3rd Test Australia v England - WACA Perth

[LostDoggy]

Re: 3rd Test Australia v England - WACA Perth

A lot of chest beating about the new love for Micheal Clarke in the public domain, but disappointing to see him go cheaply.

As it was to see the loss of the other wickets.

[jeemak]

Re: 3rd Test Australia v England - WACA Perth

A lot of chest beating about the new love for Micheal Clarke in the public domain, but disappointing to see him go cheaply.

It was disappointing, but the guy's a gun. And probably isn't as bad a bloke as the media has made him out to be.

After all, I couldn't think of anything more toxic than the culture of the Australian cricket team when they were on the cusp of declining as a force. A lot of egos with too little time to be indulged.

[Ghost Dog]

Re: 3rd Test Australia v England - WACA Perth

As it was to see the loss of the other wickets.

Mitchell Johnson is the all-rounder Shane Watson wishes he was.

[Bornadog]

Re: 3rd Test Australia v England - WACA Perth

Mitchell Johnson is the all-rounder Shane Watson wishes he was.

Opening or batting at three is a tough gig. I don't think Watson should be batting at 3 (or opening)

[jeemak]

Re: 3rd Test Australia v England - WACA Perth

Opening or batting at three is a tough gig. I don't think Watson should be batting at 3 (or opening)

I don't think his head is right, irrespective of where he bats.

The tempo of test cricket, and the way the wickets are prepared seem to spook him. He has excellent technique on a true pitch (i.e. a road) but just struggles when there's any sign of nuance in what he's up against.

After this summer we need to move on from Shane Watson in the long form of the game.

[Bornadog]

Re: 3rd Test Australia v England - WACA Perth

I don't think his head is right, irrespective of where he bats.

The tempo of test cricket, and the way the wickets are prepared seem to spook him. He has excellent technique on a true pitch (i.e. a road) but just struggles when there's any sign of nuance in what he's up against.

After this summer we need to move on from Shane Watson in the long form of the game.

You are right, we need to win the ashes then start blooding some openers and a new number three. What is it with guys debuting at 31 plus years old.

[Remi Moses]

Re: 3rd Test Australia v England - WACA Perth

Terrific knock from Steve Smith, and great to see him get through when bogged down.
Worked at his game as has Warner, unlike Watson.
5/140 to 6/ 326, you'd take that.

[KT31]

Re: 3rd Test Australia v England - WACA Perth

Mitchell Johnson is the all-rounder Shane Watson wishes he was.

Love it and could not agree more.
Johnson has worked hard on his physical and mental game and has come back into the side with aplomb.
I actually thought a few years back that Watson could be a decent all-rounder, well he showed me.

Terrific knock from Steve Smith, and great to see him get through when bogged down.
Worked at his game as has Warner, unlike Watson.
5/140 to 6/ 326, you'd take that.

Very Mature innings from Smith, impressive stuff and if he keeps up his work rate he will be a great asset to our test team for years to come.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: 3rd Test Australia v England - WACA Perth

Backing a talented kid in Smith has paid off this year, 3 hundreds in 3 continents.

Why aren't we backing other kids???

[Bulldog Joe]

Re: 3rd Test Australia v England - WACA Perth

Very Mature innings from Smith, impressive stuff and if he keeps up his work rate he will be a great asset to our test team for years to some.

On current form Smith is our second best bat behind Clarke and just looks class at the crease.

[KT31]

Re: 3rd Test Australia v England - WACA Perth

Backing a talented kid in Smith has paid off this year, 3 hundreds in 3 continents.

Why aren't we backing other kids???

Good question, unless absolute stand outs picking players in their 30's is not the way to go.

[Bulldog4life]

Re: 3rd Test Australia v England - WACA Perth

You are right, we need to win the ashes then start blooding some openers and a new number three. What is it with guys debuting at 31 plus years old.

Mike Hussey was 30 years old when he played his first test.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: 3rd Test Australia v England - WACA Perth

On current form Smith is our second best bat behind Clarke and just looks class at the crease.

When was the last time a batsman outside of Clarke made three (or more) hundreds in a calendar year in three continents?

Ponting?
Hayden?

[Bulldog4life]

Re: 3rd Test Australia v England - WACA Perth

Just when you think you can start to like Brad Haddin, he proves to you why you can't.

Although his overall form in the series so far has been excellent.

[DOG GOD]

Re: 3rd Test Australia v England - WACA Perth

3rd test in a row where the first innings sees the last 5 wickets scorer more than the first 5. England have really shot themselves in the foot (and out of the match) letting this happen. Aust will go on to make 400+ after being 5/142. Nowhere good enough for the poms.