48, Michael Hussey 1-0
Sri Lanka elected to bat after winning the toss.
While not as crucial as the 1st test with the toss, they had an advantage but right from the start there was a definite sense of complacency from their batsmen how to go about their game and our bowlers mauled them.
They gave our batsmen another golden chance to stamp authority on the match, dismissing the Lankans for just 174 runs.
With 14 runs on the board, our opening duo of Ryan Harris and Trent Copeland had them at 3/14.
Partnerships are a given even in the bleakest of situations for a batting side, but only Kumar Sangakarra and Angelo Mathews (continuing his good form from last game) offered substantial contributions.
Our bowlers were outstanding yet again in their ability to work collectively from their respective ends, build pressure and get wickets.
This was again made possible by not only consistent bowling and well implemented strategies by Michael Clarke, but also by our impressive fielding standards both in the in-field and out on the boundaries.
Ryan Harris was mighty impressive again. Our strike bowler kept it controlled, produced genuine pace and got his usual movement in the air with a hint of additional swing on offer early on.
Thereafter (having already claimed a top order wicket) he just varied things a little bit, while still steaming in for his 16 overs to earn his deserved 3 wickets.
TC set things up for us with two massive wickets in the Sri Lankan top order. He has the McGrath-like skill to keep hitting his line and length consistently but also has enough movement to keep a batsman concentrating and at times relying on their keen instinct to handle these minor variations. Those two wickets were ideal and that was all we needed from him, while he just built up the pressure from his end from that point.
Loved Michael Hussey’s catch at gully! So impressed with our fielding standards.
Watch out England!
Mitchell Johnson showed up spray mode but managed two wickets for us. I was impressed with his short pitched deliveries though, some of those bouncers were brilliant. I like the duo of Ryano and TC as they can maintain their stamina for lengthier periods than Mitch, but in many ways equally tricky to deal with as a batsman gets a good offering of variation taking them on. This also allows MJ to keep bowling with aggression and when he has a good day (which we know is match defining) they will be brutal, in my opinion.
Let the trio develop!
Nathan Lyon suffered a bit of a beating here and there but that is good!
I want to see him challenged and learn how to counter-attack against batsmen taking him on. It will bring out an aggressive streak in his repertoire. He still managed to get a wicket in his first over, teasing Mahela Jayawardene to take him on again, but just tossed it wider outside of off-stump only to get out caught.
He took another caught and bowled to get his 2nd wicket. He did the job, which is another confidence booster.
I liked the tactic of giving Michael Hussey an over just to give Michael Clarke a chance to regroup with his own game plan, but then on his third ball Huss surprised everyone in dismissing Kumar Sangakarra with a flighted delivery which lured Kumar into the drive and Phillip Hughes took the catch.
Filling the void for Punter’s off-spin bowling?
>BATTING 1st innings: 7/411 declared
Michael Hussey 142, Shaun Marsh 141
Phillip Hughes and Shane Watson set of in an instance to give us all the momentum needed to break down the Sri Lankans body language.
Dealing in boundaries, with very strong off-side stroke play, together they had a partnership of 60 runs by the time bad light and stumps were called to give us the dominance for Day 1.
Watto had 36 runs (6 fours) and Phillip had 23 runs (5 fours).
I was really hoping to see Phillip make the most of his start and just reach his half-century for his confidence given his form has been rock solid outside of the Australian team in recent times.
Day 2 came and unfortunately Watto ended up falling to a dismissal similar to when TC bowled Dilshan. Leaving one outside of off-stump that didn’t bounce as expected and swung in and hit the stumps.
Phillip Hughes continued with his innings in a far more conservative manner while Shaun Marsh got settled at the crease for his debut stand for the Baggy Greens.
After doing all the hard work, Phillip defended one half-heartedly almost looking to glance it to mid-wicket but just edged it onto his pad to be caught by that well used position in the series thus far, the bat-pad at short leg.
Michael Clarke had displayed excellent use of his feet and brilliance with the way he can control his bat angles against the spin, just guiding the ball with soft hands into the gaps. I was gutted when he got out for 13 chasing after one which he edged to Mahela Jayawardene in the slips. His form is there, he just needs to keep at it!
As another frustrating batting collapse began to appear on the horizon, the debutant Marsh and the senior expert at match-saving heroics, Michael Hussey, rebuilt our innings in grand style.
Patience, discipline and bold confidence were on display, especially when looking for the boundaries.
Huss was a champ in holding the fort from his end but also not getting tied down to add pressure on Shaun. It allowed Shaun to keep going along with the strategy that had worked for him and credit to Huss for this approach.
What I was most impressed with was the way Shaun negotiated the seam bowlers.
He was ridiculously patient in leaving many, many deliveries outside of off-stump and was sharp in detecting deliveries he could dispatch. It was cautious but ideal temperament which has been lacking in our line-up for a while. On debut and in the pressurising circumstances, especially after Michael Clarke departed, I was most impressed.
He was shaky at times against the spin bowling but that is never easy. He will only improve.
My most memorable part of his innings was the way he backed himself to go for his half century. Those three boundaries in the 68th over to register his maiden fifty and up the attack to the mid-off region was just a positive sign in so many regards.
Huss brought up his half-century soon after and it was a highly purposeful innings.
Huss had all the shots on display.
Just 13 runs short of Shaun's maiden century, the clouds grew thick and the light began to dissappear.
We’d have to wait for the showdown on Day 3. The run chase was in place, but the intensity would be on for Day 3 to see if Huss and Shaun could reach their milestones and then build the lead.
The epic story is Shaun did reach his maiden century and even surpassed his Father's highest test total. Michael Hussey scored his 14th century and played a commanding innings.
I won't go writing all about it again as I wrote about it during their partnership and as our innins came to a closure.
You can read about all of that right here.
The declaration came early which was a pity as Usman Khawaja charged down the ground to smack a six and really force at a late innings assault alongside Ryan Harris but the weather cut their efforts short.
The weather would remain a burden for the game and ultimately washed away any hope we had of securing a victory our team deserved.
>BOWLING 2nd innings:
Ryan Harris 3-54, Michael Hussey 1-2, Trent Copeland 1-63, Shane Watson 1-43
Ryan Harris was the leader of the pack and has comfortably assumed the role as our senior bowler.
Trent Copeland offered stable support and continued his good start to his International career, while Mitchell Johnson and Shane Watson did what they needed to do.
It is a concern though with MJ arriving up as either the match-winner champ or the wayward slinger. I know many people are concerned but his economy-rate is good. He has been able to maintain some pressure at his end but the wickets aren't coming his way.
I did notice numerous incidents of luck not going his way but Ryan Harris has taken on the role as our main bowler.
All in all we could harp on about the bowlers but ultimately it was the movement he got with the new ball and the way he was still able to steam in, hitting the deck hard and made sure he maintained pressure with the old ball in hand.
The serious concern is Ryano's career is totally dependent on how his body holds up after some really screwed up injuries. He left the field and even though I want the best playing XI out there, if it means he needs to be rested to avoid the risk of losing him for the all important tour to South Africa, I'd rather he rest up and heal.
Nathan Lyon only walked away with two wickets, but he can't be dropped out in place of Michael Beer for the final test. He has to be given more time. We can't be impatient with these guys, they need a fair chance and if the selectors decided to be all insane and select Nathan Lyon, let him stay there a while and atleast prove things for himself!
I think he is learning alot.
I also enjoyed Michael Hussey taking another wickets. Our very late emerging all-rounder!
Bowling figures:
5 overs, 3 maidens, 2 wickets, 2 runs.
The Sri Lankan's batting remarkably better and although our fielding standards took a bit of a dip, we did well but the weather essentially destroyed our chance of victory and I'm quite upset about it, but that is uncontrollable so you extract the positives.
We lost an equivalent of about two and a half sessions of play I think (maybe more) so it was a serious loss of time.
We'd have taken this game in my opinion with more time on our hands but the Lankan's also put up a very good fight.
I thought of Amazing Adelaide, but it wasn't to be.
Cheers up fanatics, these things happen but the scary reality is that we have to win the final test.
Yes a draw will result in a series win but we need a victory before the gruelling summer ahead. It is going to be very demanding and frankly I think the guys can still lift the intensity and performances.
The team isn't quite settled but the general atmosphere is far more positive.
The final test begins on Friday at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.
This picture just says it all! Hard luck Skipper.
© AFP
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@Dan_Stapo
09 September 2011
Father and Son living the dream
What a special moment in Baggy Green history for both the Marsh family and the supporters.
A debutant stepping in for modern day legend and maestro, Ricky Ponting, who receives his Baggy Green (#422) from his Father who represented the team during a transitional phase (Cap #333) and then scores a maiden century upon debut. Epic, just epic!
I honestly believe it must be even more incredible for Geoff Marsh to see his son debut representing the Baggy Green and scoring a classy century, having played cricket himself at the level of profession for the team, knowing the challenges.
Shaun Marsh saw his Dad's career and has in return watched Shaun’s own story emerge.
I am quite sure that he was also living the dream when Shaun reached his century. Very special.
Shaun was informed in advance he’d be making his debut with Punter heading back home for personal reasons. Then Geoff was in Sri Lanka to ensure he witnessed his son’s debut for the side he represented during a relatively similar phase of transition for Australian cricket.
Come the morning of the second test it was one of the most sentimental moments you will ever see. Geoff Marsh handed Shaun his very own Baggy Green cap.
"It was a little bit emotional. I think a few of the boys were holding back tears," Australian captain Michael Clarke said.
"Shaun is just pretty excited to get his cap to be honest but it was great of Geoff to come down and present Shaun his cap. I think Shaun really appreciated it and all the boys were excited."
Read more:
Shaun has had a mixed reception to his First-class stats, but his case is similar to that of Callum Ferguson. When they represent the side at the elite level (limited overs cricket) they give it their best and do deliver the performances.
Shaun has tasted the intensity of International cricket, but this is a whole other league. Fact is he has been in the State system for a while, has experience and has a story to tell, which is what getting this cap should be all about.
So while I strongly back a player with the experience and challenges learnt from First-class cricket to be in the running for spots at the elite level, I do think some players just have that ability to thrive under pressure and an opportunity is deserved through the potential they have, but the timing is crucial!
Ferguson and Marsh are young men but they have served at State level for some time and have performed. This was Shaun’s properly deserved opportunity and how well did he do?
He had also scored a very well played 70 in the ODI series.
Without getting into his innings too much (saving that my usual roundup essay) Shaun displayed what I haven’t seen in a while in our test batting.
Discipline to watch the good ball, let it go by if not worth chasing or defending solidly if needs be.
So many guys rush things as we saw in the 2010/11 Ashes series. Shaun was in no rush and you've seen why it is so important to try build an innings cautiously, which is somthing Simon Katich did so well for us.
He was patient in building his innings and waiting for the loose ball and dispatched it with an ever-growing confidence as his first innings took shape.
He was under pressure with immediate responsibility when Michael Clarke was dismissed and he handled it so damn well.
Michael Hussey on the other hand was a champ and his ability to remain versatile at the crease ensured he held the fort at his end and gave us some momentum, so Shaun probably didn’t feel tied down at his end. It allowed Shaun to play as naturally as possible and who better to have at the crease? A fellow Western Warriors representative who is also a senior player and has a great story of his own, the Huss. Well done Huss, you prove your worth again and again.
His 14th century came which was deserved after his initial 95 in the 1st test. He was eventually dismissed for 142 and did an outstanding job.
The two boundaries Shaun dispatched to the off-side for his fifty was a highlight for me of the innings and even by the milestone he backed himself to free himself. Psychological warfare.
The build-up to his century came quickly, while Huss then slowed down from his end to anchor himself with his desired game plan with Shaun well underway.
The great moment arrived though with Shaun scoring a century, sweeping it away and he charged for two runs with sheer delight raising his bat to all at the ground!
He has struck 17 fours in his innings and is on 135* as I write this.
We had Nathan Lyon claim a 5-for last game on debut in his first bowling innings, we had Punter walk away having been involved in 100 test wins and now we have Shaun Marsh score a maiden century on debut.
That’s all for now and Shaun, go on you good thing!
Day 2 belonged to the Baggy Green. The lead stands at 210 runs.
The concern will be the light for the remainder of the test.
What a moment. Shaun receives his Baggy Green from his father, Geoff.
Picture: Stuart Down
Shaun celebrates his maiden century.
© AFP
Huss and Shaun Marsh developed a match redeeming partnership.
© Associated Press
Huss celebrates his 14th century, after missing it in the 1st test.
© AFP
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
TWITTER
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@Dan_Stapo
A debutant stepping in for modern day legend and maestro, Ricky Ponting, who receives his Baggy Green (#422) from his Father who represented the team during a transitional phase (Cap #333) and then scores a maiden century upon debut. Epic, just epic!
I honestly believe it must be even more incredible for Geoff Marsh to see his son debut representing the Baggy Green and scoring a classy century, having played cricket himself at the level of profession for the team, knowing the challenges.
Shaun Marsh saw his Dad's career and has in return watched Shaun’s own story emerge.
I am quite sure that he was also living the dream when Shaun reached his century. Very special.
Shaun was informed in advance he’d be making his debut with Punter heading back home for personal reasons. Then Geoff was in Sri Lanka to ensure he witnessed his son’s debut for the side he represented during a relatively similar phase of transition for Australian cricket.
Come the morning of the second test it was one of the most sentimental moments you will ever see. Geoff Marsh handed Shaun his very own Baggy Green cap.
"It was a little bit emotional. I think a few of the boys were holding back tears," Australian captain Michael Clarke said.
"Shaun is just pretty excited to get his cap to be honest but it was great of Geoff to come down and present Shaun his cap. I think Shaun really appreciated it and all the boys were excited."
Read more:
Shaun has had a mixed reception to his First-class stats, but his case is similar to that of Callum Ferguson. When they represent the side at the elite level (limited overs cricket) they give it their best and do deliver the performances.
Shaun has tasted the intensity of International cricket, but this is a whole other league. Fact is he has been in the State system for a while, has experience and has a story to tell, which is what getting this cap should be all about.
So while I strongly back a player with the experience and challenges learnt from First-class cricket to be in the running for spots at the elite level, I do think some players just have that ability to thrive under pressure and an opportunity is deserved through the potential they have, but the timing is crucial!
Ferguson and Marsh are young men but they have served at State level for some time and have performed. This was Shaun’s properly deserved opportunity and how well did he do?
He had also scored a very well played 70 in the ODI series.
Without getting into his innings too much (saving that my usual roundup essay) Shaun displayed what I haven’t seen in a while in our test batting.
Discipline to watch the good ball, let it go by if not worth chasing or defending solidly if needs be.
So many guys rush things as we saw in the 2010/11 Ashes series. Shaun was in no rush and you've seen why it is so important to try build an innings cautiously, which is somthing Simon Katich did so well for us.
He was patient in building his innings and waiting for the loose ball and dispatched it with an ever-growing confidence as his first innings took shape.
He was under pressure with immediate responsibility when Michael Clarke was dismissed and he handled it so damn well.
Michael Hussey on the other hand was a champ and his ability to remain versatile at the crease ensured he held the fort at his end and gave us some momentum, so Shaun probably didn’t feel tied down at his end. It allowed Shaun to play as naturally as possible and who better to have at the crease? A fellow Western Warriors representative who is also a senior player and has a great story of his own, the Huss. Well done Huss, you prove your worth again and again.
His 14th century came which was deserved after his initial 95 in the 1st test. He was eventually dismissed for 142 and did an outstanding job.
The two boundaries Shaun dispatched to the off-side for his fifty was a highlight for me of the innings and even by the milestone he backed himself to free himself. Psychological warfare.
The build-up to his century came quickly, while Huss then slowed down from his end to anchor himself with his desired game plan with Shaun well underway.
The great moment arrived though with Shaun scoring a century, sweeping it away and he charged for two runs with sheer delight raising his bat to all at the ground!
He has struck 17 fours in his innings and is on 135* as I write this.
We had Nathan Lyon claim a 5-for last game on debut in his first bowling innings, we had Punter walk away having been involved in 100 test wins and now we have Shaun Marsh score a maiden century on debut.
That’s all for now and Shaun, go on you good thing!
Day 2 belonged to the Baggy Green. The lead stands at 210 runs.
The concern will be the light for the remainder of the test.
What a moment. Shaun receives his Baggy Green from his father, Geoff.
Picture: Stuart Down
Shaun celebrates his maiden century.
© AFP
Huss and Shaun Marsh developed a match redeeming partnership.
© Associated Press
Huss celebrates his 14th century, after missing it in the 1st test.
© AFP
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@Dan_Stapo
06 September 2011
Imagine you’re in Nathan Lyon’s position
*The 2nd test begins on 8 September. Some news is that Ricky Ponting has flown back home to be with his wife for the birth of their second child.
As a result Shaun Marsh is set to debut as Baggy Green cap number 422, while David Warner has been sent over on standby following his brilliant tour to Zimbabwe for Australia A.
There’s been a bit of hype after Nathan Lyon’s debut performance (5-34) in the 1st Test against Sri Lanka, where he played a key role in the 125 run victory.
Fortunately there hasn’t been too much hype as the victory was one of a team effort with other players having their own individual stand out performances.
However, the hype can easily be pinpointed to the fact that Nathan was selected under uneasy circumstances and is, after all, just another addition to the long list of spinners or trialled spinner’s post-Warne.
I didn’t intend on writing an article like this, but the more I thought about it, the words came out.
Every supporter should be really pleased with Nathan’s performances and proud of him as well.
Yes, the conditions played a major role in his 5fer, but conditions will always have a direct or indirect effect on a bowlers output. You try to exploit the conditions with your skill set and then align this to the strategies and tactics both yourself and your Skipper decide upon.
You still have to follow through and get the results.
For this reason you can’t just say that conditions are the only factor behind his wickets. It was very much an execution of his very own bowling attributes and having the self-confidence within himself (and the support of his teammates) to deliver such a performance.
When it comes off, it is easy to sing a player’s praises. But you also have to look at the flipside to this, which in doing so I don’t intend to sound negative.
Nathan Lyon shouldn’t have been on this tour. I mentioned this in the build up to the series and I mentioned in the wrap-up article for the 1st test. He shouldn’t have been selected.
His First-class record doesn’t exactly set him in a higher standard than the previous spin bowlers, his time with the South Australian Redbacks is limited and has predominantly been in limited overs games. Word is that he had to graft hard to maintain his energy out there, which understandable as 4 or 5 day cricket is very demanding physically.
Nathan’s selection also came about as a result of his brilliant output in Zimbabwe for Australia A in the limited overs series. He deserved a call-up, but not to the test side. No, it should have been to our limited overs side to work alongside Xavier Doherty.
That makes sense right? You perform in a specific format then surely you get selected for that format?
Andrew Hilditch (ex-Chairman of Selectors) and his cronies were smoking their socks with the pre-mature naming of Lyon well before he’d given any substantial backing he was ready. Heck, even he would have been shocked at the call-up.
Given the above mentioned circumstances I don’t give credit to the selectors.
No, I give credit to Nathan and our senior players in the side for supporting him and making the most of his opportunity in a side where strange things have happened. Surely he had to have been asking himself a lot of questions about his game and how he could back himself.
Instead of having the feeling as “just another Australian spinner”, he seemed to embrace an attitude that was very evident in his body language that “he was Australia’s spinner” for the 1st test.
Think about it like this in terms of pressure to perform under murky circumstances if you were in Nathan’s position.
You move over from New South Wales and wind up as a grounds staff member at the Adelaide Oval.
You join in a few practices with the Redbacks. You get noticed (by Darren Berry) as a bloke with some potential and get given the opportunity to show up for the side in a really surprising call-up. You get out there, have some fun and find yourself as a key member of the Redbacks’ 2010/11 KFC Big Bash title.
You are becoming a streamlined player and then just as this sets in you get called up to represent Australia A in Zimbabwe for the limited overs series. Sensational!
You pack your stuff and head over to Africa. Not only is it a learning experience in different conditions but you end delivering yet again with the ball. Your performances are mighty impressive and you are a serious contributor to the series victory.
You are on cloud nine and then the most surreal thing happens to elevate your feeling…you get selected for the test team. Not the limited overs team to represent the Green and Gold (which you were eyeing), no, you get selected for the Baggy Greens!
Suddenly you’re emotions are in a swarm and you are trying to make sense of it all.
The excitement grows and after putting in the practice to get as ready as you’ll ever be for this chance, you board a plane to Sri Lanka.
There is a good chance it will suddenly dawn on you there may be a moment where you realise you are just another State spinner called up out of the blue to be another spin bowler in Australia’s embarrassing line of trialled and failed spin bowlers.
The fear kicks in that your Baggy Green cap may be just another one with a number on it, just thrown into the dumps if you fail to impress in any way.
The value of the cap has changed from one where you worked like a dog at State level to get your chance, but you are here because of a moment of madness from a delusional selection panel.
But you have to believe that when you get out there, you are the guy to make it happen, you are the one to justify the opportunity.
A positive is that Sri Lanka is a good hunting ground for a spin bowler.
You have to prove one thing and that is why you belong with the Baggy Green for more than one series.
Think of the list post-Warne (excluding Brad Hogg and Stu MacGill).
Dan Cullen:
A young man trialled during the Warne era, but doesn’t even show up on the radar anymore.
Beau Casson:
Wasn’t all that bad in the Windies but clearly wasn’t ready for future opportunities for the selectors. Now he seems to be vanishing from the State scene.
Cameron White:
Daftly desperate selection motives placed him in an awkward position to deliver as the leg spinner to take down India in India.
Nathan Hauritz:
Treated like trash and was finally a guy the public started to connect with.
Jason Krejza:
Dropped after a WACA test on a flat track as Australia lose to South Africa in a record run-chase. Jason heads back to State cricket. When he tried to fight back alongside Michael Beer in Zimbabwe for AusA, Hilditch declared he hadn’t done enough. Nevermind Michael Beer didn’t do a hell of a lot better.
Bryce McGain:
Ended up deserving his call-up but on the tour to South Africa, Simon Katich handled matters pretty well with spin duties. When Bryce debuts at Newlands he gets slaughtered. A brutal debut and it was just so sad to see the outcome of.
Xavier Doherty:
A definite candidate as a limited overs option but after Nathan Hauritz was once again cast aside by selectors he was given his debut in the Ashes. We all knew what would happen.
Michael Beer:
In my opinion he was selected because Shane Warne waxed lyrical about selecting him for reasons the selectors were desperate enough to buy. We all knew what would happen.
Steven Smith:
While Stevo is an emerging all-rounder, he was tossed into the team far too soon and unrealistic expectations were placed upon him for spin duties. Keeping him in the side was only going to damage his confidence further and the supporters will also start to question the motive. He was tested as a leg-spin prospect.
Looking at the list what do you have that is so different to these guys?
You are a member of a Squad fresh after the announced disbandment of the National Selection Panel. You are a member of a team of blokes desperate to keep their places in the Squad and desperate to win no matter what. They need you to perform and want you to perform.
You have a competitor (Michael Beer) waiting on the side lines so you want to perform as best as possible and believe you belong in this team.
Match day comes and receive your cap. The feeling is unbeatable but when you take the field, as your opportunity gets closer to bowl your first over, the nerves race through your system.
When your job arrives and when you come into bowl everything just works as you pitch one that spins away away from Kumar Sangkarra outside of off-stump, he chases it and edges it to Michael Clarke who takes an epic catch.
You take a wicket with your first ball and your emotions are ablaze, your greatest moment is upon you and you have achieved history with that delivery. You feel ambitious and you want more. You walk to the outfield grinning. You feel like this is an ideal start and the day ends with you taking a freeze-frame dive for a caught and bowled which will result in a 5 wicket haul on debut.
What a moment, what a realisation this isn’t a dream but a reality as Baggy Green number 421.
What Nathan Lyon probably realised from here is that an impact in the 2nd innings was needed as well. A bit of batting helped his confidence and after toiling hard and gaining a lot of experience, he still stood wicketless. Fittingly he got the final wicket of the test and had 6 for the match.
Not like Krejza’s 12 in India, but far more economical and memorable under the circumstances most would say but less hype around it.
However, all this has done is ensured you have one more chance this series.
The tag of “just another Australian spinner” is still attached and you want to rip it off for the good of the future.
I think that pressure is hard to handle, especially playing for Australia and representing the Baggy Greens. A failed debut can result in an embarrassing, hurtful and bland end to a career short lived, as some of the post-Warne spinners have experienced.
It is not fair and the selectors have been responsible for messing with a number of player’s confidence, which also devalues the worth of cricketers striving for brilliance, only to be left as mediocre guinea pigs to be the next best thing since Shane Warne.
It’s unfair and I spare a thought for any guy who comes into our team as a selected spin bowler.
That’s why I try and show them as much support as possible, but I won’t ever shy away from the facts that we see as the general public.
So that is what I reckon it would be like if you put yourself into Nathan Lyon’s situation and the mind games that must go on not only trying to justify your selection but also facing that fear of being just another number on a list of Baggy Green representatives.
How can I know how he feels? I don’t but I try to understand the pressure these guys are under.
I want Nathan to perform well, I want him to get wickets and I want to support him.
I just hope that even if he has some pitfalls and struggles along the way he won’t be just another Baggy Green in the scrapyard.
Patience has to be shown with our spin bowlers. Look at the way Nathan Hauritz definitely improved drastically during his time when given the full-time role. Even then he was tossed aside with impatience. Patience is crucial and this will come only from the newly elected panel, where the Skipper has some influence as well.
I hope he can make a story of his own as I want each and every one of our players to, but on the basis they earn their places and that they will have the full support of all concerned.
The Baggy Green team needs our support and as a new selection panel emerges this team can find some grounding. The supporters will connect with the players if consistent policies are implemented and the performances have to return.
The standard in the 1st test was inspiring to see even though the wicket made it very tough for all batsmen on day 1 to 3.
With two tests to go and a mighty intense season ahead, let’s hope the support will be enough to carry the guys forward.
As for Nathan Lyon, well done mate on a very good debut alongside Trent Copeland!
Here’s a recent statement from Brad Haddin regarding Nathan (source Daniel Brettig at Cricinfo.com):
"We can't expect all these spinners to come in and be world-beaters. We've just got to make sure we're clear in what we expect from them and what he expects from himself.
"He's only five games into a first class career but [from] what we've seen, he has got good shape on the ball. He is a work in progress so he's only going to get better and better as time goes on. We all know we've got to be patient with the spinners and give them an opportunity to develop."
The Squad for the 2nd Test:
Shane Watson,
Phil Hughes,
Shaun Marsh (to debut),
Michael Clarke (Captain),
Michael Hussey,
Usman Khawaja,
Brad Haddin,
Mitchell Johnson,
Ryan Harris,
Trent Copeland,
Nathan Lyon.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
TWITTER
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@Dan_Stapo
As a result Shaun Marsh is set to debut as Baggy Green cap number 422, while David Warner has been sent over on standby following his brilliant tour to Zimbabwe for Australia A.
There’s been a bit of hype after Nathan Lyon’s debut performance (5-34) in the 1st Test against Sri Lanka, where he played a key role in the 125 run victory.
Fortunately there hasn’t been too much hype as the victory was one of a team effort with other players having their own individual stand out performances.
However, the hype can easily be pinpointed to the fact that Nathan was selected under uneasy circumstances and is, after all, just another addition to the long list of spinners or trialled spinner’s post-Warne.
I didn’t intend on writing an article like this, but the more I thought about it, the words came out.
Every supporter should be really pleased with Nathan’s performances and proud of him as well.
Yes, the conditions played a major role in his 5fer, but conditions will always have a direct or indirect effect on a bowlers output. You try to exploit the conditions with your skill set and then align this to the strategies and tactics both yourself and your Skipper decide upon.
You still have to follow through and get the results.
For this reason you can’t just say that conditions are the only factor behind his wickets. It was very much an execution of his very own bowling attributes and having the self-confidence within himself (and the support of his teammates) to deliver such a performance.
When it comes off, it is easy to sing a player’s praises. But you also have to look at the flipside to this, which in doing so I don’t intend to sound negative.
Nathan Lyon shouldn’t have been on this tour. I mentioned this in the build up to the series and I mentioned in the wrap-up article for the 1st test. He shouldn’t have been selected.
His First-class record doesn’t exactly set him in a higher standard than the previous spin bowlers, his time with the South Australian Redbacks is limited and has predominantly been in limited overs games. Word is that he had to graft hard to maintain his energy out there, which understandable as 4 or 5 day cricket is very demanding physically.
Nathan’s selection also came about as a result of his brilliant output in Zimbabwe for Australia A in the limited overs series. He deserved a call-up, but not to the test side. No, it should have been to our limited overs side to work alongside Xavier Doherty.
That makes sense right? You perform in a specific format then surely you get selected for that format?
Andrew Hilditch (ex-Chairman of Selectors) and his cronies were smoking their socks with the pre-mature naming of Lyon well before he’d given any substantial backing he was ready. Heck, even he would have been shocked at the call-up.
Given the above mentioned circumstances I don’t give credit to the selectors.
No, I give credit to Nathan and our senior players in the side for supporting him and making the most of his opportunity in a side where strange things have happened. Surely he had to have been asking himself a lot of questions about his game and how he could back himself.
Instead of having the feeling as “just another Australian spinner”, he seemed to embrace an attitude that was very evident in his body language that “he was Australia’s spinner” for the 1st test.
Think about it like this in terms of pressure to perform under murky circumstances if you were in Nathan’s position.
You move over from New South Wales and wind up as a grounds staff member at the Adelaide Oval.
You join in a few practices with the Redbacks. You get noticed (by Darren Berry) as a bloke with some potential and get given the opportunity to show up for the side in a really surprising call-up. You get out there, have some fun and find yourself as a key member of the Redbacks’ 2010/11 KFC Big Bash title.
You are becoming a streamlined player and then just as this sets in you get called up to represent Australia A in Zimbabwe for the limited overs series. Sensational!
You pack your stuff and head over to Africa. Not only is it a learning experience in different conditions but you end delivering yet again with the ball. Your performances are mighty impressive and you are a serious contributor to the series victory.
You are on cloud nine and then the most surreal thing happens to elevate your feeling…you get selected for the test team. Not the limited overs team to represent the Green and Gold (which you were eyeing), no, you get selected for the Baggy Greens!
Suddenly you’re emotions are in a swarm and you are trying to make sense of it all.
The excitement grows and after putting in the practice to get as ready as you’ll ever be for this chance, you board a plane to Sri Lanka.
There is a good chance it will suddenly dawn on you there may be a moment where you realise you are just another State spinner called up out of the blue to be another spin bowler in Australia’s embarrassing line of trialled and failed spin bowlers.
The fear kicks in that your Baggy Green cap may be just another one with a number on it, just thrown into the dumps if you fail to impress in any way.
The value of the cap has changed from one where you worked like a dog at State level to get your chance, but you are here because of a moment of madness from a delusional selection panel.
But you have to believe that when you get out there, you are the guy to make it happen, you are the one to justify the opportunity.
A positive is that Sri Lanka is a good hunting ground for a spin bowler.
You have to prove one thing and that is why you belong with the Baggy Green for more than one series.
Think of the list post-Warne (excluding Brad Hogg and Stu MacGill).
Dan Cullen:
A young man trialled during the Warne era, but doesn’t even show up on the radar anymore.
Beau Casson:
Wasn’t all that bad in the Windies but clearly wasn’t ready for future opportunities for the selectors. Now he seems to be vanishing from the State scene.
Cameron White:
Daftly desperate selection motives placed him in an awkward position to deliver as the leg spinner to take down India in India.
Nathan Hauritz:
Treated like trash and was finally a guy the public started to connect with.
Jason Krejza:
Dropped after a WACA test on a flat track as Australia lose to South Africa in a record run-chase. Jason heads back to State cricket. When he tried to fight back alongside Michael Beer in Zimbabwe for AusA, Hilditch declared he hadn’t done enough. Nevermind Michael Beer didn’t do a hell of a lot better.
Bryce McGain:
Ended up deserving his call-up but on the tour to South Africa, Simon Katich handled matters pretty well with spin duties. When Bryce debuts at Newlands he gets slaughtered. A brutal debut and it was just so sad to see the outcome of.
Xavier Doherty:
A definite candidate as a limited overs option but after Nathan Hauritz was once again cast aside by selectors he was given his debut in the Ashes. We all knew what would happen.
Michael Beer:
In my opinion he was selected because Shane Warne waxed lyrical about selecting him for reasons the selectors were desperate enough to buy. We all knew what would happen.
Steven Smith:
While Stevo is an emerging all-rounder, he was tossed into the team far too soon and unrealistic expectations were placed upon him for spin duties. Keeping him in the side was only going to damage his confidence further and the supporters will also start to question the motive. He was tested as a leg-spin prospect.
Looking at the list what do you have that is so different to these guys?
You are a member of a Squad fresh after the announced disbandment of the National Selection Panel. You are a member of a team of blokes desperate to keep their places in the Squad and desperate to win no matter what. They need you to perform and want you to perform.
You have a competitor (Michael Beer) waiting on the side lines so you want to perform as best as possible and believe you belong in this team.
Match day comes and receive your cap. The feeling is unbeatable but when you take the field, as your opportunity gets closer to bowl your first over, the nerves race through your system.
When your job arrives and when you come into bowl everything just works as you pitch one that spins away away from Kumar Sangkarra outside of off-stump, he chases it and edges it to Michael Clarke who takes an epic catch.
You take a wicket with your first ball and your emotions are ablaze, your greatest moment is upon you and you have achieved history with that delivery. You feel ambitious and you want more. You walk to the outfield grinning. You feel like this is an ideal start and the day ends with you taking a freeze-frame dive for a caught and bowled which will result in a 5 wicket haul on debut.
What a moment, what a realisation this isn’t a dream but a reality as Baggy Green number 421.
What Nathan Lyon probably realised from here is that an impact in the 2nd innings was needed as well. A bit of batting helped his confidence and after toiling hard and gaining a lot of experience, he still stood wicketless. Fittingly he got the final wicket of the test and had 6 for the match.
Not like Krejza’s 12 in India, but far more economical and memorable under the circumstances most would say but less hype around it.
However, all this has done is ensured you have one more chance this series.
The tag of “just another Australian spinner” is still attached and you want to rip it off for the good of the future.
I think that pressure is hard to handle, especially playing for Australia and representing the Baggy Greens. A failed debut can result in an embarrassing, hurtful and bland end to a career short lived, as some of the post-Warne spinners have experienced.
It is not fair and the selectors have been responsible for messing with a number of player’s confidence, which also devalues the worth of cricketers striving for brilliance, only to be left as mediocre guinea pigs to be the next best thing since Shane Warne.
It’s unfair and I spare a thought for any guy who comes into our team as a selected spin bowler.
That’s why I try and show them as much support as possible, but I won’t ever shy away from the facts that we see as the general public.
So that is what I reckon it would be like if you put yourself into Nathan Lyon’s situation and the mind games that must go on not only trying to justify your selection but also facing that fear of being just another number on a list of Baggy Green representatives.
How can I know how he feels? I don’t but I try to understand the pressure these guys are under.
I want Nathan to perform well, I want him to get wickets and I want to support him.
I just hope that even if he has some pitfalls and struggles along the way he won’t be just another Baggy Green in the scrapyard.
Patience has to be shown with our spin bowlers. Look at the way Nathan Hauritz definitely improved drastically during his time when given the full-time role. Even then he was tossed aside with impatience. Patience is crucial and this will come only from the newly elected panel, where the Skipper has some influence as well.
I hope he can make a story of his own as I want each and every one of our players to, but on the basis they earn their places and that they will have the full support of all concerned.
The Baggy Green team needs our support and as a new selection panel emerges this team can find some grounding. The supporters will connect with the players if consistent policies are implemented and the performances have to return.
The standard in the 1st test was inspiring to see even though the wicket made it very tough for all batsmen on day 1 to 3.
With two tests to go and a mighty intense season ahead, let’s hope the support will be enough to carry the guys forward.
As for Nathan Lyon, well done mate on a very good debut alongside Trent Copeland!
Here’s a recent statement from Brad Haddin regarding Nathan (source Daniel Brettig at Cricinfo.com):
"We can't expect all these spinners to come in and be world-beaters. We've just got to make sure we're clear in what we expect from them and what he expects from himself.
"He's only five games into a first class career but [from] what we've seen, he has got good shape on the ball. He is a work in progress so he's only going to get better and better as time goes on. We all know we've got to be patient with the spinners and give them an opportunity to develop."
The Squad for the 2nd Test:
Shane Watson,
Phil Hughes,
Shaun Marsh (to debut),
Michael Clarke (Captain),
Michael Hussey,
Usman Khawaja,
Brad Haddin,
Mitchell Johnson,
Ryan Harris,
Trent Copeland,
Nathan Lyon.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
To comment on this article, click on the 'Comments' tag at the end of the article.
@BaggyGreenBlog
@Ianbaggygreen
@Dan_Stapo
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