Australia v Pakistan Tests Summer 23/24

[GVGjr]

Re: Australia v Pakistan Tests Summer 23/24

Going over the past few seasons Bancroft has the best average and really should be next in line, Harris has had chances and i don't think he's gone back and improved and same with Renshaw, but it does become a bit awkward as mentioned with Bancroft saying what he did in the media.

And on top of that Bancroft is a terrific fieldsman but he doesn't score quickly enough which will work against him.
Harris has had more than enough chances but can't get that run of scores which he really needs.
Renshaw started his test career so well but somehow lost his edge.
There are faults with all 3.

Whilst i'm not a fan of non openers being promoted just to fill a spot i'm kind of warming to Smith being trialed, he just looks like he needs the new challenge and is a good enough bat to adjust, it get's Green into the side to have that extra fast bowling option too.

I'm warming to it as well but was listening to Ryan Harris today and he believes the selectors will be reluctant to change our middle order. If Green gets the job I think it would more or less mean that Marsh won't have to bowl.

Whether you like him or hate him, Warner's book when it get's released will be quite an interesting read, can't see him holding back with the Sandpaper gate drama.

I used to read a lot of cricket books but haven't read many in recent years. Warners might be the exception though

With Pakistan, really enjoyed watching them play even though all games ended in 4 days, their attitude was spot on, such a respectful bunch too, think quite a few of them would love to play on our pitches more regularly, well maybe not Babar, he and Afridi were very disappointing, and the catching.........oh dear.

Pakistan aren't far off being a solid side but as you say they need to quickly sort out their catching.

[mighty_west]

Re: Australia v Pakistan Tests Summer 23/24

Pakistan aren't far off being a solid side but as you say they need to quickly sort out their catching.

I felt sorry for Wasim Akram commentating, you could hear the frustration through his words and what he was saying was 100% spot on, some of those dropped catches in first slip were just bad, then we have not bowling Jamal early in the 4th innings, i would have given him the new pill.

[FrediKanoute]

Re: Australia v Pakistan Tests Summer 23/24

Not sure why they have it in for Bancroft. Smith should stay where he is and so should Marcus.

Didn't Bancroft make the comment that all 3 bowlers knew that the ball was being tampered with?

Smith is in decline. I think him opening would be a disaster. The West Indies don't count either.

[Bulldog Joe]

Re: Australia v Pakistan Tests Summer 23/24

Didn't Bancroft make the comment that all 3 bowlers knew that the ball was being tampered with?

Smith is in decline. I think him opening would be a disaster. The West Indies don't count either.

I also believe that Smith is in decline, but taking the opening spot may reinvigorate him. The upside to the move is that if he doesn't succeed (particularly beyond the WI series) it may be easier to retire him.