The difference between Smith & Beer for mine is that Beer basically got in because Warne gave him a wrap in the media.
Smith was just another 'prospect' from NSW who was seemingly handed a spot in all formats despite being pretty green.
This ending is pathetic from Australia. If we actually manage to win this, which ridiculously we may not now we will be no 1 ranking... How ludicrous is that this team isn't even close.
Embarrassing
I disagree. We have more fast bowling depth than any other side in world cricket, we usually bat to 10 or 11 and unlike our test team, can win anywhere in the world. We just won a series in the UAE remember. Us and India are neck a neck at the top as the rankings actually show and then SA, SL, Pakistan and NZ fight it out on the next rung below. Last night we switched off but still got it done even if horribly, that is a sign of a world class team.
I disagree. We have more fast bowling depth than any other side in world cricket, we usually bat to 10 or 11 and unlike our test team, can win anywhere in the world. We just won a series in the UAE remember. Us and India are neck a neck at the top as the rankings actually show and then SA, SL, Pakistan and NZ fight it out on the next rung below. Last night we switched off but still got it done even if horribly, that is a sign of a world class team.
I agree. anything but a full strength side. with Steve Smith bunting and edging his way to 67 and a wining position.
I disagree. We have more fast bowling depth than any other side in world cricket, we usually bat to 10 or 11 and unlike our test team, can win anywhere in the world. We just won a series in the UAE remember. Us and India are neck a neck at the top as the rankings actually show and then SA, SL, Pakistan and NZ fight it out on the next rung below. Last night we switched off but still got it done even if horribly, that is a sign of a world class team.
Beer is a perfect example that disproves that theory that NSW players are favoured by selectors. Was a selection out of nowhere but at least he played ok.
Agree with Sproj. Look at how poor South Africa's batting depth is. Only India rival us and our quicks are better.
That said we do have some big weaknesses. Namely our batsman just try to hit everything for six. Nobody ever just seems to want to hit singles and be not out on 50 at the end anymore.
You are probably right but I don't think it can be entirely down to that. Hussey was a good T20 player but at ODI level always seemed to be able to adapt. He could go big at the end of an innings batting first or just control the game if chasing a target.
People like Maxwell just have no adaptability which is a shame as I think he has enormous talent. Hopefully like Roy he can eventually come good with it.
I had the misfortune of attending Michael Beer's debut on day 3, when Cook took us apart, and we couldn't take a wicket for nearly two whole sessions. Also, 2 out every 3 supporters were Poms!
To this day I have no idea what the selectors or Warne saw in him, but to be fair, I think anyone would have been carted around that day.
According to cricinfo, he was actually pretty economical, but I remember that he could not turn the ball at all.
Also, apparently that was MJ Clarke's first match as captain.
When you look at this current SA squad, beating them looks a daunting task. So many have hurt us in the past. Amala, Abdv. Faf , steyn and morks. They seem to be able to find a way to lose every game at the moment.