SA Footy

I have been totally amused with some of the selections for Australia over the last 12 months, it was always going to be a tough period with the retirement of some of our greatest test players of all time. I feel that this series could of been different if the selectors just pick the best side. Here are some examples of the selctors year.

*The non selection of B.McGain to tour the West Indies after a Sheild season where he dominated being the countrys leading wicket taker for spin.


*The selection of B.Geeves to play one day cricket for Australia. I know it was only Bangladesh but surely there would of been a que of fast bowlers ahead of him.


* The selection of B.Casson to tour West Indies, plays final test after MacGill retires and takes 3 second innings wickets. Dropped for next tour to India. Why pick him in the first place, surely he didnt bowl that bad in his first test. Young spinners need a bit of support and encouragement along the way. Casson is now struggling mentally, was not told why he was dropped and is now playing grade cricket. And he is a contracted Australin player.


* The selection of C.White to tour India. From aggressive middle order batsmen who had just about given leg spin bowling away, to Australias number 1 spinner who dosnt spin the ball.


*The non selection of J.Krejza for first test at Gabba against N.Z, after coming off a 12 wicket man of the match debut. Could of continued his dream start to his career against the weak N.Z batting line up in a time when we are searching for a spinner. Instead plays against the South Africans on Waca wicket, not usually suited to spin, gets dropped after record run chase when only 1 bowler in Johnson could hold his head high.

*The selection of A.Symonds for 1st Test of Summer after making no runs for QLD, Selectors drop Krejza and play 2 allrounders.

*The continue selection of M.Hayden when he is clearly finished. I have said all along that he should of retired after Adelaide his 100th test. Selfish also by Hayden to go on, selectors must realise that he is too old. Last thing we need is Hayden making a career saving innings in Sydney makes the trip to England, a place where he has failed in the past. Get Hughes in and some test cricket under his belt before the Ashes begin. Nothing wrong with taking a risk on a young kid, look at Duminey.


*The continue playing of a all rounder. Where not the side we once were, lets just pick the best 6 batsmen in Australia, the best keeper, the best spin bowler and the best three quicks. Would hate to think that a D.Hussey will never play test cricket because of a Symonds or a Watson or McDonald are in his place. Not a pinch on D.Hussey as a batsmen and there bowling will not trouble the best sides.

Very good.
Similar article written in todays paper by Crach Craddock.
Since Hildtich has taken over...
Interesting he wrote some Qld players were amazed Symonds got picked after seeing his attitude at Qld training. He's batted like a bloke not interested all summer.

Would agree with most of that Ned, except have no problems with Geeves being given a go. Also, believe Hayden was worth a shot for the first test at least against SA.
Treatment of Casson and Krejza is inexplicable.

CITC - also interested to see read one selector was pushing hard for Hilfenhaus in Perth. Surely rather than three fast bowlers, it would have been better have him push into the wind and let Lee and Johnson take it in turns down breeze rather than having Siddle and Lee push into it for a lot of the time.

catchisthecry wrote:Very good.
Similar article written in todays paper by Crach Craddock.
Since Hildtich has taken over...
Interesting he wrote some Qld players were amazed Symonds got picked after seeing his attitude at Qld training. He's batted like a bloke not interested all summer.

Crash has had it in for Symonds for some time, not sure of the real reason why. That article he wrote after the Symonds bar incident was pure poison.

I don't care, the australian test team is finally getting its just deserts.
Whereas in the past the selectors could make horrible selections and get away with it due to the brilliance of a view, with less quality in the line up there are major holes starting to appear, right from game day tactics through to supporting the next generation. We have been hearing about the depth that australian cricket has due to a strong sheffield shield competition, well now is the time to see of the selectors believe this really is the case.
Cricket is a game played above the shoulders and unless someone steps up soon, the likes of south africa and india will take the mantle that the australians have held for so long, and has helped them win many games before a ball is bowled.
and who knows, maybe the windies may even reach some former glories (i can only hope)

cripple wrote:I don't care, the australian test team is finally getting its just deserts.

Why do people keep saying that??? It's almost as though some people cannot stand watching cricket played extremely well. Puzzling attitude.

Adelaide Hawk wrote:

cripple wrote:I don't care, the australian test team is finally getting its just deserts.

Why do people keep saying that??? It's almost as though some people cannot stand watching cricket played extremely well. Puzzling attitude.

Yeah I cannot understand why people are almost happy the Aussies have lost. Obviously can't remember when we were shit...

Ned wrote:I have been totally amused with some of the selections for Australia over the last 12 months, it was always going to be a tough period with the retirement of some of our greatest test players of all time. I feel that this series could of been different if the selectors just pick the best side. Here are some examples of the selctors year.

*The non selection of B.McGain to tour the West Indies after a Sheild season where he dominated being the countrys leading wicket taker for spin.


*The selection of B.Geeves to play one day cricket for Australia. I know it was only Bangladesh but surely there would of been a que of fast bowlers ahead of him.


* The selection of B.Casson to tour West Indies, plays final test after MacGill retires and takes 3 second innings wickets. Dropped for next tour to India. Why pick him in the first place, surely he didnt bowl that bad in his first test. Young spinners need a bit of support and encouragement along the way. Casson is now struggling mentally, was not told why he was dropped and is now playing grade cricket. And he is a contracted Australin player.


* The selection of C.White to tour India. From aggressive middle order batsmen who had just about given leg spin bowling away, to Australias number 1 spinner who dosnt spin the ball.


*The non selection of J.Krejza for first test at Gabba against N.Z, after coming off a 12 wicket man of the match debut. Could of continued his dream start to his career against the weak N.Z batting line up in a time when we are searching for a spinner. Instead plays against the South Africans on Waca wicket, not usually suited to spin, gets dropped after record run chase when only 1 bowler in Johnson could hold his head high.

*The selection of A.Symonds for 1st Test of Summer after making no runs for QLD, Selectors drop Krejza and play 2 allrounders.

*The continue selection of M.Hayden when he is clearly finished. I have said all along that he should of retired after Adelaide his 100th test. Selfish also by Hayden to go on, selectors must realise that he is too old. Last thing we need is Hayden making a career saving innings in Sydney makes the trip to England, a place where he has failed in the past. Get Hughes in and some test cricket under his belt before the Ashes begin. Nothing wrong with taking a risk on a young kid, look at Duminey.


*The continue playing of a all rounder. Where not the side we once were, lets just pick the best 6 batsmen in Australia, the best keeper, the best spin bowler and the best three quicks. Would hate to think that a D.Hussey will never play test cricket because of a Symonds or a Watson or McDonald are in his place. Not a pinch on D.Hussey as a batsmen and there bowling will not trouble the best sides.

Brett Geeves deserved his go. He had a great season last year. It was a good chance to expose him. He deserved it!
David hussey should be given a shot!

Ned wrote:I have been totally amused with some of the selections for Australia over the last 12 months, it was always going to be a tough period with the retirement of some of our greatest test players of all time. I feel that this series could of been different if the selectors just pick the best side. Here are some examples of the selctors year.

*The non selection of B.McGain to tour the West Indies after a Sheild season where he dominated being the countrys leading wicket taker for spin.


*The selection of B.Geeves to play one day cricket for Australia. I know it was only Bangladesh but surely there would of been a que of fast bowlers ahead of him.


* The selection of B.Casson to tour West Indies, plays final test after MacGill retires and takes 3 second innings wickets. Dropped for next tour to India. Why pick him in the first place, surely he didnt bowl that bad in his first test. Young spinners need a bit of support and encouragement along the way. Casson is now struggling mentally, was not told why he was dropped and is now playing grade cricket. And he is a contracted Australin player.


* The selection of C.White to tour India. From aggressive middle order batsmen who had just about given leg spin bowling away, to Australias number 1 spinner who dosnt spin the ball.


*The non selection of J.Krejza for first test at Gabba against N.Z, after coming off a 12 wicket man of the match debut. Could of continued his dream start to his career against the weak N.Z batting line up in a time when we are searching for a spinner. Instead plays against the South Africans on Waca wicket, not usually suited to spin, gets dropped after record run chase when only 1 bowler in Johnson could hold his head high.

*The selection of A.Symonds for 1st Test of Summer after making no runs for QLD, Selectors drop Krejza and play 2 allrounders.

*The continue selection of M.Hayden when he is clearly finished. I have said all along that he should of retired after Adelaide his 100th test. Selfish also by Hayden to go on, selectors must realise that he is too old. Last thing we need is Hayden making a career saving innings in Sydney makes the trip to England, a place where he has failed in the past. Get Hughes in and some test cricket under his belt before the Ashes begin. Nothing wrong with taking a risk on a young kid, look at Duminey.


*The continue playing of a all rounder. Where not the side we once were, lets just pick the best 6 batsmen in Australia, the best keeper, the best spin bowler and the best three quicks. Would hate to think that a D.Hussey will never play test cricket because of a Symonds or a Watson or McDonald are in his place. Not a pinch on D.Hussey as a batsmen and there bowling will not trouble the best sides.

Brilliant Ned and totally agree with everthing you've written here....the selectors are to blame for 95% of the crap that is happening with the aussie team at the moment yet seem to be getting away with things with all the pressure falling on Ponting.

How much say does Ponting get at the selection table?

As far as i'm concerned Australian Cricket lost credibility when Merv Hughes became a selector...how can anybody take that guy seriously?

Time for some great, respected cricketing minds to take over like Steve Waugh, Mark Taylor or Boof Lehmann!

Adelaide Hawk wrote:

cripple wrote:I don't care, the australian test team is finally getting its just deserts.

Why do people keep saying that??? It's almost as though some people cannot stand watching cricket played extremely well. Puzzling attitude.

Puzzling to you maybe but not to a significant number of Australian's who've cringed at the boorish antics of our cricket team in recent history. We also like cricket played well but with a certain amount of class in victory, something sadly missing under the current captain.

Nicely said, topsy.

Sums it up well from a cricket lover's point of view.

Adelaide Hawk wrote:

cripple wrote:I don't care, the australian test team is finally getting its just deserts.

Why do people keep saying that??? It's almost as though some people cannot stand watching cricket played extremely well. Puzzling attitude.

You only have to look back to all the crap after the Sydney Test against India, there are many people in this country who are seemingly ashamed to be Australian these days.....

pafc1870 wrote:[You only have to look back to all the crap after the Sydney Test against India

Warney waving champagne on the balcony, Ponting having a go at the pitch in Perth, McGrath being able to dish it out but not take it and an ingrained culture of sledging. The list of un-Australian behaviour from this team is endless.

Hopefully this result teaches them some humility.

topsywaldron wrote:

pafc1870 wrote:[You only have to look back to all the crap after the Sydney Test against India

Warney waving champagne on the balcony, Ponting having a go at the pitch in Perth, McGrath being able to dish it out but not take it and an ingrained culture of sledging. The list of un-Australian behaviour from this team is endless.

Hopefully this result teaches them some humility.

This isn't the 1950s.
Why do some people (like the pathetic Peter Roebuck) insist that cricket should be played like some bygone era?

The Australian team plays it hard and that is the Australian way.
The way some people carry on, you'd think the team is a bunch of ocker bogans.
Obviously it's too much for some and they've been waiting (a long time) to gloat over the current fall.

I'd much rather see a tough Aussie side (sledging and all) take the field than a toned down, pale imitation of the great sides of the past 15 years or so.

Perhaps they insist on it because it is specifically addressed in the Preamble to the Laws of Cricket.

You should read it sometime.

The selectors are part of the problem. But to say they are the "main" problem nicely absolves the poor batting and bowling by most of our players (once selected) so far this summer. Someone said they are 95% of the problem Come on, the lads have to do better on the field than they have been, regardless of what the selectors are doing.

On Ned's comments (most of which relate to our bowling attack which is in a complete state of flux since McGrath and Warne retired followed by several injuries and retirements):

- I agree Roy was rushed back way too quick. I'd have given Krejza longer. Casson and White were emergency back-ups due to injury and probably will end up with test caps they didn't deserve. I agree on the all-rounder obsession.

- However, Casson's issues since the WI are his own (he's not 10 years old). I think Bollinger, Siddle and Hilf are all so close it wouldn't have mattered what order they were tried in. Geeves in a ODI, who cares? Haydos has done enough over a long period of time to warrant extended selection, there's no rush on Hughes (as I have said elsewhere). Hussey is only barely doing better than him so far this season. Having said that, I am sure the selectors have given him the tap on the shoulder.

topsywaldron wrote:

Adelaide Hawk wrote:

cripple wrote:I don't care, the australian test team is finally getting its just deserts.

Why do people keep saying that??? It's almost as though some people cannot stand watching cricket played extremely well. Puzzling attitude.

Puzzling to you maybe but not to a significant number of Australian's who've cringed at the boorish antics of our cricket team in recent history. We also like cricket played well but with a certain amount of class in victory, something sadly missing under the current captain.

is it trendy to hate australia/ns amongst the champagne socilaists?

topsywaldron wrote:

Adelaide Hawk wrote:

cripple wrote:I don't care, the australian test team is finally getting its just deserts.

Why do people keep saying that??? It's almost as though some people cannot stand watching cricket played extremely well. Puzzling attitude.

Puzzling to you maybe but not to a significant number of Australian's who've cringed at the boorish antics of our cricket team in recent history. We also like cricket played well but with a certain amount of class in victory, something sadly missing under the current captain.

My heart bleeds for you .. how wonderful it must be to be perfect. Not everyone can get everything so right as you manage to do 100% of the time. By the way ... I've read your posts .. you have no right to point the finger at people lacking in class.

pafc1870 wrote:

Adelaide Hawk wrote:

cripple wrote:I don't care, the australian test team is finally getting its just deserts.

Why do people keep saying that??? It's almost as though some people cannot stand watching cricket played extremely well. Puzzling attitude.

You only have to look back to all the crap after the Sydney Test against India, there are many people in this country who are seemingly ashamed to be Australian these days.....

Well, if you're Australian, I'm certainly ashamed.

hondo71 wrote:The selectors are part of the problem. But to say they are the "main" problem nicely absolves the poor batting and bowling by most of our players (once selected) so far this summer. Someone said they are 95% of the problem Come on, the lads have to do better on the field than they have been, regardless of what the selectors are doing.

On Ned's comments (most of which relate to our bowling attack which is in a complete state of flux since McGrath and Warne retired followed by several injuries and retirements):

- I agree Roy was rushed back way too quick. I'd have given Krejza longer. Casson and White were emergency back-ups due to injury and probably will end up with test caps they didn't deserve. I agree on the all-rounder obsession.

- However, Casson's issues since the WI are his own (he's not 10 years old). I think Bollinger, Siddle and Hilf are all so close it wouldn't have mattered what order they were tried in. Geeves in a ODI, who cares? Haydos has done enough over a long period of time to warrant extended selection, there's no rush on Hughes (as I have said elsewhere). Hussey is only barely doing better than him so far this season. Having said that, I am sure the selectors have given him the tap on the shoulder.

They could of dealt with Casson's omission a bit better, at least sat him down and explained to him the reasons of his axing. I think he was touted as more than a backup player, the reason he was given a CA contract. Geeves in a ODI, who cares, you think the players take that veiw point when your representing your country, I bet Bracken dosn't. Who cares what Hayden has done in the past, the fact of the matter is, he is being carried and is a major factor why we have lost our last two series.