All seam attack for Aussies?

All-seam for spinless Aussies?

2009-02-24 09:34





Bryce McGain



Johannesburg - The Australian cricket side is sitting with an enormous headache. In the days before the retirement of Shane Warne, Stuart MacGill and Brad Hogg, it would have been almost unthinkable for Australia to enter a Test without a specialist spinner.
However, a team without a specialist spinner might be a reality come the first Test against South Africa, which starts at the Wanderers on Thursday.
The Aussie selectors have to decide whether they will use of their two spinners or enter the Test with four pace bowlers.
Their so-called secret weapon, legspinner Bryce McGain, was no more than cannon fodder in the warm-up game in Potchefstroom.
Off-spinner Nathan Hauritz also struggled against South Africa in Australia.
Should they take on South Africa without a spinner, pacemen Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson, Doug Bollinger and Ben Hilfenhaus may take on the Proteas with Michael Clarke and Marcus North used as part-time spinners.
Gordon Parsons, coach of the Presidents XI that played the Aussies in Potchefstroom, said the visitors could not risk a spinner at the Wanderers.
“I will be prepared to bet with my life that they will pick four pacemen. Not even Warne could bowl us out at the Wanderers because it is traditionally not a wicket that is kind to spinners,” he said.
“I feel sorry for McGain because things did not go well in Potchefstroom. It’s not a place where spinners enjoy bowling and I think the field placings were poor for him. Four pacemen will give them a chance of capturing 20 wickets in a test.
“If that is the case, Clarke and North will be used as part-time spinners. Not that their selectors can read much into North’s 6/69 in the second innings in Potch. Our batsmen gave their wickets away on a platter.
“I still think North did enough to be included ahead of Andrew McDonald. North is a polished batsman.”
South African coach Mickey Arthur warned the Aussies against playing without a spinner.
“They will take a huge risk by picking four pacemen and two part-time spinners. It can cost them big time.”

I don't think Clarke will be able to bowl for next few months!

australia is the new south africa?

it doesnt really make sense to play a spinner if he is crap, unless its a raging turner

What about an all-spam attack for the Aussies?

I'd give Bryce a go, what's to lose by giving him a try?

PeterCS wrote:What about an all-spam attack for the Aussies?

We've had a few of those.

Never.

Remember the 80s?

I thought you meant on this here board.

I am sure Markless Nick would welcome a seamin' attack.

Zat wrote:Remember the 80s?

Don't mention the 80's.

That was an all SCUM attack.

OP Tipping wrote:I am sure Markless Nick would welcome a seamin' attack.

Or an attack on his seam.

This thread is wrong on so many levels.

Nicholas likes to see a bit of zip early on ...

The mark of cane?

I stand corrected.

"The mark of cane?"

You're thinking of Spanky...

It depends if the cane is wood or "wood"?

No offence meant to RD.

RD has no problem getting wood, apparently, it's usage of same where the trouble arises.

Use to run out quickly?

If that is so, you could say at least he's Able to get Cane.

Half a loaf is better than no bread, some might say.

You've got to learn to run your bat in, FFS.

lardbucket wrote:Nicholas likes to see a bit of zip early on ...

Or a lot of cracks.

Bradman wrote:

lardbucket wrote:Nicholas likes to see a bit of zip early on ...

Or a lot of cracks.

He has a tendency of inserting his Credit card during the toss.

Personally I prefer willow to cane ... pussy willow, or even a bit of tit willow.