God help me - the Test Cricket thread

[ElwoodBlues1]

I'm not so worried about Carey's first class average. Often they can be lower. There's often reasons for that. They come in young, pitches are made for 4 days instead of 5 etc. I more look at current form. Michael Clarke only had an average of 34 when he played his first Test. We knew he was ready though. I look at current form more than anything.  Starc would have to improve alot. That was a very poor, series losing season for him. Jhye Richardson is the best of the bowlers outside of the one's in the side and he would be my first choice.

I'm a big believer in leadership and often the sides plays in the mould of the captain. Hence no way I go with Paine. Too many 5th days failure when under pressure. Plus he dropped catches and missed stumping, which cost us the series. Batting ok but he's there for his keeping, which has crashed. Happens at 36yo. Unfortunately for his captaincy too, which was something horrible. He's goes to the retirement.

Lyon is just in.  As you said, wouldn't want to struggle the First Test.

I think Paines batting is inflated by not outs and where he bats, he isnt in the same parish as Pant, DeKock, Butler, Bairstow, Watling etc as a batsman and his keeping which was his forte has dropped off.
I dont mind Richardson but I think Abbott or Neser will start ahead of him as long as Langar/Paine are running the team.
With no Paine I reckon we would go with Cummins as captain which isnt ideal IMO, Ian Chappell wants Warner but that wont happen and Smith is the other option but I wouldnt be returning him in SA as Captain at the scene of the crime.
Interesting that Maxwell and Finch have been told by Victorian cricket they are finished at Shield level too so they wont be returning as test players...Finch might have been an outside chance to captain Australia if he had some form.