World Test Championship Final, June 11th-16th.

[heater31]

Carey deserves his spot in the side, there is no doubt, his spot isnt at threat.

But lets be serious for a second, other than everyone's favourite Matty Wade what keeper have we had in the last 20 years that has dropped as many regulation catches as he has.

Maybe it's just my memory but i just don't recall Healy, Gilly (who wasn't the greatest keeper, and we all remember his career ending drop), Haddin, Paine dropping as many regulation catches of the pacemen. Maybe they did......there doesn't seem to be much if anything statically on drop catches that i can find.

Reckon that drop is due to the Lords slope and the atmospheric anomaly that occurs with the Duke and the UK. Seen it happen with my own eyes with the duke flying far lower than an Aussie fielder behind the stumps was expecting.

Hopefully, this has washed a bit of sand out the undies of the MCC members....

[The Dark Knight]

Last night’s drop wasn’t great, both in the attempt and timing.

Beau Webster … why the faaark wasn’t this dude selected long ago. Was lucky that the Proteas didn’t challenge an LBW but jeez, he made the most of that chance.

Webster hasn't had a look in until recently because he’s only been a decent performer in first class cricket since his breakout 23/24 season where he made 938 runs at 58.62 and 30 wickets at 30.8. In 19/20 for example his first class batting and bowling averages were 26.78 and 46.19. In that time Australia have obviously preferred Mitch Marsh as the all round option and more recently Cam Green.

He's obviously improved out of sight over the last 5/6 years.

[mal]

You win the toss and bat in Test Cricket
South Africa handed the advantage to Australia
Now Goat Lyon gets a chance to bowl on days 5+ 6 if it gets that far

Regards
Captain Hindsight

[dedja]

I was being facetious, but you’re right TDK

Not in the same league, but Gilly was nearly 28 when he made his Test debut. Imagine his record if that pesky Healy fella retired earlier.

[The Bedge]

Top order really needs looking at - take our Uzzies 200 in Sri Lanka and it's been relatively slim pickings for a while. Lab isnt the answer as an opener - if it wasn't suitable for McSweeney what makes us think it's suitable for Labuschagne?

Then suddenly Green is at 3 - wasted - and pressure goes back to Smith, Head, Webster, Carey to go on the counter - and if they fail, they're scrutinised.

Look at the change in positive mindset and scoring once Uzzie + Lab were gone.. went at like 5 RPO... not saying we need to do that with openers but little intent to score would be nice instead of trying to survive and being 2 for **** all after 15 overs.

[Jim05]

Trav will open in the Windies IMO

[whufc]

Top order really needs looking at - take our Uzzies 200 in Sri Lanka and it's been relatively slim pickings for a while. Lab isnt the answer as an opener - if it wasn't suitable for McSweeney what makes us think it's suitable for Labuschagne?

Then suddenly Green is at 3 - wasted - and pressure goes back to Smith, Head, Webster, Carey to go on the counter - and if they fail, they're scrutinised.

Look at the change in positive mindset and scoring once Uzzie + Lab were gone.. went at like 5 RPO... not saying we need to do that with openers but little intent to score would be nice instead of trying to survive and being 2 for **** all after 15 overs.

Yep, modern test batsmen have to have intent to score. It's so much harder to 'grind' bowlers down these days, their fitter (slow over rates helps this as well), stronger and tactically willing to change more than ever before.

[dedja]

There’s a young bloke who played a couple of Tests … oh, hang on … nevermind

[Lightning McQueen]

Top order really needs looking at - take our Uzzies 200 in Sri Lanka and it's been relatively slim pickings for a while. Lab isnt the answer as an opener - if it wasn't suitable for McSweeney what makes us think it's suitable for Labuschagne?

Then suddenly Green is at 3 - wasted - and pressure goes back to Smith, Head, Webster, Carey to go on the counter - and if they fail, they're scrutinised.

Look at the change in positive mindset and scoring once Uzzie + Lab were gone.. went at like 5 RPO... not saying we need to do that with openers but little intent to score would be nice instead of trying to survive and being 2 for **** all after 15 overs.

He shouldn't be batting wasted.

But yeah, who would've thunk that a dude who hasn't played test cricket for a while, hasn't batted at 3 in first class cricket yet would fail in his return match in the Test Grand Final, no one seen that coming.

And then, who would've thought a bloke struggling at #3 would all of a sudden find form opening? Surely 12 from Sam or Sweeney would be more valuable than 17 from Lab?

[amber_fluid]

Marnus should never have been picked
Should have opened with Green if need be as he’s batting 3 anyway.

I’d open with McSweeney or Sam and put Green at 4 and Smith at 3

Edit: What LM said ^

[dedja]

Marnus has …

[mal]

Time permitting- should these Championship games be played over 3 Tests ?
Drawn series 0-0 or 1-1 would be a problem adjudicating a winner though

Whoever wins this one off, with both teams lacking Test match hardness, seems a bit inconclusive

[dedja]

Good idea that they always play the final in England … guarantees a neutral ground for the teams.

[Booney]

Graeme Smith, former South African captain, just said on the broadcast when asked who is the deepest thinker knew was said "Jacques Kallis. That man could stare at a wall for four hours"

[dedja]

DRS

[RB]

Good idea that they always play the final in England … guarantees a neutral ground for the teams.

Maybe they should share it between the minnows - e.g. rotate between Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and England.

[dedja]

Good idea that they always play the final in England … guarantees a neutral ground for the teams.

Maybe they should share it between the minnows - e.g. rotate between Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and England.

[dedja]

That’s why Marnus is still in the team …

5/94

[The Dark Knight]

That’s why Marnus is still in the team …

Ripper catch, loose shot from Wee-man.
Needed that, was a good partnership.

[Jim05]

Handling the ball?