Cricket 2010-11

[AndyP]

Selector's chat:

"Mitchell Johnson is injured, who should we pick now?"
"Who's bowling for NSW?"
"Josh Hazelwood has played a few matches."
"Cool. Put him in."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/10/2923861.htm

[raidrboy]

Hazelwood got the nod and Victorian keeper Matthew Wade is in for the injured Tim Paine.

[Moe Norman]

Chris Hartley getting overlooked again is a bit of a mystery.

Easily the best keeper in the country and his batting has been the equal of the other keepers in the past 2 years.

[TheNuclearOne]

I know the angle is way skewed but has Mitchell's action ever been questioned?

[Yossarian]

Shouldn't brett lee be back in for midge?

[TheNuclearOne]

Shouldn't brett lee be back in for midge?


It was the chucking insinuation wasn't it!

[Tongueboy]

don't have to chuck. being a left armer is enough to taint him as far as i am concerned. left arm bowlers look nearly as wonky as left handed golfers.

[KristianJ]

Split innings one dayers to be trialled next season in the Ford Ranger Cup:

http://www.cricinfo.com/australia/content/current/story/462719.html

[jimandr]

I've been watching a bit of Windies v South Africa in between World Cup matches, and I saw the extended highlights this afternoon of Dale Steyn absolutely tearing the Windies tail apart on a total featherbed. He is still be best bowler in the world.

[Yossarian]

I still dream about some of the spells he bowled v England last year. Jizz worthy.

[TheNuclearOne]

Another incredible Hussey innings.

[Jarro]

Tait bowled pretty well too .... and FAST !!!!!!!!

[TheNuclearOne]

For sure. He had a blinder. Much better performance from the Aussies, even if a little late lol

[Jarro]

Well Strauss commented before the game that he really wanted to beat the Aussies in the last game, he felt a 3-2 series win felt a little 'empty'

I'm glad we stuck it up them on that basis alone 8)

[TheNuclearOne]

Well Strauss commented before the game that he really wanted to beat the Aussies in the last game, he felt a 3-2 series win felt a little 'empty'

I'm glad we stuck it up them on that basis alone 8)

Love ya thinking :mrgreen:

Even tho we lost the series the momentum is ours ;)

[AndyP]

Based on the chat here, this must be an important test.

[LarryLong]

I was thinking that if I tried to post something about it the game might end up being finished before I hit the send button.

[McMw]

Paine just got hit in the nuts - and what a great use of Technology *HOT SPOT* to prove it!!! :)

[AndyP]

Couldn't you find a way to use "Paine" in a pun? Poor form.

[McMw]

would have been classless... :)

from cricinfo - Since the start of the Australian summer, Katich has been out between 79 and 99 eight times. Remarkable form, and he's also made two hundreds in that time. He could have had several more if he'd converted all those scores though...

[kingslayer33]

I think you lot may be overlooking the emergence of the next all-rounder. Another tassie boy scores a half-century (batting at #10 thankyou)

Do you think there is any coincidence in Ponting not making his normal runs of late when he now lives in NSW and not the dodgy suburbs of Launceston? (Mowbray)

[AndyP]

Another tassie boy scores a half-century (batting at #10 thankyou)Another Tassie boy? Ponting and Paine didn't make one. Useless two-headers.

[sms316]

I think you lot may be overlooking the emergence of the next all-rounder. Another tassie boy scores a half-century (batting at #10 thankyou)

Do you think there is any coincidence in Ponting not making his normal runs of late when he now lives in NSW and not the dodgy suburbs of Launceston? (Mowbray)

Only on the basis that he Mowbray is a cold dreary shithole. Perhaps that would acclimatise him better?

[kingslayer33]

I think Paine got 47 in the second dig Andy. And Punter got given out to a ball going down leg. Admittedly he didn't play a shot so he deserved it in my opinion. (you're standing there with a bat bloody well use it)

How many vics are in the team at the moment. Tassie = 2.5% of Australia's population yet 3 in the current XI

[AndyP]

Everyone knows that there is a minimal Victorian selection policy. Just ask Brad Hodge and Dean Jones. ;)

[LarryLong]

We go for quality over quantity here in Victoria. I figure we can have a rest for a while after producing the greatest spinner in the history of cricket.

Oh, and the selectors hate us, of course. :)

[henno]

I figure we can have a rest for a while after producing the greatest spinner in the history of cricket.

Muralitharan is from Victoria?

:lol:

[LarryLong]

Muralitharan is from Victoria?

:lol:

:)

If he was, you can bet that he'd have a whole lot less than 792 test wickets! :)

[McMw]

gee - I tot North would get dropped after this Series, but maybe his 3 Ws so far keeps him safe to the Ashes...coz I don't see how he's gonna be any good in India!?!?!

[McMw]

well - make that 4!!! Afridi is a lousy batsman for a test captain!!!

[LarryLong]

Is Afridi serious? I'm sure North is a bit of a pie thrower, but it sounds like Afridi just tried to play the cow shot in his first over at the crease. Mind-boggling stuff.

Almost as mind-boggling as the inclusion of Smith in the team. There, I said it!

[McMw]

is this "new" pakistan team really better than the team that got sacked by the PCB???
1st innings - they lose 5 wickets to a batting all-rounder...
2nd innings - they lose 6 wickets to a "batting" all-rounder...

expect this team to get another "sacking" by the PCB 2 weeks time!!!

[McMw]

that's quick - Afridi steps down as Captain after next week...

[AndyP]

Cheat and a sook.

[kingslayer33]

+1

[Moe Norman]

his reasons were pretty good actually, and correct!

[McMw]

all out for 100 on the cards???

[KristianJ]

Eh, it'll probably end up like the 2nd test in Sydney earlier this year...

[LarryLong]

his reasons were pretty good actually, and correct!

Didn't hear the interview, but I'm assuming he must have said "I'm retiring from test cricket immediately because I'm not smart enough to keep my shit together for four whole balls against Marcus North"?

I think losing Afridi will improve the team. He's not test standard at number 6 and his bowling probably isn't required. A specialist batsman who values his wicket might have helped them get closer in the first innings and would have been much more valuable in the second. Of course, for all I know they might all hate Salman Butt and they will throw their wickets away in protest and get rolled for 100. Hard to know what they will do.

[Yossarian]

Speaking of getting rolled for 100.

[LarryLong]

6/72. We all knew it was coming.

Oh, hang on. Australia's batting. :)

Judging by the cricinfo commentary the ball must be moving all over the place. Anybody watching?

[Yossarian]

That and hussey and north can't bat.

[LarryLong]

That and hussey and north can't bat.

No love for the WAnkers in the side? You should be ashamed of yourself! I really like North and I'm always disappointed when he gets out early (all too often lately). The guy can bat!

Is it too early to start calling Watson a spud again?

Oh, and if I haven't said it already Steve Smith just inherited the 'biggest joke in test cricket' mantle off Afridi. Never thought I'd be saying this, but Nathan Hauritz, get well soon!

[Yossarian]

Hussey and North to a lesser degree have failed so many times when we needed them to stand up for us. They can both bat, but decent seamers seem to have them figured out. It is awful watching how uncertain Hussey looks about his off stump these days.

Watson is fine and it is way to early.

[Yossarian]

I will say that Hussey has copped a lot of dud calls from the umpires but in most instances IMO he has not looked liked surviving much longer anyway. Excpet when the paki keeper got paid to drop him four times.

[Yossarian]

Looking good!

[Yossarian]

Hey I'm zigwah!

[LarryLong]

25.2
Mohammad Aamer to Johnson, OUT, 134.1 kph, done him as well! Outstanding and unplayable bowling from Aamer, perfect length, swinging late, taking the off stump. Aamer is on a hat-trick!

MG Johnson b Mohammad Aamer 0 (1b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00
25.1
Mohammad Aamer to Smith, OUT, 134.8 kph, Oh. My. Goodness. What a beauty from Aamer, that was unplayable, full on middle and off and it shaped away and took off stump

SPD Smith b Mohammad Aamer 10 (8b 2x4 0x6) SR: 125.00



Starting to reach jizz-worthy proportions here. The Wasim Akram comparisons are going to start gushing all over the place now. Can we get to 100?

[raidrboy]

Australia V's Pakistan 2nd test aussies 8 for 73 first over after lunch. See what happens with no Victorians in the side.

[LarryLong]

Meanwhile, India are 5/180 following on against Sri Lanka and still 60 odd runs adrift at stumps on day 4. Murali needs two more for 800 in his final test.

[markTHEblake]

See what happens with no Victorians in the side.

too right, Pakistan would have been batting by now if there was.

[shavey]

Aussies ABSOLUTELY struggling at 9/88!!

[shavey]

GOONE... 88 all out..

Aussie's could be in by tea :)

[henno]

Pathetic.

[LarryLong]

All out for 88. Don't they make bowling machines that swing the ball anymore?

[markTHEblake]

On the other side of the world Murali needs 2 wickets out of 5 remaining to retire on 800.

[LarryLong]

^^^^


Meanwhile, India are 5/180 following on against Sri Lanka and still 60 odd runs adrift at stumps on day 4. Murali needs two more for 800 in his final test.

I'd be awfully disappointed if Blakey had me on ignore. :)

[Moe Norman]

Didn't hear the interview, but I'm assuming he must have said "I'm retiring from test cricket immediately because I'm not smart enough to keep my shit together for four whole balls against Marcus North"?
.

That was the general gist of it, yes. He was honest about his shortcomings and basically said he no longer had the temprament for Test Cricket and doubted that he ever did. He said he'd been playing nothing but T20 and ODI for 5 years and had barely even played domestic 4 day games in Pakistan either. So it would be best for Pakistan cricket if he just walked away.

Pretty spot on really.

[McMw]

Would punter's call at the toss go down as par with the no-brainer by Nasser Hussain at the Gabba Test?

[Jarro]

Would punter's call at the toss go down as par with the no-brainer by Nasser Hussain at the Gabba Test?

Absolutely.

He was interviewed the day before the test saying that they knew the ball would wizz around a lot on the first day.

They do tend to want to bat first though, even if the wicket is a minefield and the conditions suit the bowlers.

[McMw]

Murali on 799 now, and India are 9 down...can he do it???

Someone commented that Murali should get stuck on 799, then he can have a "status" like Bradman with his average of 99.94...

[LarryLong]

115.4
Muralitharan to Ojha, OUT, 800 it is! The wait and the tension is finally over! Tossed up outside off and the four men around the bat wait in anticipation! Ojha lunges forward, edges it and Mahela falls to his left and takes the catch at first slip! No need to look anywhere for confirmation, straightforward and Murali is ecstatic. Wife, mother and mother in law can't contain their excitement in the stands, couldn't spot his dad there though

PP Ojha c DPMD Jayawardene b Muralitharan 13 (50b 1x4 0x6) SR: 26.00



Job done. Not a bad effort to give yourself 8 wickets for the milestone and knock them off. Bowled 44 overs in the second dig. I'd say Sanga might have been lynched when he landed back home if he'd dragged Murali.


Oh, and they are going to win the test match too.

[McMw]

i was watching the last couple of overs (missed the 800)...
two run out chances, just missed, stumping very close, and couple of close calls by the other bowler could have left him stranded on 799...

it was funny during the stream - cameras were focusing on the crowds btw each delivery...it must have been a national holiday today!!!

[markTHEblake]

In other news, Murali got his 800th wicket on the last ball of the match. (not that he knew it would be the last ball when he bowled it)

[LarryLong]

Actually not the last ball of the match. Sri Lanka batted again. :p

Enough quibbling. I'd like to say that I for one am glad that Murali got away with chucking all those years ago. He's been a wonderful bowler, a great bloke on the field and a poster child for people who adore tail-enders who slog with their eyes closed. Well played Murali!

[LarryLong]

Umar Akmal out. Is there going to be a time in his career when he realises that he's not belting pie throwers around the local park, or is he always going to bat like that?

[shavey]

Enough quibbling. I'd like to say that I for one am glad that Murali got away with chucking all those years ago. He's been a wonderful bowler, a great bloke on the field and a poster child for people who adore tail-enders who slog with their eyes closed. Well played Murali!

Agree with your there LL.. a questionable bowling action but have you ever tried to release it like that, let alone control it. I liken Murali to Kumble, quiet and unassuming characters that let their on-field actions do the talking...

[LarryLong]

Agree with your there LL.. a questionable bowling action but have you ever tried to release it like that, let alone control it. I liken Murali to Kumble, quiet and unassuming characters that let their on-field actions do the talking...

You're not wrong Shavey. I can't even work out how to start to copy Murali's action. I play with a bloke who does a passable impersonation though. He even bowled one in a game but it was a massive chuck and a half tracker that got spanked. I've got no idea how Murali controls it so well, let alone turns the thing.

Kumble would have to be one of my all-time favourite cricketers. No fuss, just kept bowling.

[markTHEblake]

I've got no idea how Murali controls it so well, let alone turns the thing.

i cant even work out how to chuck - seems harder to me.

[Yossarian]

Is it too early to start calling Watson a spud again?


yes yes it is, watson you gorgeous hunk of man you.

[AndyP]

What has Dougie done lately?

[AndyP]

Oh, and good riddance Murali, ya ****ing chucker.

[LarryLong]

Good heavens, another five-for.

What are the odds on that, er I mean, what are the odds of that? :)

[Sydney Hacker]

Surely time for them to slide Watson down the order a couple of spots and give him a chance to have a bit of a rest after doing the bowlers work !

[3oneday]

i cant even work out how to chuck - seems harder to me.

I've bowled the Murali in the backyard, it certainly isn't natural :lol:

[sms316]

I've bowled the Murali in the backyard, it certainly isn't natural :lol:

It isn't natural, but you can get some pretty impressive kick with it when you get it right.

[goughy]

So he gets his 800th wicket with his last ball in test cricket before heading out to his new career in baseball?

[Webster]

Can you blokes please correctly refer to his wicket tally as follows:

800*

Thanks, Jack.

[macjackass]

Can you blokes please correctly refer to his wicket tally as follows:

800*

Thanks, Jack.

Probably the only thing i'll ever agree with John Howard is that this guy was a cheating prick.

[Yossarian]

Don't the rules allow for the flex in his arm?

[goughy]

Weren't the rules changed to allow for the flex in his arm? :)

[macjackass]

nice edit.

[Yossarian]

And how is it his fault the rules were changed?

[Sydney Hacker]

Actually if the rules weren't changed technology was showing pretty much every bowler was a chucker.

[macjackass]

Actually if the rules weren't changed technology was showing pretty much every bowler was a chucker.

That's a long bow. Not many other "bowlers" come close to the level of bend that the chucker has.

[Sydney Hacker]

That's a long bow. Not many other "bowlers" come close to the level of bend that the chucker has.

Hard to distinguish between them though. Either you chuck or you don't.

What is worse a spinner chucking at 80k's an hour and a 10* bend or a fast bowler sending them down at 140-150k's per hour with 5* of straighting ?

[Yossarian]

How is it his fault the rules were changed?

[macjackass]

How is it his fault the rules were changed?

Do you have a stutter, Yoss? As recent events have shown with the Howard situation, the Asian countries have considerable clout.

[macjackass]

Hard to distinguish between them though. Either you chuck or you don't.

What is worse a spinner chucking at 80k's an hour and a 10* bend or a fast bowler sending them down at 140-150k's per hour with 5* of straighting ?
Could be wrong but I think his bend is in the 15 degree range. It's completely different when you can see his clear as day at normal speed and the fast bowlers when it's in super slo-mow.

[Sydney Hacker]

Could be wrong but I think his bend is in the 15 degree range. It's completely different when you can see his clear as day at normal speed and the fast bowlers when it's in super slo-mow.

And certain fast bowlers were well over 5* and obvious to the naked eye also. I was a massive doubter of his until I saw the video of him bowling with the cast on, that is not to say that he doesn't straighten his arm at times, but like I have said before a lot of other bowlers also do the same.

Have the asian countries got too much clout ? Maybe but the anglo ones have had a fair bit of clout for the rest of the history of the game, and it can't always be said they did things in the "best interest of the game".

[Yossarian]

Do you have a stutter, Yoss? As recent events have shown with the Howard situation, the Asian countries have considerable clout.

No but you still haven't answered the question.

[Moe Norman]

Could be wrong but I think his bend is in the 15 degree range. It's completely different when you can see his clear as day at normal speed and the fast bowlers when it's in super slo-mow.

The bend can be 90* if you want, as long as it then stays above 84* at point of delivery. The rule relates to flex only, bowling with a bent arm has always been legal, as long as you don't straighten it.

The rule was 10* for spinners and 15* for quicks. Murali argued that it was unfair to have different rules for different bowlers, so the spinners allowance was also increased to 15*. It was previously a zero tolerance policy until they realised even Glen McGrath was flexing at 10*+ when under slow motion footage.

Murali was tested hundreds of times and even delievered his doosra with his arm in a plaster cast, so he did have some grounds to claim he was victimised. I still reckon he chucked a fair amount of his deliveries under match conditions though

[3oneday]

Wasn't Lee called for chucking ? or was that a tanti ?

[Webster]

Lee was just trying to loosen his bangle.

[macjackass]

And certain fast bowlers were well over 5* and obvious to the naked eye also. I was a massive doubter of his until I saw the video of him bowling with the cast on, that is not to say that he doesn't straighten his arm at times, but like I have said before a lot of other bowlers also do the same.

Have the asian countries got too much clout ? Maybe but the anglo ones have had a fair bit of clout for the rest of the history of the game, and it can't always be said they did things in the "best interest of the game".

And which fast bowlers would they be? The ICC is weak as piss, he should have been banned.

[Sydney Hacker]

And which fast bowlers would they be? The ICC is weak as piss, he should have been banned.

You didn't think Lee and Akhtar looked suss on their day ?

[macjackass]

You didn't think Lee and Akhtar looked suss on their day ?

Sure, when they were really trying to send one quickly. Your mate was suss all day every day.

[Sydney Hacker]

Sure, when they were really trying to send one quickly. Your mate was suss all day every day.

So why weren't they banned from the game then ?

[macjackass]

They only had the"dodgy" action some of the time. They should have been no-balled when they did. Huge difference between occassionally and all the time IMO.

[Sydney Hacker]

They only had the"dodgy" action some of the time. They should have been no-balled when they did. Huge difference between occassionally and all the time IMO.

But the slow mo proved nearly every fast bowler was chucking all of the time. Shouldn't they of been banned also ?

[macjackass]

:horse:
But the slow mo proved nearly every fast bowler was chucking all of the time. Shouldn't they of been banned also ?

[Yossarian]

Yes you are mackjack.

[Sydney Hacker]

:horse:

You can't have it both ways, if you wanted Murali banned then you have to ban everyone who chucked under the old rules. And that was pretty much everyone !

[macjackass]

So Darrell Hair had a vendetta? he called it because it was blatant and bloody obvious.

Nice comment Yoss, I think you've waded a little too far out of the shallow end.

[Sydney Hacker]

So Darrell Hair had a vendetta? he called it because it was blatant and bloody obvious.

Nice comment Yoss, I think you've waded a little too far out of the shallow end.

No Hair called him because he thought he was throwing. After it was proven that all the other bowlers were also throwing, he should of called each and every one of them as well !

[macjackass]

Proven?? It was proven that every other bowler straightened their arm as much as Murali, is that what you are saying?

[Sydney Hacker]

Proven?? It was proven that every other bowler straightened their arm as much as Murali, is that what you are saying?

No it was proven that nearly every other bowler straightened their arms by more then the law at the time allowed.

What I am saying is how can you say that only Murali should be banned when others out there are guilty of it also.

[3oneday]

Hi Yoss.

[macjackass]

To my mind, the spirit of the law is about not obviously straightening your arm. With the others, it's not obvious, with Murali it is.

[Sydney Hacker]

To my mind, the spirit of the law is about not obviously straightening your arm. With the others, it's not obvious, with Murali it is.

But it is obvious if it is proven ??? If a law needs to depend on an individuals interpretation of it's "spirit" then there is obviously problems with it !

[Yossarian]

The shallow end?

Hi 3.

MJA if it helps you sleep at night I am happy for you.

[goughy]

Did I start this??:smt083

[macjackass]

But it is obvious if it is proven ??? If a law needs to depend on an individuals interpretation of it's "spirit" then there is obviously problems with it !

I don't rate all the bio-mechanical arguments and the "birth defect" crap. My point is that it looks like he throws. You can argue all you want but in my mind, and alot of others, it's pretty clear what he does. You can say whatever about Brett Lee and the other one you mentioned but it's not clearly obvious to me like it is with Murali.

[macjackass]

Did I start this??:smt083

:lol:

[Yossarian]

Here we go! Macjacks eyes are a better tool than video cameras and science! And he is clearly faking that bend in his elbow it isn't a birth defect!

[macjackass]

Here we go! Macjacks eyes are a better tool than video cameras and science! And he is clearly faking that bend in his elbow it isn't a birth defect!

Thart wasn't the point I was making, I didn't like that they used it to change a rule just to allow for him to keep doing what he was doing, ie throwing.

[Sydney Hacker]

I don't rate all the bio-mechanical arguments and the "birth defect" crap. My point is that it looks like he throws. You can argue all you want but in my mind, and alot others, it's pretty clear what he does. You can say whatever about Brett Lee and the other one you mentioned but it's not clearly obvious to me like it is with Murali.

So you don't rate the proof ? Well I guess that solves the whole arguement then doesn't it !

If you aren't willing to accept proof that every bowler has flex in their actions it is pretty pointless to go on isn't it ? What will prove it to you ?

[Moe Norman]

Murali was always going to look worse as his arm is clearly deformed and he also had such freakish wrist action, the naked eye saw nothing but a limb bending in all different directions.

Whether you think he was a chucker or not, he was a genius and could do things with the cricket ball most couldn't do if there were no laws at all.

[Sydney Hacker]

Thart wasn't the point I was making, I didn't like that they used it to change a rule just to allow for him to keep doing what he was doing, ie throwing.

But if they did not change the rule then just about every bowler was also guilty of throwing. So you think it will be fine to ban one guy who chucks it but keep everyone else playing the game when it is known that they also throw the ball ?

[macjackass]

But if they did not change the rule then just about every bowler was also guilty of throwing. So you think it will be fine to ban one guy who chucks it but keep everyone else playing the game when it is known that they also throw the ball ?

SH, I think you are trying to make it black and white when that is making it too simplistic.

[Sydney Hacker]

SH, I think you are trying to make it black and white when that is making it too simplistic.

I'm sorry but I think the point I am trying to make is very black and white. If there was proof that every bowler flexed/straightened their arms in a normal delivery, then obviously there is a problem with the law isn't there ?

Or else we will have people bowling 50-60km/hour gun barrel straight, and won't that make for an entertaining game !

[Webster]

Murali chucked, except when he was being tested.

800*

Love, Jack.

[just]

Jack
Does he use a leather wedge when no ones looking too?

[Jarro]

How many of Murali's wickets were taken against Bangladesh ?

[3oneday]

And at home on pitches readied doctored for him ?

[markTHEblake]

How many of Murali's wickets were taken against Bangladesh ?

That is a good question, There was an article on Cricinfo last week discussing just that and comparing him with Shane Warne. By removing the cheap wickets from both bowlers statistics, you still could not distinguish which of the two had the better record.

Therefore judging Murali on the basis that he played Bangladesh more often doesnt have much merit. That would be like belittling Mathew Haydens record score against the same team, reality is nobody else scored that against them, and Murali cant bowl more than 50% of the overs in an innings either.

[jimandr]

There is a more important bowling issue than some has been who is now history.

Since when did Shane Watson become our number 1 bowler and most dependable strike weapon?

I realise we have a few bowling injuries, but I'm not sure I would've picked any of them over Bollinger, Hilf and Mitch. All three have looked very ordinary. Hilf has some excuse due to his lack of fitness and time in the middle, but as a trio, they aren't up to scratch right now.

Is it as simple as saying Mitch and Douggie are not suited to english conditions?

[KristianJ]

I haven't been watching enough of the tests on TV, but have they had to use the Dukes balls over there? Surely it's not as if they'd have to given that they're not facing England.

[LarryLong]

Maybe the home side (Pakistan) chose the Duke ball. Asif and the boys surely know how to use it better than our bowlers do, so I would make that call too if I was running Pakistan cricket.

Nice to see Ponting digging us out of the shit again. Just a gentle reminder of how good he is. If we can get through the first session wicketless or maybe one down, it could be game on!

[Yossarian]

Gee our middle order look good.

[Sydney Hacker]

Maybe the home side (Pakistan) chose the Duke ball. Asif and the boys surely know how to use it better than our bowlers do, so I would make that call too if I was running Pakistan cricket.

Nice to see Ponting digging us out of the shit again. Just a gentle reminder of how good he is. If we can get through the first session wicketless or maybe one down, it could be game on!

Fantastic kisses of death in that post !

As for Johnson and Co. they all look short of a run, Johnson in particular has shown he needs a fair bit of cricket under his belt to be at his best. Hopefully after this series and the jaunt to India he will be primed for the soap dodgers !

[Yossarian]

For mine Johnson is getting a run purely on reputation atm.

[Sydney Hacker]

For mine Johnson is getting a run purely on reputation atm.

That and a lack of viable alternatives.

[3oneday]

So, 5 for 3. Anyone phone Pakistan phoning a bookie yet ?

[BrisWesty]

Blob for North.

[shavey]

93.2
Danish Kaneria to Smith, SIX, and again! This one's gone even further! Smith down the track once more and driving this out the ground over the bowler's head. They're having to get a new ball!
93.1
Danish Kaneria to Smith, SIX, that's gone miles! Smith is causing havoc here! Down the track, giving himself a touch of room and depositing this well over long off for a maximum!





Smith is going off!!!

[McMw]

should be a comfy win for the PKs tonight, and deservedly so - their strike bowlers did the job for both tests...and the Aus strike did crap-all!!!
even as a WAboy, it's time for North to go... :( last night should have been the night to consolidate his position, and was so dissapointed to read he got a big GOOSE-EGG, and only faced 5 deliveries??? c'mon!!!
Watson to go down to 6, and get someone (anyone) up with Kato!!!

it's a pity there's no 3rd test...

[LarryLong]

Please, oh wonderful selectors, resist the urge to drop North and move Smith up to six on the back of this one. That would be a bad decision.

[TheNuclearOne]

should be a comfy win for the PKs tonight, and deservedly so

Another quick wicket might not be so comfy.

[McMw]

all right - done and dusted - let's get a proper batting lineup to India!!!

[LarryLong]

Contrasting test matches going on at the moment. Over in Sri Lanka they just drew with India making 700 in response to Sri Lanka's 4/650 dec in the first innings. Sanga and Tendulkar both hit double tons on what was probably a better road than the ones they drive on in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, over in England the poms lost 6-17 after a good first day and then Pakistan have rolled over to be teetering at 6-70 in reply. The ball is said to be doing a bit.

I know which test match I'd rather be watching.

[henno]

The one with at least a possibility of a result? :?

[markTHEblake]

Contrasting test matches going on at the moment. Over in Sri Lanka they just drew with India making 700 in response to Sri Lanka's 4/650 dec in the first innings.

Its beyond me why any team would declare for that before the 2nd day has finished, on that pitch. IMHO should have batted for 3 more sessions. The chances of a result on that pitch was minimal anyway, so why give the opposition a chance of even matching your 1st innings.

[Moe Norman]

because some times on even the flattest wicket, massive totals like that can be intimidating and teams can collapse.

[markTHEblake]

Thats my point, 900 would have been more intimidating.

[Bruce]

If you go through the resultst from the Colombo ground you find quite few results where the opposition crumble chasing big totals.
Only India seem to have regular success in batting the same time as the Shrills.

Also shows what a lottery English conditions can be. Day 1 was for batsman once the intial movement died down. Day 2 it was hooping around.

[Yossarian]

Please, oh wonderful selectors, resist the urge to drop North and move Smith up to six on the back of this one. That would be a bad decision.

Smith will go for Hauritz, North should just go.

[McMw]

and I tot all out for 88 was shameful...well done PK...

[Yossarian]

It was and the middle order should go!

[McMw]

It was and the middle order should go!
and after an 80, they bring back Yousuf to strengthen the middle order...wonder why Yousuf would even bother???

if Aus follows PK team selection process, we should be able to see Taylor back opening, Boon at first drop, S.Waugh at 5, Gilly back 6, Warne back 7, McGrath back 11...

[goughy]

And I'd have no probs with that McMw!!!

[Yossarian]

and after an 80, they bring back Yousuf to strengthen the middle order...wonder why Yousuf would even bother???

if Aus follows PK team selection process, we should be able to see Taylor back opening, Boon at first drop, S.Waugh at 5, Gilly back 6, Warne back 7, McGrath back 11...

I was talking about Australia. :)

[KristianJ]

6/36. :lol: A pub team could do a hell of a lot better than that.

[McMw]

hard to believe Australia lost to a team that has put 80 and what looks like to be an even worse score (currently 9/67) in back-to-back innings...

[Yossarian]

It isn't really. Plus the poms have the duke on a string, I haven't seen any of it, but i'd wager it is hooping.

[Sydney Hacker]

hard to believe Australia lost to a team that has put 80 and what looks like to be an even worse score (currently 9/67) in back-to-back innings...

Is it really that hard to believe when we have a head selector like Hildtich ?

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/hilditch-hands-struggling-north-another-life-20100805-11ktp.html

I know it has always been considered harder to get dropped from the team then to get in it in the first place, but f**k me what does North have to do to get the arse ?

[Yossarian]

I get where Hilditch is coming from, sort of. North is a good bat and would be a good leader. But he needs to go find some form somewhere that isn't the Australian side IMO.

[Sydney Hacker]

I get where Hilditch is coming from, sort of. North is a good bat and would be a good leader. But he needs to go find some form somewhere that isn't the Australian side IMO.

He might be a good bat in shield cricket, but you need to do more to keep a spot in the test team surely ! Out of 28 test innings he has 19 scores under 25, that just isn't good enough, especially batting at 6 and giving the opposition momentum to run through our tailend.

[Yossarian]

I agree, he is a good bat at test level as well. Sometimes. Again the lack of real stand out options is helping his case I guess.

[Sydney Hacker]

I think you are being a little "liberal" in ranking him a good test batsmen sometimes. A "good" test batsmen needs to have a level of consistency, with North it is all or nothing !

[Yossarian]

Good point. I divide it up into form/confidence and technique in a way. North clearly has the technique.

The ashes he came in during some hard periods and did well IMO. Which makes me think, which is hard seeing as none of us are really connected with the test side, that he is just in a really bad mental place atm in regards to cricket. I personally think they should have left him out of the squad for this latest series and let him rest, stop playing cricket for awhile.

[Moe Norman]

North seems to score well against quality attacks and find ways to get out against average bowling.

There isn't anyone putting their hand up for this spot, so he remains in the team by default in a sense

[Yossarian]

Hussey on the other hand...

[markTHEblake]

An amazing test match (http://www.cricinfo.com/england-v-pakistan-2010/engine/current/match/426416.html)unfolded in England, not to mention another betting scandal.
England were 5/47 then 7/101, eventually won by an innings and 200+ runs.
Pakistan took 19 wickets to pass Stuart Broads individual score who batted at No. 9

[Yossarian]

Pakistan are a bloody joke. Who knows how good or bad they are seeing as they are never playing on the level.

[jimandr]

I saw the full version of the Pakistan scandal story on BBC world this morning.

It looks really bad. The only possible defence is that it is all a stitchup by the News Of The World, and the filming was actually done after the days play. Otherwise, if the guy comes clean and names all the names, the guilty will be punished and the innocent might be able to pick up the pieces.

If guilty, after all the chances the Paki's have had, they might have destroyed any credibility they have as a cricket opponent. This game might be the last test they ever play, and maybe the last game of any form of the game. Nobody will want to play them at all.

[McMw]

can't wait to see what turns out - if it's as bad as it looks, then Pakistan should be ban from Cricket for xxx number of years...there are plenty of other countries who could take their place on the roster...

it's a real pity, coz Amir is such a good bowler, and at only 18...

[markTHEblake]

If guilty, after all the chances the Paki's have had, they might have destroyed any credibility they have as a cricket opponent.

its worth noting the scandal has nothing to do with match fixing though, its still not healthy for the game but bowling a no ball on queue is far removed from match fixing.

[LarryLong]

Good point there Blakey, and probably what the players themselves would try to say to defend themselves. I think the trouble is that once you start down the road, there is no way to say no because you can't afford to be exposed. A couple of no-balls turns into "get hit for more than 60 runs" quite easily if the pressure ramps up.

It will be a real shame if Amir goes for this though. He could be anything.

Seems like this stuff is almost a cultural thing in the Pakistan team these days. Pakistan need to find a captain that is absolutely against match-fixing and spot-fixing, appoint him for two years regardless of form and tell him he can do whatever he likes to stamp out this stuff.

I remember Uahmad had some veiled stuff to say about this sort of thing being rampant in the Pakistani team - I wonder what he knows about this one?

[Yossarian]

its worth noting the scandal has nothing to do with match fixing though, its still not healthy for the game but bowling a no ball on queue is far removed from match fixing.

Yes it does.

[Pieface]

its worth noting the scandal has nothing to do with match fixing though, its still not healthy for the game but bowling a no ball on queue is far removed from match fixing.


Seriously?

Makes you wonder how bad Australia are when the paki's are taking $$ to bowl no balls and we still lose :lol:

[3oneday]

So did they also bet on the 4 dropped catches in the SCG Test ? Seriously, is betting that out of control that they are betting when a no ball will be bowled ? How could the person taking that bet not think he's being stitched up ?

[WBennett]

3OD

Indian and Pakistani bookmakers bet on brackets - how many wides in a 10 over period, how many no-balls etc.

You couldn't imagine that there would be huge amounts on each bet, but I spose Betfair would allow you to put an amount on and go from there. Anyone can play bookie on Betfair so a sting might burn thousands of small bookies.

[TheNuclearOne]

So did they also bet on the 4 dropped catches in the SCG Test ? Seriously, is betting that out of control that they are betting when a no ball will be bowled ? How could the person taking that bet not think he's being stitched up ?

Rumours abound they simply threw the test. Between the dropped catches etc and field positioning the jury is now well on the way to a verdict. Apparently Cricket Oz didn't want anything to do with it.

[Yossarian]

They have the guy on tape saying he rigged the Sydney Test as well. That could just be bluster but who knows.

[TheNuclearOne]

They have the guy on tape saying he rigged the Sydney Test as well. That could just be bluster but who knows.

Watching the end stages it would be hard to dismiss him.

[Yossarian]

Was Hussey not out at the end of it? If so he should have two ** next to that ton!

[markTHEblake]

Indian and Pakistani bookmakers bet on brackets - how many wides in a 10 over period, how many no-balls etc.

It gets more precise than that, they organise bets that the 1st ball of the 6th over will be a no ball - for example.


Rumours abound they simply threw the test.

That is very unlikely that they did so due to match fixing (it would be nigh on impossible to bribe every player) they may well have thrown the test cos their heart was'nt in it. I beleive there was an incident at one point where it seemed unlikely to go out onto the field (again).

Not to mention the poms did a fine job themselves of trying to lose the test apart from two batsmen, one of which is a bowler.

[TheNuclearOne]

That is very unlikely that they did so due to match fixing (it would be nigh on impossible to bribe every player) they may well have thrown the test cos their heart was'nt in it. I beleive there was an incident at one point where it seemed unlikely to go out onto the field (again).

Not to mention the poms did a fine job themselves of trying to lose the test apart from two batsmen, one of which is a bowler.

You've got a guy who just got busted claiming he made $1.3mil on the Sydney test and he's supposedly got at least 4 key players puppeteering for him. One of these happened to drop 4 catches in the Sydney test. Allied to this is the fact Majeed was with the players (and in their hotel rooms) at various stages on the Australian tour.

I am going to sit back and wait and see what exactly is uncovered but i reckon the odds the Paks threw the Sydney test are a lot stronger than "highly unlikely". Hopefully time will tell Blakey.

[Yossarian]

I think MtB is talking about the latest test in England, not the SCG test.

This current incident suggests Butt must be on board as well, unless the bowlers decide amongst themselves who gets the pill!

[markTHEblake]

I think MtB is talking about the latest test in England, not the SCG test.
Yep, my mistake for losiing track of where the thread was at.

Mike Hussey has being interviewed about that Sydney test, he doesnt reckon the Pakis threw it at all. He says the three dropped catches in his favour were impossible to deliberately drop

[Yossarian]

He is right they were that easy they should all have been swallowed.

[markTHEblake]

You've got a guy who just got busted claiming he made $1.3mil on the Sydney test and he's supposedly got at least 4 key players puppeteering for him..


where is you reading this? none of the cricinfo articles say anything along these lines. The only issue on the table at the moment is 3 No Balls in the match just completed.

Mind you, he may well have made the 1.3M on spot fixing not the match result.

[Moe Norman]

Yep, my mistake for losiing track of where the thread was at.

Mike Hussey has being interviewed about that Sydney test, he doesnt reckon the Pakis threw it at all. He says the three dropped catches in his favour were impossible to deliberately drop

he's delusional. There were two regulation chances grassed by the keeper.

How is a catch impossible to deliberately drop?

[markTHEblake]

How is a catch impossible to deliberately drop?

http://www.sportinglife.com/cricket/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=cricket/10/08/30/CRICKET_Pakistan_Australia.html

"It all happens in a split second, the catches off me in particular were all up to the stumps," said Hussey.
"With those sort of catches, they either go in or they don't, I don't think you can try and drop those.

[Yossarian]

There is so little doubt in my mind that the SCG test was fixed in some way. No doubt at all that Akmal grassed those catches on purpose. What Hussey thinks is immaterial.

[TheNuclearOne]

where is you reading this? none of the cricinfo articles say anything along these lines. The only issue on the table at the moment is 3 No Balls in the match just completed.

Mind you, he may well have made the 1.3M on spot fixing not the match result.

http://www.news.com.au/world/fixer-was-in-sydney-when-pakistan-cricketers-fell-to-shocking-defeat/story-e6frfkyi-1225911665525

[Yossarian]

The ex girlfriend of Asif or Aamer is going crazy with info about the Pakistan team throwing games.

[BrisWesty]

Watson makes another ton. Not bad for a makeshift opener who got injured at the drop of a hat. I'm happy to be proven wrong.
Another duck for North. Dear oh dear!

[Yossarian]

Been following it on cricinfo. Dhoni dropped two or three catches. Sharma bowled bulk noballs and had ponting caught on one.

The replay of pontings runout is ugly.

Watson looked very solid aside from being dropped.

Both Hussey, who has no idea where off stump is, and North need to go. Anything would be better surely.

[TheNuclearOne]

Watson makes another ton. Not bad for a makeshift opener who got injured at the drop of a hat. I'm happy to be proven wrong.


Makes an eyebrow raiser out of Warnies concerted call for him to be demoted in the order and more emphasis placed on his bowling over there.

[Yossarian]

Good from Johnson....

[Yossarian]

See above. The guy seems to find wickets despite bowling pump at times.

[Moe Norman]

Watto bowled 6 overs and dropped a sitter at deep mid-wicket.

There is something to the theory that you can't play as an all-rounder and open the batting.

[Yossarian]

He has done suprisingly well at both recently. But it would have to tax your fortitude a little to keep backing up.

[Yossarian]

A couple of the worst LBW's I've seen for awhile. Tomorrow will be a very interesting days cricket.

[3oneday]

Why aren't they using the video appeals thingo any longer ?

[Moe Norman]

all their cameras are at the Commonwealth Games

[Jarro]

Great 5th day for the Aussies, only a couple more wickets left to get now for a win.

India are still 90 odd behind :)

[chappy1970]

8 down now.

[3oneday]

Gees, I was expecting to read that India had already won. I really doubted our bowling attack.

Is Harby out yet ?

[Pieface]

Where's Ziggy? Such a shame he is missing Dougie carving up.

The Aussies need to get the job done now. This is where we have let games get away from us in the past season or two by failing to take the last couple of wickets.

[chappy1970]

If we can get Laxman out, the job could be done. They still need around 60 with 2 wickets in the bank

[Pieface]

Looks like Ponting is doing his best to lose the match as usual...where is Bollinger?

[Sydney Hacker]

Shaping as a fantastic kiss of death there Jarro !

[TheNuclearOne]

LOL! We need a wicket, VERY quickly.

[Pieface]

Bollinger is out with "abdominal stiffness" so he won't be bowling.

The Indians have this sown up thanks to Johnson going for a run a ball. geez that bloke is useless.

[KristianJ]

Put Pup Clarke on to bowl FFS...

[TheNuclearOne]

Bollinger is out with "abdominal stiffness" so he won't be bowling.

The Indians have this sown up thanks to Johnson going for a run a ball. geez that bloke is useless.

He's bowled 15 overs for 44 this innings. How is that a run a ball? He nabbed 5-64 off 20 overs in the first dig :roll:

[3oneday]

Gees, I was expecting to read that India had already won. I really doubted our bowling attack.


Like I said :lol:

[TheNuclearOne]

Like I said :lol:

Keep talking, you bring us luck lmao.

Tied test anyone?

[Pieface]

Cric info keeps spazzing out.

He went for 14 in his first two overs after lunch TNO. That was what i was specifically referring to.

I am just dark because it looks like we haven't addressed the inability to finish the job , Johnson is supposed to be the man so it is frustrating when he doesn't step up :)

[McMw]

wonder how many were actually concentrating on their work (I wasn't)
I was on cricinfo site, and they must have suffered a meltdown - can't get updates... ahahahaha

anywayz - seems like Aus won...woo hoo...

[Pieface]

I think i saw Hilf get Sharma just after drinks but I can't get anything after drinks up now. Cric info is cactus

[KristianJ]

OPSM should sponsor the umpires. Some **** ups of almighty proportions in this Test.

[McMw]

woops...
looks like play is still going on...

who would have though foxsports.com.au would be better...

9-210
Laxman on 73
Ohja on 1

and Johnson just gave Ohja a 4... :(

[McMw]

and 2 leg byes off Johnson gives India the win...damnit!!!

[Pieface]

See above posts about Johnson being a dud.

EDIT

Looks like it wasn't all Mitch's fault with over throws for the preceding 4 runs.

[Jarro]

I can't believe we lost that.

Disgraceful umpiring to not give the tailender out to Johnson at the death there ... he was deadset plumb in front !!!!!

[Pieface]

Making up for Sharma's dismissal perhaps. Sounds like it was going down leg frm the commentary.

Good call from Kristian. The Umipres haven't had a good test.

[Sydney Hacker]

See above posts about Johnson being a dud.

EDIT

Looks like it wasn't all Mitch's fault with over throws for the preceding 4 runs.

Good to see you were actually watching the stuff you were commentating on :roll:

[Sydney Hacker]

I can't believe we lost that.

Disgraceful umpiring to not give the tailender out to Johnson at the death there ... he was deadset plumb in front !!!!!

And Sharma wasn't out 10 minutes earlier...

[markTHEblake]

Cric info keeps spazzing out.

I took that as a good indicator that India was in front.

[AndyP]

Australia wins, North survives.

What will their excuse for not dropping him be this time?

[Webster]

Whilst the end was exciting, its a pity the game was ruined by continual umpiring errors. Both umpires should never officiate at Test level again. And where was the referral system that would have solved most, if not all of these appalling blunders? It should be mandatory for all Tests.

[KristianJ]

Whilst the end was exciting, its a pity the game was ruined by continual umpiring errors. Both umpires should never officiate at Test level again. And where was the referral system that would have solved most, if not all of these appalling blunders? It should be mandatory for all Tests.

Totally agree. After the Gambhir debacle and the 2 today, ICC should just make a decision to bring it in.

Plus I read somewhere about Billy Bowden "officiating" during Australia's net sessions, which is rather puzzling.

[McMw]

Whilst the end was exciting, its a pity the game was ruined by continual umpiring errors. Both umpires should never officiate at Test level again. And where was the referral system that would have solved most, if not all of these appalling blunders? It should be mandatory for all Tests.

there's a good article on this on the CricInfo website, but you'll prob need to check back in when the Indians have stopped posting comments, which might be about 6 hours from now???

[3oneday]

Pleased we didn't win, that bloke at the opposite end to Billy is ****en useless.

[Pieface]

Good to see you were actually watching the stuff you were commentating on :roll:

Johnson is still a dud. Next time I'll remember not to retract my statements when I am proven to have gone off half cocked :)

Leg byes to lose a test match is the sign of a bloke who is good under pressure after all...

[Yossarian]

Yeah that 5 fa in the first dig was dud like.

I think bollinger averaged more runs an over as well.

Hussey and North both really need to go.

[Grunt]

Referral system was killed off by the Indians, both teams have to agree on it's implementation for each series. It is like a local rule for each series.

[Sydney Hacker]

Johnson is still a dud. Next time I'll remember not to retract my statements when I am proven to have gone off half cocked :)

Leg byes to lose a test match is the sign of a bloke who is good under pressure after all...

I'm not a huge Johnson fan but to say he bowled poorly in this test is a crock of s**t. If you want someone to blame for losing the test I think you should look at the batting order at little closer.

[3oneday]

Yeah, he got 5 for when they got 400 and 0 for when they get 200. Figure that one out. Maybe he has pressure issues but Watson was bowling at the pads as well.

When the pressure comes on Johnson seems unable to hit the bat, in my humble opinion :)

[Sydney Hacker]

It will be interesting to see what they do with Watson in the next year or so. They can't afford to drop him down the order, unless another opener puts his hand up and scores some decent runs, but they probably need his bowling each match at the moment also.

It would be a hard ask to get him to open the batting in India and bowl a decent amount of overs also.

Our middle order contributed a whole 73 runs in this match though, and we ain't going to win games if that continues!

[3oneday]

They've been a weakness for a while, but who do they bring in ?

[macjackass]

They've been a weakness for a while, but who do they bring in ?

Odds on it'll be someone from NSW and not anyone form Victoria.

[Sydney Hacker]

They've been a weakness for a while, but who do they bring in ?

Who ever is playing for NSW at the moment ?

[Sydney Hacker]

I think a lot of people are hanging their hopes on Callum Ferguson coming back strong from his knee injury, but he has only averaged 35 throughout his first class career so I'm not sure he is the answer.

There seems a big push to get Smith into the test team, but from what I have seen he is not exactly a traditional or strong middle order batsman.

[3oneday]

Odds on it'll be someone from NSW and not anyone form Victoria.


Who ever is playing for NSW at the moment ?

Paranoia much ?


:p

[macjackass]

Paranoia much ?


:p

Are you saying that's not what normally happens?

[Yossarian]

I think it is time for Hughes to come back. Katich, Watson or Hughes don't HAVE to open. Can't be any worse than what 5 and 6 are giving us atm.

[3oneday]

Are you saying that's not what normally happens?

not sure I care enough to argue the point :) Who does Watson play for these days anyway ?

[Sydney Hacker]

I think it is time for Hughes to come back. Katich, Watson or Hughes don't HAVE to open. Can't be any worse than what 5 and 6 are giving us atm.

What has Hughes done to work on his problems ? I would rather go for a more "solid" opener who may not score as quickly but will get us off to a decent start more often then not.

[macjackass]

not sure I care enough to argue the point :) Who does Watson play for these days anyway ?

That's code for: You're dead on, I just don't want to admit it. ;)

[3oneday]

No, we just have better cricketers, and cricketers who want to come and play for us.

[macjackass]

No, we just have better cricketers, and cricketers who want to come and play for us.

So they can get in the test team.

[3oneday]

Still don't care...


<<------- :smt098

[macjackass]

Still don't care...


<<------- :smt098

Nice avatar change. Hit them yet?

[3oneday]

Arrive next week, still deciding whether to use USPS or UPS.

[macjackass]

Arrive next week, still deciding whether to use USPS or UPS.

UPS, the sooner you get 'em the sooner you can sell 'em :mrgreen:

Hoping my r9's arrive today.