The Dark Knight wrote:stan wrote:Wheels are off alright.
4th test still needs to go ahead. We must see out the series. Regardless the test will be lucky to go 3 days.
That been said guys like Renshaw and Burns would be chomping at the bit to play.
Also if Starc doesnt want to play then give Sayers or Richardson a run.
Warner is clearly done with test cricket.
Despite this drama and the matter in way they have been slected the selectors have at least picked the right replacements. Burns and Renshaw straight into open is a positive move fwiw. Warner was horribly out of form anyway. You can obviously see Handscomb in for Smith, who I reckon slots in five and Marsh moves up to four. Maxwell was the next in line middle order batsman and his selection, while in bizarre circumstances is now quite funny and ironic given they really didn't want to pick him at the start of the Ashes.
It's a terrific oppurtunity for Burns, Renshaw and Handscomb. There honestly isn't much to lose for the aussies now and all the pressure is on SA to finally beat the aussies at home for the first time. Wouldn't be surprised if Starc doesn't play he looked average in the 3rd test and doesn't appear to be healthy. The issue is other then Paine your best bats in the series have been Bancroft and Warner who are the only blokes averaging over 30 in the series. Shaun Marsh & Khawaja are out of form and having horrid series so they will need to stand up. Also Cummins has been amazing with the ball but he's been found out with the bat big time against good bowling, hes only averaging just above 6.