Sri Lanka v Australia, 2nd Test, Kandy, 8-12 Sep, 2011

For the third test, to accommodate the apparently un-droppable Ponting and Clarke, Hughes should be left out, Khawaja opening, Marsh stays at three, Ponting comes in at six. To shunt around a guy who debuted at number three and made a century in order to accommodate an over the hill 36 year old would be ridiculous. It's time Ponting either went down the order, or retires.

Ryan Harris is unlikely to be fit. Siddle comes in.

Khawaja
Tayne
Marsh
Clarke
Hussey
Ponting
Haddin+
Johnson
Siddle
Copeland
Lyon

Well if we must have Ponting (and why if this is all about generational change) I'd agree with that team. But have Marsh open Khwala at three.

Khawaja has done quite a bit of opening. He was an opener throughout most of his junior days, and in his early days in the NSW team.

Khawaja is struggling to score runs at six, why would anyone think he can score as an opener or at three?.
Hughes has done enough to retain his spot. Marsh to three & Ponting to six. Khawaja to carry the drinks.

Big Dog wrote:Khawaja is struggling to score runs at six, why would anyone think he can score as an opener or at three?.
Hughes has done enough to retain his spot. Marsh to three & Ponting to six. Khawaja to carry the drinks.

Khawaja is at his best against pace, so playing in Sri Lanka, opening the batting makes sense for him. The contrast in his ability against pace compared to spin reminds me of Greg Blewett.

And if you had to decide who out of Khawaja and Hughes is the better long term prospect, and therefore which of them deserves to retain his place, you'd have to go with Khawaja. You can't hold two innings of 20 odd on a raging turner against him.

Henry wrote:

Big Dog wrote:Khawaja is struggling to score runs at six, why would anyone think he can score as an opener or at three?.
Hughes has done enough to retain his spot. Marsh to three & Ponting to six. Khawaja to carry the drinks.

Khawaja is at his best against pace, so playing in Sri Lanka, opening the batting makes sense for him. The contrast in his ability against pace compared to spin reminds me of Greg Blewett.

And if you had to decide who out of Khawaja and Hughes is the better long term prospect, and therefore which of them deserves to retain his place, you'd have to go with Khawaja. You can't hold two innings of 20 odd on a raging turner against him.

And it would be good long term. Clarke will eventually retire and we need to groom the next dubber captain who can't bat.

Khawaja is at his best against pace

How did you arrive at this revelation. All the times i've seen him against competent pace attacks, he's been utter shyte. Debut test, Aust A game, Shield final, Aust A tour et al.

ozzee patto ahead of cot

What's Rhino done?

And if he's out, I agree with Trev's XI except I'd open with Bog and leave Koaja at 6.

Bah!!!

Not so good...

"Harris, who claimed six wickets for the match and has been the most dangerous bowler on either side so far, left the field after the last of his spells, complaining of hamstring stiffness."

Better...

"I think it's important that we do have a long hard think about what six batters we're going to go with. It's obviously hard. Shaun's batted beautifully, Uzzie's done pretty well since he's come in and I thought Hughesy looked really good the other day and unfortunately didn't go on, and we've got the great Ricky Ponting coming back. It's a good problem to have."

---------------------------------

The fact that Fuse's name was mentioned last is encouraging.

Uzzie's done pretty well since he's come in

He's obviously using pre- Argus benchmarks.

They were discussing on 'The Offsiders' the notion that having both Punter and Hussey in the team looking ahead to the Ashes is not prudent. Given the latter's form you would have to shaft Punter then. Nonetheless should we also measure how we're shaping up by the next Ashes series?

You would have to think Johnson is on his last chance. Copeland is one of the most innocuous bowlers ever to appear in the baggy green. He will have to go after this series. Despite picking up a michelle in the first test, I would rate Lyon behind Hauritz who is also a better batsman & fieldsman.

For me the Australian attack in Oz this summer should probably be Harris, Bollinger, Siddle & Hauritz along with Watson.

Looks a good attack, W. Have you submitted your application for a position on the NSP?

I think Siddle is past his use by date. Starc would be a better choice (if fit)

Siddle past his use by date at 26? F*ck, what is this....Swimming?

"I think it's important that we do have a long hard think about what six batters we're going to go with. It's obviously hard. Shaun's batted beautifully, Uzzie's done pretty well since he's come in and I thought Hughesy looked really good the other day and unfortunately didn't go on, and we've got the great Ricky Ponting coming back. It's a good problem to have."

Yep, how gloriously prolific your batting has been. Passed 400.....once in your last 7 tests, is it? I assume that quote is either Clarke or Nielsen? Hussey has been holding the Aussie batting together since Brisbane and the rest have done f*ck all except for the odd 50 from Watson.

WideWally wrote:You would have to think Johnson is on his last chance. Copeland is one of the most innocuous bowlers ever to appear in the baggy green. He will have to go after this series. Despite picking up a michelle in the first test, I would rate Lyon behind Hauritz who is also a better batsman & fieldsman.

For me the Australian attack in Oz this summer should probably be Harris, Bollinger, Siddle & Hauritz along with Watson.

I didn't see anything in the third test to change my mind on this.