Australian International Summer 2024/25

[whufc]

Cant see Ronny wanting to many changes from the side that beat India.

I thought i read an article that said Konstas was sent back to play shield because the expectation was that he will back in the side for the WTC Final. Obviously on the proviso he goes back to the shield and scores some runs.

Labuschagne to get a horse for courses selection in England. Averages 40 which is probably about par over there.

Guessing they will play Hazelwood if fit, it seems clear he is the number 1 choice ahead of Boland and any others in the pecking order. Especially with Webster who can get through 10-15 overs an innings if needed.

1. Khawaja
2. Konstas (could change though if shield performances arent great)
3. Labuschagne
4. Smith
5. Head
6. Webster
7. Carey
8. Cummins
9. Starc
10. Lyon
11. Hazelwood

[Lightning McQueen]

The XI they pick will be interesting for the WTC Final and West Indies Tour.

A lot may come down to the form of players playing for the rest of the Shield season and any players lucky enough to get County stints.

Certainly the players that played this summer for the first time, in particular, McSweeney, Konstas, Webster and Inglis have put their cases forward. Green should be available, but as a batsman only. Then there is the choice of Boland and Hazlewood. Do they stick with Labuschagne?

I'll go early with my WTC Final XI

Khawaja
Labuschagne
Smith
Green
Head
Webster
Carey
Cummins
Starc
Lyon
Hazlewood

I think they'll go the old fashioned "pick the best 6 batsmen" and shuffle the order, with a long term view that Green will bat number 4 and Smith, back in form, shuffles up to 3. They'll stick with experience and open with Labuschagne in the WTC Final, but if he doesn't score runs in the next two Tests, they'll replace with another opener.

Additional squad members:

Boland
Bartlett
Kuhnemann
Konstas
Inglis

*Renshaw is my smokey to be picked if he can get a couple more centuries between now and selection, with in Shield or County cricket.
*Webster looks really solid at 6. Bowling handy - in particular I think they'd like him as a spin option in India with his height. He looks to complement Head and Carey well. I think he's picked himself for the WTC Final.

You're always thinking a bit out of left field, I like it but don't think the selectors will follow suit, if they haven't tried Marnus opening yet I don't think they ever will. I don't know why you would move Smith from #4 when he is dominating that spot, it would mess with his head and preparation.

Out of your line up I think Konstas comes in for Webster and possibly Boland if Hazlewood doesn't come up Milhouse.

I can't see Renshaw ever getting a recall, surely it's curtains for Marnus if he fails in the WTC final (which he won't), he'll do enough to keep his spot for the Ashes series where he will be guaranteed 3 tests.

We need to keep looking ahead but ensuring that we pick players on merit not hand out baggy green's like they are Zooper Doopers.

[am Bays]

The XI they pick will be interesting for the WTC Final and West Indies Tour.

A lot may come down to the form of players playing for the rest of the Shield season and any players lucky enough to get County stints.

Certainly the players that played this summer for the first time, in particular, McSweeney, Konstas, Webster and Inglis have put their cases forward. Green should be available, but as a batsman only. Then there is the choice of Boland and Hazlewood. Do they stick with Labuschagne?

I'll go early with my WTC Final XI

Khawaja
Labuschagne
Smith
Green
Head
Webster
Carey
Cummins
Starc
Lyon
Hazlewood

I think they'll go the old fashioned "pick the best 6 batsmen" and shuffle the order, with a long term view that Green will bat number 4 and Smith, back in form, shuffles up to 3. They'll stick with experience and open with Labuschagne in the WTC Final, but if he doesn't score runs in the next two Tests, they'll replace with another opener.

Additional squad members:

Boland
Bartlett
Kuhnemann
Konstas
Inglis

*Renshaw is my smokey to be picked if he can get a couple more centuries between now and selection, with in Shield or County cricket.
*Webster looks really solid at 6. Bowling handy - in particular I think they'd like him as a spin option in India with his height. He looks to complement Head and Carey well. I think he's picked himself for the WTC Final.

When thwe Australian VC says he'll go back to five and he expects Konstas to open in the WTC (especially when he's been sent home to get more 1st class experience) I think it is a given the Konstas will play

[Lightning McQueen]

Cant see Ronny wanting to many changes from the side that beat India.

I thought i read an article that said Konstas was sent back to play shield because the expectation was that he will back in the side for the WTC Final. Obviously on the proviso he goes back to the shield and scores some runs.

Labuschagne to get a horse for courses selection in England. Averages 40 which is probably about par over there.

Guessing they will play Hazelwood if fit, it seems clear he is the number 1 choice ahead of Boland and any others in the pecking order. Especially with Webster who can get through 10-15 overs an innings if needed.

1. Khawaja
2. Konstas (could change though if shield performances arent great)
3. Labuschagne
4. Smith
5. Head
6. Webster
7. Carey
8. Cummins
9. Starc
10. Lyon
11. Hazelwood

TBH, I don't think they give a toss about the shield performances, once they have something in their mind they stick with it.

FWIW, I think that Konstas needs to work out what brand he is trying to sell, he is not a traditional opener that will take the shine off of the ball, he is a sitting duck when he tries. He needs to spend a lot of time talking to David Warner to understand how he turned his cricket around from being pigeon-holed as a white ball only player to becoming arguably one of our best opening test batsmen, love him or hate him you have to admire his achievements and change of mindset.

Despite being a Webster fan, I think Green will be given the green light ahead of him.

Hopefully they are both playing in the Ashes series.

[Trader]

I think Special K is in.
I think they want Green as a bat.
I think Webster has done enough.
I think Josh will play over Scott, unless injured.
That squeezes Marnus out for mine.

Usi
Konstas
Green
Smith
Head
Webster
Carey
Cummins
Starc
Lyon
Hazlewood

Boland the first bowler in if there is an injury.
Lab the first bat in if someone doesn't come up.
Inglis will be in the squad too, handy concussion replacement as either bat or keeper.

[wenchbarwer]

I think Marnus is the new Davey Warner. Plenty calling out for his head, but he survives the nuclear winter like a cockroach.

[Lightning McQueen]

I think Marnus is the new Davey Warner. Plenty calling out for his head, but he survives the nuclear winter like a cockroach.

The difference being that Warner was still the best option for his role.

[am Bays]

I think Marnus is the new Davey Warner. Plenty calling out for his head, but he survives the nuclear winter like a cockroach.

The difference being that Warner was still the best option for his role.

Agree noone was putting their hand up to replace him with mountains of runs (Bancroft backed up the truck (runs) after the tests commenced last year)

However, Inglis, Green, and McSweeny all have claims for inclusion/retention in the side

[Booney]

F*ck off, no way!

[dedja]

https://youtu.be/YW0sxgYAmLM?si=-GsJcdJReY1txcEZ

[another grub]

should be playing baseball

[Booney]

Australia will play England March 11-15 2027 in a one off day night Test at the MCG to celebrate 150 years of Test cricket.

150 years of the first-ever Test match will be celebrated in 2027 with a day-night Test between Australia and England at the iconic MCG

The 150th anniversary celebration Test match in 2027 will have a distinctly modern feel, with Cricket Australia today confirming it will be the Australian men's first under lights at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

https://www.cricket.com.au/news/4231356 ... -mcg-ashes?

[RB]

It's warm in Melbourne ATM, but mid-March it often gets a bit chilly in the evening. Not sure why they have to go with a day-nighter.

[Lightning McQueen]

It's warm in Melbourne ATM, but mid-March it often gets a bit chilly in the evening. Not sure why they have to go with a day-nighter.

To give thew Poms a bit of a home feel.

[The Bedge]

Not sure why they have to go with a day-nighter.

C'mon.. surely you jest?

Day-nighter = increased chance of crowds over all days + higher tv ratings = more money

[whufc]

It's warm in Melbourne ATM, but mid-March it often gets a bit chilly in the evening. Not sure why they have to go with a day-nighter.

Celebrate the 150th anniversary with the evolution of the game and a look into the future.

[Booney]

Not sure why they have to go with a day-nighter.

C'mon.. surely you jest?

Day-nighter = increased chance of crowds over all days + higher tv ratings = more money

6am in London = 5pm in Melbourne. Poms can wake up to watch it.

[Spargo]

Joel Wilson finally sacked from the ICC elite umpires list

[Jim05]

Joel Wilson finally sacked from the ICC elite umpires list

Bet he didn’t see that dismissal either

[Brodlach]

Joel Wilson finally sacked from the ICC elite umpires list

Bet he didn’t see that dismissal either

Sending it to the third umpire as we speak