Ponting

[m1c]

I'm actually not adverse to keeping Rick in the team. Though predominately due to the lack of an adequate replacement. Bats like Furgeson, Bailey, Marsh etc don't deserve Baggy Greens. I'd much prefer an out of form Ponting, his last ton showed their still may be some fight left in the old dog.

Khawaja maintains his place with Rick sliding down to 5, Huss to 6 and Smith out of the team.

 

[m1c]

Just noticed Watson has been appointed vice. Cricket Australia seem to balls everything up. I think this is a rash move that reeks of panic after realising they're about to oversee a mammoth leadership vacuum. Seems a very 'by default' appointment which does nothing but devalue the post.

Watson is a fine cricketer, but a leader he ain't. This coming from one of his biggest supporters who could see his value even through the times he was much maligned.

Thought they would have gone Haddin. That he wasn't named probably indicates the movement to inject more Paine is gaining momentum.

 

[langer77]

I hope he plays this summer punters last games in australia will be good

 

[Coxy]

Just noticed Watson has been appointed vice. Cricket Australia seem to balls everything up. I think this is a rash move that reeks of panic after realising they're about to oversee a mammoth leadership vacuum. Seems a very 'by default' appointment which does nothing but devalue the post.

Watson is a fine cricketer, but a leader he ain't. This coming from one of his biggest supporters who could see his value even through the times he was much maligned.

Thought they would have gone Haddin. That he wasn't named probably indicates the movement to inject more Paine is gaining momentum.

Yes, strange appointment as vice captain. But apart from Haddin, who else is there? Katich is on the way out. M Hussey is on the way out. Khawaja, Hughes, Smith are yet to establish themselves.

Johnson? Doesn't strike me as a leader at all.

I'd have been inclined to say "There is no set vice captain, it will be judged game by game".

 

[langer77]

i think M hussey will do us good

 

[Bucking Beads]

I don't like the idea of Hussey at 5 and Punter at 6. 6 is for the kid in the side IMO.

 

[m1c]

Only problem is there are no kids..

Lynn is probably the new front runner, yet the selectors have shown their hand by preferring maddinson (av: 35) in the Aus A team.

There are some good prospects coming through, we just need to buy a year or 2 which I think is why hanging on to the oldies is the best solution. Class is permanent, and there isn't a lot around atm.

 

[Bucking Beads]

It is a fair call although Lynn, Finch and maybe Cosgrove are worth a shot right now. If we are serious we need to develop a side for the next Ashes IMO.

 

[Coxy]

Cosgrove needs to shed about 20kg.

 

[Bucking Beads]

Cosgrove needs to shed about 20kg.

So do I but it ain't gonna happen. He can still play with the weight though so he should be given a crack IMO

 

[Coxy]

Cosgrove needs to shed about 20kg.

So do I but it ain't gonna happen. He can still play with the weight though so he should be given a crack IMO

Doesn't fit with the Australian image of sleek, fit, athletic fieldsmen and quick runners between the wickets though.

 

[Bucking Beads]

Cosgrove needs to shed about 20kg.

So do I but it ain't gonna happen. He can still play with the weight though so he should be given a crack IMO

Doesn't fit with the Australian image of sleek, fit, athletic fieldsmen and quick runners between the wickets though.

I know this but he has the talent, Mark Taylor and Darren Lehmann would be overweight according to the BMI for FFS

 

[Coxy]

[quote="Bucking Beads":2hps6ffu]

Cosgrove needs to shed about 20kg.

So do I but it ain't gonna happen. He can still play with the weight though so he should be given a crack IMO

Doesn't fit with the Australian image of sleek, fit, athletic fieldsmen and quick runners between the wickets though.

I know this but he has the talent, Mark Taylor and Darren Lehmann would be overweight according to the BMI for FFS[/quote:2hps6ffu]

Most of the Aussie cricketers would be overweight on the BMI, especially the bowlers. BMI is irrelevant.

It's the fitness that worries me. Lehmann was a fat **** but he was pretty fit really. Tubby not so much.

 

[m1c]

Cosgrove is the best of a bad bunch. I'd have picked him years ago. His weight doesn't bother me.

Finch just played his first full season of first class cricket. Not a viable option yet.

Realistically you presently have Hughes, Marsh, Ferguson, Bailey and Cowan. None of whome are up to standard.

I'd much rather play D.Hussey who at least averages over 50 in shield cricket.

 

[Bucking Beads]

I'd happily give Finch a go IMO but another year of first class cricket wouldn't hurt.