SRW talks sense

Tugga says Smithy is the real deal

"Former Australia captain Steve Waugh says Steve Smith must be seriously considered as the nation's No.1 spinner for the Ashes campaign in Australia this summer.

Smith's reputation has only grown during the one-day series against England, his fearless approach with both bat and ball winning him many admirers.

One of these is Waugh, who sees as much promise in Smith as he has in anyone over the past 20 years.

"I think Steve Smith is one of the most promising cricketers we have seen in Australia in the past 20 years,'' Waugh said.

With incumbent spinner Nathan Hauritz out of this month's two-Test series against Pakistan with a foot injury, Smith is set to make his Test debut at Lord's in the match starting July 13.

Hauritz's sidelining has provided Smith with the chance to show he is up to holding down the No.1 spinner's spot ahead of the Ashes series, starting November 25 in Brisbane.

"I think he could be (the No.1 spinner at the Gabba),'' said Waugh."

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While I agree with all the non-Dubber naysayers that Smithy ain't quite ready, how grouse would it be to have this kid taking a few wickets with developing legspin and batting at either 6 (to allow an extra seamer) or 8 (to make a very long batting line up)?

Geez I hope he's working hard with Warnie and developing his arsenal.

and his texting prowess . . . .

skully wrote:
"I think Steve Smith is one of the most promising cricketers we have seen in Australia in the past 20 years,'' Waugh said.

Him, Phil Hughes, Shane Lee, Gavin Robertson and Richard Chee-quee.

Dean Jones is free to come out and big up any Vomit he likes, Nath. Oh that's right, no-one would believe him.

skully wrote:Dean Jones is free to come out and big up any Vomit he likes, Nath.

He only bigs up one man and that's Dean Jones.

True enough, Nath.

I like the way Smith backs himself with both bat and ball. It's great to see a young player with such confidence.

Shirley a half decent leggie who can bat is worth a go?? Let's hope he becomes a half decent leggie.

He's a better bowler than North and not a massively inferior batsman (with more upside). Remember when North came into the side because he bowling was going to be useful.

Stoopid pro-Wozzie affirmative action.

And smiffy can catch . . . could he be a new slipper for us?

FAC?

Well he's no Warne and his FC average is pants, but I liked what I saw. Difficult to translate ODI performances into test cricket.

And another thing, is that technique going to hold up in test cricket?

He did OK in the Shield (especially with the bat) in the back half of last season.

Saw Smith when he played a bit of 20/20 at Worcester. Bundle of nerves at the crease, but can hit a ball no doubt about that. Bowled tidily as well, but did not out-bowl Adil Rashid ( England selectors please note)

skully wrote:FAC?

Line up after YT.

Looks like I've walked in on the planning committee for the Steve Smith float at the Sydney Mardi Gras

[Leaves room with back to the wall]

SGDTist.

oh dear...the kiss of death has spoken and the kid has no chance...remember when the then dementing Ksnr annointed Bung ...it has taken over a decade to remove that affliction from international cricket...this is just the latest ksnr boosting of a moderately talented cricketer to play tests cricket for NSW

If Australia pick Smith for the tests then they need to stick with him. They can't just pick him and then drop him after one bad match like they've done to so many others in recent times.

Warnie was given two bad match chances then flicked. He turned out alright.

Smith's problem is that the India tour is before the Ashes - he might get smashed in those games and then out of the team for years when in reality he should be perfectly servicable for the Ashes.

You got a hotline to Hilditch, JGK? He could do with your sage advice.

all the more reason to not to go India. But then we like the $$$.