THE BIG 5: Five questions after the Chappell Hadlee
5: If Matthew Hayden can’t make it to the Caribbean, what are the options?
Phil Jaques has been out of touch all summer and looked like he was playing Shane Bond with a pretzel. Brad Haddin delivered a couple of solid innings across the Tasman, but his style is a perennial risk and he remains relatively unproven at this level. Shane Watson performed nicely at the top in the dead rubber, although he maintains a general air of uncertainty. With Gilchrist back home playing daddy, there is a very real chance that Australia will kick off the campaign with Haddin and Watson walking out to the middle. Staggering.
The suggestion: Michael Clarke open to give the top stability and play ying to Gilchrist’s (or Haddin’s) yang. That could leave Hussey at four, with Cameron White the replacement for Hayden, giving hitting variety in the middle.
The prediction: Watson will be given the spot, with Jaques to be fifteenth man.
4: Who can be entrusted to bowl Australia’s final overs?
Nathan Bracken had one end locked down, then with 7 needed off the final over of game three, coughed up 6 off the first ball. Game over. Tait was better than adequate but always looks one ball away from a meltdown. McGrath, Johnson and Watson have all taken various hidings in the latter overs this summer The suggestion: Lee is a death over specialist. He’s fine. Bracken may have mucked up but is still the best option at the other end. He just needs to vary his length as his obsession with yorkers can bite him. If Lee is out then McGrath is the necessary evil. Johnson meantime should be extricated to a West Indian beach anytime Australia plays. His inconsistent line and consistent half volley length is not for now, and only maybe the future. A wasted selection.
The prediction: Same. (Expect Johnson will probably take 6 for 19 against The Netherlands)
3. Will Mike Hussey ever be allowed to captain Australian again?
The suggestion: No.
The prediction: Same.
2. Was Gilchrist right in questioning the timing of the series?
He was being honest and what’s wrong with that? There will be the usual moaning about ungrateful cricketers being paid colossal dollars, but the reality is they’re tired. A summer which has entailed the champions trophy, five tests in seven weeks, followed by 10 one dayers in a month. No wonder they want a rest. Would you rather a fresh bunch of winners, or what we’ve been served in the last fortnight?
The Chappell Hadlee series is fledgling event, but surely they could have done without it in a World Cup year.
1. Three weeks away from Australia’s first cup match, can they possibly turn this around?
That’s the big question
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1. Well i hope Haydens career is over
2. Clarke will not play anymore good cricket til he gets rid of bingle.
3. Mcgrath as much as i like him stuart clark should be as he bowls thee same yet he can bat also.
4. Get rid of hogg and put in white they r as expensive as each other but at least he scores his back.
Hovi out.
5. It really only comes down to one Man (Michael Clarke). I despise Aaron Baddley, but I would rather see him taken on the tour, over him. I’m sick to death of seeing the idiot practising his shots, between every bowl, Seriously 6 air swings an over is enough practise Michael.
5. It really only comes down to one Man (Michael Clarke). I despise Aaron Baddley, but I would rather see him taken on the tour, at least he can hit something. I’m sick to death of seeing the idiot practising his shots, between every bowl, Seriously 6 air swings an over is enough practise Michael.
5. Hayden is going to the caribbean - same oppening combo as last WC
4. Gotta trust the form bowler of the summer - pick Clark.
3. I like Hussey, but his field placements and bowling choices left a lot to be desired … does this mean that Michael Clarke will be the next Aussie captain after Ponting?
2. Yes - Gilly always plays a straight bat.
1. no doubt they will win the tornament - they’ve just been foxing…