Australian International Summer

[am Bays]

I don't get all the love for Head*

In terms of 1st class runs and 1st class batting average you're picking Patterson, Hanscombe, Bancroft, Maddinson, and Maxwell before him. Having played less cricket based on average you're picking Stonis and Lehman (15 run better average and the same amount tons having played a third of the amount of games) before him too.

I know stats don't tell the full story and he is still a bloody good young cricketer but not sure Head would make my 2nd test side.

We're doing what the Australian Selectors have failed to do for years. Identify young talent, perhaps before their time, throw them in and back them in. What have we got to lose now?

I get that, still have to earn a spot and the likes of Maddinson, Patterson and Bancroft, all under 25, deserve 1st crack to build a test career that can cover the next four ashes series

[Killa]

I don't get all the love for Head*

In terms of 1st class runs and 1st class batting average you're picking Patterson, Hanscombe, Bancroft, Maddinson, and Maxwell before him. Having played less cricket based on average you're picking Stonis and Lehman (15 run better average and the same amount tons having played a third of the amount of games) before him too.

I know stats don't tell the full story and he is still a bloody good young cricketer but not sure Head would make my 2nd test side.

Michael Clarke was picked on potential while averaging mid 30's in first class cricket.

[Aerie]

If Ian Chappell says it is time to move forward with youth, that is good enough for me. A dead rubber is the perfect time for wholesale changes. A 3 Test series vs Pakistan straight after this, then a tour of India and a big break before the Ashes next summer.

Disregarding performances in the upcoming Shield games, this is my team for the 3rd Test:

Warner
Weatherald
Khawaja
Smith
Patterson
Handscomb
Nevill
Starc
Hazlewood
Lyon
Sayers

Taking a gamble on 22 yo Weatherald and 23 yo Patterson, but both look to have the technique to play at the highest level. Handscomb has been around for a while now, performed solidly and at 25 yo is ready. If Bancroft had scored any runs to start the season he'd be considered for the opening spot over Weatherald, but he hasn't.

Burns and Ferguson very unlucky, but I'm not convinced with Burns as a Test batsman any more and Ferguson did nothing to suggest he'd be a better option than a younger player. Voges is done with a Test average of 61 over 20 Tests. This is a case of statistics do lie, an average of 542 against WI and 99 against NZ, don't tell the tale of his inability to help the team in the Ashes or this series against South Africa.

I wouldn't go back to White, Wade, Shaun Marsh or Bailey now and Klinger is no better option than a young player.

One player I would be interested in at the number 6 position is Glenn Maxwell. Particularly with a tour of India coming up. Mitch Marsh needs to force his way in as the 3rd best seam bowler - which I think he could do, whilst batting no higher than 7.

[Bombers4EVA]

That's it though. The selectors are piss weak when it comes to giving youth a crack at the top. Apparently to become a test cricketer you have to be aged around 28 to 29. Pathetic. If a bloke is lets say 23 and is making a shit loads of runs or taking shit loads of wickets. Why can't they get a gig while their form is hot. For example Chad Sayers. He's taken over 23 wickets in the past 2 games. Give him a crack while he's up and about.

[The Bedge]

I get that, still have to earn a spot and the likes of Maddinson, Patterson and Bancroft all under 26 deserve 1st crack to build a test career that can cover the next four ashes series

Would think Maddinson has slipped down the pecking order a bit over the past 18 months (although did ton up Rd 1 this year)

[am Bays]

I get that, still have to earn a spot and the likes of Maddinson, Patterson and Bancroft all under 26 deserve 1st crack to build a test career that can cover the next four ashes series

Would think Maddinson has slipped down the pecking order a bit over the past 18 months (although did ton up Rd 1 this year)

Tonned up last game, missed Rd 1

Bottom line the next six days present a massive opportunity for several young batsmen and those with the axe poised over their heads to stand up and show who wants to wear a baggy green next weekend

[Fricky]

This stat sums up how bad our batting is

[stampy]

I get that, still have to earn a spot and the likes of Maddinson, Patterson and Bancroft all under 26 deserve 1st crack to build a test career that can cover the next four ashes series

Would think Maddinson has slipped down the pecking order a bit over the past 18 months (although did ton up Rd 1 this year)

and the biggest factor is he wears the right colour cap

[amber_fluid]

So when do questions start being asked of Lehmann?
Maybe a change at the top is also required.

[Booney]

This stat sums up how bad our batting is

Good stat, but I still want to punch that smug little **** in the face.

[Bombers4EVA]

This stat sums up how bad our batting is

Good stat, but I still want to punch that smug little **** in the face.

Sounds like a bit of bad blood here.....hmmmmm....

[amber_fluid]

This stat sums up how bad our batting is

Good stat, but I still want to punch that smug little **** in the face.

Who is that peanut?
Probably bullied at school and still has no mates...............Can't stand him either.

[Aerie]

So when do questions start being asked of Lehmann?
Maybe a change at the top is also required.

Yep. Might be time. Langer has to be next.

[MW]

So when do questions start being asked of Lehmann?
Maybe a change at the top is also required.

Yep. Might be time. Langer has to be next.

Lehmann contracted to end of 2019. Will be an expensive sacking that one.

[amber_fluid]

So when do questions start being asked of Lehmann?
Maybe a change at the top is also required.

Yep. Might be time. Langer has to be next.

Lehmann contracted to end of 2019. Will be an expensive sacking that one.

Why would they contract him for so long?
He must have the same manager as some of the Power coaches and players.

[The Bedge]

Cricket Australia thrilled with how BBL is going - Titus O'Reily
In response to the Australian Test team’s disastrous showing in Hobart, High-Performance Manager Pat Howard said this year’s Big Bash League would be ‘bigger and more exciting than ever.”

In response to the question “how do you explain five test loss in a row?” Howard said this year’s Big Bash would feature more fireworks, more BMXs and double the amount of hip hop dance crews.

“The only Hobart I’m interested in talking about today is the Hobart Hurricanes! Get on board the Purple Army! It’s going to be amazing.”

Asked if he took any responsibility as High-Performance manager for the non-high performance of the team, Mr Howard said he hoped people liked sixes because that’s what’s coming this summer.

“The big question facing Australian cricket right now, is can the Thunder defend their title? I don’t know but I’m excited to find out, on Channel Ten beginning this December!”

Asked if Darren Lehmann’s position was in jeopardy, Howard said Lehmann’s role as a commentator in Network Ten’s Big Bash League commentary team was assured.

“As previously announced, Darren will commentate on the BBL this summer. So you can see, everyone has their priorities in order, let me assure you.”

[locky801]

Just saw the after game interview with Steve Smith, looked like he was about to burst into tears

[The Bedge]

Just saw the after game interview with Steve Smith, looked like he was about to burst into tears

Cant blame him, i would want to cry too after the insipid efforts put up so far this summer from the team. It would frustrate and anger me to tears.

[whufc]

for me its a cop out blaming the BBL, do South Africa not have a domestic t20 comp.

[heater31]

for me its a cop out blaming the BBL, do South Africa not have a domestic t20 comp.

Do South Africa compromise their First Class program structure to the detriment of the national team?