Your Squad For Sri Lanka

Johnson#26 · Joined: 18 Dec 2003

I know its early but on current form, who would you take to Sri Lanka? My squad would be:
1: Hayden
2: Langer
3: Ponting (c)
4: Lehmann (vc)
5: Katich
6: Clarke
7: Gilchrist
8: Warne
9: Lee
10: Gilespie
11: McGrath
12: Bichel
13: Bracken
14: Love
15: MacGill

Will Warne tour? Will they play 2 spinners? I think they will take Bracken ahead of Williams and Noffkie because in last years VB series, Bracken seemed to trouble the Sri Lanken batsmen more then Williams and Noffkie. I also think it is time to bit the bullet and play Clarke in Tuggas position. What are your thoughs?

JLC · Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2003 10:13 am

Yeah take MacGill and when he gets spanked to every corner of Colombo his International career will be over.

You need to take Bichel as he is a good "team man" a bit like Matty Francis.

Dunno if Lehaman will be fit by then but the duty free ciggies he will be able to buy will be a big incentive for him to get fit to travel. Ditto for Warnie.

This tour will be a big test for Gilchrist & Ponting against Murali and i think Langer may reach make or break time in his career not for the first time.

Taking Warne, McGrath and Gillespie all who are coming back from injury may be a big risk??

jlc

Johnson#26 · Joined: 18 Dec 2003

If we did take Warne and MacGill and Warne broke down again, who would you call in as a back up. I beleive Hogg would get the call up as he has had some good form against the Sri Lankens in the past.

JLC · Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2003 10:21 am

Yup i would even consider playing Hogg against India as its something different to have a left arm chinaman bowler.

jlc

Johnson#26 · Joined: 18 Dec 2003

quote="JLC"]Yup i would even consider playing Hogg against India as its something different to have a left arm chinaman bowler.

jlc[/quote]

It would be worth a try but however, don't forget that when we played India in November Hogg copped a fair wacking with the ball and was even dropped for the final! But prehaps on Australian soil he will trouble the batsman more then on the sub-continant.

JLC · Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2003 10:29 am

Spinning wise we dont have many options......MacGill had his chance.......Hogg can also bat quite well which is a bonus and is a better fielder.

jlc

Johnson#26 · Joined: 18 Dec 2003

JLC said: Spinning wise we dont have many options

Good Point - Does Cam White spin the ball much, or is he more flight and drift.

Donny · Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2003 10:33 am

"Taking Warne, McGrath and Gillespie all who are coming back from injury may be a big risk??"

What's the risk ? It's not a WC squad, JLC.

Sri Lanka is only a few hours away.

JLC · Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2003 10:37 am

The risk that they break down like in the last test and you are one or two bowlers short for the game.

A player is then flown over and is thrown into the deep end straight away.

Not only that i would be keeping McGrath in cotton wool until he is 100% better and the same goes for Gilesppie. Playing them half fit will do them no favours.

jlc

Johnson#26 · Joined: 18 Dec 2003

Speaking of spinners, who are your top five or six spinners in Australia?
Mine are:
1: Warne
Daylight
2: Hogg
3: MacGill
4: White
5: Hauritz
6: Dohardy
What ever happened to Brad Young?

JLC · Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2003 10:42 am

Mark Waugh was handy as he seemed to have the knack of taking a wicket when needed with his spinners.

Yeah Warne is the best and Cam White would have the most potential i would guess.

jlc

Johnson#26 · Joined: 18 Dec 2003

Yes, Mark Waugh was a great 'partnership braker'. Who is his replacement in the 'partnership braker' role? Lehmann? Katich? How come Ricky Ponting doesn't bowl much any-more? Sad

He used to be a useful 'containing' bowler

Donny · Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2003 11:13 am

If the squad is to be 15, we're looking at a Test XI and 4 reserves. As it isn't a long tour, we don't need a reserve 'keeper.

No 'half fit' players will go and as this tour is a few weeks away, I'm picking my squad on the assumption all players are fit.

Hayden, Langer, Ponting, Martyn, Lehmann, Katich, Gilchrist, McGrath, Lee, Gillespie and Warne all pick themselves.

1 spare batsman from Love, Hodge and Clarke will go. Love's disadvantage is he doesn't bowl whereas the other 2 do, albeit as part timers.

There's one spot for another quick and that's anyone's guess with Bichel, Williams, Bracken and 5 or 6 others in line.

So, 2 spinners ? MacGill's bowling in the last two Tests will probably seal his fate, one way or the other. If he doesn't go, I'd select White and in answer to Johnno's query: No, he's not a big spinner of the ball but has much better control than MacGilla. Bowls a good toppy.

If we take 2 leggies, the other spot will go to Hogg or Hauritz who both spin into the right handers.

Johnno, Who the hell is Dohardy ?

JLC · Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2003 11:19 am

Yeah i think thats pretty spot on.......only query Hodge as i think the selectors are relunctant to pick him. Would be rapt to see him go though and be given a chance.

jlc

Johnson#26 · Joined: 18 Dec 2003

Sorry MAGFAN8, I ment Xavier Doherty from Tasmania Laughing

My mistake!

Thanks for the info on Cam White. What do you think of Kasprowitz's chances? He can play the role of a poor mans McGrath, holding up one end.
P.S: When does Murrey Goodwin become avalible for selection? Do you think that Shane Watson will tour SL for the one-dayers?