Mitchell Johnson - the WACA specialist

*2013/14 Ashes fixtures added!
The likelihood of changes being made to the bowling unit ahead of the WACA Test is good.
The possibility of Mitchell Johnson making a return to bowl for the Baggy Greens is very good as well.
The general opinion surrounding this move? Seems to be hit and miss so let's look at the mix.

Ahead of the third Test the National Selection Panel made some changes to the side which will inevitably see a different squad walk out onto the field as the Baggy Greens and the Proteas battle it out for the final Test, having seen the Adelaide Oval Test turn into survival on a battleground for the Proteas.

John Hastings has been given a call to the side to potentially debut.
This season Hasto (who was in our 2011 World Cup Squad) has taken 22 Sheffield Shield wickets at 19.09, along with 200 runs in 6 innings as 33.33.
His bowling has seen two 5fers and he is nicely situated fifth spot on the bowling ranks for the season thus far.

A big benefit with Hasto is having that bloke who can bowl bursts of overs that can build pressure with ease and even cause more experienced batsmen to suffer lapses in concentration. Andrew McDonald fulfilled this role very well in 2008/09 and Shane Watson has done an exceptional job with the duty as well.

The other factor not to be forgotten is Hasto can provide useful lower order runs.
This should be important with James Pattinson out of the picture.

The other call to duty was Josh Hazlewood, a young gun I have kept an eye on as he has pushed on considerably since first being detected on the radar for most supporters as a member of the Australian u/19 World Cup Squad a few years back.

I won't question his skills but do find the selection call one based purely on potential rather than performance, which is not entirely justifiable when you see Jackson Bird (27 wickets at 20.55), Luke Butterworth (25 wickets at 17.72) and Ben Cutting (18 wickets at 21.33) putting in excellent performances. All three have done so with consistency at State level too.

Hazlewood has season stats of 9 wickets in 7 innings at 46.33.

Not figures I would warrant as credible for receiving a Baggy Green cap but the youngster is a talented bowler (hence his call to the side) and it's great to see players like him coming through the bowling ranks for the future.
If selected his performance in the moment would be the factor that gets the fans talking, not his prior performances or accolades.

Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus could do with the cover.
James Pattinson is out for the season after injury and Siddle and Hilfy will likely still feel the agony both physically and mentally after their efforts to win in Adelaide - one bowler down.

The impact fast bowling has on the body is intense but having been kept at bay by some outstanding discipline from the Proteas middle order, it makes it harder to recover both on the body and determination within the mind.

However, Pedro Siddle is a bloke whose ambition I have commented on more than once here and he will see it as unfinished business. Based on this I can see him taking the ball at the WACA. I hope he does and no doubt it will be a ferocious effort.

Hilfy should not be ruled out as last summer against India he pulled out 8 wickets at an average of 12.12 for the match, which was a huge contrast after a shocker at the venue in the 2010/11 Ashes.

The injury risk with Hilfy is far greater than that of Siddle so I would be expecting a replacement be brought in for Hilfy ahead of Siddle, but his input last season should not be forgotten, despite the Proteas being a stronger side than that of present India.

Shane Watson has been making good progress in the nets and is moving in the right direction to return to the side.

His bowling is the going to be the key ingredient as that slight magic he tends to bring was missing in the first two Tests of this series. It greatly aids Michael Clarke having a bowler of Watto's variation and adaptability up his sleeve - not to forget experience.

Clarke has also been open in preferring Watto for selection only on the basis that he can both bat and bowl. The last media report, from the skipper himself, strongly suggested Watto is ready to return as the leading all-rounder for the side. Very good news but we also need plenty of runs from him and starts being converted into something he knows all to well about.

Mitchell Starc is a bowler I am excited to see play against a top side at the venue.

He has been in sensational form within the limited overs versions and has done so at both State and International level giving good indication that he is in a good place.

Test cricket is a different animal and Starc's input cannot be underestimated and the importance as a tall, left arm seamer ought to be something he should be aware of.

Due to injury has had limited appearance this summer which should raise caution for selection in a format he has only represented Australia in four times, but the two games played for New South Wales brought him 7 wickets at 22.00.

This brings me to the man who has become a WACA specialist.

He has had a dreadful fall from great heights after being named ICC Cricket of the Year in 2008/09.
However, Mitchell Johnson has used the back seat as an opportunity to focus on what is ahead and just work his way through the system with the Western Warriors and is now cruising again in control.

This season Mitchy has taken 17 wickets at 29.00.

Of the five matches played in three of these Sheffield games have been at the WACA.
Of the games at the WACA he has taken 13 wickets which would once again suggest good reason for the selectors seeing confidence in his recall to the side for an opportunity.

Mitchy's WACA stats for Australia in Test cricket stand as follows:

4 matches, 160.1 overs sent down, 30 wickets (15.78% of his career wickets) at 18.31, two five wickets hauls and a 10 wicket haul for the match.

Those statistics and memories associated shout out performances creditted as totally awesome!
The last time Mitchy bowled at the Proteas was mesmerising and if you didn't witness it all I can say is what a pity!

He was brutal and I was glad to be sitting in my living room and not standing with the bat in hand.
He was at the top of his game, unplayable, fast and deadly accurate!

Mitchy walked away from that game with 11 wickets and a best innings effort at 8/61.

The game will be remembered as a record run chase loss to the Proteas but that effort from Mitch is still strong within my memories.
Furthering that was the lonely victory in the 2010/11 Ashes series where Mitch struck back at critics to take 9 wickets for the Test with best innings figures of 6/38.

History seldom repeats itself but in the instance of Mitchy at the WACA this was certainly the case come the Ashes but we need the input again. It would also do his reputation the world of good having found himself somewhat of an outcast to the cricketing world.

There is always a gamble taken with Mitchy in a side as you never know what you will get on the day. With further use of Mitch is limited overs cricket it seemed to allow for a limitation between his best and worse, whereas the harsh nature of Test cricket does not allow for this.

Fortune and luck play a big part though in the game, as we have seen plenty evidence this series.

If Mitchell goes out onto that ground with total confidence and a new captain to utilise his abilities (Michael Clarke has never captained Mitchell Johnson in a Test) it could definitely see fortune go both our way, and his way.

A few of the Proteas players won't have forgotten that spell at the WACA and another that followed shortly after at Kingsmead, Durban. Notably Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith.

Hopefully a few more battlescars and mental wounds can be inflicted when the red ball is taken.

Australian Squad for the WACA clash:Michael Clarke (capt), David Warner, Ed Cowan, Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Johnson, John Hastings, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
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The Fox Sports Big Bash Fantasy League: Time for season 3

It is already that time of year where all of us cricket geeks get together and play the Fox Sports T20 Fantasy League. This is the third season we will be bashing it out and seeing as the 2nd Test is only starting again on Thursday I figured I'd get a head start on things and get our league teed up.

Fox Sports has put together a nice F.A.Q section for any of you taking part for the first time but for all you blokes from last year, get your game face on and get your team together.

So, head on over to Fox Sports' Big Bash Fantasy League (http://bigbashfantasy.foxsports.com.au/).
Register yourself (if you took part last year your log in info will still be valid) and get your team setup!

To join our League, The Baggy Green Tragics, go the "Leagues" tab (next to "Transfers").
Once you have set your team enter the code below:

3763-762

For good measure I have thrown Damien Fleming and Brendon Julian as celebrity guests.
Hope to see you for the fun.
18 days to go........


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Updates at the Baggy Green Blog Facebook page

I am not longer writing daily match analysis reports as I have done the last 5 years.
From now on I will only be writing feature or analysis articles at the Baggy Green blog and complete match articles.

For the usual chirps, daily summaries and State cricket updates, please "like" and follow the Baggy Green Blog on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @Ianbaggygreen

In short though, we see the major difference it can make when catches get taken and discipline is maintained!

The caught and bowled spilled by Pedro Siddle against Hashim Amla and the no-ball dismissal of Jacques Kallis may have resulted in the difference between 300/350 all out versus 450!

We have paid the price but there's still two days to go in this Test match.

Bowlers discipline was better and although it was hard grafting in early sessions, they bowled better as a unit and pitched it fuller, creating more pressure and opportunities.

Batting wise we're in a position I am not worried about but certainly frustrated in the manner with which Warner and Quiney's wickets fell. Punter was outdone by a good delivery from Morne Morkel.
We have Clarkey (34*) and Ed (49*) at the crease and they did very well to survive till stumps.

I am confident these two guys can steer us in the right direction with true Test stamina and we still have Michael Hussey and Matt Wade in the hut.



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The battle is hours away

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The first Test is not long away now, single digit hours now with the countdown for a Test series which will determine which team walks away as the number one ranked team as it was in 2008 but much has changed since then.

However, this is not the primary focus as history will remind us that each and every session between these two teams is a battle in itself which is as mentally draining for the players as it is for the supporters - especially when waking up at 1 or 2 am in the morning!

The fact remains that the objective since Michael Clarke took over the captaincy, with a more established side and support staff, was that the team wanted to regain the spot as the number 1 ranked Test side having fallen from such great heights. The fact the boys are so close to this is admirable and a series win will snatch the title away from the Proteas, a very well established side with comfortable balance. Maintaining that rank is another ball game.

The weather doesn't look great for the Test but it looks likely that we'll see four fast bowlers take to the field with the batsmen geared up and ready to go. I am content with this mix and I do think it will be a good move. We may say that it is always good to have a spinner in the side but we shouldn't kid ourselves. The role is nowhere near as vital as it once was and at the Gabba I wouldn't be losing sleep over it. The decision is a good one.

I also know Dr. Sherylle Calder has been with the side to assist with her experience and skills as a eye-hand specialist and world renowned Sports Scientist. I had the honor of meeting and interviewing her for educational purposes with her earlier this year and was able to recommend.

It's good that since the Argus Review new and bold steps have been taken to try and strengthen the transition period.
With Justin Langer looking like a the possible new coach for Western Australia there is no doubt in my mind that he will be giving it 100% in his final summer with the side and I hope all the different attitudes, ideas and experience will mold strongly.

There is some exciting news tomorrow.

Rob "Bobby" Quiney will be making his debut as Baggy Green #429.

It is an occasion that always gives me goosebumps when a player joins the great legacy of Australian cricket and is given a chance to create their own chapter in such a great book of legendary players and sides.

Rob has no record like that of many players who broke into the Australian team at his age during the teams peak, nor does he have the perceived experience as many players had then debuting at his age. The fact is the State landscape has changed for batting.

As it was with our bowling four years ago when taking on the Proteas, this time around we see it with our batting stocks. Fortunately though Bobby had an immaculate run last season and his call up is as a result of recognition for his input during that season which was one of consistency. He performances against The Proteas for Australia A justified his position having had an average start to the season, as it's been with the majority of the batsmen.

Only one batsman since the 2008 Allan Border Medal awards who won the State Cricketer of the Year award has represented Australia in Test cricket, and that is Usman Khawaja. It is a good call that the selectors have acknowledged this award the Bobby achieved last season.

With Shane Watson out of the side this is maybe the opening that was needed for a fresh guy to come in and try claim the number three role in an environment which will be as hostile as it can be. A true test.

My concern for many batsmen is that they don't have the temperament to maintain their game at the elite level and the averages and general team totals in the Sheffield Shield reflect this.
The unquestionable element is that the conditions have begun to favour bowlers along with "result tailored" wickets.

If anything it provides a more challenging environment for batsmen where they need to develop and enhance the true skill required to succeed in Test cricket. The conditions are not ideal but it has the chance to make our emerging batsmen tougher and batsmen like Alex Doolan, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Phil Hughes and Callum Ferguson have shown glimpses of this season but still require consistency.

Bobby has the chance to take on a role that is still covered by the shadow of Ricky Ponting who is now finding himself as a middle order batsman in his final years of playing alongside Michael Hussey.

David Warner and Ed Cowan have come out backing themselves to play their "natural games" and "attack" but bottom line is they also need to find compatibility in their partnership which will benefit Bobby should he find himself in a positive position come the end of this series.

With a total of 724 runs at 42.58 in 2010/11 and 938 runs at 49.36 last season he should have no reason to doubt himself and as supporters we should not be doubting him either. He deserves his call up and averaging close to 50 is what we need from State batsmen. I don't think he can afford to have doubt as a player about to debut against South Africa. Not exactly a mini challenge!

In 90 First-Class innings he has only scored 7 centuries and 16 half centuries but his recent form and self discovery as a cricketer is what counts and I will be rooting for him loudly and proudly.

I am wishing Baggy Green #429 the very best with his opportunity.

Overall a lot is at stake this series which includes pride!
The series loss in 2008/09 hurt and we will not want to see the boys drop their guard and let the Proteas into the fort too easily. The lack of match preparations as a side would be my number one concern but if all aspects of our game come together and the synergy ignites then I have little doubt in our side. If anything I don't there is too much separating the sides on their day.

Bottom line is our batsmen need to step up and this will be tough against a bowling unit that gets open eyes upon their performances. Yet our bowling unit is capable of serious destruction as well and with runs on the board it will give them more to work with (too often getting us out jail) but they still have stiff competition against The Proteas, far more than that of India last summer.

With hours to go all I can say is bring it on and may the battle be bloody intense!

My prediction? What do you expect me to say? Victory to the Baggy Greens. Come on boys!

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Australia vs South Africa: The changes from 2008 to 2012

A massive Test series is just around the corner and it is seriously hard to believe that any cricket fanatic would not be waiting with eager anticipation for the clash between the Baggy Greens and the Proteas.

As the Baggy Greens continue to make progress to regain the number ranking in Test cricket, the Proteas will be prepping with care and tightening every part of their game to boost their points to hold onto the number 1 rank.

What is great this time around is that it is very difficult to predict which team will walk away victorious. There's obvious differences between the sides and their perceived strengths but the cricket will just be so intense if both sides play their best cricket. It is not easy to play guessing games and that is adding to both the hype and excitement.

Last time the sides met in Australia (2008/09) it was a historical series for the Proteas.

They were the first side to beat Australia in a home Test series in 16 years.
They also succeeded in the highest Test run chase the WACA and then secured the series at the MCG where JP Duminy and Dale Steyn managed to form a match defining partnership before Steyn superbly executed his skills to claim 10 wickets for the match.
The Sydney Test was a nail biter where Graeme Smith came out with a broken hand to face an inform Mitchell Johnson but couldn't see out the remaining time as Mitch knocked back his stumps.

The Baggy Greens went on to win a memorable series in South Africa shortly after and then returning to the country last year the sides battled it out to draw the two match series 1-1.

The Baggy Greens had the upper hand in the first Test and threw it away after a freak day of batting which saw a wicket fest and included an embarrassing 47 all out.
The Proteas had the advantage in the final Test at the Wanderers and were so close to clinching the series but Patrick Cummins and Mitchell Johnson kept their cool and got the boys over the finish line.

It's always been an epic battle with high intensity cricket with no shortage of talking points between these sides.

Looking back to the 2008 series, of the current Australian squad only four players were in that series.

Ricky Ponting is looking fresh and the maestro is unquestionably up for the battle having found form for the Tasmanian Tigers prior to the series commencing. We also can't forget his last summer! It will be a serious test of his experience out there and many will look at his challenge stacked up against Jacques Kallis'.

Michael Clarke was the top run scorer in 2008 with 383 runs at 76.60 and has taken over captaincy with critical acclaim after Ricky Ponting stepped down.

Michael Hussey was going through a terrible period in his cricket journey during he 2008/09 season and he ended the series with just 85 runs at an average of 17.00. He has also found a way to recapture his form.

Lastly, Peter Siddle was building his self-belief as a young man new to the Australian cricket team in a side that was falling a few steps backwards as a bowling unit. Pedro ended the series with a hard fought effort to take 13 wickets and has since gone from strength to super strength. His ambition is a vital ingredient and he's a seasoned campaigner now and takes on the Proteas as the most experienced bowler of the group with international experience.

Other than that it's a fresh side that has emerged since the Ponting era.
Matthew Hayden, Simon Katich, Andrew Symonds and Brett Lee have all retired.

Matthew Wade has been favoured over Brad Haddin which marks a serious step forward for Australian cricket as they focus on moving forward with a young keeper who needs as much experience as possible to develop his game and skills. Even Hads has given Matt the thumbs up with his selection and that should boost his self-belief and is also the sign of a true gentleman.

Mitchell Johnson was the leading wicket taker in 2008 and won the ICC Cricket of the Year award soon after. Sadly, as such a gifted sportsman, his journey has dissolved into a case where he has become the forgotten man of Australian cricket. This was also a stage where Australia's batting was still in good hands but the bowling had started to take a serious turn for the worse.

Brett Lee was having further injury problems and was still recovering from off field distractions in his personal life. Nathan Hauritz was given a go after Jason Krejza was dropped by the Hilditch panel and the spinner axe was just getting started as the changes were about to become seriously rapid after Shane Warne retired.

Now there's a rejuvenated Australian bowling attack that will have the South African batsman concentrating from ball one and will inevitably be unable to fight back nerves. Add a vocal crowd of Baggy Green fanatics and it makes for an intimidating environment, far more so than 2008.

Peter Siddle leads the attack with Ben Hilfenhaus, who rediscovered himself last summer (37 wickets in 7 Tests), and James Pattinson ready to back him with their different offerings. Then there's Mitchell Starc who provides the left arm seamer option and he's a man who may have played very little cricket in the white clothing in recent times but he's not shy of form.

We have a splendid fast bowling unit and I am proud of the development since 2008. It's a huge contrast to a bowling attack that was flat and lacking both tenacity and "imagination".

Nathan Lyon has played against South Africa so he will be no stranger.
How Michael Clarke uses him and tactically executes a game plan will be vital against the Proteas. It will be a fragile role to be played and while this is a Test series for the seam bowlers, Nathan's role should not be underestimated. I think he will have a significant role to play and time will tell under what circumstances this will prevail.

The batting has been the concern for the Baggy Greens if we were to point out the perceived weakness.

David Warner and Ed Cowan are still finding their way forward as an opening duo and while this is taking shape, the inconsistency that does creep into our lineup has been a worry where too few batsmen deliver the goods. With an opening duo striving for compatibility these collapses and inconsistencies prove to be too costly.

Too often the batsmen are not collectively putting runs on the board. This has left one or two batsmen with a daunting task in recovering the innings and this is something that exposed our bowlers where they did not have sufficient runs on the board to defend.

Fortunately, the bowling unit has since grown and become a force to be reckoned with and if Michael Clarke continued his sublime form in Test cricket with his colleagues following in pursuit it will be a mighty strong side to witness.

It will also be interesting to see where Shane Watson is slotted into the batting line-up.
His time at number three was certainly not ideal given his struggles for conversion of the many starts he has managed. He took on the position as no one else has really lifted up their hand to take on the position to make it their own but I do think Michael Clarke should be nestled in that position.

Watto's technique is suited to the new ball but having him in that middle order will not allow the Proteas to relax. I am interested to see what the plan is for him. In the 2008 series Andrew Symonds was the all-rounder of choice until injury set in and as a result Andrew McDonald debuted at the SCG. Both played drastically different roles and in terms of the overall packaged deal Watto is a more versatile option we are fortunate to have.

By comparison of the side it would seem that The Proteas have just as much, if not a bit more, to boast about.

The do have the best fast bowling trio, based on the last season or two, but will be tested in Australia, especially if the Baggy Greens are on top of their game in home conditions. Dale Steyn may have not been at his best for a while but he is a bloke with an insane skill set and appears to execute almost effortlessly. Vernon Philander has had one of the greatest emerging seasons I have ever seen for a bowler and Morne Morkel has found better rhythm as his games developed, although he is disastrous on his off days which we should cash in if this should occur.

The batting has just as much depth as the Baggy Greens and whereas only four players of the 2008 Australian squad are in this current side, the Proteas have seven and a few additions that make their side stronger than the '08 squad.

On paper it would be fair to say the Proteas have the edge but in terms of ability to adapt in the moment of play and collective input the Baggy Greens have a far more intimidating side. These two elements coming to the boil just leaves me with a wild imagination as to what awaits us. It really is exciting.

I strongly believe the boys can take this series. I see no reason why not if they play their best cricket. If some sides play their best cricket against the Proteas there is a chance they will still come undone if the Proteas do the same on their side.

However, the Baggy Greens are not in the category and while I am not bursting with confidence I do believe this is the exact challenge our guys need as the squad has been heading in the right direction.
If there's one thing to settle your gut feeling on it's that when these sides meet, the first session often seems to give an indication as to what's ahead.

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Michael Clarke in the spotlight for the ICC Awards

I will be doing a write-up of the current ODI series against Pakistan come the end of the action as to get a good overview with the overall performance from both sides. A convincing win by Pakistan last night has created a tense final encounter which will be eagerly awaited.

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The 2012 ICC Awards are upon us and we have another year with limited Australian cricketers in the mix but the good news is that a few players have been acknowledged for their performances and have been nominated. That is always something to be proud of.

Our captain Michael Clarke is in the spotlight after a sensational year for us, not only with his batting performances, but also his transition to full time captain and his overall leadership which has been outstanding and actually very inspiring.

As a result of his leadership and attacking tactical mind he has been named captain of the ICC Test Team of the Year. Congrats must be given to Dale Steyn being selected for the unofficial side 5 years in a row.

ICC Test Team of the Year 2011-12: 
Alastair Cook, Hashim Amla, Kumar Sangakkara, Jacques Kallis, Michael Clarke (capt), Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Matt Prior (wk), Stuart Broad, Saeed Ajmal, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, AB de Villiers (12th man)

Clarkey has also been nominated for ICC Test and ICC Cricketer of the Year, having stacked up 1,355 runs in 14 Tests at an average of 58.91. This includes that glorious triple century against India at the SCG and a double century at the Adelaide Oval. Overall this includes 5 centuries. Remarkable performance leading his side.

Taken by Ryan Pierse/ Getty Images

He will be up against Kumar Sangakarra, Hashim Amla and Vernon Philander. It is too hard to guess the winner. I am backing Clarkey all the way but having seen all of the above players during the nomination period it is safe to say it is going to be a tough decision to make.

I don't think Philander will take it. Despite his phenomenal figures for a medium paced bowler in his short career span, the other contestants have also performed in other forms of the game with exceptional class which will boost their credibility.

Clarkey also scored 759 runs at an average of 50.60 during the nomination period with a century in 19 ODIs. Sangakarra has good stats to his name but has played 37 ODIs while Hashim Amla has only played 8 and scored 419 runs at 52.37.

We lacked nominees for ODI and T20 cricket but James Pattinson has been for ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year. Exciting news for Jamo and I reckon he's in with a good chance but it's hard to overlook Sunil Narine, who has added a neat X factor to the West Indian side, especially in limited overs cricket.

Alyssa Healy and Lisa Sthalekar have been nominated for ICC Women's T20 Cricketer of the Year.

The Awards will take place on 15 September, just before the ICC World T20 begins in Sri Lanka.

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The Australian cricket schedule is under way

The wait is over and Australian cricket is ready to speed off for a season that will be one with high intensity and mighty challenges ahead in all forms of the game. The state season is also just around the corner with an earlier start due in order to acommodate the Big Bash League later this year (SMH - Usain Bolt for the Melbourne Stars?).

The first game against Afghanistan for the UAE tour was a victory and this was to be expected. I was only able to get a re-cap from Cricinfo.com this morning and read a few bulletins. Seems that the Afghans put up some resistance with their batting and made a game of it but looking at our score it would seem that a win was really optimistic.

This game also gave clear indication that our boys are in for a testing series against Pakistan and batting will not be easy, notably due to the sluggish tracks which Pakistan will definitely turn to spin - particularly to target our top order - and the unbelievable heat in humidity which makes batting extremely draining and the bowlers will be tested for fitness and stamina. Michael Clarke will need to be smart with his rotation for both tactical and safety reasons.

There were plenty of positives looking at the feedback.

I am proud to see Michael Clarke stamped down some authority with the number 3 role and this innings was driven by the class of our skipper, which we saw come to the forefront in 2007. Straight drives, brilliant footwork and bat speed against the spinners and cautious control within the state of the game. He managed to score 75 runs and will head into the ODI series with confidence within his own game and his leadership.

Matt Wade scored his highest ODI total but his struggles were noted. He struggled for rhythm, something we saw against England, and the conditions hammered him, but you can't blame him in this regard!
All in all, he put runs on the board and would have learnt a substantial amount in a 131 run partnership with Clarkey.

With Brad Haddin making a comeback and Tim Paine also working on his return this is an important series for Matt to show he's learning and adapting to the different conditions he's been exposed to in a short time frame.

Michael Hussey was assertive and scored 49 runs from 37 deliveries. Good signs ahead of the ICC WorldT20 and a welcomed return for our middle order maestro. Pakistan know what he's capable of!

The bowlers were made to work hard but it was the fast bowlers who got us over the finish line in the end. Mitchell Starc is continually building a strong profile in limited overs cricket for us as he took 4-47 with top order wickets.

James Pattinson has an opportunity to find a role as the dealer of new ball duties with Brett Lee now retired. I have always likened his attitude to that of Binga's when he was a young man starting out for Australia and his figures suggest that he held his own out there with 3-46. Like Starc, this is a passage of learning.

Mitchell Johnson was the man called on the break up Afghanistan's most threatening partnership and things ended well for Mitch which is really pleasing given his ODI recall in England was a bit of a nightmare. I still value him in ODI cricket and his figures were 2-34 at just 3.77 runs per over.

The victory came with a wicket to Xavier Doherty as Australia claimed victory by 66 runs. It's a first victory on the board and the first step towards winning this series and regaining some pride after the fall in the UK.

Australia u19 lose the title to India:

On a slightly low note, the Australian u19s lost to India in the ICC u19 World Cup final in Australia.
It was a high scoring encounter and another lack of a top order partnership from our batsmen left the hard work to our middle order batsmen. India passed our total of 225 with 14 deliveries to spare, so it was a comfortable victory in some regards.

Spare a thought though for skipper Will Bosisto. In my opinion I have been impressed by his conduct and leadership of the side throughout this tournament. He's worked with his team in a balanced manner and the stats would also indicate this as most of our victories came as a result of a balanced team effort, as opposed to individual's saving the day.

Bosisto also held his own with his batting as he was unbeaten - playing an assertive, patient role in rescuing the side on a few occasions - with 87* runs. He scored 276 runs from 6 innings in the tournament, at an average of 276 runs owed to the fact he was only dismissed once and this was a run out during the semi final against South Africa. Definitely put himself on the map as a player for the future.

The young Western Australian, Cameron Bancroft, showcased his skills with a century and a fifty during the tournament. He had a dismal start to his career with WA in first class cricket last season but all these guys are just young men new to the step up in intensity with professional cricket. These two performances from him the series will hopefully change his mind set as he heads into the cricket season.

I was also impressed by Travis Head who should see himself find plenty of opportunities for the Redbacks this season, especially if he performs as he did against England during the tournament.

Plenty of positives witnessed with the younger players coming through the system and even though only a handful of these blokes will find a career within the game of cricket, we've seen many outstanding cricketers come through the system having represented the Australian u19 side. It's always exciting to watch the journey of these players to see who will one day play for Australia at the elite level.

Names like Bosisto, Bancroft, Patterson, Turner and Head may very well be headliner names in the distant future. It all begins in tournaments like these.

For the series stats, you can read up on it all at ESPN Cricinfo.com, the source of all cricketing stats and facts.


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The Australian World T20 Squad

The Australian World T20 squad was reasonably easy enough to pick even before the official announcement. The only inclusion that was surprising is that of Glenn Maxwell, as I did assume Steven Smith would once again be selected as a specialist fielder. Maxwell's inclusion is also surprising mostly because he is uncapped at international level and the only indication, which I must state is positive, is that he had a good season for Victoria and has played well in the Friends Life T20 tournament in England, for Hampshire, to put himself on the map.

Brad Hogg's inclusion adds some fun to the mix but it must be said that he has zero shortage in terms of energy. Performance wise he can still take wickets and having him in the side for sub-continent conditions will prove to be important. Xavier Doherty had a forgettable tour to England but on tracks that will better suit spin bowlers - even in a more aggressive form of cricket - he should have a better opportunity.

I was a bit disappointed there was no room for guys like Aaron Finch and Mitchell Marsh and Phillip Hughes as they could have nestled into the team as well suited players for the Twenty20 format.
Hughes is currently redeeming his form and has scored 402 runs at 100.50 in 8 matches for Worcestershire in the Friends Life T20 tournament.

An exciting inclusion that has been based on performance, as it should be, is that of Cameron White.
White has finally regained his confidence and connected with his natural instinct which seemed to get lost when the tags such as "responsibility" and "patience" came into his role during a short lived stint at number three for the Australian ODI squad.

The 2012 World Cup - where he batted in the mid to lower order - was the nail in coffin and it was clear that there was a lack of certainty in White's approach. Without confidence and self-belief comes a lack of trust in ones natural game and technique. It has taken him a while but he's finally come right and I would like to believe White is back to his best for big performances in Twenty20 cricket. He has managed 228 runs at 57.00 for Northamptonshire following an excellent IPL campaign.

The balance in the squad is alright. The key will be how the strategy is delivered in the batting line-up. The power hitting rests in Shane Watson, David Warner, Michael Hussey (see video below), Cameron White and David Hussey. There is aggression within the likes of Matthew Wade and Glenn Maxwell, which certainly gives enough indication on paper that we have a threatening batting line-up, but far too often the group has fired collectively, making it a dull display.

All of these names stack up for a batting line-up that could take on any bowling unit but the input of spin bowling will hassle a few players like David Hussey and Matthew Wade who have had their struggles. It's important to acknowledge though that these guys can also change a match in one over if their approach to attack pays off.

The bowling is where we'll be tested and for this reason it is essential that our batsmen stack up the runs with any given opportunity and with the depth on offer there is no reason why they shouldn't. About time our bowlers had some suppport with runs to defend.

Ben Hilfenhaus and Clint McKay are the experienced campaigners, but there is the risk that McKay may not be fit for the series due to a hamstring injury which has ruled him out of our upcoming UAE limited overs tour.

Mitchell Starc is no push over in Twenty20 cricket and if he just gets his line right I am certain he can provide valuable support to his bowling partners. His ability to swing the ball, along with that of Hilfenhaus, will be of utmost importance should he handle new ball duties.

As enthusiastic as I am about his development, Patrick Cummins may be a bowler to keep an eye on for the future but injury seems to be an apparent concern. His raw pace is an X-factor for a squad that is now without Brett Lee. We need a bowler who can deliver express pace without the likes of Shaun Tait, Doug Bollinger and Mitchell Johnson. Patrick would be an obvious inclusion if we're looking for a pace option.

The all-rounders do help to add variation to the bowling options that captain George Bailey will have on offer. Dan Christian has found his way back into the side and his hat-trick is still fresh in my mind. He's certainly not my pick as a death bowler of choice - the IPL further proved this - but he can mix it up with both the bat and ball to add a valuable dynamic to any side. Fortunately, there's also David Hussey who can send down overs of spin bowling in really quick succession, while Glenn Maxwell can also throw his arm over.

All in all, there is depth in this side and sufficient variation on offer, which helps tremedously in a form of the game where a lack of variation and too much predictability can be a nail in the coffin!

I am not overly confident about our chances in taking the title this year (we were runners-up last tournament) but it would be foolish to dismiss our chance altogether. The lack of expectation also comes from the obvious fact we have not had any type of consistency in Twenty20 cricket and our ranking isn't exactly one for the punters to gamble on.

However, a side with names like Warner, Watson, the Hussey brothers and White, any side that takes on the green and gold boys will be well aware that they will have no chance to drop the intensity, which does get the better of our boys sometimes.

Irrespective, it's a new event and a fresh squad and the rehearsal is just a week away.

Australian ICC World T20 Squad:
David Warner, Shane Watson, Matthew Wade (wk), David Hussey, Michael Hussey, George Bailey (captain), Cameron White, Daniel Christian, Glenn Maxwell, Brad Hogg, Xavier Doherty, Clint McKay, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Ben Hilfenhaus.

Need a trip down memory lane from the one of the most epic moments in Australian T20 history?





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Considering the bowling coach

Before I head into this article, let me first give a big congratulations to the Australian u/19 team with regards to their victory against England in their first encounter of the ICC u/19 Cricket World Cup.

Our boys currently hold the title after winning the last event. That was a side that featured players like Nic Maddinson, Josh Hazelwood, Mitch Marsh (brother of Shaun Marsh), Alister McDermott and Kane Richardson.

While I am only informed about a handful of the players at the moment, I hope to see some of the lesser known players emerge into the state system with positive futures, especially on the batting front.

It's an exciting tournament to follow due to the raw passion these young blokes have when taking to the field for their team and you can catch some of the action live as well as most of the matches will be broadcast.

I was recently reflecting on the appointment of Allister de Winter as our new bowling coach. There has been an understandable sense of concern and doubt over his appointment. Most of this will be owed to the reason being that de Winter was not exactly a bowler who had any form of domination as a fast bowler during his playing days. Is this fair?

Troy Cooley, who was our temporary coach prior to the appointment of Mickey Arthur, was a player who had a similar background to that of de Winter.

Like de Winter, Cooley played his state cricket for Tasmania and it would be fair to say that he was also not a bowler who would have been talked about in a hyped-up manner amongst supporters back in the day. Cooley finished his state run with a First-Class average of 61.35 from 33 matches, while de Winter managed 21 matches with an average of 50.51.

These statistics suggest far from ideal credibility to take on any form of leadership or coaching roles at the elite level. Yet, we all remember the 2005 Ashes where Cooley played a massive role in grooming the English fast bowlers to wreak havoc against our rather outstanding batting line-up throughout the tournament. That Ashes series goes down as a classic due to the fact there was rarely a dull moment, especially regarding the contest between bat and ball.

There we saw Cooley, who had now become an established coach, take an elite team into a historic Ashes victory with his input and tactical planning being boasted as a key ingredient to the success.

Not long after he was let go by the ECB, he then had a stint as our bowling coach and sure enough the Ashes victory that came soon after was the brutal 5-0 victory. Despite being a plain state cricketer, Cooley knew how to key in with an international cricketer, read the opposition and work on all facets of each individual bowlers strengths.

While this outlook of comparison would not be fair, given de Winter is taking on a bowling unit in all forms of the game that has just a glimpse of experience in comparison the English and Australian bowling units Cooley coached, there is something to be said for the lack of First-Class brilliance they had.

The point is that it doesn't appear as if one had to have necessarily been a spectacular cricketer, let alone at the elite level, in order to key in with your students from a psychological and technical point of view. Clearly having a gift for coaching, the passion to learn and the understanding of the fundamentals can be more than enough. At the end of the day the bowlers are the ones who have to go out there and execute what they have been taught.

Justin Langer was with little doubt one of the boldest and best opening batsman, especially when partnered by Matthew Hayden. Yet, despite JL's credentials as a spectacular international cricketer and human being, he hasn't exactly had a glorious run by any means as a batting coach.

The Australian batsmen have continued to struggle for consistency for some time now and having witnessed JL work with the batsmen at practice sessions it would be unfair to say he doesn't try. He sure does but it proves that having international experience can certainly benefit the players to a degree, but certainly isn't a defining reason for appointment to coach a crop of international players.

de Winter had a far from ideal rehearsal with the disappointing limited overs series loss to England. The bowlers managed all of 13 wickets and the team's synergy was flat. It was definitely not the start that de Winter needed in order to gain a vote of confidence from the Australian supporters around the globe.

The pressure won't be easy to handle for the upcoming season with some high intensity cricket to keep us entertained. Craig McDermott's left a big void after unexpectedly walking away from the game, his resignation being owed to a work schedule that was too demanding. Certainly a bizarre reason coming from a man who took 291 Test wickets and knew the demands to thrive at the highest level.

Irrespective of this, McDermott knew all too well how to key in with his bowlers and we saw our Test bowlers execute their skills with consistency and genuine confidence. International experience must have played a major role but McDermott had the ability to connect with the bowlers which has been publicly acknowledged by Peter Siddle and James Pattinson - who even went as far as to state that he would prefer a bowing coach with international experience to take on the role.

However, de Winter certainly had good motives to get the job and you just need to take a look at the ascendancy of the Tasmanian Tigers bowling unit in recent times.

Ben Hilfenhaus was dropped from the Australian squad after a horrendous Ashes series, which was also partially due to discomfort after suffering from knee tendonitis. Yet Hilfenhaus went back to the Tigers and began to work with none other than de Winter.

de Winter and George Bailey, Tasmanian Tigers/ Australian Twenty20 skipper, worked with Hilfenhaus encouraging him to use the crease more to accommodate his bowling attributes, attacking with different lines and angles but most importantly de Winter reworked Hilfenhaus' bowling action which a more technical dynamic to address.

A rejuvenated Hilfenhaus has since taken 37 wickets at an average of 18.19 from just 7 Tests. Further evidence of de Winter's work in action would be looking at players like Jackson Bird and Luke Butterworth. Hilfenhaus has given de Winter plenty of public support as well which should be taken seriously given the lack of public opinion a player like Hilfenhaus presents.

If de Winter can connect with his bowlers, learn their strengths, iron out the weaknesses and work out how to make each bowler work off his teammates abilities, then de Winter will certainly be on track to carrying on where McDermott left off.

de Winter has been credited as a coach who learns quickly. This will be vital as he gets stuck into a job that will be kicking off with high expectations, starting with a limited overs series in the UAE in conditions that really test a players fitness and patience.

He may not be someone who has international experience or had the perfect first off campaign, but Cricket Australia have made their decision and I am sure this wouldn't have been done without serious consideration. Then again, what person doesn't take on a new role in life where expectations are high or somewhat unreasonable?

de Winter has a job to do and the support from every Baggy Green fanatic would help that extra bit. Everyone has the opportunity to write their own chapter who comes into the Australian cricket story and de Winter has a chance to have his own legacy. With the upcoming schedule, we'll know soon enough how successfully the de Winter method develops.

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Limited overs squads announced for UAE Tour

Less than a week after posting an article looking at the dynamics of our limited overs squad, the National Selection Panel announced the ODI and T20 squads for the UAE tour in August. They've addressed serious matters of urgency following the horrid UK tour and I am pleased with the balance we have the in side which was evidently a concern.

Without further to do, here's the squads.

ODI squad:
David Warner, Matthew Wade (wk), Michael Clarke (captain), George Bailey, Callum Ferguson, Michael Hussey, David Hussey, Daniel Christian, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Johnson, Xavier Doherty, James Pattinson, Clint McKay, Mitchell Starc.

T20 squad:
David Warner, Shane Watson, Matthew Wade (wk), David Hussey, Michael Hussey, George Bailey (captain), Cameron White, Daniel Christian, Glenn Maxwell, Brad Hogg, Xavier Doherty, Clint McKay, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Ben Hilfenhaus.

The big news is the return of Callum Ferguson. The Baggy Green Blog has become a supportive domain for Fergal and it is with great relief that the selectors have recalled one of our best suited players who has experience at the elite level and has the ability to emulate Michael Hussey's middle order brilliance in limited overs cricket.

He rotates the strike well and gets on with the job, showing innovation within his approach during the death overs of an innings. After his Ryobi campaign last season for the Redbacks he deserves it. At long last.

It is great to see Michael Hussey's name back in the limited overs side as well. May limit Fergal's appearances but always good to see Huss' name in any side.

Daniel Christian has been called into the limited overs side again. A big reason behind this is because Shane Watson will be rested for the ODI matches - along with Ben Hilfenhaus - and Dan is one of our better all-rounders in the system.

Joining the all-rounders department is Glenn Maxwell. I am sure you caught a fair bit of him in the Big Bash League. He scored me some good points in the Fox Sports Fantasy League as well. He can certainly contribute where the side needs him and I am really pleased to see him get selected for our T20 side.

His ODI call-up? In all honesty I did not see him getting into the limited overs side but he is a damn good hitter of the ball and certainly struck me as a bloke who'd find his way into the international setup. If anything I thought maybe Cameron White would have been given an opportunity again in ODI cricket but the selectors have opted for Maxwell in both squads. All the best to the young man! May his role be clear from day 1, unlike poor young Steven Smith.

After the last article I posted, which was a look at the ODI team balance, I am really glad to know that David Warner and Matt Wade will be given another chance to open the batting. I strongly believe in their duo for the shorter format of the game and with Shane Watson being rested this is the ideal chance to give it another test.

The bowling units? With the retirement of Brett Lee (hard to believe it) the bowling unit will be as follows for the ODIs - Mitchell Johnson, Xavier Doherty, James Pattinson, Clint McKay, Mitchell Starc. Dan Christian, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell and David Hussey can also contribute to the bowling. All in all the options are well stacked and it will simply be a case of having the right men for the job out on the park.

As mentioned, for the Twenty20 side both Shane Watson and Ben Hilfenhaus have been included but will not take part in the ODI series due to player rotation. Patty Cummins, Brad Hogg and Cameron White are the other three players who will only play in the T20 leg of the UAE Tour.

Brad Hogg! I am a big supporter of the man and his enthusiasm is contagious. Hope he stacks up some Paki wickets. Hoggy is also strongly in the mix for the ICC World T20.

Regarding Cameron White,  the Australian Cricketers Association made it clear in a Tweet:

@CameronWhite152's T20 form lead him to his Australian recall. Deccan: 479 runs @ 43.54, HS 78. Northants: 228 runs @ 57.00, HS 62*

No need to question Cameron's form and deserved recall. I hope he can regain a place in our limited overs squad down the road as well. He seems to have recaptured his natural game after seeming lost for quite some time as to how he should go about his game (attack or defend) and time will tell of the adjustment upon returning to International cricket.

It is a step in the right direction and this side immediately appears to be a more competitive team. There is a far better balance in terms of temperament, ability, form and experience with the batting, while the bowling offers good variety in offering.

A big aspect of this tour will be the batting department. The UAE tracks are often tough to graft on and definitely provoke a demand for concentration and focus in extreme conditions. For this reason I think the selection of Mike Hussey and Callum Ferguson is ideal. Concentration hasn't appeared to be our strong point in limited overs cricket.

If our batsmen can also perform collectively - usual story - and should the dynamics pay off with selection I really, really hope for our bowlers sake that they pile on the runs. Our bowlers can only defend so many below par totals before they lose their confidence and get the label of "average".

With the extreme heat in the UAE, the more runs on the board to defend, the better it will be for them and I am sure our batsmen would return the favour in hoping to chase down some low totals.

Your thoughts?

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