Your Squad For Sri Lanka

[JLC]

Rumours are that Bichels is a one way ticket ??

jlc

[commonwombat]

What a laugh JLC with your NSW publicity machine theory. We await with bated breath to hear your next fantasy.

Which will it be ?? The dreaded NSW pollies in Canberra will join forces and deprive Victorians of their human rights; the Australian cricket team is selected in the sports depts of Sydney newspapers and TV stations.

I know for a fact that GRJ Matthews will be absolutely chuffed. There is actually one person in this country who takes any notice of him, your good self.

[Donny]

Johnno, what are we looking at here ? The Test squad or the ODI squad ?

[JLC]

[commonwombat]

Not a bad touring side Johnno.

My only variations are as follows:

Lehmann out, can't justify his automatic reinclusion. Love has his position. Where you had Love lower in the touring party, will agree with yr option of Mike Hussey.

With McGrath unfit Williams has done enough to earn his slot. Instead of Bracken, I would give Inness his opening. You had subbed McGill with Hogg. May be tempted to give White a run instead though it may be abaptism of fire if he gets a run in a major game.

See, JLC 3 Vics in my touring party and how many NSW ???

[Johnson#26]

[JLC]

If only that was the touring party that will be selected. Somehow i dont think it will be.

Hohns will pick MacGill and it wouldnt surprise me if they snub Warne altogether. It would be good if White was given a chance but they could go for Hauritz the young guy from QLD they seem to like.

I definately agree about Lehmann. He has done nothing so far to warrant his inclusion. Love would be a good selection as he would make a good first slipper.

jlc

[Donny]

Er, Johnno, you can see where I'm coming from ? How about an answer.

I'd be happy to submit either or both squads but it's your topic.

[commonwombat]

The 2 previous captains WERE from NSW, granted but where were any realistic alternatives ?? For Taylor there was none and Warne was the only other possibility to Steve Waugh and frankly Warney's lifestyle and mentality would not have cut it as captain.

GRJ Matthews lives in a world of advanced self delusion (as to his own abilities, true merits of his cricketing career and the intelligence or lack thereof of his opinions) and is frankly disregarded and ignored by most cricketing circles and media outlets. It is a rare and very slow news day when they have to sloop as low as him for a braindead rent-a-quote.

[Johnson#26]

[Donny]

Test squad. 14 to go.

Hayden
Langer
Ponting
Martyn
Lehmann
Katich
Gilchrist
Warne
Lee
Williams
Gillespie

Plus: MacGill, Love and any one of Rofe, Kasprowicz, Inness, Tait, Noffke or Wright as the reserve quick. Or none of them if McGrath makes it.

Comments:

That's who I think they'll pick. Lehmann's ability against spin and his general leadership experience will be vital with a new Test skipper at the helm.

I think MacGill will go but would love to see Cam White get a cap. Maybe a touch early for him.

If McGrath makes it, the 4 quicks pick themselves.

Love still has the credentials to keep him ahead of Hodge or the Husseys as reserve batsman.

[The Prototype]

[JLC]

I don't think Lehmann will get picked. The funny thing is that there was such debate over Steve Waugh and his retirement etc and him being dropped. However his run scoring was far better than Lehmann prior to the start of this summer. Yet for some reason by virtue of default Lehmann is suddenly considered a walk up start. It must be a bit disheartening for some of the Pura Cup batsman actually in form. Stuart Law is probably wishing he had that sort of "luck" when he was looking for a spot in the team.

jlc

[Donny]

As for the one day squad, that will be selected in the next few days. 15 will go.

It will be the present XI

Hayden
Gilchrist
Ponting
Martyn
Symonds
Clarke
Katich
Harvey
Lee
Williams
Gillespie

Plus: Hogg, Kasprowicz, M Hussey and the last spot will depend on whether they want a spinner (White or Hauritz), another quick (Rofe, Bracken or Tait) or another batsman (Hodge or D Hussey)

[JLC]

Yes i agee that this will be the 11 that they start with. The other choices seem logical to make up the squad but you never know with the Aussie selectors.

jlc