4th Test - England v Australia

[The Coon Dog]

I heard Ricky Ponting interviewed on the radio a bit earlier & he seemed to give out a very strong indication that Stuart Clark would be selected for the 4th Test starting at Headingly on Thursday. Haddin is also an outside chance to return.

If Clark forces his way in, who drops out? On form you would say Mitchell Johnson, but form has never been the selectors strong point. Perhaps Siddell?

For England Stuart Broad may be replaced by Steve Harminson. Can't see any other changes happening.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: 4th Test - England v Australia

Unless it's spinning at right angles, I think Hauritz might have a game off - bowl North more. As you say TCD, form isn't a consideration for selection. If Lee and Clark are fit it could be a dilemma for selectors. I'd like to see Watson for Hussey and Hughes back in, but that's the stuff of pipe dreams... And i hope Haddin is back, our batting looks notably laking without him at 7.

[Mantis]

Re: 4th Test - England v Australia

Seems that Siddle will go for Clark which as I stated in the 3rd test thread is the safe choice for the selectors.

Siddle's consistency of line & length has been a problem and to me he seems to be trying to take a wicket every ball rather than working off a consistent line & length which is what has happened in the past 2 series. I think the fact that Johnson has been bowling poo hasn't helped with his mind-set.

If the wicket doesn't turn (Headingley is normally very flat) I would be tempted to rest Hauritz as he just didn't look like penetrating against the middle order at Edgbaston.

[ledge]

Re: 4th Test - England v Australia

If Lee is considered in any test now it has to be because all the others are injured you would think, he hasnt been able to play for 3 weeks and being older you would think its a backward step, i wouldnt be surprised if he retires after this series.
I dont think he is fit for this test either if i remember correctly.

Watson after the last game must be considered as only a batsman, his bowling was horrid and too risky.
Hauritz? I am a big believer in needing change of pace, to go in with 4 pace is dangerous and even if the pitch doesnt spin it pays to have change. Pup i suppose could be the one for this, but he isnt up to the standard of even Hauritz.

[Topdog]

Re: 4th Test - England v Australia

Unless it's spinning at right angles, I think Hauritz might have a game off - bowl North more. As you say TCD, form isn't a consideration for selection. If Lee and Clark are fit it could be a dilemma for selectors. I'd like to see Watson for Hussey and Hughes back in, but that's the stuff of pipe dreams... And i hope Haddin is back, our batting looks notably laking without him at 7.

As woeful as Hussey has been over the past year he actually looks to be doing better this series so I'd rather keep him in now that he is finding form again.

[Bornadog]

Re: 4th Test - England v Australia

I think Stuart Clarke will come in for either Siddle or Hauritz.

[Mantis]

Re: 4th Test - England v Australia

As woeful as Hussey has been over the past year he actually looks to be doing better this series so I'd rather keep him in now that he is finding form again.

His first innings dismissal was disgusting especially given he had already gone out the same way earlier in the series. His 2nd innings dismissal was pretty bad as well. He has no f***ing idea where his off stump is at the minute which makes batting pretty hard (especially as a leftie)

Look Huss is really trying to work his way through a bad patch and is a good enough player to eventually do so, but at some point enough is enough. It's just a shame that we don't have a back-up batsman who could fill a middle order role... oh and the fact that Huss is one of the golden boys.

[LostDoggy]

Re: 4th Test - England v Australia

If they want to win the game instead of drawing it, its time for 5 quicks and dropping Hauritz who is not a wicket taker.
Clark and not Lee. Lee should not have even left Australia.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Re: 4th Test - England v Australia

If they want to win the game instead of drawing it, its time for 5 quicks and dropping Hauritz who is not a wicket taker.
Clark and not Lee. Lee should not have even left Australia.

If Hauritz doesn't play, McDonald has to so someone can bowl tight.

Hopefully Haddin is fit because Manou can't bat at 6 and ideally you'd want McDonald at 7.

[The Coon Dog]

Re: 4th Test - England v Australia

Looks like the England keeper Prior has hurt his shoulder in the warm up. Ambrose is playing at Edgbaston so they may fly him in. In the warm up Paul Collingwood has the gloves on.

Stuart Clark is being patted on the back so he seems to be in for Hauritz.

[The Coon Dog]

Re: 4th Test - England v Australia

Prior now doing some warm ups, looks like a last minute fitness test.

[ledge]

Re: 4th Test - England v Australia

Prior in.

[ledge]

Re: 4th Test - England v Australia

Flintoff out Harmison in.

[The Coon Dog]

Re: 4th Test - England v Australia

England won the toss & are batting.

Haddin in for Manou too.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Re: 4th Test - England v Australia

Flintoff out Harmison in.

Broad, Swann, Anderson, Onions, Harmison is a very long tail.