REST MCGRATH AND GILESSPIE ??

JLC · Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2002 8:43 am

I think it would be a wise idea to rest both fast bowlers for the final test and let them freshen up for the World cup!! Gilesppie looked dead on his feet and we need him fit and healthy for when the world cup rolls around.

It would be a good opportunity for Brett Lee to assume the responsibility and lead the bowling attack. This could be an important step in his career. Its a lot tougher when you dont have Gilesppie and McGrath and maybe Lee would thrive on this challenge.

Give Andy Bichel or Bracken a game and see if they are up to it.

jlc

Essendon 2000 premiers
2001 runners up
2002 fifth
2003 ????
The slide continues

[This message has been edited by JLC (edited 30 December 2002).]

Donny · Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2002 8:54 am

Interesting indeed. McGrath and Dizzy did look stuffed towards the end of the fourth day.

The Sydney bowling attack could well be Lee, Bichel, MacGill and Hogg!! Don't laugh. Hogg has already been added to the 5th. Test squad.

Donny.

GO THE MIGHTY WOODSMEN !! ALL THE WAY IN 2003 AND BEYOND !!!!

Donny · Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2002 9:32 am

Yeah, m8. If McGrath and Dizzy don't play and they decide against two spinners, Brad Williams will play.

Donny.

GO THE MIGHTY WOODSMEN !! ALL THE WAY IN 2003 AND BEYOND !!!!

gobbles21 · Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2002 12:28 pm

Stuart Clark or Ashley Nofke may even get a match. They were the other two in the Aus A 3 day match. Clarke was actually given the new ball ahead of Williams, so don't be suprised if he would be selected ahead of Williams. Although Williams seems the likely choice.

I agree with the idea, but I doubt that it will happen. If they were going to rest them they wouldn't have named them in the squad.

Fradam · Joined: 21 Jun 1999 Location: Bendigo, Victoria

Nobody has been dropped for the Sydney test, however Brad Hogg has been added to the squad

Fradam Wrote This

JLC · Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2002 1:53 pm

I cannot believe that they wont rest Gilesppie. Gilesppie has a history of injuries and surely the wise thing to do would be to let him rest up. With Warne in doubt for World Cup they can't afford another injury to a player of Gillesppies class. Personally i would play two spinners like Hogg or whoever and rest Dizzy

jlc

Essendon 2000 premiers
2001 runners up
2002 fifth
2003 ????
The slide continues

Fradam · Joined: 21 Jun 1999 Location: Bendigo, Victoria

If McGrath isn't fit and you rest Dizzy then you have a bwling line up of Lee, Bichell, MacGill and Hogg. It doesn't reek of depth.

I think we're gonna be in trouble when Warne and McGrath retire.

Fradam Wrote This

gobbles21 · Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2003 7:59 am

McGrath is out with a side strain ending his run of 54 consecutive tests. This will be a test for the Australian team. They have not played without McGrath for 54 tests, so will the attack be affected by this or can Gillespie (if fit), Lee, Bichel and Williams sufficiantly cover for him. MacGill and Hogg (if selected) will have to step up and play a big roll as well.

JLC · Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2003 7:45 pm

Well lets face it England have had to cope with injuries. Sure they arnt superstars like Warne or McGrath but it shows how a few injuries can affect your team.

This is Bichels big oportunity to play the game of his life and show the selectors that he deserves to be a permanent part of the Australian team.

jlc

Essendon 2000 premiers
2001 runners up
2002 fifth
2003 ????
The slide continues