Australia v South Africa, 1st Test, Brisbane, 9-13 November, 2012

listening to ABC Radio Grandstand, James Sutherland sounds as thick as 2 bricks. (voice wise)

He always has, Nath. But he must shirley have some talent as an administrator if CA have kept him for so long.

ABC woofed Watto by having him on the cover of the ABC Cricket Book.

skully wrote:He always has, Nath. But he must shirley have some talent as an administrator if CA have kept him for so long.

teflon coating like Neilsen had?

My gut feeling is that Ponting will play but Watson wont.

Agreed Trev. Reports are that Watto looked very downcast, suggesting he knows the calf (which kept him out all last summer) is gone again.

Damn, the Foxy replays of the highlights of the 4 Test v India were fantastic. I forgot how well Drunky and Pup batted in Adelaide (sort of overshadowed by efforts in Sydney), and how well Aus bowled in all 4 Tests. Milf and Cot were outstanding.

please don't pick the next all-rounder wannabe to replace Watson...

Specialist Fielder? Hope not

Out of Doolan/Khwaja/Quiney/Burns imo

baggygreen wrote:Specialist Fielder? Hope not

Out of Doolan/Khwaja/Quiney/Burns imo

Fixed

skully wrote:Agreed Trev. Reports are that Watto looked very downcast, suggesting he knows the calf (which kept him out all last summer) is gone again.

Well, he ALWAYS looks downcast, but I can't imagine they'd risk making the injury worse, unless they decide he can play as a batsman only.

Saw him going off for scans and he did look a tad forlorn but was hoping it was just tightness. Agree about Sutherland; he's frustrating to listen to. His voice sounds hesitant and he's not the most articulate you've ever heard. His younger brother is spunky though.

Fark it re Watson. Can't really afford to lose him. Do they replace him with an all rounder or a batsman?

I reckon they could go with Maxwell at 6 and as a bowler and play all 4 quicks.

On his form in the Aus A game, wouldn't mind seeing the Doolander get the nod.

JGK wrote:Fark it re Watson. Can't really afford to lose him. Do they replace him with an all rounder or a batsman?

I reckon they could go with Maxwell at 6 and as a bowler and play all 4 quicks.

pick the next best batsman. we'll need it

Nath wrote:

JGK wrote:Fark it re Watson. Can't really afford to lose him. Do they replace him with an all rounder or a batsman?

I reckon they could go with Maxwell at 6 and as a bowler and play all 4 quicks.

pick the next best batsman. we'll need it

Good point, This never ending quest for an allrounder is like the one for a spinner. If one turns up fine, if not get over it. I'd play four quicks and the next best batsman.

Unless the NSP pick Doolan, we go into this 1st Test with pretty dodgy top 7 form.

http://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/shane-watson-set-to-miss-gabba-test-with-calf-injury/story-fndpt0dy-1226510003608

So Watson thinks he's highly doubtful, Punter probably a reasonable chance.

Selectors due to name standby players shortly.

George Bailey's name hasn't really been mentioned in regards to the test team. He has a decent first class record however, and the selectors obviously think he has a bit about him if they made him captain of the T20 side. I reckon the standby players for Ponting and Watson might be him and McDonald.

Or not.

I'm a fan of Bailey, and I don't think he'd let the Test side down at 6. In fact, I think he is better suited to the Test side than the T20 side he is currently captain of.

I was surprised that Bailey didn't make the A team. Perhaps they feel they already know enough about what he can do? The A team that they named was actually a bit of a speculative team, really.

Bailey's shown he has a decent temperament and a level head on his shoulders.

I think Bailey is mainly thought of as a short game specialist as far as the national side is concerned. Doolan might be an outside chance but i rather agree with JGK & go with Maxwell & play all four quicks. Elmer's form has been carp this season & would be a mistake to select him.

So you think they should pick Maxwell because he bowls a bit of off spin? Clarke is just as good a bowler. Just because Maxwell can play some big shots and bowls reasonable offies, it doesn't mean he should leap-frog several more deserving players (Bailey, Quiney etc).

Hogg wants Christian in if Watto can't play.

Hogg? FFS, it's hard to find a former Australian player who DOESN'T want to have their two cents worth.