Australia A v South Africa at the SCG, November 2-4

JGK wrote:I am thinking of going in on the Sunday.

cue very heavy rain on Sunday

The Marshes haven been ruled out of A team selection because of "discipline" issues.

Apparently* Ussie and Forrest are out too. C,ore for being rubbish than ill discipline.

The Marshes haven been ruled out of A team selection because of "discipline" issues.

Can't help their chances though. And it's not as if their form on it's own is demanding they get picked.

Marsh left out of the Aus A squad specifically because of what happened in South Africa-

http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia-v-south-africa-2012/content/current/story/588183.html

"When asked if Marsh's name was taken off the list of 15 specifically because of the events in South Africa, Inverarity said: "Yes, his name was taken off the list because of what's happened recently. Mitch is a lively 21-year-old and a very good cricketer. I feel really confident he will kick on as a young man and as a player. I'm sure he will."

Also plenty of bits-and-pieces cricketers in there- Smith, Hastings, McDonald, Maxwell......

They do realise it's a first class match and not a T20?

How Smith continues to pop up in these sorts of sides is a real mystery.

The squad is:

Andrew McDonald (c)
Nathan Coulter-Nile
Liam Davis
Alex Doolan
John Hastings
Moises Henriques
Phillip Hughes
Glenn Maxwell
Tim Paine
Rob Quiney
Steve Smith


Looks like the selectors have just given up on trying to find a spinner.

Pretty average squad to be honest. I wonder if they are hiding other players who really should be there.

Coup Denial and Battler with the new ball

Ronny and Reeqs as the back up trundlers

Yudhuyono and the specialist fielder as the spin options

sub TAYPOC

embee wrote:Coup Denial and Battler with the new ball

Ronny and Reeqs as the back up trundlers

Yudhuyono and the specialist fielder as the spin options

sub TAYPOC

I think I got about half those names....

You're new here so we'll cut you some slack:

Coup Denial - Couter-Nile

Battler - Hastings as in battle of...

Ronny - Andrew "Ronald" McDonald

Reeqs - Moises Henreeqs

Yudhuyono - Glenn "Bang Bang" Maxwell (Silver Hammer)

specialist fielder - Smith

Yeah NCN and Moises were easy guesses, others were a bit obtuse and not glossarised. I guess the TAYPOC mantle has moved onto Hughes now?

JGK wrote:
The squad is:

Andrew McDonald (c)
Nathan Coulter-Nile
Liam Davis
Alex Doolan
John Hastings
Moises Henriques
Phillip Hughes
Glenn Maxwell
Tim Paine
Rob Quiney
Steve Smith


Looks like the selectors have just given up on trying to find a spinner.

Pretty average squad to be honest. I wonder if they are hiding other players who really should be there.

Bog ordinary in my book. Seems very light on bowlers. Aus Cricket in Crisis.

Farkin Fuse - WTF are they persisting??

JGK wrote:Yudhuyono - Glenn "Bang Bang" Maxwell (Silver Hammer)

I like it. Yoody for short.

Big Dog wrote:Doolan would have to be the smokey.

No Tweety or Butters? The two most prolific wicket takers in domestic cricket can't get a run?

It would seem that after JGK and myself stated our intentions to attend this game, the Saffies requested it be moved-

http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia-v-south-africa-2012/content/current/story/588472.html

"South Africa's preparations for their three-Test tour of Australia have hit a speed bump. The team management asked for their three-day practice match in Sydney to be played at venue closer to the first Test in Brisbane, without success.

"We tried hard to move it from Sydney once we found out JGK and Henry were planning to attend the game, but we haven't had any luck," Graeme Smith, the South Africa Test captain, said prior to the team's departure. "But we'll have to get stuck in, ignore the possibility that these two spectators could massively dictate our fortunes, and make it count no matter where we play it. We are not going to be able to use that as an excuse."






*Smith's quote altered slightly for dramatic effect.

Several erstwhile players address questions re. the upcoming series and also looking ahead to the Ashes.

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/time-for-batsmen-to-step-up-to-the-crease-20121027-28c9t.html

Consensus recently seems to be that Punter will come through the test and play in England, especially with the Lankans around the corner.

Lawson thinks the Proteas might choke given that some are making them favourites.

South Africa were favourites in England as well. And then went on to prove why they deserved that tag.

Henry wrote:It would seem that after JGK and myself stated our intentions to attend this game, the Saffies requested it be moved-

http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia-v-south-africa-2012/content/current/story/588472.html

"South Africa's preparations for their three-Test tour of Australia have hit a speed bump. The team management asked for their three-day practice match in Sydney to be played at venue closer to the first Test in Brisbane, without success.

"We tried hard to move it from Sydney once we found out JGK and Henry were planning to attend the game, but we haven't had any luck," Graeme Smith, the South Africa Test captain, said prior to the team's departure. "But we'll have to get stuck in, ignore the possibility that these two spectators could massively dictate our fortunes, and make it count no matter where we play it. We are not going to be able to use that as an excuse."






*Smith's quote altered slightly for dramatic effect.

You forgot to mention this bit.

As was the case with South Africa in England earlier in the year, they may be accused of being undercooked in Australia. Of the touring party, six have not played any competitive cricket since the squad returned from England

AUS should certainly look to play 4 pace bowlers in the 1st test match. Some one like Starc is such a good bowler and will be a shame if he is dropped for a rubbish spinner.

Test squad announced. Predictable but right.

The Australian squad for the first Vodafone Test is:
Michael Clarke (c) NSW 31,
Shane Watson (vc) NSW 31,
Ed Cowan TAS 30,
Ben Hilfenhaus TAS 29,
Mike Hussey WA 37,
Nathan Lyon SA 24,
James Pattinson VIC 22,
Ricky Ponting TAS 37,
Peter Siddle VIC 27,
Mitchell Starc NSW 22,
Matthew Wade VIC 24,
David Warner NSW 26.

I'm happy with that side. Elmer to carry the drinks.

Leonard
GCS
Punter
Pup
School girl
Paris
ABH
Koo
Cot
OP
Milf

Lots of possibilities in the batting order

Hilfenhaus, Siddle, Starc and Pattinson..

That should be the bowling attack, no need for Lyon.

I think either Clarke or Hussey should bat at three. Watson is clearly better suited down the order at six, considering how vital his bowling has become. It would mean Clarke can bowl Watson for an extended period without worrying about the effect it will have on his batting.

And no spinner is risky. In recent times the Gabba pitch has shown a tendency to get flatter and flatter as games have gone on. Unless Clarke's back can handle him bowling at least 10 overs per innings, Lyon should play. I'd go with-

Cowan
Warner
Hussey
Ponting
Clarke(c)
Watson
Wade+
Siddle
Starc
Hilfenhaus
Lyon

GCS can be the spin option ...he couldnt do worse than McGain