Katich in doubt for the ashes with broken thumb

http://www.cricinfo.com/the-ashes-2010-11/content/current/story/483519.html

Apparently it only slightly hinders his batting. More pain than anything else. Still, another blow in the same place and that will be his series over. Needs surgery on it, apparently. But that would rule him out of at least the first two tests.

Better that he gets it sorted now, though?

horrie will be happy.

As long as it doesn't mean a call up for Hodge, then they may as well forfeit the Ashes. :gawd:

I thought Fleas was flinching in T2 in India (he must've been in T1 as well). A bit like SRW's famous ton in each innings effort at Old Trafford in Ashes 1997, where he was pulling his hand off the bat quickly after every defensive shot.

With the obvious difference that Kat was exactly 2 tons short of SRWs effort.

Kat is a Wozzie. Let's not forget that.

and a natural crab

save us (Phil) Hughes!

This might be Hughes' career-defining opportunity.

Has Hughes even made a run this year? He's been absent, Klinger's done nowt, Rogers has done nowt, but Phil Jaques has made a few

Katich would have to be as wounded as the Black Knight before he willingly surrendered his place.

'All right, let's call it a draw'.

Usman Khawaja can open the batting. But he's black, so wont be considered.

How's he gone opening the batting fopr NSW this season, Trev? There are other players around who actually open regularly for their teams. If he wants to open for Australia, perhaps he ought to shift permanently to the top of the order for NSW. On the other hand, he could contend for the numbers 5 and 6 spots, where he seems to have some chance at present, with Hussey and North both vulnerable.

Another option you might not have considered ... Hussey could open for Australia for a Test or two, while Katich is absent ,,, seal his fate one way or another ... and Bailey or Khawaja could come in at number 5-6.

Meh, Australia's 2 first choice openers are middle order batsmen. How often had Watson and Katich opened for their states before doing it for Australia?

In fact Australia hasn't had 2 full time openers for 10 years when Slater and Hayden opened together.

Not a lot, but I wouldn't move them now. Langer was in the same position, earlier (manufactured opener). Meanwhile Hussey is a manufactured middle order player.

If Katich weren't injured you wouldn't even think of choosing Khawaja to open for Australia. I'd still have Katich with a sore thumb over a fit Khawaja, or virtually anyone else, to open. Khawaja should be thinking of the number 5 and 6 spots. He is in direct competition with George Bailey and virtually nobody else, should one of those spots become available through a further injury (always a possibility) or two unsuccessful Tests for either North or Hussey. Not to mention Michael Clarke, who's done stuff all recently ...

The selectors rate Callum Ferguson and Shaun Marsh. They're desperate for Marsh to make first class runs. Bailey is there or there abouts, and Cowan as well.

I don't think Cowan's on the radar. Ferguson and Shaun Marsh certainly are, and so's Klinger I suspect. I haven't heard why Smith isn't playing for the Dubbers this Shield round ... he would be in contention as well. Even Quiney might be a rough shout ... Cosgrove is just too fat.

lardbucket wrote:I don't think Cowan's on the radar. Ferguson and Shaun Marsh certainly are, and so's Klinger I suspect. I haven't heard why Smith isn't playing for the Dubbers this Shield round ... he would be in contention as well. Even Quiney might be a rough shout ... Cosgrove is just too fat.

Cowen - no
Ferguson - yes
Marsh - no
Klinger - no
Smith - playing the 20/20 and ODIs vs SL
Quiney - haha no
Cosgrove - big fat no