Your team for the 1st Test v NZ

[NFC]

Hayden
Katich
Ponting
Hussey
Clarke
Symonds
Watson
Haddin
Krejza
Lee
Johnson

So much batting depth, Watto proved he can be our third paceman, Krejza and Symonds the spinners. Done and done. If Johnson fails to perform, Hilfenhaus comes in.

[Gozu]

Tait has to come in and I would do it at the expense of Lee. Plus leave out Watson for Stuart Clark.

[Stumps]

Katich
Hayden
Ponting
Hussey
Clarke
D Hussey
Watson
Haddin
Magoffin
Johnson
Lee

Tough on S. Clarke but this is a new era and what better way to start for a new player than against a crap team like NZ

[Media Park]

How long are we going to pick M Hayden based on his batting from five years ago, or Brad Haddin when he's just a s###truck...
Watto was ok in India, one of the few guys to take the ball and get pass marks... But you can't help but think he's just a few overs aways from a hamstring or stress fracture... Sorry lad...
Krejza was alright- even though he got caned, but surely he couldn't play in Aus, we're better off with four quicks and Roy...

The four quicks being S Clark, M Johnson, S Tait, and S Magoffin...
Sorry Brett, you were deplorable...

Katich
Hughes
Ponting
M Hussey
Clarke
Symonds
??????????????? Hartley or Ronchi
Lee
Johnson
Clark
Magoffin

=D

[Rik E Boy]

Clark (if fit) and Lee must play at Brisbane. Conditions at the Gabba will suit both of them. You don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Even the great Dennis Lillee averaged over a hundred on the subcontinent on one occasion and that was for an entire series! For some strange reason though, DK was retained for Australia's next engagement (The 1980 Centennary Test).

REB's XI

Hayden
Katich
Ponting
Hussey
Clarke
Symonds
Haddin
Lee
Johnson
Krezja
Clark
12th Tait

Tait only plays if Clark is unfit. Symonds should play ahead of Watson but probably won't and NO CAMERON SHITE PLEASE.

PANIC STATIONS WE LOST A SERIES. Now Sit TF down all you.

regards,

REB

[Booney]

Hayden
Katich
Ponting
Hussey
Clarke
Symonds
Haddin
Lee
Krezja
Johnson
Clark / Tait.

Or if the selectors have any more Baggy greens around?

REB
Rod
Boon ( ahh,a Boon at 3 )
Hawk
CoverKing
Marble Park
Tassie
NFC
Constance Perm
wycbloods
Tait

[am Bays]

FFS!!!

We we lose a test series in india a place where we have only won once in nigh on 40 years and we think the world is going to end....

Gee teams with both Waughs, Taylor, Warne, McGrath, Gilchrist, M Taylor and Langer all got touched up in India in the past.

We are a team in transition no point become England Mk 2 and start treating Australian selections like a revolving door. Time for some stability Hughes aint ready yet. Haddin is still our best keeper IMO. Symonds needs a first class score (Watson has doen enough to get another two games IMO)

IMO test team should be:

Katich
Hayden
Ponting
Hussey
Clarke
Watson
Haddin
Lee
Krejza
Johnson
Clark
Hilfenhaus

That said the team should know they need to produce and that some players have careers on the line this summer

[Rik E Boy]

How long are we going to pick M Hayden based on his batting from five years ago, or Brad Haddin when he's just a s###truck...
Watto was ok in India, one of the few guys to take the ball and get pass marks... But you can't help but think he's just a few overs aways from a hamstring or stress fracture... Sorry lad...
Krejza was alright- even though he got caned, but surely he couldn't play in Aus, we're better off with four quicks and Roy...

The four quicks being S Clark, M Johnson, S Tait, and S Magoffin...
Sorry Brett, you were deplorable...

Katich
Hughes
Ponting
M Hussey
Clarke
Symonds
??????????????? Hartley or Ronchi
Lee
Johnson
Clark
Magoffin

=D

Yep, lets get rid of one of our few remaining experienced players in Hayden. After all he averaged 33 in India despite being ripped off on a least two occasions. We'll bring in yet another new face that will stabilise the top order.

Yep, lets bring in a West Australian who is only now playing in his first away match of the summer to play at the Gabba. He'll be right at home there. Besides, how dare Brett Lee fail to get wickets on a road. The Gabba pitch is just like Indian tracks so yeah we'll leave him out as well. Bring in another fresh face.

We've got a tough series into our wicket keeper and he struggled so out he goes. Let's bring another fresh face...why not a guy who seems to get a duck or a fifty. That will stabilise the middle order. Who needs to keep the invaluable experience Haddin gained during the Indian Summer. We'll chuck in yet another newbie top idea. Hartley??? Dear oh dear! You could at least pretend to know what you're talking about and promote Paine's name.

So a bloke got 12 wickets? So what out you go. Spinners can't take wickets at the Gabba (we'll play Roy he can do anything), just ask Shane Warne. We'll bring in Shaun Tait who might surprise the Kiwis by actually landing one on the deck.

Has it ever occured to you that one of the reasons why we struggled in India is because we have lost a lot of experience due to generational change. Your solution is to sack even more experienced players. And some of the newer players that you want to give the arse to will benefit immensely from a series against New Zealand. Your 'executioner' style of selection tried and failed during the 1980's.

Thanks, but no thanks!

regards,

REB

[rod_rooster]

REB and Boon are about the only ones talking any sense here. Drop Hayden You have to be taking the pi55. Ask the Indians which player they most wanted to see that back of on yesterday and i bet you will find it was Hayden (or at the very least he would have been a close second to Ponting). The guy is an extrodinary player and still has plenty to offer.

As for people wanting to get rid of Haddin well that would be fine if there was a better alternative. Hartley and Ronchi Oh dear. If you were going to throw a name out there Paine would be the only one that has any credibility but he's probably not quite ready. Another first class season will do him the world of good. I have no doubt Paine will be the man to take over from Haddin in the future.

By the way Boon, i reckon that second side you named would still beat New Zealand Just so long as none of us have to face Tait in the nets we should be fine

[Drop Bear]

DB's 12.

Hayden
Katich
Ponting
M Hussey
M Clarke
Symonds
Haddin
Watson
Lee
Johnson
S Clarke

12th man: Tait

The bold players are essential in my opinion. Even though Krejza took alot of wickets, with the likes of Symonds, Katich and Clarke they can cover him. If I had to play a specialist spinner I'd drop old mate Watto. I'm just going to fax this team off to Merv and the boys now.

[rod_rooster]

DB's 12.

Hayden
Katich
Ponting
M Hussey
M Clarke
Symonds
Haddin
Watson
Lee
Johnson
S Clarke

12th man: Tait

The bold players are essential in my opinion. Even though Krejza took alot of wickets, with the likes of Symonds, Katich and Clarke they can cover him. If I had to play a specialist spinner I'd drop old mate Watto. I'm just going to fax this team off to Merv and the boys now.

You'd bat Haddin ahead of Watto? I'm far from Watto's biggest fan but as a batsman he is streets ahead of Haddin. Whilst on that can anyone explain to be why White batted behind Haddin in India?

[Drop Bear]

DB's 12.

Hayden
Katich
Ponting
M Hussey
M Clarke
Symonds
Haddin
Watson
Lee
Johnson
S Clarke

12th man: Tait

The bold players are essential in my opinion. Even though Krejza took alot of wickets, with the likes of Symonds, Katich and Clarke they can cover him. If I had to play a specialist spinner I'd drop old mate Watto. I'm just going to fax this team off to Merv and the boys now.

You'd bat Haddin ahead of Watto? I'm far from Watto's biggest fan but as a batsman he is streets ahead of Haddin. Whilst on that can anyone explain to be why White batted behind Haddin in India?

Roy and Watto (how I love the bloke) have very similar batting styles, so I batted Haddin ahead to hold one end. Not fussed either way but I thought it would create a bit more stability.

[LPH]

I agree with a number of points made above, however...

1. The Australian selectors should be looking to the future, IMHO.
2. Not for the 1st Test @ the Gabba v NZ, but over the duration of the summer.
3. The goal, in my view, should be the next Ashes Series ( in Australia, 2010/11 ) to have the team settled.

With this in mind:

1st Test 12 v NZ:

Hayden
Hussey
Ponting
Clarke
Katich
Symonds
Hadden
Crejar
Lee
Clark
Johnson
Bracken

By the end of the Sth. African Series:

I would like to have seen Shaun Marsh open, I think sooner rather than later if Hayden doesn't get runs v NZ or early in Sth. African Series... that said I feel that Jaques has probably missed his chance.

I think Katich is better placed in the middle order & Hussey is a better LONG TERM option @ the top of the order.

Have NEVER been convinced with Watson... injury prone & not good enough with the ball IMHO.

I think Australia missed Symonds in India, both with bat & ball... & more importantly in the field.

Stuart Clark must be 'spewing' @ the moment.

Still not convinced that Hadden is the answer as keeper... you will only see a 'Gilchrist type' once in 50 to 100 years (i.e. No. 7 Keeper that averages 50+)... a better option, I believe, is to go with a younger, SPECIALIST Gloveman for the long term (remember Ian Healy?) that will evolve into the role.

Australian Cricket is @ the 'crossroads' @ present.
Some series THOUGHT about where we will be in 3 years time is required by the Selectors... some short term pain for long term gain, may be the answer.

For what it's worth, the Australian Team for the 1st Test @ the Gabba v Poms in November 2010, could look like this:

Marsh
Hussey
Ponting
Clarke
???? - Middle Order Player in Shield Comp, anyone?
Symonds
???? - Young Keeper in Shield Comp, anyone?
Crejar or maybe a Cullen Bailey or Dan Cullen if they could 'come good'
Siddle
Johnson
Hifenhaus
Lee - if he's still going OK

[rod_rooster]

I've never really thought of Haddin as the "hold up an end" type of player but each to their own.

[Booney]

I've never really thought of Haddin as the "hold up an end" type of player but each to their own.

He is about as patient as a 17 year old school boy at a swin suit contest.

[MADDOG3]

Hayden - still one of our best players, ripped off a few times in India, forget about his age, it is runs that matter
Katich - is becoming more solid at Test level, impressed by his tenacity
Ponting - needs to stamp his authority on this summer, and use a bit more common-sense with his captaincy at times
Hussey - Mr Cricket, enough said
Clarke - he always just seems to be doing enough to keep his spot... plenty of quality batsmen ready to take it
Symonds - a matchwinner of high quality, sorely missed in India
*wk* - personally, I think Haddin needs to go... we need to move on, Australia don't have a Gilchrist anymore and we need to choose a keeper based more on wicketkeeping ability, not sure who would be the best choice in that respect
Lee - needs to bounce back after a horror tour, was thought to have developed a bag of tricks but was exposed on the barren Indian wickets
Krezja - has earnt his spot, now to back it up with a big home summer, good on him for proving everyone wrong
Johnson - not a matchwinner yet, needs to start taking a few more wickets, but appears to be a decent Test bowler at this stage
Clark - very unlucky to be dropped for the 4th Test in India, shades of Dizzy back in the 05 Ashes, hopefully he doesn't cop the same disgraceful treatment by the selectors that Gillespie did post-2005

12th man
Watson - unlucky, since he performed well in India and was our best pace bowler, needs to perform with the bat when he gets his chance, since it is his strong suit

[CoverKing]

booney i am highly eager to see ur second side play. I agree with booney and REB, why do we need to make such rush decisions and drop half the side? Personally i dont understand why everyone is dropping stuart clark. He has had nearly the best start of any fast bowler in recent history to his test career. yes he struggled in India, but missing the second test through injury, i think shows the aussies gambled on him in both the first and third tests and knew they couldn risk it again. Clark will play in the first test at the Gabba. As will Brett Lee, who only won the Allan border medal, around 6 months ago. His series here last year was exceptional. He struggled and bowled puss in india, but no many pace bowlers do bowl and have good figures in india. krejza, if the aussie selectors think he is the best spinner at the moment, should play at the gabba. He has just taken 12 wickets, and also the gabba was Shane Warnes greatest pitch to bowl on in Australia (his record proves this) so krejza must play as well, if the aussie selectors think he is the best we got at the moment. Haddin, has to play, who would want to keep on those pitches over there. it takes guts i reckon, you never know wat the ball is going to do. Haydn well he was in the form of his life before the achilles injury and still averaged 33 when he was apparently out of form. Symonds form in the test arena over the last couple of summers brings him straight back in ahead of watson.
My side for the first test is:
Haydn
Katich
Ponting
Hussey
Clarke
Symonds
Haddin
Krejza
Lee
Johnson
Clark
12th man: Watson

[Hondo]

IMO test team should be:

Katich
Hayden
Ponting
Hussey
Clarke
Watson
Haddin
Lee
Krejza
Johnson
Clark
Hilfenhaus

This is the one I agree with. We need to settle the team down and pick our best 11, not start panicking. It's only NZ

I'm not convinced on the instant Roy for Watto swap just yet. I think Watto's got his bowling on par if not more penetrating than Roy. Why drop him just as he's making some ground? Roy got himself way off track with everyone so he should earn his spot back IMO.

NFC, I don't agree with 2 all-rounders and playing one of Roy or Watto at 7. If our top 6 can't get the job done, Watto at 7 won't make any difference in the long run.

[Ned]

NEDS ELEVEN

Hayden
Katich
Ponting
Hussey
Clarke
Symonds
Haddin
Lee
Krejza
Johnson
Clark

12th Watson

[CoverKing]

So it looks like the majority have settled on the same line up, just whether they go ROY or watto. I personally dont think watto's batting is up to holding it at number 6. He may play the odd knock or two, but not consistent, but i do believe his bowling is better then roys. But roy has proven he can bat at number 6 and be consistent, his fielding is far superior than any one else in the world, and his pace bowling which i think is behind wattos by a great distance but he offers is offies that will be used to a greater extent because of the unknown with krejza and what he will bring. He will be a valuable back up spinner with clarke and katich aswell.
Great side NED, exactly what i think..