God help me - the Test Cricket thread

[Professer E]

We aren't tracking well either EB.  The new selection panel will probably be swayed by public opinion and pick that hack Khawaja to partner Warner.... Oh look,  2/13 off 4 again.

[ElwoodBlues1]

We aren't tracking well either EB.  The new selection panel will probably be swayed by public opinion and pick that hack Khawaja to partner Warner.... Oh look,  2/13 off 4 again.

Ian Healy wants Khawaja back in.. I'm like you and think it's a mistake and not looking at the future..

[capcom]

Ian Healy wants Khawaja back in.. I'm like you and think it's a mistake and not looking at the future..

Khawaja offers nothing and never has.

[LP]

Khawaja is not a bad accumulator, better suited to test cricket than ODI or T20, but it's a backwards move because there is plenty of youthful talent in the offerings and they are a level above Khawaja in the field.

Like AFL past players, the cricket old boys network has far too much say, and they always favour the incumbents unless the potential replacement is their son or nephew!

I feel sorry for Khawaja, not for now but historically, it takes far too long to deliver guys like him an opportunity, and if you play for the wrong state you might not get an opportunity at all!

Meanwhile, the usual welded on underperformers persist, even in T20!

[ElwoodBlues1]

Will Pucovski is the young man to open with Warner but with his concussion issues its going to be problematic for him to overcome given every quick he faces will be serving him up short stuff every over and it only takes one to land on the helmet and he will be missing games. Lucky England dont have Archer and only have the pacy Wood who himself cant stay on the park, the rest of their attack are seam and swing bowlers who wont present the same problems.
Not a real fan of Harris either, he is ok vs the B grade bowlers but vs the decent quicks isnt going to last long at the wicket.
Paine has the keeping job for this series but after that we may need a new keeper bat, been some love for Carey and the Josh's Inglis and Phillipe but I think the smokey for the job is Jimmy Peirson. My preference is Inglis.....better bat IMO but I reckon if Inglis makes runs this summer he may be get a test call up as a batsman only player even as an opener.

[LP]

Will Pucovski is the young man to open with Warner but with his concussion issues its going to be problematic for him to overcome given every quick he faces will be serving him up short stuff every over and it only takes one to land on the helmet and he will be missing games. Lucky England dont have Archer and only have the pacy Wood who himself cant stay on the park, the rest of their attack are seam and swing bowlers who wont present the same problems.
Not a real fan of Harris either, he is ok vs the B grade bowlers but vs the decent quicks isnt going to last long at the wicket.
Paine has the keeping job for this series but after that we may need a new keeper bat, been some love for Carey and the Josh's Inglis and Phillipe but I think the smokey for the job is Jimmy Peirson. My preference is Inglis.....better bat IMO but I reckon if Inglis makes runs this summer he may be get a test call up as a batsman only player even as an opener.

Agree with most of that.

I find it quite hard to get a bearing on many players now, they play so much short form cricket it screws up their technique be it batting or bowling, too much T20 and ODI rubbish.

Personally, I'd be happy if the ICC made a rule that for International T20 or ODI the team had to come from players named or previously named in Test Squads. I realise it would kybosh some of the teenage sensations, but to me it's more about what is good for the sport and discouraging players just chasing the dollars no matter how remote the chance! Cricket is not Baseball, I've never been a fan of Tait types or even at times Starc or , I don't want guys who play 75% rubbish cricket for 25% highlights! Imagine how well placed Australia would be if guys like Maxwell had got the long form right, I mean he could have been Australia's version of Viv Richards!

[capcom]

I will not watch anything other than Test Cricket ... you can jam the rest.  5 Cent entertainment for the masses

[dodge]

Can't believe you didn't watch Oman v PNG the other night,  Cap!

[ElwoodBlues1]

South African cricket still stuck in the past with regards white v black and the present team seem as divided as ever from the pictures I saw. Star Keeper/batsman DeKock withdraw from the Windies game after refusing to drop to one knee as part of the fight against racism initiative which I think was started by Michael Holding. Several of his teammates who did play also didnt do the knee and either stood there or raised a fist and its clear the Saffies are not a united team.
I know the quota system hasnt worked and SA have dropped down the rankings as a cricket power but DeKock's stance is a big negative on turning things around and even if he doesnt agree on the principles he needs to do it for the team.
Cant see how they can select him for any future tours or games.....

[capcom]

Very contentious decision, but not understanding the principles behind it, hard to make a call.  On balance, I think maybe he should have.  Equally, I can see why not.