Andrew Bichel Gone for Good?

[The Prototype]

From what was being said by Ian Healy, and Richie Beneud that Bichel could be out of the Aussie team for good. And that Kasprowicz would be the likely replacement, they were saying that the Australian Selectors were looking for a player to be in the side for long term. Which I was thinking, if they are looking for someone in the side for long term, how about one of these young bowlers that is coming through? Like say, ShaunTait, or even Damien Wright. Because they would have a few years in them, where as Michael Kasprowicz wouldn't be in the side that long.

[JLC]

Bichel is a good ORDINARY player with heavy emphasis on the ordinary......lol

I don't think Kasprowicz is much of a long term option either. Ideally they should take a rookie or two on the tour of Sri Lanka and try and increase their learning curve. I would either take one of the two SA quicks in Cleary or Tait and/or one of the Victorian fast bowlers and give them a tour of the sub contient to teach them how to bowl on wickets that wont necessarily favour them etc.


jlc

[The Prototype]

I was thinking that it would be a good idea to try and get some of these younger players into the mix, for when McGrath, Gillespie, and Warne retire from International cricket. I don't think Kasprowicz is really upto playing International cricket, I haven't seen much of him for awhile. But I agree, throw in one of the younger players, which would be a better choice. And would last longer then Kasprowicz or Bichel could at this time in their careers.

[commonwombat]

Bichel has always been a good hardworking tradesman of a bowler, just that little bit of real intl class. Kasprowicz is of similar vintage and has had a similar sort of intl career, often on the fringe but never assured of any length of time in the side. Neither can be classed as long term options.

Of the younger quicks picked in the Australia A match in Hobart, Tait impressed far more than Cleary or Wright and looks a wicket-taker though may be likely to go for plenty.

Williams has arguably bowled quicker and with more hostility and confidence in the one-dayers than in the Tests and these should earn him a longer period in the natl side. He impressed far more than Bracken who does not look up to intl class. Inness looks the most likely left hand option and should earn a trial either on this tour or A team next season.

[Donny]

Yeah, Tait was more impressive considering Cleary didn't play.

[Nova Kaine]

What's wrong with having both Tait and Wright in the side? Both will be good for Australia once they get some matches under their belts.

[Johnson#26]

No Way!! Bic will bounce back like he always does! Whenever he is dumped or gets a set back, he always comes back better then before. Don't forget that 7/20 vs England in the World Cup!

[commonwombat]

My humblest apologies Donny, I meant Rofe.

Bowlers such as Nicholson and Noffke are certainly in the equation but it may be curious to see as to how far the selectors may go with blooding youth. It may well be that they pick one later 20's option (N1 or N2) and either Tait or Inness.

[Donny]

I reckon Bic is gone for good. He'll only be recalled if needed to cover for injuries.

Of the next tier quickies - after Gillespie, Williams, Lee , Harvey and Kaspa - and bearing in mind McGrath and Bracken are out injured, Rofe is the one who keeps improving.

Tait has shown potential and Noffke and Wright are steady without crashing through batting lineups. Nicho hasn't done a lot since his excellent bowling in the Hobart match for Oz A and Inness turned in a good performance in his first game back for the Bushies, this week against the Redbacks.

It's a bit early for Allan Wise but he's really impressed in only 6 first class games with 24 wickets @ 22 including 5 wicket hauls, twice.

The only thing stopping a mountainous first innings by the Vics was Paul Rofe, who took the first 5 wickets and finished with 7/66, clearly outperforming Tait.

Then you have your state team 'workhorses' who aren't really in the picture. Such as Dawes, Clark, Lewis, Wilson, Denton etc

[JLC]

How many state games did Warne and McGrath play before making their debuts?

I think the tiers and where players fit depend on whether we are talking about 1 day or test cricket??

Bichel will no doubt be recalled under the horses for courses "GABBA" policy next summer in the first test against whoever we play.....lol

jlc

[Donny]

Not sure of the number, JLC, but it wouldn't have been many.

Warney was at the Academy in 1990, debuted for Victoria in '90 and for Australia the following season.

Much the same for Pigeon. Academy 1992 & '83, debuted for NSW in '92 and for Australia in '93/'94.

[commonwombat]

There's nobody who's really standing out from the pack and shouting "select me", rather a field of honest tradesmen and some who fit into the could be category.

Pigeon must have been the youngest ever scholarship holder if he was there in 83, Donny, if it wasindedd open. Oh that must have been the Narrabri Specialist Batting Academy and he was their star pupil.

[Donny]

Haha, wombat, good one. I'm delighted someone actually READS my posts, even the details !!

Obviously he tried to be a batsmam for the first 10 years, and has been trying ever since, before someone suggested he try bowling.

[commonwombat]

Considering his current physical condition and stage of career, may one suggest that his long term bowling future may still be in whites but on the greens rather than a cricket pitch.

Not sure how the ladies may take to the sledging though !! Swear jar, Glenn !!

[JLC]

I did suggest a while ago that McGrath has one season maybe two at the most left in his body.

jlc