First Test vs New Zealand @ GABBA - commencing 1/12/11

[whufc]

With a great test win against the Saffers we come home to take on an always plucky New Zealand. What are peoples thoughts on the game? and what will be the starting 11? another 2 test series?

For me the 11 looks like

1. Shane Watson
2. Philip Hughes (runs in the second innings saved him, personally i think the NZ attack suits him, ill be on for most runs series)
3. Usman Khawaja (showed enough again pressure second innings runs keep him in)
4. Michael Clarke (his best spot is number 4)
5. Michael Hussey
6. Ricky Ponting (personally i think he could still be very valuable batting at six)
7. Brad Haddin (will hold his spot in the side with his second innings performance)
8. Mitchell Johnson (i think the selectors will give him one final series to prove himself on Aus soil at the Gabba as well)
9. Ryan Harris/Peter Siddle (if Harris is fit imho he will come into the side)
10. Patrick Cummins (New star on the rise will hold his spot)
11. Nathan Lyon (personally i think he is doing alright for a spinner just coming into the side without a strong attack around)

[The Cadet]

Hughes
Khawja
Ponting ( last 2 tests, retire after 2nd test in Hobart )
Watson
Clarke
Hussey
Wade
Johnson ( last chance )
Pattinson
Cummins
Lyon

[Lightning McQueen]

Hughes
Khawja
Ponting ( last 2 tests, retire after 2nd test in Hobart )
Watson
Clarke
Hussey
Wade
Johnson ( last chance )
Pattinson
Cummins
Lyon

Very inexperienced, would hate to lose to the sheep-shaggers just to gain some experience, I like your side, we just need to blend them in a bit less radically.

[Hondo]

I like the look of whufc's side. That's what I'd go with too. Play Harris at home over siddle. Give Johnson another go.

[Lightning McQueen]

How long is Shaun Marsh going to be broken for?

[am Bays]

BAsed on his own admission looks like Watson is an out for this test.

The 12 will be:

Hughes
Khawaja
Marsh/Warner
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
Haddin
Johnston
Siddle
Cummins
Lyons
Harris

Warner palys Usman to #3, if Marsh plays Usman opens.

[cokadonkeytoo]

Id like to see:

Marsh
Warner
Khwaja
Clarke
Ponting
Hussey
Wade
Harris
Cummins
Lyon
Bollinger

The only thing is we are lacking that strong fifth bowler with Watson out

[whufc]

If Watson is out for me either Marsh or Warner come in and go straight to the opening position.

[Trader]

No Watson....

1. Hughes
2. Khawaja
3. Ponting
4. Clarke
5. Hussey
6. Haddin
7. Johnson
8. Mitch Marsh
9. Harris/Siddle
10. Cummins
11. Lyon

[Media Park]

Watson
Hughes
Khawaja
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
Paine (if fit) or Wade
Johnson
Siddle
Cummins
Lyon

Wade on current form can be played as a specialist batsman.

[Muffler]

Batting order if Watson and Marsh don't play. Harris and Cummins opening the bowling will be good to see.

Hughes
Khawaja
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
Warner
Haddin
Johnson
Harris/Siddle
Cummins
Lyon

[Jim05]

If no Watto im going with
Hughes
S.Marsh if fit, if not Warner
Khawaja
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
Wade - Prefer Paine but he wont keep this year due to injury
M. Marsh
Cummins
Siddle
Lyon - Prefer O'Keefe but Lyon deserves more time

Would like to review Hussey and Ponting at end of NZ series, one has to make way.
Would almost be tempted at GABBA to not play a spinner and bring in Pattinson.

[Rik E Boy]

I like the look of whufc's side. That's what I'd go with too. Play Harris at home over siddle. Give Johnson another go.

**** Harris. Can't stay on the park. NEXT.

regards,

REB

[stan]

Will Marsh and Watson be fit?

I'm not sure about Marsh, but I think Watson might be. Anyway my team:

Hughes
Watson
Khawja
Clarke
Ponting - Last 2 tests then retire.
Hussey
Haddin - Last 2 tests then retire.
Cutting - I would like to give him a run in place of Johnson, I think Johnson needs some work before he is back.
Siddle / Harris - The only thing about Harris is he just cant keep fit
Cummings
Lyon - I think he had a reasonable tour of SA.

[stan]

If no Watto im going with
Hughes
S.Marsh if fit, if not Warner
Khawaja
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
Wade - Prefer Paine but he wont keep this year due to injury
M. Marsh
Cummins
Siddle
Lyon - Prefer O'Keefe but Lyon deserves more time

Would like to review Hussey and Ponting at end of NZ series, one has to make way.
Would almost be tempted at GABBA to not play a spinner and bring in Pattinson.

At the Gabba, you would want that spinner at around the 4th / 5th day at least. Probably get a bit of purchase on the third day as well.

[CoverKing]

Agree with REB.
Clarke can't go to 4, his record at number 4 is diabolical.
Ponting either goes or hussey. Haddock has earnt a reprieve just!
Assuming Watson and marsh are fit:
Hughes
Khawaja
Marsh
Ponting
Clarke
Watson (if Ponting drop move Watson to 4, hussey to 6)
Haddin
Johnson
Siddle
Cummins
Pattinson/Lyon (depends on wicket)

If Watson and marsh injured:
Hughes
Warner
Khawaja
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
Haddin
Johnson
Siddle
Cummins
Lyon/pattinson

I find it funny how people are picking Mitch marsh. Super talent but needs a couple more years in SS to really develop his batting so that he bats top 6/7 with Watson to help with bowling options/batting depth

[Lightning McQueen]

I like the look of whufc's side. That's what I'd go with too. Play Harris at home over siddle. Give Johnson another go.

**** Harris. Can't stay on the park. NEXT.

regards,

REB

Unfortunately I have to agree with you, no point having a tampon player anymore, in for one week, out for three.

[tigerpie]

Everyone picking Warner for test cricket? WTF. I hope he can make me eat my words, but him and Hughes are flat track bullies and i'm not sure either of them have the temperment for the longer form of the game.

[Lightning McQueen]

Everyone picking Warner for test cricket? WTF. I hope he can make me eat my words, but him and Hughes are flat track bullies and i'm not sure either of them have the temperment for the longer form of the game.

Warner's form in the longer version game has been excellent over the past twelve months, I still shudder to think they could be opening together then Khwaja at 3, could be 3 for bugger all very easily.

[Jim05]

Everyone picking Warner for test cricket? WTF. I hope he can make me eat my words, but him and Hughes are flat track bullies and i'm not sure either of them have the temperment for the longer form of the game.

Warner's form in the longer version game has been excellent over the past twelve months, I still shudder to think they could be opening together then Khwaja at 3, could be 3 for bugger all very easily.

Not much differance to now then
Due to injuries someone has to come in, Warner is in form.
Heard last night that Watto, Marsh, Harris and Johnson all probably will miss 1st test