The Ashes and Cricket World Cup Discussion Thread

(04-12-2010 13:08 )William H Bonney Wrote:  Today's stat note: in the first test Alastair Cook surpassed one of Don Bradman's many records with his 235 not out in England's second innings, the highest Test score by any batsman at the Gabba. Today he equalled a Bradman achievement with his 15th Test century before the age of 26, a tally that only Sachin Tendulkar has surpassed with 19.

The Aussies may have to try a different approach. Like what we did in the bodyline series. Only problem is that they don't have a quality fast bowler.

Of those in this Australian team, who would get into past teams... there is only Ponting. The rest are second 11 ablity.

Quote:Of those in this Australian team, who would get into past teams... there is only Ponting. The rest are second 11 ablity.

Don't forget Hussey.

I personally think it is quite a strong batting line up. Regardless of how many runs we make in this innings australia are more than capable of batting themselves out of trouble.

Its the bowling line up that I would say is of second 11 level in comparison with Australian teams of the past. Their bowlers are more in the category of "every dog has its day" performers rather than the true quality class ilk. None of them can Compare to McGrath, Warne, Hughes, McDermott for example.

(04-12-2010 14:16 )seth Wrote:  

Quote:Of those in this Australian team, who would get into past teams... there is only Ponting. The rest are second 11 ablity.

Don't forget Hussey.

The selectors nearly didn't pick Hussey and he struggled to get in the teams of old , Clark has ability but is out of form.
I agree the major problem is a lack of quality bowling.
Is there anyone coming through the system?

(04-12-2010 14:35 )setter1000 Wrote:  I personally think it is quite a strong batting line up. Regardless of how many runs we make in this innings australia are more than capable of batting themselves out of trouble.

Not just that, there's predictions of some rain on the 4th and 5th day. Think it's crucial that Pieterson stays in and gets a big score, because England need to score quick, get a 300 run lead and put the Aussies back in to bat for 10-15 overs late in the afternoon.

Good batting from England today showing the Aussies how to bat on a flat track and i hope England get a massive lead so that they can bowl the Aussies out cheaply.

(04-12-2010 14:55 )Charlemagne Wrote:  

(04-12-2010 14:16 )seth Wrote:  

Quote:Of those in this Australian team, who would get into past teams... there is only Ponting. The rest are second 11 ablity.

Don't forget Hussey.

The selectors nearly didn't pick Hussey and he struggled to get in the teams of old , Clark has ability but is out of form.
I agree the major problem is a lack of quality bowling.
Is there anyone coming through the system?

Hussey was left out in the 2005 ashes series and the Australians admitted the error of their ways. He was called "Mr Cricket" to show how highly rated he was at one time. I think he still averages over 50 (correct me if I am wrong) which is truly world class, evan if he has not done to well leading up to the ashes. Form is temporary class is permanent.

From what I gather there are plenty of promising players coming through the system but not ready yet. I personally think that Steve Smith given time could be well become a world class performer.

Hussey's Test average is 52. His current world ranking is 24 and the only two England players above him are Trott and Cook.

England go past 500 for the second time in a row, following their 517-1 in the second innings of the first test with 551-4 at the close of play today. Rain shortened the day and left Pietersen on 213 not out.

Its good to see Kevin Pietersen scored a double century today and prove the critics wrong and hopefully England get to 600 runs and declared however only bad weather will rescue the Aussies.