YOUR 1ST TEST TEAM AT GABBA

[Media Park]

It is too late to drop players like Hussey and bring in a new guy like Khawaja. We should have been blooding new guys at least 12 months ago like others have said in here.

Couldn't agree more Marty.

x3, but if we don't do it now, by the time Huss and co retire, the current Khawaja/Ferg types will be having the careers of Hodge/D Huss, where one might get a few Tests as a fill in player, and one just wont get a go.

Having the red cap, not a blue one, it will be Ferg that never Greens up.

[The Cadet]

I would like to see this lineup when Australia A plays the Poms at Hobart, prior to the 1st Test. Lets make it a shoot out for the last spots.

Hughes
M.Hussey
Kawaja
Fergusson
White
McDonald
S.Smith
Paine
Hauritz
Siddle
George

[Gozu]

Watson
Katich
Ponting
Clarke
Ferguson
Hussey
Paine
Johnson
Hauritz
Hilfenhaus
Bollinger

[daysofourlives]

I am very surprised that only 3 of us think that johnson should be dropped.

What are your resons for keeping him? Yes he might win a test on his own but happens very rarely, i think he costs us more tests than he wins

[Gozu]

I am very surprised that only 3 of us think that johnson should be dropped.

What are your resons for keeping him? Yes he might win a test on his own but happens very rarely, i think he costs us more tests than he wins

He's not THAT bad. Sure he bowls some rubbish but hey we're #5 for a reason. I still remember that series he had in South Africa last year, brutal bowling and had Kallis jumping around all over the joint. Think he got a ton with the bat in that series too.

What can we do stick a guy like Siddle in in place of him? He's a not a Test bowler.

[Push in the Back]

I am very surprised that only 3 of us think that johnson should be dropped.

What are your resons for keeping him? Yes he might win a test on his own but happens very rarely, i think he costs us more tests than he wins

He's not THAT bad. Sure he bowls some rubbish but hey we're #5 for a reason. I still remember that series he had in South Africa last year, brutal bowling and had Kallis jumping around all over the joint. Think he got a ton with the bat in that series too.

What can we do stick a guy like Siddle in in place of him? He's a not a Test bowler.

Agreed - Siddle is pump.

[The Dark Knight]

1 and 2. Watson and Katich- Both Kat and Watto should retain their spots regardless, they're not the problem, the middle order is and IMO Hughes is not good enough.

3. Ponting- I would never drop Punter. I reckon he's gearing himself up big time for this one because IMO it will be his last Ashes series.

4. Hussey- Had an awsome series here against England in 2006/07. No reason why he can't repeat it again.

5. Clarke/Kawaja/Marsh- Clarke is really struggling and if picked needs a HUGE series if he wants to stay in the side. Kawaja is the future and the selectors should be looking forward but I'm also a massive fan of Marsh. If he has a good start to the domestic season, he should be considered by the selectors to play in Brisbane.

6. Ferguson- I'd love to see him in there, but needs a solid start to the domestic season.

7. Paine- If Haddin takes a while to back into form T-Paine will be the main man behind the stumps.

8. Siddle/Hauritz- Depend on the conditions, I'd love to see Australia play 4 quicks.

9, 10 and 11. Johnson, Hilfenhaus and Bollinger- I reckon all 3 will bounce back and perform well throughout the series.

[Jim05]

Bit harsh on sids I reckon. I really rate him and if hes fully fit he would be the first bowler id pick. He is a workhorse who balls good line at good pace and is able to swing it both ways. Also has a great short ball.

[brod]

Katich
Watson
Ponting
Khawaja
M Hussey
North (he made a century, plus see below re White/Ferguson who I would have next in line)
Paine
Smith
Johnson
Hilfenhaus
Bollinger

Cameron White would be in my side, but has not played (and will not before the first test) since March 2010. This problem will also be there for Ferguson, who will not play First Class cricket before the first test due to Aussie ODI commitments v India and Sri Lanka. The second series is nothing but MORE time away from FC cricket for players. We should select a side full of young non test candidates (eg O'Keefe, M Marsh, Hazelwood ect) and let them get some experience.

[stan]

Katich
Watson
Ponting (c)
Clarke**
Khawaja
North*
Paine
Smith
Johnson
Hilfenhaus
Bollinger

I dont believe massive changes are needed. In India we actually played some very good cricket at times and the first test we were unluckly not to win it. the Second test exposed 2 issues, our front line spinner is not good enough and our middle order needs a bit of work.
I would bring in Smith for Huraitz to give him bit of a run, but Watson will be required to bowl a few overs as well just to assist this a little, or in fact North.

Notes:
*North would keep his spot because he did make that hundred that showed some grit so give him one more chance, if he still struggles then he will need to be replaced.

** I would leave clarke there but let him know that he needs to occupy the crease for a while. I believe he is good enough to work his way back.

The player that I have left out is Hussey, at his age, I believe it will be a long way back for him which may be past him. Also I would hate to think that Usman Khawaja is not in the next test team. This young man as good technique, temprement and a bit flair as well. Its probably about time!

[mal]

I am very surprised that only 3 of us think that johnson should be dropped.

What are your resons for keeping him? Yes he might win a test on his own but happens very rarely, i think he costs us more tests than he wins

WKTS...AVE....S/RATE...PLAYER

049......23-79..45.44...BOLLINGER
166.....29-06...53-43....JOHNSON
048.....31-06...59.08...HILFENHAUS
060..... 31-53..62.71....SIDDLE

Going by those records Douggie is the clear first pick and takes the new ball
2 of the other 3 have to bowl 1st change

Who would I pick ?
In a team with dininishing match winners
In a team where you need a guy to bowl fast for a few years and not break down
Capable if making between 50-100 runs when batting
Bowl first change


I know who all bar 3 of us would select

[smithy]

I am very surprised that only 3 of us think that johnson should be dropped.

What are your resons for keeping him? Yes he might win a test on his own but happens very rarely, i think he costs us more tests than he wins

WKTS...AVE....S/RATE...PLAYER

049......23-79..45.44...BOLLINGER
166.....29-06...53-43....JOHNSON
048.....31-06...59.08...HILFENHAUS
060..... 31-53..62.71....SIDDLE

Going by those records Douggie is the clear first pick and takes the new ball
2 of the other 3 have to bowl 1st change

Who would I pick ?
In a team with dininishing match winners
In a team where you need a guy to bowl fast for a few years and not break down
Capable if making between 50-100 runs when batting
Bowl first change


I know who all bar 3 of us would select

Ever captained a cricket side MAL ?
If so...
Remind yourself of what it was like to have a bowler who bowled more garbage than good deliveries and didn't bowl to his field.
This from a "test" bowler too.

[mal]

Smithy have you ever batted in a cricket team ?
I would much rather face line and length right handed bowlers than erractic left hand bowlers

Hilf and Sids are good honest Test Bowlers
But they are too similar and not explosive match winning bowlers

In my opinion and Im wrongggggggggggggggggg at times
You need MJ in the team

[red strip roo]

Watson
Hughes
Ponting (C)
Clarke *
Ferguson
Kawaja
Smith
Paine
Johnson
Hilfenhaus
Bollinger
George 12th
Ponting on the outer but good form in India for once
Clakre in trouble, Hussey.M done.. Katich boring but steady, Haddin not sure

[bulldog2004]

1. Katich
2. Hughes
3. Watson
4. Ponting
5. Hussey
6. North (personally i would go Khajawa but he did hit a 100 last start so will be selected)7. Paine
8. Smith
9. Johnson
10 Hilfenhaus
11 Siddle

So, didnt DIZZY get dropped after making 201.

[Media Park]

1. REB
2. Mal
3. Smithy
4. Jim_05
5. Stan
6. Gozu
7. Hondo
8. Brod
9. Media Park
10. The Dark Knight
11. The Cadet

[The Dark Knight]

1. REB
2. Mal
3. Smithy
4. The Dark Knight
5. Stan
6. Gozu
7. The Cadet
8. Hondo
9. Brod
10. Jim_05
11. Media Park

Wow what a team!! Just one thing MP, I'm actually a bowler, not a batsman!! I should be down at 9/10!

[stan]

1. REB
2. Mal
3. Smithy
4. The Dark Knight
5. Stan
6. Gozu
7. The Cadet
8. Hondo
9. Brod
10. Jim_05
11. Media Park

Wow what a team!! Just one thing MP, I'm actually a bowler, not a batsman!! I should be down at 9/10!

Yeah we'll be of to a cracking start when REB gets a blob to start us of

[The Cadet]

1. REB
2. Mal
3. Smithy
4. The Dark Knight
5. Stan
6. Gozu
7. The Cadet
8. Hondo
9. Brod
10. Jim_05
11. Media Park

Wow what a team!! Just one thing MP, I'm actually a bowler, not a batsman!! I should be down at 9/10!

Yeah we'll be of to a cracking start when REB gets a blob to start us of

Im the opening bowler but cant bat so 10 or 11 for me.

[Media Park]

edited for accuracy now.