2ND Test v's India.

[Mantis]

Re: 2ND Test v's India.

Warner was on the move when he snicked his, Marsh did not have to play at it, especially first ball you face, and Cowans I did not see. 5 out of our 6 battting spots (Clarke being the exception) really are up in the air in terms of ability and/or pending retirement. We are in a strange place; great bowling stocks when all fit, and massive question martks over most of our Batsmen and keeper. Not sure on the spinner yet, but he appears to be the best we have and I am happy to give him a few series.

That's common place these days.

What happened to taking a big step forward such that you are balanced and have your head over the ball?

[LostDoggy]

Re: 2ND Test v's India.

Still hoping that Punter will earn a well deserved ton at some point this summer, even know he hasn't scored big yet he has contributed something in nearly every innings. Marsh is loking like a dud, he is going to have replicate Sri Lanka sooner or later. Been really impressed with Hilfenhaus, hasn't been taking as many wickets as Pattinson but has been extremely miserley and really mounted pressure on the batsmen.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Re: 2ND Test v's India.

I think it's funny that India have a guy batting at 5 with the exact same name as the guy who used to bat at 5.

The difference is this Laxman can't bat and the other one was a star.

[Mantis]

Re: 2ND Test v's India.

One really has to question India's preparation for this test series.

Their batsmen (besides Tendulkar who is a freak) are showing what happens when you come to a foreign country with very different pitches to your home country and dont spend time in the middle.

A far cry from England last season who spent an eternity acclimatizing and smacked us all over the park.

[Desipura]

Re: 2ND Test v's India.

One really has to question India's preparation for this test series.

Their batsmen (besides Tendulkar who is a freak) are showing what happens when you come to a foreign country with very different pitches to your home country and dont spend time in the middle.

A far cry from England last season who spent an eternity acclimatizing and smacked us all over the park.

It did not help that it rained in Hobart for them.

[Mantis]

Re: 2ND Test v's India.

It did not help that it rained in Hobart for them.

They shouldn't have allowed a match to be scheduled down there.... Especially after seeing the track that was prepared for our recent test match against NZ.

[Bornadog]

Re: 2ND Test v's India.

Ponting 97

Clark 99


1 over before lunch

[EasternWest]

Re: 2ND Test v's India.

Ponting 97

Clark 99


1 over before lunch

A fine knock by both players.

I'm not a huge fan of Clarke, but aside from some sketchy batting early in this innings, he has looked assured and composed.

But more importantly, he has batted like a captain. When leadership was needed, he held his wicket. Credit where it's due. To both players.

[Bornadog]

Re: 2ND Test v's India.

Lunch

Clarke on 103 and Ponting 97

[Mantis]

Re: 2ND Test v's India.

In before Remi Moses asks where all the 'Clarke knockers' are now..

Good job by both players, but we need to kick on and build the lead up towards 200.

[Bulldog Joe]

Re: 2ND Test v's India.

It did not help that it rained in Hobart for them.

I thought India played in Canberra before Christmas.

[Remi Moses]

Re: 2ND Test v's India.

In before Remi Moses asks where all the 'Clarke knockers' are now..

Good job by both players, but we need to kick on and build the lead up towards 200.

Great knock by both players. I get annoyed that people get personal and tend to concern themselves with Clarke's appearance. Yes he annoys the bejesus out of me with irresponsible shots. The whole Katich thing is a perfect example, and just because someone doesn't want to spend 5 hours singing Khe Sanh doesn't make them deserve to be grabbed by the throat.

P.S just quietly if you had a choice of a night with Lara Bingle or man hugs, choice is obvious.

[Sedat]

Re: 2ND Test v's India.

What would you do if you were the Indian Coach Sedat?

Tough question GD. They are born plying their trade on lifeless roads, which makes them err towards being primarily front foot batsmen who tend to hit everything through the line. As a result, the minute there is some bounce or some sideways movement they cannot handle either the deviation in line nor the shorter length. It is no coincidence that Tendulkar is the hardest worker on his technique of any batsman in the world, which is why his technique can seamlessly transfer from flat roads to bouncy greentops.

As others have alluded, I would have started by acclimatising the squad to their new conditions very early in the piece so that they could become accustomed to the bouncier decks and the sideways movement. England did this to the letter last summer and they smashed us accordingly. I would also find some batsmen who place an extremely high value on their wickets, are prepared to work very hard on their techniques and are team-oriented to a fault. Not as easy as it seems when players are treated like demi-gods in their home country, not to mention the lure of T20 millions looming large and messing with player's abilities to adjust their technique and concentration levels to the long form of the game.

[LostDoggy]

Re: 2ND Test v's India.

Fantastic to see Ponting finally Get his ton, well deserved.

[EasternWest]

Re: 2ND Test v's India.

Great knock by both players. I get annoyed that people get personal and tend to concern themselves with Clarke's appearance. Yes he annoys the bejesus out of me with irresponsible shots. The whole Katich thing is a perfect example, and just because someone doesn't want to spend 5 hours singing Khe Sanh doesn't make them deserve to be grabbed by the throat.

P.S just quietly if you had a choice of a night with Lara Bingle or man hugs, choice is obvious.

Heh. I lol'd.

I'm a Clarke knocker, but not for how he looks or how he spends his time and money. I've stated my reasons for my frustrations with Clarke. He's been very good this innings. I hope he can go from here and continue to put a real price on his wicket.

If he can stay at the crease, the runs will follow.