Mr Cricket

[dedja]

The problem is, is there a batsman in domestic ranks good enough to force his way into the wide at Hussey's expense? I can't see anyone really, apart from the batting order being re-arranged with Hughes to open.

Hodge is mid 30's, Ferguson not up to it yet, there's no one really there demanding to be picked and take Hussey's place in the batting line up.

Spot on ... give the man a prize.

[wycbloods]

I disagree there are people playing first class cricket who, if given the opportunity, will perform better than Mr Crickets last 12 months.

Look at trott for the poms, he didn't have that good a record until this season and they brought him in when at the top of his game.

[dedja]

name them please ...

[Hondo]

The problem is, is there a batsman in domestic ranks good enough to force his way into the wide at Hussey's expense? I can't see anyone really, apart from the batting order being re-arranged with Hughes to open.

Hodge is mid 30's, Ferguson not up to it yet, there's no one really there demanding to be picked and take Hussey's place in the batting line up.

The thing is we don't know who might be able to step if given the opportunity because Mr Cricket seemingly has his spot locked up permanently

We don't know that Ferguson isn't up to it, for example. 12 months ago we wouldn't have thought North was up to it. We wouldn't have thought Watto could open.

Hussey himself seemed like a permanent Shield player until injury gave him an opportunity and look what happened!

That's why you need to keep the guys honest and not be afraid to give someone an opportunity. it may not work out but at least the guys in Shield Cricket know there's a spot for them and at least Hussey (or anyone) knows that he hasn't got a blank cheque for 24 months. The selectors have created an unhealthy situation here and it may have come back to the bite them now we've lost the Ashes again and Mr Cricket only had 1 good innings for the series.

[wycbloods]

name them please ...

No problems .

All of these people i think with guidance and opportunity have the potential to become elite players. obviously not all of them will but i am sure our selectors will be able to find a gem amongst the following players.

Klinger
Ferguson
George Bailey
Ryan Broad
Cameron White
Shaun Marsh
Rob Quiney

I think all of these players have showed enough to suggest they have the ability at first class level and with being given the opportunity at the next level may just be what we are looking for.

[GWW]

None of those guys done enough to deserve a spot in the Australian middle order.

Cameron White in particular isn't up to Test cricket standard, the day he's picked for a 5 day game we'll know we're in trouble.

[heater31]

out of that list WYC probably only one who could get the job done.

Ferg establishing himself in limited overs cricket and we know has oodles of talent.

Maxy Kilinger's outstanding form is probably about four years too late for him to be given a reasonable shot in national colours. may get the chance in a series when injuries occur but must be firing at the time to get the chance

[wycbloods]

None of those guys done enough to deserve a spot in the Australian middle order.

Cameron White in particular isn't up to Test cricket standard, the day he's picked for a 5 day game we'll know we're in trouble.

Gone are the days where players have to score 10000 in first class ranks before they get a go.

We need to get better at realising a talent before they get to 28-30 as many other countires, India especially, have a good knack of doing. Our side isn't good enough to let the talent wait enough for the current to deserve, in the way a Lehmann or Hussey did, their spot they need to be given a go in the side to discover if they are up to it. Hey they can't do any worse than what Hussey has the last 18 months.

They are the future and Hussey isn't, simple as that. We are now the 4th best test team in the world and there needs to be some changes to ensure we don't stay there too long.

[GWW]

I see where you're coming from. Personally i think they need to do a little bit yet until being worthy of selection.

Oh for the day of Lehmann, Bevan, Law, Cox, Hodge and Maher on the fringe to keep the test batsmen honest

[wycbloods]

I see where you're coming from. Personally i think they need to do a little bit yet until being worthy of selection.

Oh for the day of Lehmann, Bevan, Law, Cox, Hodge and Maher on the fringe to keep the test batsmen honest

Yep that luxury has well and truly passed.

What we would do for a 26 year old Stuart MacGill as well.