Possible team for subby pitches. Didn't do nearly as much sweeping as I would've liked, but will no doubt change my tune with a few selections over the coming months.
Hussey
Hughes
Ponting
Khawaja
Clarke
Watson
Haddin
O'Keefe
Siddle
Copeland
Bollinger
I've got Hussey opening, almost completely due to the fact that Kat probably won't be back and I'd like to see a cool head opening with Hughes and keeping the top order steady. Hughes himself is friggen lucky to be there (in fact I'm still not all that comfortable with picking him), but I can't help but think back to the mistake we made with him in 2009 - not to mention during this summer by picking him while he was out of form.
He's got some big problems which have been exposed, but given our current state I think we can afford to give him an extended run (unlike last time) in different conditions and see if he can finally click. If there's no glaring improvement by RSA, then off to Shield Cricket indefinitely and we move on to the next prospect.
Ponting to retain his spot at 3, but relinquish the captaincy. I think that will be a sufficient pressure release for him rather than knocking him down the order. I also believe we need to concentrate on getting our middle order right, rather than making it a retirement home for batsmen in the twilight of their careers.
Khawaja at 4, where he bats for his state. Gives him good protection early in his career but still allows him time to build an innings (as opposed to learning his trade in the traditional spot of 6). Could move to 3 or even open if he cements a spot in the side.
Clarke to 5 where he belongs and captain (for now).
Watson to 6 to take up the traditional all-rounders spot. As I've said before, I've generally supported the arguments for him to stay at the top, but I think the make-up of the team as well as his shortcomings in the concentration department should see him head down the order. Hopefully, now that he's finally come of age as a player, it won't hamper his game at all.
Haddin remains keeper, but I'd like to see Paine or someone else really given the selectors a reason to question the security of Haddin's spot over the coming tours.
O'Keefe must be given a shot now. He is the best youngish finger spinner in the country and a bloody decent bat to go with it. I can't see how we could not give him a chance to prove himself. Couldn't give two shits if Haury is taking his spot in the Shield side to be honest, he deserves a crack. Having said that, Beer shouldn't be kept out of the selector's minds either - he didn't do too much wrong under the circumstances.
If, after O'Keefe, no one is putting their hand up, then perhaps we just have to suck it up for now and head back to Darts Hauritz. At least, to his credit, he's put in the hard work to deserve a recall.
Siddle, Copeland and Bollinger certainly aren't the most intimidating attack going around - but neither would a combination of Anderson, Tremlett and Bresnan not that long ago. The important point is that they can land the ball on the spot (in Siddle's case, short of the spot, but when he pitches it up he's fine) and I think that's what we need to make our starting point. We need to get three blokes who can keep it tight and draw the stupid shots just like England did to us. Those three may certainly not be the best three, and there's a number of blokes in the Shield who could easily slot in any of those 3, but I think it's a decent trio to experiment with first on subby pitches.
Hilf - gone until he can swing the ball later and vary his angle. The way he bowls now is a waste of good swing bowling talent.
Mitch - gone indefinitely.
Can't believe I've kept Siddle around. Maybe pigs can fly.
/rant.
