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Australia will play South Africa A in a warm-up game tomorrow at Potchefstroom, where our boys were based in the 2003 World Cup.
South Africa A boast a reasonable side that they’ve mashed together and while it was only a few months ago our Australian A team beat them in a Triangular limited overs series, this is a different ball game. It should provide some good contest for our boys to sharpen their skills and for the ideal starting XI to be finalised before the 1st Test at Newlands.
Here’s a very brief look at our 15 man Test Squad with some Statistics for you to either freshen your memory or get a glimpse into what some of our players have achieved against the Proteas.
Newland’s was always a good hunting ground for our guys, but the 2009 Test match didn’t pan out so well where we were dismissed on Day 1 and our bowlers toiled hard, including Bryce McGain who had a very bleak debut which was so unfortunate.
The big achievement was Mitchell Johnson’s maiden test century.
Since the post-apartheid return of The Proteas to International cricket, they have never beaten Australia in a home test series, so even though it is a short two match series, they will be eager for some history of their own.
This is also a momentum drive after our first series victory against them in limited overs for quite a few years. The momentum is with us and I am confident about our test side.
If we can salvage a victory it would round off an extremely successful Tour for Michael Clarke’s side.
Seeing as most of these guys will be present throughout the summer, if you’re a bit unsure of the Squad, grab a drink, sit back and have a read through the Baggy Green Blog’s write-up on our Test Squad.
Phillip Hughes:
A young, confident and exciting player was handed his opportunity to represent the Baggy Greens following a prolific start to his First-class career. On debut, his fourth ball was a short and fast which he took a wild swipe at only to edge it behind. Dale Steyn was the bowler and Phillip Hughes received a big welcome to International cricket.
Come the Durban Test, following a scratchy half-century in his 2nd innings for the 1st Test, he scored his maiden century slapping two sixes against Paul Harris to deep mid-wicket in a 184 run partnership with Simon Katich.
It was a sensational moment and when he became the youngest player for Australia to score two centuries in an innings it was special.
What would follow were gruelling challenges and pitfalls for a young sportsman but after reaching some form towards the end of last season following the dreaded Ashes loss, Phillip came back around, notably with Australia A.
The experts got off his back, the media were shoved aside and he went back to the basics not just with technique but his mind set.
His style is unorthodox, his temperament is massively based on instinct and he’s an ambitious young man who has awesome self-belief. His century in Sri Lanka was a way for him to come back around, but now the next hurdle lies ahead.
It is the return to where it all began two years ago and against a similar bowling attack, he can get ready for a challenge the Proteas spearhead Dale Steyn has already brought too attention.
We all want a specialist opener to become cemented.
Stats versus South Africa in South Africa:
3 matches/ 415 runs/ HS 160/ Average 69.16/ 2 centuries
Shane Watson:
In a recent poll the general idea seems to be in view with what the consensus seems to be on the outside, that most want Shane Watson nestled in the middle order so he can take on bowling duties to limit his injury burdens while also easing the batting pressures.
With Shaun Marsh and Usman Khawaja in the waiting lines, it could make sense and there has been some talk about such a move.
In any case, no matter where he bats or what his duty is, the story of Watto is inspiring.
Furthermore I am convinced he has found his natural game, which Steve Waugh so often noted during his journey as a professional cricketer.
All he needs is the usual sniff of luck and he rarely needs a second chance to have a go at something playable. If Shane Watson gets in, we all know what damage he can cause.
The only frustration we have seen with his Test game has been the nervous nineties and the usual starts he gets but then struggles to go on and post a big score.
I am excited to see where he is placed in the batting order, but either way we all know how valuable he will be this series.
One thing to factor in is Watto has never played Test cricket against this bowling attack but he knows their batsmen well enough from ODI encounters.
Ricky Ponting:
Punter averaged 35.00 against the Proteas last time with two half-centuries.
It has been tough for our maestro since, and although he has looked in very good touch recently he hasn’t had luck go his way and, in all honesty, you’d have to say he’s gifting away his wicket quite a bit.
A serious hunger to launch straight drives early in his innings has eased off as patience has somewhat returned to his game as obviously the more aggressive Punter is a few years behind him now. A Ricky Ponting that just plays with fluency, trusts his instincts while playing with caution is still dangerous.
I have been very pleased with Michael Clarke’s public support shown for Punter, however we need our maestro to deliver as it is no longer a point of discussion that if he’s in this side without the Captaincy duties, he is there to punish the opposition with runs. I really, really hope this will happen.
The stats against South Africa tell a story, don’t rule him out!
Stats versus South Africa in South Africa:
9 matches/ 867 runs/ HS 116/ Average 54.18/ 3 centuries
Stats versus South Africa:
21 matches/ 2030 runs/ HS 143*/ Average 56.38/ 8 centuries
Michael Hussey:
Last tour Huss was in a dark place and during the Newlands Test a verbal encounter between Dale Steyn and Huss was the first time I saw the man lose his cool. It was hard to see him struggle.
Fortunately during those tough times, Huss’ ODI career stayed strong and his game remained intact. It took some serious lows but fast forward two years later and Huss is back in form for what may be his final Test tour to South Africa, possibly.
He’s a cricketing freak and he’s had success against South Africa but it’s definitely been an opposition that’s really given him a greater challenge.
He seems to be in a good place at the moment and he just continues to work like a dog to be the best of the best.
We boast some epic cricketers and an order with Watto, Punter and Michael Clarke is daunting if you throw in Michael Hussey as well.
The lonesome century was that exciting partnership between Huss and Glenn McGrath, so to see one or two more added would be just grand. One game at a time though in Huss’ books.
Stats versus South Africa in South Africa:
6 matches/ 389 runs/ HS 89/ Average 38.90
Stats versus South Africa:
12 matches/ 753 runs/ HS 122/ Average 37.65/ 1 century
Michael Clarke:
Michael’s started to turn things around again after a very bleak summer.
Sri Lanka was a good challenge for him in all facets of his game and even though he was gutted we didn’t win the ODI series 3-0, it was a series win and the focus is now on the toughest form of the game. This is Michael’s second Test series as Skipper and the awesomeness of the potential success will be hot on his mind.
Against South Africa I find his battles have been similar to Huss, especially outside of Australia.
He’s had the odd struggle against their seam bowlers with the ball swinging about but maybe seeing him back in his number 5 spot could put him in a zone of more comfort, even though our guys like to get out of their comfort zones.
Not only will he have to balance his own game and Captaincy, but he will be fixated on playing beyond the average of 28.20 in South Africa. I am sure he can deliver the goods before the summer and if he is lower down the order, chances are he will come in against the spin and medium pace bowler which will be an easier starting block for him.
Stats versus South Africa in South Africa:
3 matches/ 141 runs/ HS 68/ Average 28.20
Stats versus South Africa:
6 matches/ 524 runs/ HS 138/ Average 52.40/ 1 century
Usman Khawaja:
Shaun Marsh will have the edge over Usman with both experience and recent performances. Usman’s time will come but his warm-up against South Africa A will be a start.
His current form is relatively consistent with his NSW performances, but he’s unlikely in place for the starting XI.
Nevertheless, should the opportunity arise in either of the tests with his shadow duties falling away, he has the goods, has the confidence and it would be his biggest challenge to meet head on.
Shaun Marsh:
What a start to his career. He has represented the Baggy Green with the impression he has always belonged.
Throughout the Test series in Sri Lanka Shaun was ridiculously patient, emphasising his leaves against anything tempting outside of off-stump. He was sharp with leg side placement and when he put the bad balls away, damn did his shot selection looks like golden class!
Every player in this side will feel the heat this series and each guy will need to draw on their skill sets, playing closely to that. I don’t see Shaun having any issues with his own game but maybe just a bit of inexperience against this bowling unit may come into play.
Brad Haddin:
Hads, Hads, Hads, where to begin?
Brad was cast into primary Keeper duties well into the maturity phase of his career and with our upcoming Keepers into their mid-twenties, you probably can’t imagine them being kept too long in the State scene to get them into full time Keeper duties before their thirties.
Brad has drawn a fair bit of criticism with his Keeping and tendency to throw away his wicket rather than making the opposition actually work to remove him.
If I understand correctly, Tom Moody did state he has been told to focus on his Keeping but his abilities with the bat can never been ruled out. He’s one of the best in the game with classy shot execution but after all, he’s in the team as a Keeper first.
A Keeper is a thankless job and when you screw up, boy do you know it!
The tough thing is this is the reality and against good sides your job is highlighted.
We need Brad at his best and who knows? Maybe if Tim Paine hasn’t broken his finger he could have very well been over with this Squad.
His performances against South Africa have been good.
Stats versus South Africa in South Africa:
3 matches/ 165 runs/ HS 63/ Average 33.00/ 8 catches
Stats versus South Africa:
6 matches/ 393 runs/ HS 94/ Average 39.30/ 21 catches/ 1 stumping
Mitchell Johnson:
Ah ha, Mitchy!
You have to like MJ, he’s so damn good but at the same time he frustrates us so much as well.
Inconsistency has been his own worst enemy with a serious dependency on one or two good performances needed for an abnormal boost in match performing self-confidence.
But against South Africa, there’s a special X factor that comes out.
Prior to the final ODI I wrote about the love affair Mitch has with Kingsmead and how it brings out the best in him. What a game he had and to see Mitch smiling with confidence and bowling brutally was epic. Newlands and Jo’burg are equally special for him with both bat and ball.
In South Africa he has the all-rounder tag.
Confidence in the ODIs was essential heading into the Test series and even though he frustrates us, you cannot rule him out of this series in conditions where he can really create demon pace and also gets insane swing that I can honestly say I am quite glad to be sitting as a spectator rather than a batsman facing the man!
I am so excited to see Mitchell and Ryan Harris as a duo with the new ball.
Call me a bit over-confident on this one but I just have a feeling we could see something epic from these two, assuming we get the in-form Mitchell Johnson with an operational bowling GPS.
Stats versus South Africa in South Africa:
3 matches/ 255 runs/ HS 123*/ Average 85.00/ 1 century
3 matches/ 16 wickets/ BBI 4-25/ Average 25.00
Stats versus South Africa:
6 matches/ 401 runs/ HS 123*/ Average 57.28/ 1 century
6 matches/ 33 wickets/ BBI 8-61 (Brutal!)/ Average 25.45/ 1 5for
Ryan Harris:
Ryano is an absolute champ and a bloke whose career I have a lot of interest in. However injury is a serious problem and throwing this in with the fact every delivery a fast bowler sends down is strenuous enough on the body, Ryano’s career has a cloud over it for longevity.
What matters though is how strongly he performs for us in either limited overs or Test cricket. He’s already made a huge impression with the supporters and I can’t wait to see him take on the Proteas. He’s recently left Australia having taken 9 wickets in a Sheffield game for the QLD Bulls with a 7 wicket haul in the 2nd innings. Perfect results for the return and before the flight over to South Africa.
He’s got what it takes and I wish him all the best and hope his body holds up before the Chappell-Hadlee series against the Black Caps which is the series where his Test career began.
Oh yeah, on one final note. When Ryano recently stated he was lining himself up to take on Dale Steyn it was meant in the sense that he sees similarities between himself and Steyn with their bowling attributes and would simply like to try lift his game to match Steyn’s standards.
If you think he was taking a dig at Steyn, wake up and read with an open mind!
Peter Siddle:
Pedro was instrumental in the 2009 series within the operational trio featuring himself, Mitch and Ben Hilfenhaus.
They built good pressure and Pedro delivered excellent pace, unbreakable ambition and serious determination as his drive, even through injury in an all-out effort from him.
This is why I like Peter Siddle, he’s got serious courage.
His struggles have been with the new ball in recent times (lack of top order wickets) but he has also been a bit one dimensional.
However if you see him on his home ground at the MCG, it doesn’t seem to matter. By just banging the ball in with serious pace he is lethal with the angles and speed he can deliver. He also doesn’t stop coming at a batsman which is mentally draining.
If he plays I would be stoked but it seems likely that Trent Copeland will play at Newlands but a three man pace duo with Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson and Pedro seems likely for The Wanderers test perhaps?
We’ll see but the impression is he won’t be playing as the starting XI but obviously he’d be ready to go if he gets the nod.
Stats versus South Africa in South Africa:
3 matches/ 31 runs/ HS 22*/ Average 7.75
3 matches/ 12 wickets/ BBI 3-46/ Average 22.50
Stats versus South Africa:
6 matches/ 106 runs/ HS 23/ Average 13.25
6 matches/ 25 wickets/ BBI 5-59/ Average 25.04/ 1 5for
Trent Copeland:
Trent has already received some flack about his lack of pace.
I don’t agree on this theory as facing any bowler who can get movement on a ball sent down at a medium pace is in many regards a lot harder than a fast bowler in a form of the game where you aren’t looking to play with aggression for 50 overs. It requires serious concentration and a sound technique.
At Newlands I think his role will be crucial with conditions quite likely to assist him with the new ball. It seems likely he may play ahead of Peter Siddle for that Test.
His debut was a steady one and he built up good pressure from his end, so that’s already drawn comparison to the role of Andrew McDonald in 2009.
A fair deal of focus will be on him come the warm-up game and I still believe his role will be a very important one this series.
Patrick Cummins:
Thrown in too young is spot on but you can’t take it away from Patrick Cummins as it’s a massive opportunity for him.
His ability to handle pressure in the T20s and ODIs was admirable and showed maturity well beyond his years.
The chance of debuting for the Baggy Greens? Unlikely and probably unrealistic with the pace attack consisting of MJ, Ryano, Sids and TC but he’ll be learning lots.
You get the feeling that a bloke with that pace already, a Baggy Green cap awaits him if he can deliver the goods for New South Wales consistently for a few seasons.
Nathan Lyon:
From New South Wales to South Australia, from Adelaide Oval Groundsman to Redback spin bowler and then surprisingly a fresh Baggy Green cap. The selectors really took us all by surprise.
Fortunately Nathan has already returned with promise for the Baggy Greens with 5wicket haul on debut and who can’t forget that first ball wicket of Kumar Sangakarra!
He is short on experience and is just another spinner in the line of post-Warne candidates spat out by the former-NSP but showed plenty of competitive character with the spin duties in Sri Lanka and was thrown into the deep end.
It will be a massive task for him or Michael Beer as the front line spinner but whoever is chosen, the trick is going to be who the new selectors will persevere with and give a fair run?
Michael Beer:
Michael had a good go for the Western Warriors recently including the wicket of Ricky Ponting in both of the Tasmanian Tigers innings in a Sheffield game a few weeks back.
Like Nathan, I think his placement in the side was a strange move which was quite likely purely because of Shane Warne doing his usual public announcement when his (Warnie’s) void was raised again by the media during the 2010/11 Ashes series.
As I feel for Nathan, should Michael get a game I hope he can keep things tidy and build pressure from his end. If the wickets come, they come but we will essentially be looking to our seam bowlers to do the damage this series.
For the tour fixtures, click here or go to the “Fixtures” tab.
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
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31 October 2011
28 October 2011
3rd ODI: Series victory by 3 wickets
It was once again a victory that could have been done and dusted sooner, but the usual rescue-mission antics of Michael Hussey ensured we got over the line with three wickets in tact to win the 2011 ODI series against the Proteas, at last!
It is the third ODI series victory for Michael Clarke as well leading from the front.
Be nice to win a few more tosses.
The victory was on the back of our bowlers economically crushing the South African middle order for momentum and after the schizophrenic performance following the 1st ODI, they all performed exceptionally well and we can be proud of their collective efforts.
Mitchell Johnson was particularly good, who I knew would step up at Kingsmead given his history there and the fact luck just hasn't gone his way.
The series victory has been our first ODI series win against The Proteas since the 2005/06 season, so it was due.
It also comes after John Inverarity was named our new full-time selector, as a result Andrew Hilditch is gone. Arguably, Hilditch did a decent job initially but lost the plot, lost control over any consistent policies for selection and began to contradict himself with the change in the Australia cricket landscape. It was time for him to go.
Welcome aboard John, wishing you the best and please, BE RUTHLESS!
Result: Won by 3 wickets and won the series 2-1
Man-of-the-match: Shane Watson
Man-of-the-series: Michael Hussey
Scorecard - Click here to view the scorecard
Series Statistics (click the image to enlarge the Stats display)
BOWLING: 6-222 from 50 overs
Mitchell Johnson 2-37, Xavier Doherty 2-33
All in all our bowling was so tight that you could just sense the change in fortune as the solid foundation laid by the Proteas top order soon became a very average ordeal as our bowlers complimented each other with nothing more than good old fashion line and length, with the appropriate field settings in place to choke their middle order.
Hashim Amla gave Patrick Cummins a good spanking early on which is admittedly a good thing as Patrick would have picked up so much from this series and has had both low moments and high ones. He's been smashed around St George's park, had a memorable debut in Centurion, shown serious maturity and an ability to handle pressure in the final game with bowling duties and then had play a crucial role to support Michael Hussey.
You can see where he steers wrong but there's no reason to be harsh.
He's a young man, he's got great determination and took his opportunity. I doubt he will play for the Baggy Greens and even though it would be ideal for him to rather be getting time in for New South Wales, the selectors put him in this tricky situation so he must just play the sponge role and take in as much as he can.
Douggie Bollinger has handled new ball duties perfectly, in my opinion. I have always loved Doug's attitude and energy. I like the fact he has given the selectors stick with regards to his fitness to handle Test cricket. I will always support the bloke and his death bowling came along nicely this series, having been handed the extra responsibility with Brett Lee out injured.
It's a tough job. I liked hearing Doug being the vocal one as our team huddled with the ODI series Trophy.
Xavier Doherty is a no fuss character and can hold his head up high, irrespective of the how this series may have turned out. I thought he had good turn and shape with his deliveries and when he wasn't creating regular chances he was at least containing the opposition.
Immediately he had an impact this match and he will simply need to keep getting matches under his belt. We saw how Nathan Hauritz began to thrive out there with his opportunities mounting, so the same can be done for Xavier.
He had a very good series.
Shane Watson returned from injury and received the man-of-the-match award.
The conditions worked in his favour and he kept it tidy, especially when he had the responsibility towards the end of the innings. I am sure the injury must have played a bit on his mind so to keep at it the way he did was brilliant to see. Great when it comes off.
I wouldn't mind seeing him rested for the warm-up game against South Africa A.
Mitchell Johnson impressed me so much.
Prior to the game I did issue a warning that he'd be in form for the final game.
His control was a massive relief and he just looked so relaxed. He was smiling, his body language displayed confidence and he was able to mix it up expertly while also getting the swing assistance as well that he seems to get in South Africa.
Well done MJ, I can't wait to see you gunning it in the Test's, champ!
A bit more luck and you got it all back.
As solid as our fielding was, especially Michael Hussey who was on top form the whole night, Brad Haddin has been a worry.
Judging by Mark Boucher (who seems unlikely to ever retire) Keeping looked tough in the last two ODIs but nevertheless Hads' performance will just put public pressure on him, with Matt Wade, Tim Paine and Luke Ronchi in the waiting line for his place.
I will always support a player when he's done, but I also can't deny the obvious and that is that Brad's game has seemed a bit off-colour. It's important to support him though but it's no secret that with the other blokes in form and Tim Paine in particular having had substantial exposure to the elite level, that Brad isn't in a secure spot.
BATTING: 7-227 from 47.3 overs
Shane Watson 49, Michael Hussey 45*, Shaun Marsh 30.
The target was ideal and even though Michael Hussey got us home, it was all left a little too late and when going for the series win, I can do without the nail biting encounters. However it was a tough wicket to score on against the spinners as we saw with Johan Botha and JP Duminy's performances. Scratchy stuff from our batsmen and fortunately there was no drama.
Shane Watson, as mentioned regarding his bowling, can take a bow!
What a player, what a bloke and his natural game is a joy to watch when he connects with it.
Powerful drives, perfect timing and raw power makes him with out a doubt the finest top order batsman we've had since Matthew Hayden. I was so glad to see him return and after giving us an innings of 49 runs, I hope he can afford a rest before the 1st Test and rather give Phillip Hughes, Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh a run in the warm-up game.
It was highly frustrating knowing that David Warner had done the ground work before getting out in the most unlucky way imaginable and then Ricky Ponting gifting away his valuable wicket.
Michael Clarke and Shaun Marsh rebuilt the innings cautiously, but with a pretty low target in sight they adjusted well but both found themselves taken out by the part-time off spin of JP Duminy.
Both of them were bowled and probably fell 20 runs short a piece to feel that they'd done their jobs. It was still runs on the board.
Michael Hussey has just kept at it.Every season we can expect a few rescue missions and even though he had that form slump in his Test career, he never failed us in the ODIs since debut and it's been an honor to have supported him.
The way he can adapt to conditions so quickly and adjust his game is one thing, but the confidence he shows in his lower order companions is quite astounding and a value in him that is maybe overlooked.
He doesn't change his plan or show panic. Instead he backs his teammate and in a stealth-like manner just keeps on the job.
Well done Champ! 112 runs at an average 112.00.
Brad Haddin finally had some good time in the middle and looked good, especially when the confidence began to glow as he maximised his chances with the power-plays. He had done all the groundwork but I was livid when he went out!
I know we had very few runs to get but why did he play that shot?
He's had a habit of not being able to go into cruise control when has some momentum injected into his game (usually the aggressive type) but nevertheless he played his part and we got home. But still, it's the short circuits that have cost us in Test cricket particularly with poor discipline. Hads will know it, but he scored 23 valuable runs.
Mitchell Johnson had a cheap dismissal (complacent stuff) but fortunately Patrick Cummins was able to score a gutsy 6* with a boundary cut past gully.
Huss wrapped it up with a typical Hussey bottom hand heave over mid-wicket for six.
A moment both Huss and Patrick will remember forever.
Looking forward:
We have the Test series approaching and the build is positive for us.
We have Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja from New South Wales heading over having had some strong performances from both Sheffield and List A games.
Ryan Harris is the bulldozer having picked up 9 wickets for QLD including a 7wicket haul in the final innings against the Tassie Tigers. I can't wait to see how he goes! What a guy.
Peter Siddle also has the experience in South Africa and will always give his heart and soul for the team. Bring on the chants of, "Siddle is a wanker!" You'll pay the price.
Michael Beer had a fair outing for the Western Warriors, while good mates Trent Copeland and Nathan Lyon (as well as Shaun Marsh) had positive starts to their careers and I firmly believe Trent has a massive role to play this series.
The warm-up game will be a chance to fine tune to the best starting XI for the Newlands Test, which this time of year will suit the bowlers nicely.
After Sri Lanka there will be a better contest between bat and ball and as always you can expect a cracking Test series.
I am gutted it is just a 2 match series, but with the ODI series in the bag it gives us that aspect of momentum which I spoke of being essential in a short series like this one.
Allan Border will heading over for the series with commentary duties as Tom Moody heads on home, and knowing we have a legend of the Baggy Greens around will really uplift the players.
The changes in the selectors has helped and we're moving forward. I am confident about this Test series and Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson and Trent Copeland are the boys I am watching out for.
As for our batting, we have insane depth so it is simply a case (easier said that done for the boys) of our seniors performing so the less experienced guys can feed off their brilliance. If our bowlers have something to work with, watch out!
See the fixtures tab for the remaining tour dates, as well as the home summer fixtures as well.
Well done the Green & Gold representatives on their ODI series win against the Proteas.
They will be very proud of the victory and we still stay number one in the ranks.
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
It is the third ODI series victory for Michael Clarke as well leading from the front.
Be nice to win a few more tosses.
The victory was on the back of our bowlers economically crushing the South African middle order for momentum and after the schizophrenic performance following the 1st ODI, they all performed exceptionally well and we can be proud of their collective efforts.
Mitchell Johnson was particularly good, who I knew would step up at Kingsmead given his history there and the fact luck just hasn't gone his way.
The series victory has been our first ODI series win against The Proteas since the 2005/06 season, so it was due.
It also comes after John Inverarity was named our new full-time selector, as a result Andrew Hilditch is gone. Arguably, Hilditch did a decent job initially but lost the plot, lost control over any consistent policies for selection and began to contradict himself with the change in the Australia cricket landscape. It was time for him to go.
Welcome aboard John, wishing you the best and please, BE RUTHLESS!
Result: Won by 3 wickets and won the series 2-1
Man-of-the-match: Shane Watson
Man-of-the-series: Michael Hussey
Scorecard - Click here to view the scorecard
Series Statistics (click the image to enlarge the Stats display)
BOWLING: 6-222 from 50 overs
Mitchell Johnson 2-37, Xavier Doherty 2-33
All in all our bowling was so tight that you could just sense the change in fortune as the solid foundation laid by the Proteas top order soon became a very average ordeal as our bowlers complimented each other with nothing more than good old fashion line and length, with the appropriate field settings in place to choke their middle order.
Hashim Amla gave Patrick Cummins a good spanking early on which is admittedly a good thing as Patrick would have picked up so much from this series and has had both low moments and high ones. He's been smashed around St George's park, had a memorable debut in Centurion, shown serious maturity and an ability to handle pressure in the final game with bowling duties and then had play a crucial role to support Michael Hussey.
You can see where he steers wrong but there's no reason to be harsh.
He's a young man, he's got great determination and took his opportunity. I doubt he will play for the Baggy Greens and even though it would be ideal for him to rather be getting time in for New South Wales, the selectors put him in this tricky situation so he must just play the sponge role and take in as much as he can.
Douggie Bollinger has handled new ball duties perfectly, in my opinion. I have always loved Doug's attitude and energy. I like the fact he has given the selectors stick with regards to his fitness to handle Test cricket. I will always support the bloke and his death bowling came along nicely this series, having been handed the extra responsibility with Brett Lee out injured.
It's a tough job. I liked hearing Doug being the vocal one as our team huddled with the ODI series Trophy.
Xavier Doherty is a no fuss character and can hold his head up high, irrespective of the how this series may have turned out. I thought he had good turn and shape with his deliveries and when he wasn't creating regular chances he was at least containing the opposition.
Immediately he had an impact this match and he will simply need to keep getting matches under his belt. We saw how Nathan Hauritz began to thrive out there with his opportunities mounting, so the same can be done for Xavier.
He had a very good series.
Shane Watson returned from injury and received the man-of-the-match award.
The conditions worked in his favour and he kept it tidy, especially when he had the responsibility towards the end of the innings. I am sure the injury must have played a bit on his mind so to keep at it the way he did was brilliant to see. Great when it comes off.
I wouldn't mind seeing him rested for the warm-up game against South Africa A.
Mitchell Johnson impressed me so much.
Prior to the game I did issue a warning that he'd be in form for the final game.
His control was a massive relief and he just looked so relaxed. He was smiling, his body language displayed confidence and he was able to mix it up expertly while also getting the swing assistance as well that he seems to get in South Africa.
Well done MJ, I can't wait to see you gunning it in the Test's, champ!
A bit more luck and you got it all back.
As solid as our fielding was, especially Michael Hussey who was on top form the whole night, Brad Haddin has been a worry.
Judging by Mark Boucher (who seems unlikely to ever retire) Keeping looked tough in the last two ODIs but nevertheless Hads' performance will just put public pressure on him, with Matt Wade, Tim Paine and Luke Ronchi in the waiting line for his place.
I will always support a player when he's done, but I also can't deny the obvious and that is that Brad's game has seemed a bit off-colour. It's important to support him though but it's no secret that with the other blokes in form and Tim Paine in particular having had substantial exposure to the elite level, that Brad isn't in a secure spot.
BATTING: 7-227 from 47.3 overs
Shane Watson 49, Michael Hussey 45*, Shaun Marsh 30.
The target was ideal and even though Michael Hussey got us home, it was all left a little too late and when going for the series win, I can do without the nail biting encounters. However it was a tough wicket to score on against the spinners as we saw with Johan Botha and JP Duminy's performances. Scratchy stuff from our batsmen and fortunately there was no drama.
Shane Watson, as mentioned regarding his bowling, can take a bow!
What a player, what a bloke and his natural game is a joy to watch when he connects with it.
Powerful drives, perfect timing and raw power makes him with out a doubt the finest top order batsman we've had since Matthew Hayden. I was so glad to see him return and after giving us an innings of 49 runs, I hope he can afford a rest before the 1st Test and rather give Phillip Hughes, Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh a run in the warm-up game.
It was highly frustrating knowing that David Warner had done the ground work before getting out in the most unlucky way imaginable and then Ricky Ponting gifting away his valuable wicket.
Michael Clarke and Shaun Marsh rebuilt the innings cautiously, but with a pretty low target in sight they adjusted well but both found themselves taken out by the part-time off spin of JP Duminy.
Both of them were bowled and probably fell 20 runs short a piece to feel that they'd done their jobs. It was still runs on the board.
Michael Hussey has just kept at it.Every season we can expect a few rescue missions and even though he had that form slump in his Test career, he never failed us in the ODIs since debut and it's been an honor to have supported him.
The way he can adapt to conditions so quickly and adjust his game is one thing, but the confidence he shows in his lower order companions is quite astounding and a value in him that is maybe overlooked.
He doesn't change his plan or show panic. Instead he backs his teammate and in a stealth-like manner just keeps on the job.
Well done Champ! 112 runs at an average 112.00.
Brad Haddin finally had some good time in the middle and looked good, especially when the confidence began to glow as he maximised his chances with the power-plays. He had done all the groundwork but I was livid when he went out!
I know we had very few runs to get but why did he play that shot?
He's had a habit of not being able to go into cruise control when has some momentum injected into his game (usually the aggressive type) but nevertheless he played his part and we got home. But still, it's the short circuits that have cost us in Test cricket particularly with poor discipline. Hads will know it, but he scored 23 valuable runs.
Mitchell Johnson had a cheap dismissal (complacent stuff) but fortunately Patrick Cummins was able to score a gutsy 6* with a boundary cut past gully.
Huss wrapped it up with a typical Hussey bottom hand heave over mid-wicket for six.
A moment both Huss and Patrick will remember forever.
Looking forward:
We have the Test series approaching and the build is positive for us.
We have Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja from New South Wales heading over having had some strong performances from both Sheffield and List A games.
Ryan Harris is the bulldozer having picked up 9 wickets for QLD including a 7wicket haul in the final innings against the Tassie Tigers. I can't wait to see how he goes! What a guy.
Peter Siddle also has the experience in South Africa and will always give his heart and soul for the team. Bring on the chants of, "Siddle is a wanker!" You'll pay the price.
Michael Beer had a fair outing for the Western Warriors, while good mates Trent Copeland and Nathan Lyon (as well as Shaun Marsh) had positive starts to their careers and I firmly believe Trent has a massive role to play this series.
The warm-up game will be a chance to fine tune to the best starting XI for the Newlands Test, which this time of year will suit the bowlers nicely.
After Sri Lanka there will be a better contest between bat and ball and as always you can expect a cracking Test series.
I am gutted it is just a 2 match series, but with the ODI series in the bag it gives us that aspect of momentum which I spoke of being essential in a short series like this one.
Allan Border will heading over for the series with commentary duties as Tom Moody heads on home, and knowing we have a legend of the Baggy Greens around will really uplift the players.
The changes in the selectors has helped and we're moving forward. I am confident about this Test series and Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson and Trent Copeland are the boys I am watching out for.
As for our batting, we have insane depth so it is simply a case (easier said that done for the boys) of our seniors performing so the less experienced guys can feed off their brilliance. If our bowlers have something to work with, watch out!
See the fixtures tab for the remaining tour dates, as well as the home summer fixtures as well.
Well done the Green & Gold representatives on their ODI series win against the Proteas.
They will be very proud of the victory and we still stay number one in the ranks.
Welcome to The Baggy Green Blogsite! Thanks for reading this article written by Ian.
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25 October 2011
2nd ODI: Just a game that didn't go to plan
It is fair to say we were completely outplayed in the 2nd ODI.
However one must keep in mind that at least once or twice every few seasons such a thumping will handed down to us. It’s good for the players in my opinion.
Michael Clarke stated there were areas he wanted the side to keep improving.
After such a dominant 1st ODI victory, we were just one game away from a 2-0 standing, Unfortunately this game has a way of quickly knocking both the players and supporters back down to the earth.
After both games presented very mixed results from both sides, the final ODI seems excellently poised for a classic Australia/Proteas encounter where the winner takes all.
As always in a series as short as this, momentum plays a crucial role so I am hoping for the quick turn around and that our boys come out on top form, obviously.
The 2-1 result is still ours for the taking but there may be a threat of rain for the final ODI.
2nd ODI.
Result: Lost by 80 runs.
Scorecard - Click here to view.
Bowling: 6-303 from 50 overs
Douggie Bollinger 2-64
Bowling first things couldn’t have started any better than getting the traditionalist, Hashim Amla, out first ball of the game.
Unfortunately one of two century partnerships would emerge to put us badly out of contest for the run chase having lost the toss.
Graeme Smith didn’t look too confident out there but had a definite plan to shuffle in front of his off-stump to allow himself more freedom to play the ball to the on-side by adjusting to the new ball’s line. It was a tactic that worked but we also gifted away his wicket when we could have had him run-out when he was still in the twenties. It proved to be very, very costly under the circumstances.
Jacques Kallis (who was excellently run out by Michael Clarke), like Ricky Ponting, will always have atleast one very good knock in a series. He will rarely fail to have one good innings. Maybe that was the one for the ODIs?
I hope so because he opened his account with a perfectly timed pull shot against Mitchell Johnson.
It was easy pickings for him from there, but of course there was the frustration that none of our seam bowlers could contain them.
Doug Bollinger’s new ball duties are outstanding in my opinion. His death ball duties in ODI cricket don’t quite match up to his Twenty20 skills, but bowling at the death looks a damn difficult task! After such a perfect start, Douggie would be hard done by the end result for him of 2-64 from 10. As mentioned though, containing their batsmen was tough on this wicket.
Mitchell Johnson had a few short circuits, notably the missed run out attempt of Graeme Smith, but I am still staying confident the best of MJ will show.
I know he is frustrating but I do think luck hasn’t gone his way. Facing an inform MJ must be scary stuff, so hopefully with some luck and a strong belief that his confidence is well intact, I expect the best from him.
Kingsmead is a good hunting ground for MJ, I warned you! Similar weather conditions to Queensland.
James Pattinson may understandably feel a bit hard done by having not had a game behind Patrick Cummins, but it was good in an initiation sort of way that Patrick got bashed all around the place, going for 73 runs.
It was a contrast in rewards for him after the Centurion game, but he’ll learn a lot.
With Ryan Harris, arguably our best bowler of the lot, being rested for the ODI series to allow his body to rejuvenate (he did play a limited overs game for the Bulls) and Brett Lee having had to return to Australia, these young guys can really test the waters at the elite level.
The way Patrick handled the pressure was admirable, but against a quality side like South Africa you do get the feeling that blooding him against them was a very tough ask and you can’t be hard on him. He’s 18 and debuting outside of Australia so it was due to happen. He’s handled the pressure well so we’ll see how he goes for the final ODI, assuming he gets into the final squad.
Xavier Doherty worked hard while Young Steve Smith was actually given a bowl, although I think it was due to the lack of containment our bowlers could create on a good batting track.
Steve took a wicket in his first over and I think did create good pressure, but I still think his place is the Squad hasn’t been justified. I don’t care if it sounds harsh.
His confidence is at serious risk for his future development and fact is there are guys out there who have both performed for Australia and not got the nod or guys who are in good form and deserve their chance.
The fielding was unusual with quite a few fumbles and on his birthday, Brad Haddin had a tough time behind the stumps. I will put all of the bleak performances down to it just being “one of those days” because I know how good this team is. They didn’t play their best cricket and were well below the bench mark.
Batting: 223 all out
David Warner 74, Michael Hussey 37
Ricky Ponting batted fluently and looked in seriously good touch until he played at a ball on the up trying to cut it square of the wicket only to be caught. It must have been hard for Punter to walk off.
Michael Clarke got caught on the crease and edged one behind which was a huge loss given his form has taken a turn around for the best recently and I know he takes the Captaincy role responsibly.
Fortunately we saw David Warner (scoring his best ODI total) and Michael Hussey put together a potentially match defining innings.
It was cautious stuff as the Proteas cut out our boundary chances and bowled mighty well to limit the freedom of David and Huss’ shot selections. They worked hard.
Just as you felt the plan was going to explode into an assault, Huss did the most dreadful thing imaginable and ran himself out. It was a suicidal attempt of a run and David realised it. Huss was too late and was dismissed for 37. It was in vain and he’d just set a hard earned platform to launch from to try winning the game.
David Warner had kept pushing on but the momentum died quickly as the rate began to get close to 10 an over as a required rate.
To make matters tougher, Steven Smith came out to join him and just couldn’t get any rhythm and struggled to get bat on ball to find the boundaries.
Watching the game I got the impression that the momentum switch and the obvious understanding the game was slipping away, David felt he had to tap into aggressive mode.
He mishit a hook shot and was caught by Mark Boucher. The pressure had mounted, the boundaries had dried up and the game lost.
Steven Smith and Brad Haddin couldn’t find the boundaries and in their attempts to try going for broke, they were caught. It was pretty much a case of getting the potential loss margin below 100.
A loss by 80 wouldn’t seem as bad a dent to our confidence heading into the final game.
I was proud of Shane Watson when he came out to bat. He even managed to gain some momentum for us but it was a bit of a one man show out there and too much for him. I reckon he must have been in a hell of a lot of discomfort out there and the recent return of injury is a serious scare.
I hope he can maintain himself to cope with the test series as losing him would be so upsetting. Not just because of how valuable he is but just because he’s worked like a dog to get back into our team.
The verdict:
There were some positives which we must always look for as supporters but we all know how good our team is and that they gave away a few chances. But the fact is this is the way cricket works, you win some, you lose some and sometimes those losses are bad ones.
So we pick ourselves up and keep backing the boys.
How about changes for the final game?
Indeed. I seriously think we need another specialist batsman in the side.
Granted, Mitch Marsh could easily be given another game ahead of Steve Smith but it would be ideal to have Shaun Marsh return to boost our batting and give him a chance before the Test series.
Cameron White is a seasoned campaigner for Australia should Shaun or Watto still be in doubt.
I’d have no worries should Cam play for the final game and he’s also a highly reliable guy in the field.
Patrick Cummins should be given another chance, but only James Pattinson would be likely to step in for him.
If fit, I hope to see Shaun Marsh come back into the side, which would probably be to replace Steven Smith, who I’d like to see be given a good run at State level for a while longer.
My feelings remain the same on the key to win.
If our senior batsmen step up collectively and we continue to keep Dale Steyn out the game, especially batting first, we will win the final game.
Obviously the catch is we need our bowlers to work from the platform our batsmen give us or make their jobs easier.
I have high hopes for Mitchell Johnson at Kingsmead. It would be so good to win the ODI series.
The moment it was truely lost. David Warner had batted with his newly trusted dynamic, being patience. As he decided to find the explosive shots, this happened.
© AFP
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However one must keep in mind that at least once or twice every few seasons such a thumping will handed down to us. It’s good for the players in my opinion.
Michael Clarke stated there were areas he wanted the side to keep improving.
After such a dominant 1st ODI victory, we were just one game away from a 2-0 standing, Unfortunately this game has a way of quickly knocking both the players and supporters back down to the earth.
After both games presented very mixed results from both sides, the final ODI seems excellently poised for a classic Australia/Proteas encounter where the winner takes all.
As always in a series as short as this, momentum plays a crucial role so I am hoping for the quick turn around and that our boys come out on top form, obviously.
The 2-1 result is still ours for the taking but there may be a threat of rain for the final ODI.
2nd ODI.
Result: Lost by 80 runs.
Scorecard - Click here to view.
Bowling: 6-303 from 50 overs
Douggie Bollinger 2-64
Bowling first things couldn’t have started any better than getting the traditionalist, Hashim Amla, out first ball of the game.
Unfortunately one of two century partnerships would emerge to put us badly out of contest for the run chase having lost the toss.
Graeme Smith didn’t look too confident out there but had a definite plan to shuffle in front of his off-stump to allow himself more freedom to play the ball to the on-side by adjusting to the new ball’s line. It was a tactic that worked but we also gifted away his wicket when we could have had him run-out when he was still in the twenties. It proved to be very, very costly under the circumstances.
Jacques Kallis (who was excellently run out by Michael Clarke), like Ricky Ponting, will always have atleast one very good knock in a series. He will rarely fail to have one good innings. Maybe that was the one for the ODIs?
I hope so because he opened his account with a perfectly timed pull shot against Mitchell Johnson.
It was easy pickings for him from there, but of course there was the frustration that none of our seam bowlers could contain them.
Doug Bollinger’s new ball duties are outstanding in my opinion. His death ball duties in ODI cricket don’t quite match up to his Twenty20 skills, but bowling at the death looks a damn difficult task! After such a perfect start, Douggie would be hard done by the end result for him of 2-64 from 10. As mentioned though, containing their batsmen was tough on this wicket.
Mitchell Johnson had a few short circuits, notably the missed run out attempt of Graeme Smith, but I am still staying confident the best of MJ will show.
I know he is frustrating but I do think luck hasn’t gone his way. Facing an inform MJ must be scary stuff, so hopefully with some luck and a strong belief that his confidence is well intact, I expect the best from him.
Kingsmead is a good hunting ground for MJ, I warned you! Similar weather conditions to Queensland.
James Pattinson may understandably feel a bit hard done by having not had a game behind Patrick Cummins, but it was good in an initiation sort of way that Patrick got bashed all around the place, going for 73 runs.
It was a contrast in rewards for him after the Centurion game, but he’ll learn a lot.
With Ryan Harris, arguably our best bowler of the lot, being rested for the ODI series to allow his body to rejuvenate (he did play a limited overs game for the Bulls) and Brett Lee having had to return to Australia, these young guys can really test the waters at the elite level.
The way Patrick handled the pressure was admirable, but against a quality side like South Africa you do get the feeling that blooding him against them was a very tough ask and you can’t be hard on him. He’s 18 and debuting outside of Australia so it was due to happen. He’s handled the pressure well so we’ll see how he goes for the final ODI, assuming he gets into the final squad.
Xavier Doherty worked hard while Young Steve Smith was actually given a bowl, although I think it was due to the lack of containment our bowlers could create on a good batting track.
Steve took a wicket in his first over and I think did create good pressure, but I still think his place is the Squad hasn’t been justified. I don’t care if it sounds harsh.
His confidence is at serious risk for his future development and fact is there are guys out there who have both performed for Australia and not got the nod or guys who are in good form and deserve their chance.
The fielding was unusual with quite a few fumbles and on his birthday, Brad Haddin had a tough time behind the stumps. I will put all of the bleak performances down to it just being “one of those days” because I know how good this team is. They didn’t play their best cricket and were well below the bench mark.
Batting: 223 all out
David Warner 74, Michael Hussey 37
Ricky Ponting batted fluently and looked in seriously good touch until he played at a ball on the up trying to cut it square of the wicket only to be caught. It must have been hard for Punter to walk off.
Michael Clarke got caught on the crease and edged one behind which was a huge loss given his form has taken a turn around for the best recently and I know he takes the Captaincy role responsibly.
Fortunately we saw David Warner (scoring his best ODI total) and Michael Hussey put together a potentially match defining innings.
It was cautious stuff as the Proteas cut out our boundary chances and bowled mighty well to limit the freedom of David and Huss’ shot selections. They worked hard.
Just as you felt the plan was going to explode into an assault, Huss did the most dreadful thing imaginable and ran himself out. It was a suicidal attempt of a run and David realised it. Huss was too late and was dismissed for 37. It was in vain and he’d just set a hard earned platform to launch from to try winning the game.
David Warner had kept pushing on but the momentum died quickly as the rate began to get close to 10 an over as a required rate.
To make matters tougher, Steven Smith came out to join him and just couldn’t get any rhythm and struggled to get bat on ball to find the boundaries.
Watching the game I got the impression that the momentum switch and the obvious understanding the game was slipping away, David felt he had to tap into aggressive mode.
He mishit a hook shot and was caught by Mark Boucher. The pressure had mounted, the boundaries had dried up and the game lost.
Steven Smith and Brad Haddin couldn’t find the boundaries and in their attempts to try going for broke, they were caught. It was pretty much a case of getting the potential loss margin below 100.
A loss by 80 wouldn’t seem as bad a dent to our confidence heading into the final game.
I was proud of Shane Watson when he came out to bat. He even managed to gain some momentum for us but it was a bit of a one man show out there and too much for him. I reckon he must have been in a hell of a lot of discomfort out there and the recent return of injury is a serious scare.
I hope he can maintain himself to cope with the test series as losing him would be so upsetting. Not just because of how valuable he is but just because he’s worked like a dog to get back into our team.
The verdict:
There were some positives which we must always look for as supporters but we all know how good our team is and that they gave away a few chances. But the fact is this is the way cricket works, you win some, you lose some and sometimes those losses are bad ones.
So we pick ourselves up and keep backing the boys.
How about changes for the final game?
Indeed. I seriously think we need another specialist batsman in the side.
Granted, Mitch Marsh could easily be given another game ahead of Steve Smith but it would be ideal to have Shaun Marsh return to boost our batting and give him a chance before the Test series.
Cameron White is a seasoned campaigner for Australia should Shaun or Watto still be in doubt.
I’d have no worries should Cam play for the final game and he’s also a highly reliable guy in the field.
Patrick Cummins should be given another chance, but only James Pattinson would be likely to step in for him.
If fit, I hope to see Shaun Marsh come back into the side, which would probably be to replace Steven Smith, who I’d like to see be given a good run at State level for a while longer.
My feelings remain the same on the key to win.
If our senior batsmen step up collectively and we continue to keep Dale Steyn out the game, especially batting first, we will win the final game.
Obviously the catch is we need our bowlers to work from the platform our batsmen give us or make their jobs easier.
I have high hopes for Mitchell Johnson at Kingsmead. It would be so good to win the ODI series.
The moment it was truely lost. David Warner had batted with his newly trusted dynamic, being patience. As he decided to find the explosive shots, this happened.
© 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.
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@Dan_Stapo
19 October 2011
1st ODI: Despite the rain, the boys take the first ODI
That was a very, very, very long ODI game at Centurion.
The rain came pouring down after Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting put together an awesome partnership to kick start the ODI series. It was like a golden light as the experience and young talent has begun to merge as our team moves forward.
That was obviously a very dragged out game and atleast there was a result in the end.
The run chase ended being a very steep one which put The Proteas on the back foot so a bit tough for them but they didn't make life easy for themselves.
I hate rain affected matches, but they happen and we came out victorious with The Proteas still having had a fair enough chance to take it.
A massive congrats to Mitchell Marsh (8* & 1-19) and Patrick Cummins for their respective debuts. Highly talented youngsters and the way in which they handled the pressure was admirable.
Well done boys!
All in all it was a strong performance from all aspects of our team and of course you can expect the belief and understanding that there is always a strive for improvement.
The series kicks off with a 1-0 result and it was a thumping!
Keep in mind this wasn't a "full strength team" but the younger guys had a taste of what it offers.
Result: Won by 93 runs (D/L method)
Scorecard: Click here to view the scorecard
Man-of-the-match: Ricky Ponting (to all the critics, right back at you muppets!)
BATTING: 4-183 from 29 Overs
Ricky Ponting 63, Michael Clarke 44, Michael Hussey 30.
Hashim Amla (playing his 50th ODI) elected to bat with the understanding that the rain was due to pour down over Centurion later in evening. It is also a good track to chase on. It seemed far more advantageous to opt for a chase.
What he was unable to factor in was Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting digging into their collective experience to push the run-rate up with the threat of rain, so should a revision of the runs required be adjusted we'd also have some leverage.
David Warner came out with clear intentions to inject some early momentum into the batting.
A crucial factor to our potential success in South Africa is going to be targeting Dale Steyn and having our senior batsmen stamp some authority. David has had a rebirth of his ODI career with some opportunity following brilliant form.
Unfortunately he played one on following a brief assault where he muscled Dale Steyn away for a batch of boundaries. He can build on it though!
Opening with Ricky Ponting (who last did it in India for the 2009 ODI series) with Shane Watson and Shaun Marsh both left out due to injury concerns, Michael Clarke strode out when David departed. Their momentum was important to counter-attack the highly competent South African bowling attack, working over by over taking turns to find the boundaries. Good footwork and experience to find the gaps was a key factor of their play which I admired.
Punter has regained his form having handed down the Captaincy and has made a solid start to his ODI series with 63. He had to mow along at quite a rapid rate after the very lengthy delay when play eventually resumed resulting in just another 10 overs to be bowled.
What I enjoyed was Punter's excellent foot work. His defence was solid and he executed his attacking shots confidently. I was proud to see Punter take on the challenge at the top of the order and lead from the front with a good innings.
I also give Michael Clarke alot of credit with his public support for Punter and his rock solid belief in his capabilities. Paid off and it was great to have him out there in good form with our Maestro.
Michael was as usual good on his feet, had quick bat speed with his shot execution square of the wicket and was especially good with his running between the wickets.
His dismissal was purely bad luck when Punter blasted a straight drive that nipped the finger tips of Johan Botha and hit the wickets at the other end which found Michael out of his ground.
He had played a Captain's innings from the other end for 44 and he's made an impact already.
I liked his two sixes blasted to deep mid-wicket and long on against Lonwabo Tsotsobe (Softsorbet).
Michael Hussey played the cameo role with a quick fire knock. Excellent timing, insane foot work and of course that glorious shot came out which you can expect in a good Hussey innings...the bottom hand missile launcher smacked away to deep mid-wicket. I really enjoy that shot.
All in all a very good performance from our batsmen and the display they put on for us wasn't only inspiring but it could well be a valuable aspect to win the series.
BOWLING: 129 all out
Mitchell Johnson 3-20 (go Mitch!), Patrick Cummins 3-28 on debut, Xavier Doherty 2-33.
Besides a fielding hiccup in the first over, Doug Bollinger fought back excellently to remove Graeme Smith. Smith's confidence is a mess and can't seem to hit the cricket ball at the moment. It doesn't seem the Proteas supporters are behind him so it adds insult to injury. The left arm attack against him seems to be a thorn in his side. Douggie and Mitch will keep him fishing.
While Doug has never appealed to me as a bowler I can relax watching at the death of an innings, he handles new ball duties with total professionalism.
Our bowling attack made me extremely proud. Our boys were slipping and sliding a little bit out there after the heavy rain fall but our bowlers had awesome control.
Perhaps this is where the dual ball usage proves to be highly advantageous?
Mitchell Johnson had his pitch map GPS switched on for most of the night which was a relief and he also looked very confident. I was mighty pleased to see his overall composure out there.
Patrick Cummins had a mixed start to his ODI career which would have made the learning experience even better for him. He can hold his head up high.
Hit for six off his first ball by Hashim Amla and then a few balls later he had his first wicket, that of Jacques Kallis! What a moment for the young man!
He followed it up with the wicket of JP Duminy and would have learnt a heck of alot in just his first few overs at the elite level.
Xavier Doherty bowled so well, I am so glad to see his game develop well at ODI level, especially following the Sri Lankan series.
The shape with which he bowled early on to Johan Botha was exciting to see. Unfortunately Patrick Cummins dropped Botha with a pretty basic catch but fortunately our bowlers got on with the job and knocked over the remaining batsmen with Mitchell Johnson bowling an awesome barrage of shorter pitched bowling getting the eager tail enders to swipe at the ball with high hopes.
MJ did the job at the end and Mitch Marsh took the final catch to secure the win.
Here is my comment from the last article regarding the battle between MJ and Dale Steyn:
'As far as the big contest everyone is eager to see, is that what South Africa have in Dale Steyn, we have in Mitchell Johnson (and probably a bit more).
The only difference is the value that rests in Steyn’s abilities tends to show up 9 times out of 10.
For us we see the value in Mitchell Johnson show 5 times out of 10.
MJ recently picked up a 5for for the Warriors and I just hope he can gather confidence from the ODI series because we really need MJ for this series.'
On a closing note Brad Haddin was very good behind the stumps and highly enthusiastic. He's been told to focus on his wicket keeping so I hope it's a memorable series for Hads.
Moving into the next game?
I was pleased that Michael Clarke strongly emphasised he wants the side to work and improve on a few things going forward. So we'll have to see what is planned. It really is a game after game adjustment all in the moment.
Only change I would like to see made would be for Cameron White coming in for Steven Smith, but this may also depend if Shaun Marsh or Shane Watson should they be fit.
It is clear that there is far more value in playing Mitchell Marsh or Xavier Doherty than Steve Smith. As I always state, I never intend to sound like I'm having a critical dig at the bloke.
I am not like that and support our players 100%, however his batting has yet to effective having had numerous opportunities, he doesn't bowl and when we have a batch of batsmen on the sidelines who have either the experience or proven credibility to perform they get overlooked.
I see it as a basis for fairness and instead of running around as a specialist fielder, rather get him back into the State cricket system and give him more time to play competitive cricket to fine tune his skills and identity as either a bowler or a batsman.
Really proud of the performance and stoked to see Ricky Ponting play a good innings.
Two games to go though, so let's keep backing our boys for the next one at Port Elizabeth.
Punter executes a pull shot. It looked promising for the Maestro following his good series in Sri Lanka and recent 87 for Tasmania in a Shield game.
© AFP
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The rain came pouring down after Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting put together an awesome partnership to kick start the ODI series. It was like a golden light as the experience and young talent has begun to merge as our team moves forward.
That was obviously a very dragged out game and atleast there was a result in the end.
The run chase ended being a very steep one which put The Proteas on the back foot so a bit tough for them but they didn't make life easy for themselves.
I hate rain affected matches, but they happen and we came out victorious with The Proteas still having had a fair enough chance to take it.
A massive congrats to Mitchell Marsh (8* & 1-19) and Patrick Cummins for their respective debuts. Highly talented youngsters and the way in which they handled the pressure was admirable.
Well done boys!
All in all it was a strong performance from all aspects of our team and of course you can expect the belief and understanding that there is always a strive for improvement.
The series kicks off with a 1-0 result and it was a thumping!
Keep in mind this wasn't a "full strength team" but the younger guys had a taste of what it offers.
Result: Won by 93 runs (D/L method)
Scorecard: Click here to view the scorecard
Man-of-the-match: Ricky Ponting (to all the critics, right back at you muppets!)
BATTING: 4-183 from 29 Overs
Ricky Ponting 63, Michael Clarke 44, Michael Hussey 30.
Hashim Amla (playing his 50th ODI) elected to bat with the understanding that the rain was due to pour down over Centurion later in evening. It is also a good track to chase on. It seemed far more advantageous to opt for a chase.
What he was unable to factor in was Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting digging into their collective experience to push the run-rate up with the threat of rain, so should a revision of the runs required be adjusted we'd also have some leverage.
David Warner came out with clear intentions to inject some early momentum into the batting.
A crucial factor to our potential success in South Africa is going to be targeting Dale Steyn and having our senior batsmen stamp some authority. David has had a rebirth of his ODI career with some opportunity following brilliant form.
Unfortunately he played one on following a brief assault where he muscled Dale Steyn away for a batch of boundaries. He can build on it though!
Opening with Ricky Ponting (who last did it in India for the 2009 ODI series) with Shane Watson and Shaun Marsh both left out due to injury concerns, Michael Clarke strode out when David departed. Their momentum was important to counter-attack the highly competent South African bowling attack, working over by over taking turns to find the boundaries. Good footwork and experience to find the gaps was a key factor of their play which I admired.
Punter has regained his form having handed down the Captaincy and has made a solid start to his ODI series with 63. He had to mow along at quite a rapid rate after the very lengthy delay when play eventually resumed resulting in just another 10 overs to be bowled.
What I enjoyed was Punter's excellent foot work. His defence was solid and he executed his attacking shots confidently. I was proud to see Punter take on the challenge at the top of the order and lead from the front with a good innings.
I also give Michael Clarke alot of credit with his public support for Punter and his rock solid belief in his capabilities. Paid off and it was great to have him out there in good form with our Maestro.
Michael was as usual good on his feet, had quick bat speed with his shot execution square of the wicket and was especially good with his running between the wickets.
His dismissal was purely bad luck when Punter blasted a straight drive that nipped the finger tips of Johan Botha and hit the wickets at the other end which found Michael out of his ground.
He had played a Captain's innings from the other end for 44 and he's made an impact already.
I liked his two sixes blasted to deep mid-wicket and long on against Lonwabo Tsotsobe (Softsorbet).
Michael Hussey played the cameo role with a quick fire knock. Excellent timing, insane foot work and of course that glorious shot came out which you can expect in a good Hussey innings...the bottom hand missile launcher smacked away to deep mid-wicket. I really enjoy that shot.
All in all a very good performance from our batsmen and the display they put on for us wasn't only inspiring but it could well be a valuable aspect to win the series.
BOWLING: 129 all out
Mitchell Johnson 3-20 (go Mitch!), Patrick Cummins 3-28 on debut, Xavier Doherty 2-33.
Besides a fielding hiccup in the first over, Doug Bollinger fought back excellently to remove Graeme Smith. Smith's confidence is a mess and can't seem to hit the cricket ball at the moment. It doesn't seem the Proteas supporters are behind him so it adds insult to injury. The left arm attack against him seems to be a thorn in his side. Douggie and Mitch will keep him fishing.
While Doug has never appealed to me as a bowler I can relax watching at the death of an innings, he handles new ball duties with total professionalism.
Our bowling attack made me extremely proud. Our boys were slipping and sliding a little bit out there after the heavy rain fall but our bowlers had awesome control.
Perhaps this is where the dual ball usage proves to be highly advantageous?
Mitchell Johnson had his pitch map GPS switched on for most of the night which was a relief and he also looked very confident. I was mighty pleased to see his overall composure out there.
Patrick Cummins had a mixed start to his ODI career which would have made the learning experience even better for him. He can hold his head up high.
Hit for six off his first ball by Hashim Amla and then a few balls later he had his first wicket, that of Jacques Kallis! What a moment for the young man!
He followed it up with the wicket of JP Duminy and would have learnt a heck of alot in just his first few overs at the elite level.
Xavier Doherty bowled so well, I am so glad to see his game develop well at ODI level, especially following the Sri Lankan series.
The shape with which he bowled early on to Johan Botha was exciting to see. Unfortunately Patrick Cummins dropped Botha with a pretty basic catch but fortunately our bowlers got on with the job and knocked over the remaining batsmen with Mitchell Johnson bowling an awesome barrage of shorter pitched bowling getting the eager tail enders to swipe at the ball with high hopes.
MJ did the job at the end and Mitch Marsh took the final catch to secure the win.
Here is my comment from the last article regarding the battle between MJ and Dale Steyn:
'As far as the big contest everyone is eager to see, is that what South Africa have in Dale Steyn, we have in Mitchell Johnson (and probably a bit more).
The only difference is the value that rests in Steyn’s abilities tends to show up 9 times out of 10.
For us we see the value in Mitchell Johnson show 5 times out of 10.
MJ recently picked up a 5for for the Warriors and I just hope he can gather confidence from the ODI series because we really need MJ for this series.'
On a closing note Brad Haddin was very good behind the stumps and highly enthusiastic. He's been told to focus on his wicket keeping so I hope it's a memorable series for Hads.
Moving into the next game?
I was pleased that Michael Clarke strongly emphasised he wants the side to work and improve on a few things going forward. So we'll have to see what is planned. It really is a game after game adjustment all in the moment.
Only change I would like to see made would be for Cameron White coming in for Steven Smith, but this may also depend if Shaun Marsh or Shane Watson should they be fit.
It is clear that there is far more value in playing Mitchell Marsh or Xavier Doherty than Steve Smith. As I always state, I never intend to sound like I'm having a critical dig at the bloke.
I am not like that and support our players 100%, however his batting has yet to effective having had numerous opportunities, he doesn't bowl and when we have a batch of batsmen on the sidelines who have either the experience or proven credibility to perform they get overlooked.
I see it as a basis for fairness and instead of running around as a specialist fielder, rather get him back into the State cricket system and give him more time to play competitive cricket to fine tune his skills and identity as either a bowler or a batsman.
Really proud of the performance and stoked to see Ricky Ponting play a good innings.
Two games to go though, so let's keep backing our boys for the next one at Port Elizabeth.
Punter executes a pull shot. It looked promising for the Maestro following his good series in Sri Lanka and recent 87 for Tasmania in a Shield game.
© 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.
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@Dan_Stapo
17 October 2011
The Baggy Greens Test XV announced
Due to the quick turnaround time between the T20s and the ODIs, along with the announcement of the Test Squad, I am not posting an article highlighting the match.
All in all there were many, many positives to take away from these two games as far as I’m concerned. I pointed out some of these (taking other opinions I picked up on) for the 1st T20i match report.
Of course it is so frustrating to see how we lost that game after we should have taken it, but full kudos to the bowling unit as they had it all tied up after our batting didn’t quite go off with a bang.
Aaron Finch deserved a game after not having a chance in Sri Lanka and now in South Africa.
Steven Smith (who is in the ODI side again) could have easily been omitted from the side and Aaron could have had an opportunity. Fairness is important with T20 cricket and Aaron is an awesome batsman.
Mitch Marsh delivered an exciting lower order assault on debut and Cam White regained some form. Patrick Cummins and James Pattinson were so damn good and Douggie Bollinger finally debuted 52 T20s later.
I also think Cam did a very good job with his field placements and execution of the tactics for both the T20s.
The only stuff up came when Steve O’Keefe unfortunately sent down his last over pitching it far too short and paid the price at the expense of a couple wide-eyed, tail-ender sloggers. It happens.
It hindsight it provided some entertainment but after losing the semi-final in the rugby, it just made it out to be a depressing weekend of sport, although in my case the Redbacks did beat the Blues in their first Ryobi Cup match which was good. Positive signs there too for Australia as Phil Hughes and Usman Khawaja carved out a solid opening stand and individual performances.
Baggy Greens XV Test Squad:
Michael Clarke (Captain) - Batsman
Shane Watson (Vice captain)- All rounder
Michael Beer – Spin bowler
Trent Copeland - Bowler
Patrick Cummins – Bowler (yet to debut)
Brad Haddin – Keeper/ Batsman
Ryan Harris - Bowler
Phillip Hughes - Batsman
Mike Hussey - Batsman
Mitchell Johnson - Bowler
Usman Khawaja - Batsman
Nathan Lyon – Spin bowler
Shaun Marsh - Batsman
Ricky Ponting - Batsman
Peter Siddle – Bowler
I’m not going to get too heavy into analysis for the Test Squad but I am confident about the boys who have made the final 15.
However, the surprise additions include Michael Beer and Patrick Cummins.
Michael recently bowled alright for the Western Warriors (dismissing Punter twice) but I wasn’t too sure of a 15-man Squad being named with two spin bowlers.
Patrick Cummins being added is a fast track move. Once again I state that the risk of this is that it can do more damage than good to the player, but it seems unlikely he will get a game and against South Africa you probably don’t want to play around too much with your options.
Don’t get me wrong, I am very excited for Patrick and we all know he has a special ability with his bowling attributes, but I just get so concerned for these guys being thrown in so young with just signs of potential boosting their selection rather than a season or two of State performances and time at the grass roots level.
Think about Peter George as a fast bowling prospect which wasn’t that long ago. Where is Peter now with the Baggy Greens plans?
Andrew Hilditch is nearly done and it is safe to say he has been off the beat of Australian cricket for a while.
I enjoyed his statement about not putting too much pressure on Cummins and then went onto State how important he is going to be if we are to get back to number 1!
Otherwise I stand by my belief that if our seniors can step up with the bat (Punter, Watto, Clarkey, Huss and even Hads) and the young guys are able to feed off their experience and confidence (Marsh, Hughes, Khawaja) then our bowlers (who are less experienced collectively) will have something to defend or set goals towards. Given their mixed offerings it could make things tough for the South African batsmen. Our batting is crucial and hopefully the inconsistency starts to be a rarer occurrence from a team that really has immense ability to come out on top.
Trent Copeland, who is currently playing in the Redbacks versus Blues Sheffield Game, has a role that is probably a lot more important than it seems.
In 2009 we saw how effective Andrew McDonald was. He was able to keep hitting a consistent line and length that made it difficult to score from. Trent offers more variation and is a specialist bowler where Andrew had batting duties to handle as well. The Durban test in particular was a good show case for Andrew’s job in tying down the batsman, which built pressure and allowed Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus to go for the kill and find erroneous moments from the Proteas to create successful breakthroughs.
As far as the big contest everyone is eager to see, is that what South Africa have in Dale Steyn, we have in Mitchell Johnson (and probably a bit more).
The only difference is the value that rests in Steyn’s abilities tends to show up 9 times out of 10.
For us we see the Mitchell Johnson show 5 times out of 10.
MJ recently picked up a 5for for the Warriors and I just hope he can gather confidence from the ODI series because we really need MJ for this series. Peter Siddle will have good memories too and if the chants of, “Siddle is a wanker” return (unfortunate incident) it will certainly add fuel to the fire for his cause.
This time though we also have Ryan Harris!
For those who are confused with him not being the ODI side, it is to avoid further injury so come the Test series he is at his best again. It also stand him in good stead for the summer ahead.
The Test series is so short but we can win it.
It will set things up well for the summer and really give this side a good indication where they are at if they perform to the best of their abilities. If our batsmen can counter-attack the Steyn-Morkel duo and our bowlers can work collectively to dismantle the Proteas batting line-up (conditions offer something far better than Sri Lanka) with our inform batsmen scoring, we should have the best chance possible.
I do think our batting is the golden key here and we can definitely win both games.
The 3 match ODI series is up first though. See the 'Fixtures' tab for the dates.
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
All in all there were many, many positives to take away from these two games as far as I’m concerned. I pointed out some of these (taking other opinions I picked up on) for the 1st T20i match report.
Of course it is so frustrating to see how we lost that game after we should have taken it, but full kudos to the bowling unit as they had it all tied up after our batting didn’t quite go off with a bang.
Aaron Finch deserved a game after not having a chance in Sri Lanka and now in South Africa.
Steven Smith (who is in the ODI side again) could have easily been omitted from the side and Aaron could have had an opportunity. Fairness is important with T20 cricket and Aaron is an awesome batsman.
Mitch Marsh delivered an exciting lower order assault on debut and Cam White regained some form. Patrick Cummins and James Pattinson were so damn good and Douggie Bollinger finally debuted 52 T20s later.
I also think Cam did a very good job with his field placements and execution of the tactics for both the T20s.
The only stuff up came when Steve O’Keefe unfortunately sent down his last over pitching it far too short and paid the price at the expense of a couple wide-eyed, tail-ender sloggers. It happens.
It hindsight it provided some entertainment but after losing the semi-final in the rugby, it just made it out to be a depressing weekend of sport, although in my case the Redbacks did beat the Blues in their first Ryobi Cup match which was good. Positive signs there too for Australia as Phil Hughes and Usman Khawaja carved out a solid opening stand and individual performances.
Baggy Greens XV Test Squad:
Michael Clarke (Captain) - Batsman
Shane Watson (Vice captain)- All rounder
Michael Beer – Spin bowler
Trent Copeland - Bowler
Patrick Cummins – Bowler (yet to debut)
Brad Haddin – Keeper/ Batsman
Ryan Harris - Bowler
Phillip Hughes - Batsman
Mike Hussey - Batsman
Mitchell Johnson - Bowler
Usman Khawaja - Batsman
Nathan Lyon – Spin bowler
Shaun Marsh - Batsman
Ricky Ponting - Batsman
Peter Siddle – Bowler
I’m not going to get too heavy into analysis for the Test Squad but I am confident about the boys who have made the final 15.
However, the surprise additions include Michael Beer and Patrick Cummins.
Michael recently bowled alright for the Western Warriors (dismissing Punter twice) but I wasn’t too sure of a 15-man Squad being named with two spin bowlers.
Patrick Cummins being added is a fast track move. Once again I state that the risk of this is that it can do more damage than good to the player, but it seems unlikely he will get a game and against South Africa you probably don’t want to play around too much with your options.
Don’t get me wrong, I am very excited for Patrick and we all know he has a special ability with his bowling attributes, but I just get so concerned for these guys being thrown in so young with just signs of potential boosting their selection rather than a season or two of State performances and time at the grass roots level.
Think about Peter George as a fast bowling prospect which wasn’t that long ago. Where is Peter now with the Baggy Greens plans?
Andrew Hilditch is nearly done and it is safe to say he has been off the beat of Australian cricket for a while.
I enjoyed his statement about not putting too much pressure on Cummins and then went onto State how important he is going to be if we are to get back to number 1!
Otherwise I stand by my belief that if our seniors can step up with the bat (Punter, Watto, Clarkey, Huss and even Hads) and the young guys are able to feed off their experience and confidence (Marsh, Hughes, Khawaja) then our bowlers (who are less experienced collectively) will have something to defend or set goals towards. Given their mixed offerings it could make things tough for the South African batsmen. Our batting is crucial and hopefully the inconsistency starts to be a rarer occurrence from a team that really has immense ability to come out on top.
Trent Copeland, who is currently playing in the Redbacks versus Blues Sheffield Game, has a role that is probably a lot more important than it seems.
In 2009 we saw how effective Andrew McDonald was. He was able to keep hitting a consistent line and length that made it difficult to score from. Trent offers more variation and is a specialist bowler where Andrew had batting duties to handle as well. The Durban test in particular was a good show case for Andrew’s job in tying down the batsman, which built pressure and allowed Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus to go for the kill and find erroneous moments from the Proteas to create successful breakthroughs.
As far as the big contest everyone is eager to see, is that what South Africa have in Dale Steyn, we have in Mitchell Johnson (and probably a bit more).
The only difference is the value that rests in Steyn’s abilities tends to show up 9 times out of 10.
For us we see the Mitchell Johnson show 5 times out of 10.
MJ recently picked up a 5for for the Warriors and I just hope he can gather confidence from the ODI series because we really need MJ for this series. Peter Siddle will have good memories too and if the chants of, “Siddle is a wanker” return (unfortunate incident) it will certainly add fuel to the fire for his cause.
This time though we also have Ryan Harris!
For those who are confused with him not being the ODI side, it is to avoid further injury so come the Test series he is at his best again. It also stand him in good stead for the summer ahead.
The Test series is so short but we can win it.
It will set things up well for the summer and really give this side a good indication where they are at if they perform to the best of their abilities. If our batsmen can counter-attack the Steyn-Morkel duo and our bowlers can work collectively to dismantle the Proteas batting line-up (conditions offer something far better than Sri Lanka) with our inform batsmen scoring, we should have the best chance possible.
I do think our batting is the golden key here and we can definitely win both games.
The 3 match ODI series is up first though. See the 'Fixtures' tab for the dates.
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
13 October 2011
1st T20: Australia take the 1st T20 by 5 wickets
* Live T20 chat for Sunday's match here at the Baggy Green Blog.
The game isn't on at demanding hours so make an effort to join us, fanatics.
1st T20i: Won by 5 wickets (1-0).
Man-of-the-match: Shane Watson has done it again!
Scorecard for the match: Click here to view.
It was a very positive performance from Cameron "Shrugger" White's Australian team.
We all know the upcoming talent we have is extremely exciting and highly promising (as Andrew Hilditch points out every selection) but the management is crucial and exposure given to the elite level should be handled with care.
This is where Twenty20 cricket is a grand platform and it was proven valuable for this match and quite possibly the summer ahead.
The voting poll on the left is still on track for a 2-0 result.
The victory was left a tad too late, I am sure we can all agree on that, but atleast it provided some entertainment at the closure but it could have been a better sweep.
In any case I am proud of the Twenty20 side and that records our first ever Twenty20 victory against The Proteas in South Africa!
One game to go, I see little reason why we can't take the game up at the Wanderers.
Also four debutants entered this match.
Douggie Bollinger (52 T20s later), Patrick Cummins, James Pattinson and Matt Wade.
BOWLING: The Proteas 7-146 from 20 overs.
Pat Cummins 3-25 (4), Douggie Bollinger 1-23 (4), Shane Watson 1-26 (4)
Douggie Bollinger finally debuted and what a first over he had.
One wide to start the match but he kept Graeme Smith guessing. Smith looked horribly out of touch and was well off the mark with his shot execution.
That jaw-cruncher delivery Douggie angled in at him would have kept him on edge as it whistled by.
Eventually the break-through came when Smith tried to lunge at a wider delivery with his generally effective cover drive but only managed to edge it onto his stumps. You could have called for it to happen and Douggie had the first wicket as the stumps tumbled.
Pat Cummins is an incredibly exciting prospect, which even Troy Cooley proudly spoke of during his interview prior to the game.
As an 18 year old kid, his pace is quite staggering and the best is that he has control!
Maturity beyond his years was evident with his performances for New South Wales, but this is the elite level and the way he handled his duties with the new ball and his closing spell was an outstanding effort from the youngster.
He also mixed the pace up nicely and found instant rhythm. I will always have my reservations about young guys being cast into the heat of the battle so young in both age and experience as it can do far more damage than good.
However, Twenty20 is ideal for these opportunities and Pat can gain some confidence from this performance before a potential ODI debut.
His final spell choked The Proteas attempts to fly away at the end with three wickets in one over, again mixing it up well and clearly bowling to his field and a game plan.
All in all everyone else chipped in.
The intensity in the field was contagious and Steve Rixon can take a bow yet again.
David Warner was traced by the ball during the first 10 overs and made his mark on the game with some truly athletic fielding with his ground work.
His golden moment was the way he sprinted after a Colin Ingram shot past mid-on, retrieved it and as Hashim Amla darted away for an attempted third. David threw the ball back at the perfect height, angle and speed for Matt Wade to retrieve it (who was in the perfect Keeper position for the oncoming throw) and then he dislodged the bails! The perfect run out scenario.
On that note, how good was Matt?
Epic intensity, he was constantly in the game and kept busy. He was flexible behind the stumps, was clean with his gloves work and I was proud to see the Bushranger Keeper really put in a wonderful performance on debut.
With Brad Haddin, Tim Paine and Matt in the elite level picture now, we definitely have a huge advantage over The Proteas in this regard.
The execution of our game plans after losing the toss gave our batsmen a somewhat tricky but slightly below par target.
On a note of James Pattinson's 90s hair cut, he actually reminded me a bit of Brett Lee when he was a bit younger. Same attitude, same snarl and a similar haircut.
BATTING: 5-147 from 19.3 overs
Shane Watson 52, Cam White 28, David Hussey 25, Shaun Marsh 25
David Warner getting run out was a huge upset after his awesome output in the field and recent form for the Blues in the Champions League. It was a wasted wicket and every supporter had reason to feel gutted.
Fortunately Shane Watson was able to let the run out go and got on with things. This wasn't a smooth innings though as he had some fortune when Graeme Smith dropped him at first slip.
The chance was granted and Watto capitalised.
Michael Hussey often points out the value of luck.
Watto was never out of form, for the record. He was simply lacking a bit of confidence having recently endured a few months of below par performances. Watto will not go out of form in my opinion as I firmly believe he has found his natural game. When that happens, confidence issues will be your downfall and this innings, with a bit of luck which is needed sometimes, was ideal to get him back in a better place.
He started hitting the ball crisply, powerfully and ran strongly between the wickets. His efforts up top gave our middle order the room needed to just knock off the remaining runs. Even though Watto's departure was a slight anti-climax, he did the job up top.
For a change there were no slog sweeps heaved to mid-wicket!
Shaun Marsh has adapted ridiculously well to test cricket already, however Twenty20 cricket for Australia has been a slight struggle for him when given his opportunities. His performances and stats in T20 State cricket speaks for itself but he needed a little something for the team and himself just to add some credibility to his T20i's.
Indeed he did this match with a valuable 25 runs in a dominant partnership with Watto.
Shaun gave himself room, executed his shots with really quick bat speed and found the gaps with ease to ensure that even when boundaries weren't rapid, atleast the momentum wasn't snuffed.
Some of his shots to find the boundary were traditional cricket shots with quality timing. Classy bloke!
After Watto and Shaun departed soon after each other, the game flipped around and the two slightly out of form Bushranger boys came out, Skipper Cam White and David Hussey.
I am stoked to type that both of them contributed to our win and looked the part out there as senior players with plenty of experience to boast.
Cam White seems to have been in limbo. Lost and clueless to whether he should attack or play defensively, which has resulted in his omission from the ODI Squad.
This game he found a good balance. He took a while to get his eye in, often playing outside the line of the ball but soon started chipping away at the singles, while Dussey got stuck into things with determination and focus.
It was great to see their cool cricket on display as they kept knocking the runs off the scoreboard. It wasn't too long until the game was well and truly in our grasp due to their stable output.
It was also great to see both Cam and Dussey launch massive sixes in their trademark style.
However as awesome as it was to see the Bear Lunge from Cam White and the Master Blaster Slog from Dussey, it also brought about their downfalls when they really could have just ticked the runs off with ease. Highly frustrating but their intentions made sense but after such a strong hold they had on the game I was hoping they'd see us home.
Young Steve Smith has been under the pump a bit and I have been vocal about my confusion about his role in the team and continual selection. I do think it can seriously damage a players confidence at his age, but fortunately he stepped up at the end to play his part for the win.
Sure, he missed a number of deliveries with aimless swipes but he kept his composure and carved a lofted shot through point for four to level the scores in the final over, which did create a fair bit of tension.
Matt Wade had also created a nail biting moment when he miss-timed an attempted slog to try go for broke and win the game. Pleased to say Matt's shot landed in no mans land and he survived.
Young Steve Smith hit the winning runs and I hope that lifts his spirits a bit, cause it's needed ahead of the limited overs fixtures.
THE VERDICT:
A very good performance, no doubt about that and the goal is to try keep the momentum from the Sri Lanka series, while The Proteas have had little collective cricket as a unit.
We took our chances and the boys did a brilliant job with everyone contributing. Even our support staff looked really on-board and the team spirit felt good.
One game left in the Twenty20 series before a change in ball game with the ODIs.
Yes, we all wish it were a three match Test series, but atleast we get four next time around.
I am positive about this tour and believe it is vital for the summer ahead, as Cam White pointed out numerous times.
On a final note I was stoked to see Brett Lee up and about at the game. His surgery went well and it was another positive seeing him giving advice and support to our bowlers. He also picked the new ball well!
For the tour fixtures, see the 'Fixtures' tab right here at the blog.
Check you on Sunday!
Shane Watson was man-of-the-match after a stroke of luck gave him the golden ticket to contribute a match winning half-century after the untimely departure of David Warner.
Well done Watto!
© 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
The game isn't on at demanding hours so make an effort to join us, fanatics.
1st T20i: Won by 5 wickets (1-0).
Man-of-the-match: Shane Watson has done it again!
Scorecard for the match: Click here to view.
It was a very positive performance from Cameron "Shrugger" White's Australian team.
We all know the upcoming talent we have is extremely exciting and highly promising (as Andrew Hilditch points out every selection) but the management is crucial and exposure given to the elite level should be handled with care.
This is where Twenty20 cricket is a grand platform and it was proven valuable for this match and quite possibly the summer ahead.
The voting poll on the left is still on track for a 2-0 result.
The victory was left a tad too late, I am sure we can all agree on that, but atleast it provided some entertainment at the closure but it could have been a better sweep.
In any case I am proud of the Twenty20 side and that records our first ever Twenty20 victory against The Proteas in South Africa!
One game to go, I see little reason why we can't take the game up at the Wanderers.
Also four debutants entered this match.
Douggie Bollinger (52 T20s later), Patrick Cummins, James Pattinson and Matt Wade.
BOWLING: The Proteas 7-146 from 20 overs.
Pat Cummins 3-25 (4), Douggie Bollinger 1-23 (4), Shane Watson 1-26 (4)
Douggie Bollinger finally debuted and what a first over he had.
One wide to start the match but he kept Graeme Smith guessing. Smith looked horribly out of touch and was well off the mark with his shot execution.
That jaw-cruncher delivery Douggie angled in at him would have kept him on edge as it whistled by.
Eventually the break-through came when Smith tried to lunge at a wider delivery with his generally effective cover drive but only managed to edge it onto his stumps. You could have called for it to happen and Douggie had the first wicket as the stumps tumbled.
Pat Cummins is an incredibly exciting prospect, which even Troy Cooley proudly spoke of during his interview prior to the game.
As an 18 year old kid, his pace is quite staggering and the best is that he has control!
Maturity beyond his years was evident with his performances for New South Wales, but this is the elite level and the way he handled his duties with the new ball and his closing spell was an outstanding effort from the youngster.
He also mixed the pace up nicely and found instant rhythm. I will always have my reservations about young guys being cast into the heat of the battle so young in both age and experience as it can do far more damage than good.
However, Twenty20 is ideal for these opportunities and Pat can gain some confidence from this performance before a potential ODI debut.
His final spell choked The Proteas attempts to fly away at the end with three wickets in one over, again mixing it up well and clearly bowling to his field and a game plan.
All in all everyone else chipped in.
The intensity in the field was contagious and Steve Rixon can take a bow yet again.
David Warner was traced by the ball during the first 10 overs and made his mark on the game with some truly athletic fielding with his ground work.
His golden moment was the way he sprinted after a Colin Ingram shot past mid-on, retrieved it and as Hashim Amla darted away for an attempted third. David threw the ball back at the perfect height, angle and speed for Matt Wade to retrieve it (who was in the perfect Keeper position for the oncoming throw) and then he dislodged the bails! The perfect run out scenario.
On that note, how good was Matt?
Epic intensity, he was constantly in the game and kept busy. He was flexible behind the stumps, was clean with his gloves work and I was proud to see the Bushranger Keeper really put in a wonderful performance on debut.
With Brad Haddin, Tim Paine and Matt in the elite level picture now, we definitely have a huge advantage over The Proteas in this regard.
The execution of our game plans after losing the toss gave our batsmen a somewhat tricky but slightly below par target.
On a note of James Pattinson's 90s hair cut, he actually reminded me a bit of Brett Lee when he was a bit younger. Same attitude, same snarl and a similar haircut.
BATTING: 5-147 from 19.3 overs
Shane Watson 52, Cam White 28, David Hussey 25, Shaun Marsh 25
David Warner getting run out was a huge upset after his awesome output in the field and recent form for the Blues in the Champions League. It was a wasted wicket and every supporter had reason to feel gutted.
Fortunately Shane Watson was able to let the run out go and got on with things. This wasn't a smooth innings though as he had some fortune when Graeme Smith dropped him at first slip.
The chance was granted and Watto capitalised.
Michael Hussey often points out the value of luck.
Watto was never out of form, for the record. He was simply lacking a bit of confidence having recently endured a few months of below par performances. Watto will not go out of form in my opinion as I firmly believe he has found his natural game. When that happens, confidence issues will be your downfall and this innings, with a bit of luck which is needed sometimes, was ideal to get him back in a better place.
He started hitting the ball crisply, powerfully and ran strongly between the wickets. His efforts up top gave our middle order the room needed to just knock off the remaining runs. Even though Watto's departure was a slight anti-climax, he did the job up top.
For a change there were no slog sweeps heaved to mid-wicket!
Shaun Marsh has adapted ridiculously well to test cricket already, however Twenty20 cricket for Australia has been a slight struggle for him when given his opportunities. His performances and stats in T20 State cricket speaks for itself but he needed a little something for the team and himself just to add some credibility to his T20i's.
Indeed he did this match with a valuable 25 runs in a dominant partnership with Watto.
Shaun gave himself room, executed his shots with really quick bat speed and found the gaps with ease to ensure that even when boundaries weren't rapid, atleast the momentum wasn't snuffed.
Some of his shots to find the boundary were traditional cricket shots with quality timing. Classy bloke!
After Watto and Shaun departed soon after each other, the game flipped around and the two slightly out of form Bushranger boys came out, Skipper Cam White and David Hussey.
I am stoked to type that both of them contributed to our win and looked the part out there as senior players with plenty of experience to boast.
Cam White seems to have been in limbo. Lost and clueless to whether he should attack or play defensively, which has resulted in his omission from the ODI Squad.
This game he found a good balance. He took a while to get his eye in, often playing outside the line of the ball but soon started chipping away at the singles, while Dussey got stuck into things with determination and focus.
It was great to see their cool cricket on display as they kept knocking the runs off the scoreboard. It wasn't too long until the game was well and truly in our grasp due to their stable output.
It was also great to see both Cam and Dussey launch massive sixes in their trademark style.
However as awesome as it was to see the Bear Lunge from Cam White and the Master Blaster Slog from Dussey, it also brought about their downfalls when they really could have just ticked the runs off with ease. Highly frustrating but their intentions made sense but after such a strong hold they had on the game I was hoping they'd see us home.
Young Steve Smith has been under the pump a bit and I have been vocal about my confusion about his role in the team and continual selection. I do think it can seriously damage a players confidence at his age, but fortunately he stepped up at the end to play his part for the win.
Sure, he missed a number of deliveries with aimless swipes but he kept his composure and carved a lofted shot through point for four to level the scores in the final over, which did create a fair bit of tension.
Matt Wade had also created a nail biting moment when he miss-timed an attempted slog to try go for broke and win the game. Pleased to say Matt's shot landed in no mans land and he survived.
Young Steve Smith hit the winning runs and I hope that lifts his spirits a bit, cause it's needed ahead of the limited overs fixtures.
THE VERDICT:
A very good performance, no doubt about that and the goal is to try keep the momentum from the Sri Lanka series, while The Proteas have had little collective cricket as a unit.
We took our chances and the boys did a brilliant job with everyone contributing. Even our support staff looked really on-board and the team spirit felt good.
One game left in the Twenty20 series before a change in ball game with the ODIs.
Yes, we all wish it were a three match Test series, but atleast we get four next time around.
I am positive about this tour and believe it is vital for the summer ahead, as Cam White pointed out numerous times.
On a final note I was stoked to see Brett Lee up and about at the game. His surgery went well and it was another positive seeing him giving advice and support to our bowlers. He also picked the new ball well!
For the tour fixtures, see the 'Fixtures' tab right here at the blog.
Check you on Sunday!
Shane Watson was man-of-the-match after a stroke of luck gave him the golden ticket to contribute a match winning half-century after the untimely departure of David Warner.
Well done Watto!
© 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 October 2011
The T20s: A brief look at some statistics
News:
Congrats to the Wallabies on their Quarter-final win in the Rugby World Cup.
For more on the Rugby World Cup visit the Green and Gold blog run by Gagger, Moses and the rest of the gang. See Side-bar banner or click here to access G&GR.
News:
Cricket Champs, who we support at the Baggy Green Blog, have managed to get Michael Hussey onboard with Tom Moody to be an Ambassador for the excellent cause Justin has managed to get into action.
Click the side banner to learn more about Cricket Champ clinics in Western Australia, or click the following link.
A brief look at some statistics:
As we edge closer to the start of the Twenty20 series, it's good to have a look at the Stats, as unchallenged it may go as far as on the field performances.
Of our Twenty20 Squad members, the experience stands as follows:
- Played more than 10 T20s: 6
The players; Watto, Bear, Dussey, Binga, Pitbull Warner, Young Steve Smith.
- Played atleast 1 T20: 3
The players; Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh, Steve O'Keefe.
- Set to debut: 5
The players; Douggie B, Pat Cummins, Mitch Marsh, James Pattinson, Matt Wade.
The team is young and as much as I generally criticise the motives with the NSP (soon to be former-NSP) in pushing young players based on potential, rather than given performance and the stamina to adapt with consistent policies to the elite level.
However, a young side for Twenty20 cricket is fantastic for many reasons.
The first being exposure for inexperienced guys to understand and feel the pressure at the elite level. Not to mention the exposure it gives emerging players on the State scene, even if it is Twenty20 cricket.
We have a few players going into the two match series needing a bit of confidence.
Cam White, David Hussey and Shane Watson.
Cam has been left out of our ODI side but can still use both the Captaincy and the platform of still representing us at the elite level in order to rebuild his confidence and capture his natural instinct with aggressive stroke-play. In the ODIs he seemed a bit lost whether to defend or go for broke.
David Hussey needs to grab the chance with both hands now for no other reason than the motive for pushing through younger players is clear.
Although I don't believe Shane Watson is in a form slump, I do think he is just in two minds perhaps with the sudden rebirth of his all-rounder duties. With the amount of cricket played there may be a psychological niggle with the fear of injury recurring, given his dark history of injuries. He'll come right, I have no doubt.
New South Wales have had a few players recently leave the Champions League, who will be members of the Twenty20 side to take on the Proteas.
This is great news, especially for Patrick Cummins who is a very young man and has given himself an additional chance to climatise to the shorter form of the game against totally unknown opponents and conditions.
David Warner is the bloke to watch out for!
He has earned his re-call to the ODI team (epic!) and has been in sublime T20 form as well, which continues his solid form since the closure of last season.
He scored back to back centuries and looks pumped! Cmon David!
David's 135 runs versus Chennai. Check the raw power!
He will accompanied by Aaron Finch who has also been in dominant form and deserves an opportunity down the line to represent the ODI side when we lose the seniors like Huss and Punter.
The batting stocks are daunting to take a look at from an opposition point of view.
The Proteas also take in a relatively young, somewhat inexperienced side. This is an even deck for a hard-fought contest and if our batsmen give our young bowling attack some runs to work with, we can win both the games.
As emphasised, our bowling units are either inexperienced or finding a form of synergy so the responsibility on the batsmen is quite something.
This isn't to say the Proteas batting line-up can fold against our bowlers, some who boast series confidence.
Australia has an average age of 26, while the Proteas have an average age of 27.
The experience for the Proteas lies in Amla, Botha, Duminy, Morne Morkel, Smith and Albie Morkel (who I believe may have an abdominal strain).
Our experience rests with White, Hussey, Binga (Brett Lee), Warner, Watson and Douggie B. So the experience between the two sides matches up well against the two sides with a good blend of younger or less-experienced players.
It will also be special to see the Marsh brothers out there in the action if selection swings that way. All in all, the Twenty20s are more a show case for us ahead of the home summer as opposed to sudden death encounters.
In any case, with two games and a Squad of 14 it would seem everyone will (should) get a run.
Matt Wade is a certainty for debut as Wicket-Keeper with Tim Paine injured due to a broken finger and Brad Haddin now retired from the format. well done Matt!
THE STATISTICS:
Cameron White (T20i):
Batting - 27 matches/ 26 innings/ 565 runs/ 85* HS/ 31.38 average/ 139.50 SR/ 34 6s.
Shane Watson (T20i):
Batting - 24 matches/ 23 innings/ 522 runs/ 81* HS/ 24.85 average/ 153.98 SR/ 32 6s
Bowling - 24 matches/ 18 innings/ 17 wickets / BBI 4/15/ 24.70 average / 7.85 E.R
David Hussey (T20i):
Batting - 30 matches/ 28 innings/ 630 runs/ 88* HS/ 25.20 average/ 126.00 SR/ 28 6s
Bowling - 30 matches/ 19 innings/ 16 wickets / BBI 3/25/ 19.12 average / 6.37 E.R
Aaron Finch (State):
* Has scored 53* in one of his two T20i's.
Batting - 30 matches/ 27 innings/ 824 runs/ 93* HS/ 37.45 average/ 131.84 SR/ 29 6s
Matthew Wade (State):
Batting - 27 matches/ 22 innings/ 349 runs/ 80 HS/ 19.38 average/ 116.72 SR/ 11 6s
David Warner (T20i / State):
Batting - 27 matches/ 27 innings/ 775 runs/ 89 HS/ 28.70 average/ 144.32 SR/ 33 6s
Batting - 112 matches/ 112 innings/ 3233 runs/ 135* HS/ 30.79 average/ 142.23 SR/ 136 6s.
Shaun Marsh (T20i/ State):
Batting - 5 matches/ 5 innings/ 57 runs/ 29 HS/ 11.40 average/ 98.27 SR/ 3 6s
Batting - 58 matches/ 57 innings/ 2139 runs/ 115 HS/ 42.78 average/ 136.93 SR/ 85 6s
Mitch Marsh (State):
Batting - 11 matches/ 7 innings/ 102 runs/ 37 HS/ 17.00 average/ 97.14 SR/ 5 6s
Bowling - 11 matches/ 9 innings/ 13 wickets / BBI 4/6/ 19.12 average / 6.37 E.R
Steven Smith (T20i):
Batting - 18 matches/ 13 innings/ 148 runs/ 34 HS/ 14.80 average/ 109.62 SR/ 3 6s
Bowling - 18 matches/ 16 innings/ 17 wickets / BBI 3/20/ 21.94 average / 7.85 E.R
Steve O'Keefe (T20i/ State):
Bowling - 5 matches/ 5 innings/ 5 wickets / BBI 3/29/ 21.00 average / 7.50 E.R
Bowling - 18 matches/ 18 innings/ 17 wickets / BBI 3/23/ 22.82 average / 7.32 E.R
James Pattinson (State):
Bowling - 10 matches/ 10 innings/ 12 wickets / BBI 3/22/ 23.25 average / 7.93 E.R
Doug Bollinger (State):
* Set to debut.
Bowling - 52 matches/ 51 innings/ 59 wickets / BBI 4/13/ 23.54 average / 7.54 E.R
Brett Lee (T20i):
Bowling - 21 matches/ 21 innings/ 22 wickets / BBI 3/27/ 27.31 average / 7.99 E.R
Pat Cummins (State):
Bowling - 11 matches/ 11 innings/ 18 wickets / BBI 4/16/ 16.16 average / 6.84 E.R
Fun facts:
- Australia and The Proteas have only played 6 matches against each other in T20s.
- Of the 6 matches, neither side has won a match in unfamiliar territory.
In Australia: Played 3, won 3.
In South Africa: Played 3, lost 3.
- No Australian batsman has ever scored a century in Twenty20 International cricket.
- Having played a wopping 52 T20s, Douggie Bollinger has never played a T20i.
- We lost our last two T20s but have a chance to register our first win in South Africa.
- The Proteas have not played any cricket since being booted out of the World Cup Quarter-final against the Black Caps.
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
Congrats to the Wallabies on their Quarter-final win in the Rugby World Cup.
For more on the Rugby World Cup visit the Green and Gold blog run by Gagger, Moses and the rest of the gang. See Side-bar banner or click here to access G&GR.
News:
Cricket Champs, who we support at the Baggy Green Blog, have managed to get Michael Hussey onboard with Tom Moody to be an Ambassador for the excellent cause Justin has managed to get into action.
Click the side banner to learn more about Cricket Champ clinics in Western Australia, or click the following link.
A brief look at some statistics:
As we edge closer to the start of the Twenty20 series, it's good to have a look at the Stats, as unchallenged it may go as far as on the field performances.
Of our Twenty20 Squad members, the experience stands as follows:
- Played more than 10 T20s: 6
The players; Watto, Bear, Dussey, Binga, Pitbull Warner, Young Steve Smith.
- Played atleast 1 T20: 3
The players; Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh, Steve O'Keefe.
- Set to debut: 5
The players; Douggie B, Pat Cummins, Mitch Marsh, James Pattinson, Matt Wade.
The team is young and as much as I generally criticise the motives with the NSP (soon to be former-NSP) in pushing young players based on potential, rather than given performance and the stamina to adapt with consistent policies to the elite level.
However, a young side for Twenty20 cricket is fantastic for many reasons.
The first being exposure for inexperienced guys to understand and feel the pressure at the elite level. Not to mention the exposure it gives emerging players on the State scene, even if it is Twenty20 cricket.
We have a few players going into the two match series needing a bit of confidence.
Cam White, David Hussey and Shane Watson.
Cam has been left out of our ODI side but can still use both the Captaincy and the platform of still representing us at the elite level in order to rebuild his confidence and capture his natural instinct with aggressive stroke-play. In the ODIs he seemed a bit lost whether to defend or go for broke.
David Hussey needs to grab the chance with both hands now for no other reason than the motive for pushing through younger players is clear.
Although I don't believe Shane Watson is in a form slump, I do think he is just in two minds perhaps with the sudden rebirth of his all-rounder duties. With the amount of cricket played there may be a psychological niggle with the fear of injury recurring, given his dark history of injuries. He'll come right, I have no doubt.
New South Wales have had a few players recently leave the Champions League, who will be members of the Twenty20 side to take on the Proteas.
This is great news, especially for Patrick Cummins who is a very young man and has given himself an additional chance to climatise to the shorter form of the game against totally unknown opponents and conditions.
David Warner is the bloke to watch out for!
He has earned his re-call to the ODI team (epic!) and has been in sublime T20 form as well, which continues his solid form since the closure of last season.
He scored back to back centuries and looks pumped! Cmon David!
David's 135 runs versus Chennai. Check the raw power!
He will accompanied by Aaron Finch who has also been in dominant form and deserves an opportunity down the line to represent the ODI side when we lose the seniors like Huss and Punter.
The batting stocks are daunting to take a look at from an opposition point of view.
The Proteas also take in a relatively young, somewhat inexperienced side. This is an even deck for a hard-fought contest and if our batsmen give our young bowling attack some runs to work with, we can win both the games.
As emphasised, our bowling units are either inexperienced or finding a form of synergy so the responsibility on the batsmen is quite something.
This isn't to say the Proteas batting line-up can fold against our bowlers, some who boast series confidence.
Australia has an average age of 26, while the Proteas have an average age of 27.
The experience for the Proteas lies in Amla, Botha, Duminy, Morne Morkel, Smith and Albie Morkel (who I believe may have an abdominal strain).
Our experience rests with White, Hussey, Binga (Brett Lee), Warner, Watson and Douggie B. So the experience between the two sides matches up well against the two sides with a good blend of younger or less-experienced players.
It will also be special to see the Marsh brothers out there in the action if selection swings that way. All in all, the Twenty20s are more a show case for us ahead of the home summer as opposed to sudden death encounters.
In any case, with two games and a Squad of 14 it would seem everyone will (should) get a run.
Matt Wade is a certainty for debut as Wicket-Keeper with Tim Paine injured due to a broken finger and Brad Haddin now retired from the format. well done Matt!
THE STATISTICS:
Cameron White (T20i):
Batting - 27 matches/ 26 innings/ 565 runs/ 85* HS/ 31.38 average/ 139.50 SR/ 34 6s.
Shane Watson (T20i):
Batting - 24 matches/ 23 innings/ 522 runs/ 81* HS/ 24.85 average/ 153.98 SR/ 32 6s
Bowling - 24 matches/ 18 innings/ 17 wickets / BBI 4/15/ 24.70 average / 7.85 E.R
David Hussey (T20i):
Batting - 30 matches/ 28 innings/ 630 runs/ 88* HS/ 25.20 average/ 126.00 SR/ 28 6s
Bowling - 30 matches/ 19 innings/ 16 wickets / BBI 3/25/ 19.12 average / 6.37 E.R
Aaron Finch (State):
* Has scored 53* in one of his two T20i's.
Batting - 30 matches/ 27 innings/ 824 runs/ 93* HS/ 37.45 average/ 131.84 SR/ 29 6s
Matthew Wade (State):
Batting - 27 matches/ 22 innings/ 349 runs/ 80 HS/ 19.38 average/ 116.72 SR/ 11 6s
David Warner (T20i / State):
Batting - 27 matches/ 27 innings/ 775 runs/ 89 HS/ 28.70 average/ 144.32 SR/ 33 6s
Batting - 112 matches/ 112 innings/ 3233 runs/ 135* HS/ 30.79 average/ 142.23 SR/ 136 6s.
Shaun Marsh (T20i/ State):
Batting - 5 matches/ 5 innings/ 57 runs/ 29 HS/ 11.40 average/ 98.27 SR/ 3 6s
Batting - 58 matches/ 57 innings/ 2139 runs/ 115 HS/ 42.78 average/ 136.93 SR/ 85 6s
Mitch Marsh (State):
Batting - 11 matches/ 7 innings/ 102 runs/ 37 HS/ 17.00 average/ 97.14 SR/ 5 6s
Bowling - 11 matches/ 9 innings/ 13 wickets / BBI 4/6/ 19.12 average / 6.37 E.R
Steven Smith (T20i):
Batting - 18 matches/ 13 innings/ 148 runs/ 34 HS/ 14.80 average/ 109.62 SR/ 3 6s
Bowling - 18 matches/ 16 innings/ 17 wickets / BBI 3/20/ 21.94 average / 7.85 E.R
Steve O'Keefe (T20i/ State):
Bowling - 5 matches/ 5 innings/ 5 wickets / BBI 3/29/ 21.00 average / 7.50 E.R
Bowling - 18 matches/ 18 innings/ 17 wickets / BBI 3/23/ 22.82 average / 7.32 E.R
James Pattinson (State):
Bowling - 10 matches/ 10 innings/ 12 wickets / BBI 3/22/ 23.25 average / 7.93 E.R
Doug Bollinger (State):
* Set to debut.
Bowling - 52 matches/ 51 innings/ 59 wickets / BBI 4/13/ 23.54 average / 7.54 E.R
Brett Lee (T20i):
Bowling - 21 matches/ 21 innings/ 22 wickets / BBI 3/27/ 27.31 average / 7.99 E.R
Pat Cummins (State):
Bowling - 11 matches/ 11 innings/ 18 wickets / BBI 4/16/ 16.16 average / 6.84 E.R
Fun facts:
- Australia and The Proteas have only played 6 matches against each other in T20s.
- Of the 6 matches, neither side has won a match in unfamiliar territory.
In Australia: Played 3, won 3.
In South Africa: Played 3, lost 3.
- No Australian batsman has ever scored a century in Twenty20 International cricket.
- Having played a wopping 52 T20s, Douggie Bollinger has never played a T20i.
- We lost our last two T20s but have a chance to register our first win in South Africa.
- The Proteas have not played any cricket since being booted out of the World Cup Quarter-final against the Black Caps.
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
05 October 2011
Justin Langer: Australia You *Little Beauty
*Congrats to David Warner on his 135* for the Blues. Excellent form the champ has been in for a while now. How about those switch hits?
It is just a little more than a week before his T20 and ODI series begins with the Green & Gold (kind of black now come T20s) against The Proteas.
I have recently finished reading my latest cricket book amongst many.
Australia, You *Little Beauty is the revisited outlook upon Justin Langer’s personal career, but also shares an intimate account into the pressures, triumphs, hardships and journey of the greatest Baggy Green team of all time, of which he was a key member.
JL is currently our batting coach.
To be honest the book took me a few attempts to get into, mostly because I was daftly trying to finish two books at once, being Ricky Ponting’s 2010 Captains Diary as well as Adam Gilchrist’s autobiography.
At last I had some time and I must say this was one of the better books I have read in a while, mostly because Justin doesn’t paint a picture of royalty or shy away from the facts.
There is a definite under tone of negativity in the book, but it is an important one in order to feel the emotion of success and liberation when the team overcame the challenges they faced, either on or off the field.
Given the intensity he had with the fear of failure and these sporting pressures, you learn about that frustration and self-doubt that bizarrely comes with hitting a red ball to pursue happiness and craft a career.
We could probably write down the most sought after Australian team on paper in our sleep, but very few of us understand that the job security was no guarantee for any of these guys during a time where each guy had a tremendous skill set but the competition at the highest level of expected performance was surely daunting.
I respect our players so much more after reading JL’s book.
The one thing I was fascinated by was indeed how intense JL was with the fear he had with failure, a certain anxiety almost and just how frightening he makes it sound at times when facing the brutal assault of Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh so early in his career, despite being a brewed product of Western Australia, notable for that wicked WACA track.
The number of physical hits this bloke took we are all aware of, but it’s once again the affect it had on him and how he used his networks, martial arts and mateship to become a stronger person to combat the negatives and the fear of losing his dream.
Even after he was well into the side you will regularly read that even when things were glorious for all concerned, they were still looking to raise the bar but JL was never confident he was a set member. It took funny incidents such as Matthew Hayden’s Platinum Club to engrave some sense of belonging off the field; while you also read about the way he nearly went Tyler Durden-like on two Barmy Army supporters during a very challenging period on the 2005 Ashes tour, where JL was our top scorer.
Amidst all of these stories is a lesson which we can all try and gain some insight into and learn from. I certainly did. The Australian cricketers inspire me in a way I can’t really explain. Even through all the lows now I remain as loyal and ambitious as possible. JL in particular was a champ at the way he’d keep coming back and appear even more enlightened and fulfilled as a human being with each chapter. It’s these human aspects that make you look at these guys in a truly neutral manner and just how hard they work.
The amusing bits lighten the mood up at regular intervals, perfectly placed.
I thought the story of the ACB forking out $16,000 for a memorable Caribbean dinner was hilarious given the times, while the antics at home venues show the joker side to these guys and reflects how tight a unit they truly were.
There’s also stories of the night time train ride Stuart MacGill organised for a few guys to go see Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, while also travel moments are shared such as the journey he took with Steve Waugh (an avid explorer) into the home town of Bob Marley, which is not a neighbourhood one casually travels into. I picked up there was a definite enjoyment JL had with The Windies cricket, even if it was his admiration watching from gully as Brian Lara became a batting genius in some of the most brutal assaults he saved for taking on our bowlers.
I thought the involvement of JL’s wife, Sue, with her regular writing gave a nice dynamic to the book. She is his lifelong partner and gives a reflection into the relevance of the journey having had first-hand experience into JL’s success and battles.
A cool aspect is the way JL also regularly addresses the pride in the Baggy Green, the intensity and focus from the players to live by the values of it and represent it with positivity amongst all the challenges that come with it.
Being one of the men who had the honour to lead the team song “Under the Southern Cross I stand”, he has a page interview with each guy who has been the song master.
The title of the book takes the closing line of the team song, with the word little often being replaced by a far more expressive one come the victory. Use your imagination!
I enjoy reading the pride and enthusiasm the guys have, but also reading how it has become even more important over the years.
I like the fact current song master Michael Hussey is included as well.
Who will be next?
All in all I found once I got going it was an awesome read as I like the story not being made out to be all epic and dreamlike. I have the utmost respect for our players so I like reading about the human qualities and the day to day struggles they endure. It just makes you appreciate their performances even more so and also just how awesome it is when we win a test match!
I feel more integrated to the side having read all these books over the last 10 years or so and having had a few chats with the players to realise how intense it is.
Despite how fortunate they are to do what they love and shouldn’t take it for granted, they are also under pressures just like we are.
The book will give you that exact insight and just how all those challenges made this team into a strong unit that just mowed down so many opposing teams, including the down fall of the great West Indian side.
The bond between JL and Matthew Hayden as our greatest opening duo is a brotherhood of strong emotion and significance in JL’s career, while you will also realise the importance Steve Waugh had into defining the Baggy Green.
JL notes both his and the teams respect for Tugga regularly.
Tugga, the humble general, maestro tactician and epic cricketer!
That bond between the players is something we have missed due to selection chaos and inconsistent selection policies resulting in quite a disheartening turnover of players.
When that connection between players and supporters is regained and the players can develop a tight bond of their own (as we nearly achieved in 2009) things will turn around so quickly.
For Australia to be that little beauty, synergy and elite levels of performance and competition are crucial.
JL points this out and I admire the honesty in this read.
It is a book all Baggy Green fanatics should take the time to read, being a lot more than, “this is my story”.
Justin Langer: Australia, You Little* Beauty
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9781742373515
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
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
It is just a little more than a week before his T20 and ODI series begins with the Green & Gold (kind of black now come T20s) against The Proteas.
I have recently finished reading my latest cricket book amongst many.
Australia, You *Little Beauty is the revisited outlook upon Justin Langer’s personal career, but also shares an intimate account into the pressures, triumphs, hardships and journey of the greatest Baggy Green team of all time, of which he was a key member.
JL is currently our batting coach.
To be honest the book took me a few attempts to get into, mostly because I was daftly trying to finish two books at once, being Ricky Ponting’s 2010 Captains Diary as well as Adam Gilchrist’s autobiography.
At last I had some time and I must say this was one of the better books I have read in a while, mostly because Justin doesn’t paint a picture of royalty or shy away from the facts.
There is a definite under tone of negativity in the book, but it is an important one in order to feel the emotion of success and liberation when the team overcame the challenges they faced, either on or off the field.
Given the intensity he had with the fear of failure and these sporting pressures, you learn about that frustration and self-doubt that bizarrely comes with hitting a red ball to pursue happiness and craft a career.
We could probably write down the most sought after Australian team on paper in our sleep, but very few of us understand that the job security was no guarantee for any of these guys during a time where each guy had a tremendous skill set but the competition at the highest level of expected performance was surely daunting.
I respect our players so much more after reading JL’s book.
The one thing I was fascinated by was indeed how intense JL was with the fear he had with failure, a certain anxiety almost and just how frightening he makes it sound at times when facing the brutal assault of Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh so early in his career, despite being a brewed product of Western Australia, notable for that wicked WACA track.
The number of physical hits this bloke took we are all aware of, but it’s once again the affect it had on him and how he used his networks, martial arts and mateship to become a stronger person to combat the negatives and the fear of losing his dream.
Even after he was well into the side you will regularly read that even when things were glorious for all concerned, they were still looking to raise the bar but JL was never confident he was a set member. It took funny incidents such as Matthew Hayden’s Platinum Club to engrave some sense of belonging off the field; while you also read about the way he nearly went Tyler Durden-like on two Barmy Army supporters during a very challenging period on the 2005 Ashes tour, where JL was our top scorer.
Amidst all of these stories is a lesson which we can all try and gain some insight into and learn from. I certainly did. The Australian cricketers inspire me in a way I can’t really explain. Even through all the lows now I remain as loyal and ambitious as possible. JL in particular was a champ at the way he’d keep coming back and appear even more enlightened and fulfilled as a human being with each chapter. It’s these human aspects that make you look at these guys in a truly neutral manner and just how hard they work.
The amusing bits lighten the mood up at regular intervals, perfectly placed.
I thought the story of the ACB forking out $16,000 for a memorable Caribbean dinner was hilarious given the times, while the antics at home venues show the joker side to these guys and reflects how tight a unit they truly were.
There’s also stories of the night time train ride Stuart MacGill organised for a few guys to go see Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, while also travel moments are shared such as the journey he took with Steve Waugh (an avid explorer) into the home town of Bob Marley, which is not a neighbourhood one casually travels into. I picked up there was a definite enjoyment JL had with The Windies cricket, even if it was his admiration watching from gully as Brian Lara became a batting genius in some of the most brutal assaults he saved for taking on our bowlers.
I thought the involvement of JL’s wife, Sue, with her regular writing gave a nice dynamic to the book. She is his lifelong partner and gives a reflection into the relevance of the journey having had first-hand experience into JL’s success and battles.
A cool aspect is the way JL also regularly addresses the pride in the Baggy Green, the intensity and focus from the players to live by the values of it and represent it with positivity amongst all the challenges that come with it.
Being one of the men who had the honour to lead the team song “Under the Southern Cross I stand”, he has a page interview with each guy who has been the song master.
The title of the book takes the closing line of the team song, with the word little often being replaced by a far more expressive one come the victory. Use your imagination!
I enjoy reading the pride and enthusiasm the guys have, but also reading how it has become even more important over the years.
I like the fact current song master Michael Hussey is included as well.
Who will be next?
All in all I found once I got going it was an awesome read as I like the story not being made out to be all epic and dreamlike. I have the utmost respect for our players so I like reading about the human qualities and the day to day struggles they endure. It just makes you appreciate their performances even more so and also just how awesome it is when we win a test match!
I feel more integrated to the side having read all these books over the last 10 years or so and having had a few chats with the players to realise how intense it is.
Despite how fortunate they are to do what they love and shouldn’t take it for granted, they are also under pressures just like we are.
The book will give you that exact insight and just how all those challenges made this team into a strong unit that just mowed down so many opposing teams, including the down fall of the great West Indian side.
The bond between JL and Matthew Hayden as our greatest opening duo is a brotherhood of strong emotion and significance in JL’s career, while you will also realise the importance Steve Waugh had into defining the Baggy Green.
JL notes both his and the teams respect for Tugga regularly.
Tugga, the humble general, maestro tactician and epic cricketer!
That bond between the players is something we have missed due to selection chaos and inconsistent selection policies resulting in quite a disheartening turnover of players.
When that connection between players and supporters is regained and the players can develop a tight bond of their own (as we nearly achieved in 2009) things will turn around so quickly.
For Australia to be that little beauty, synergy and elite levels of performance and competition are crucial.
JL points this out and I admire the honesty in this read.
It is a book all Baggy Green fanatics should take the time to read, being a lot more than, “this is my story”.
Justin Langer: Australia, You Little* Beauty
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9781742373515
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
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