4th Test Australia v England - MCG

[Ghost Dog]

Re: 4th Test Australia v England - MCG

I seem to have the same feelings about Watson's bowling that I do about Shaun Higgins ability to hold down a half forward spot rotating through the midfield.

When fit he's extremely useful, though it's just too unreliable a prospect to rely upon.

Batting wise (bowling aside for the moment), who else cuts the mustard? If he was batting at six and scoring at his current rate it probably wouldn't worry us as much as it does when he's batting at three.

Who can seriously contend for the number three spot? If Bailey was axed, and Watson moved to six I'd be OK with it, only knowing somebody capable was in the wings ready to take on a top order spot.

I cringed when I read it. It hurts, because it's true.
Lord, give Shaun one good year before his career is over. Please.

[SlimPickens]

Re: 4th Test Australia v England - MCG

Outstanding knocks by Rogers and Watson this morning.

[Twodogs]

Re: 4th Test Australia v England - MCG

Outstanding knocks by Rogers and Watson this morning.

Yep. Rogers will be feeling pretty proud I'd say.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: 4th Test Australia v England - MCG

Yep. Rogers will be feeling pretty proud I'd say.

Site back up just in time!

4-ZIP

[Twodogs]

Re: 4th Test Australia v England - MCG

Site back up just in time!

4-ZIP

What sort of odds would you have got on that score line a couple of months ago?

[GVGjr]

Re: 4th Test Australia v England - MCG

Kerry O'Keeffe was saying "stand up if your 4 nill up"

[1eyedog]

Re: 4th Test Australia v England - MCG

His batting average is 32 this year and even if he is pushed down to number 6 spot it's not good enough for a 32yo who actually doesn't do a lot of bowling due to persistent injuries.

His bowling is good but in a team that really only has two top line performers in the top 6 batting spots can we really afford to carry a veteran with a modest and yet declining batting average?

His shot selection and his ability to bat out sessions or difficult periods really highlight to me that doesn't have the right spirit for a number 6.

He played well today following on from his good form in Perth. Any change of heart wirh regard to keeping him in the squad, injuries permitting?

[GVGjr]

Re: 4th Test Australia v England - MCG

He played well today following on from his good form in Perth. Any change of heart wirh regard to keeping him in the squad, injuries permitting?

Not really. It was a good knock but he has the same problems of shot selection and concentration which he won't rectify. I think the pitch was very batting friendly despite some of the low scores.

I look at the way he went out in the first innings and still think he is wasting his talent.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: 4th Test Australia v England - MCG

What sort of odds would you have got on that score line a couple of months ago?

I think that betting would have been in the 'novelty' section on sportsbet.

[westdog54]

Re: 4th Test Australia v England - MCG

Kerry O'Keeffe was saying "stand up if your 4 nill up"

I've gotta say, Kerry has loved every minute of this series.

On the second last day of the Adelaide test Jonathan Agnew was talking about a Barmy Army function/fundraiser that was being held that night, Kerry pipes up with "No thanks, I don't go to wakes".

[jeemak]

Re: 4th Test Australia v England - MCG

Not really. It was a good knock but he has the same problems of shot selection and concentration which he won't rectify. I think the pitch was very batting friendly despite some of the low scores.

I look at the way he went out in the first innings and still think he is wasting his talent.

He hasn't made the most of his talent, and he won't ever.

Though, today he played well, and that's two tests in a row where he's contributed in a very meaningful way in the second innings. I don't think the ball was doing a lot throughout this test, but true to form the MCG was two paced and not ideal for the standard of batting each team put forward. At least Watson eventually got on top of it.

With respect to technical flaws, I think we need to understand that for the most part we're stuck with players that aren't solid.

[Topdog]

Re: 4th Test Australia v England - MCG

He hasn't made the most of his talent, and he won't ever.

Though, today he played well, and that's two tests in a row where he's contributed in a very meaningful way in the second innings. I don't think the ball was doing a lot throughout this test, but true to form the MCG was two paced and not ideal for the standard of batting each team put forward. At least Watson eventually got on top of it.

With respect to technical flaws, I think we need to understand that for the most part we're stuck with players that aren't solid.

both good innings were when the game was essentially over. Thats what worries me with Watson. Should bat at 6

[azabob]

Re: 4th Test Australia v England - MCG

both good innings were when the game was essentially over. Thats what worries me with Watson. Should bat at 6

No way was the game over when he came in yesterday, not by a long shot. Credit where credit is due.

[Greystache]

Re: 4th Test Australia v England - MCG

No way was the game over when he came in yesterday, not by a long shot. Credit where credit is due.

Exactly. I've seen Australia crumble so many times chasing small totals that Watson's innings can't be dismissed as junk time runs. Rogers' innings was brilliant and laid the foundation, but Watson gave him fantastic support.

[boydogs]

Re: 4th Test Australia v England - MCG

Exactly. I've seen Australia crumble so many times chasing small totals that Watson's innings can't be dismissed as junk time runs. Rogers' innings was brilliant and laid the foundation, but Watson gave him fantastic support.

Considering England lost 5/6 in their second innings, I couldn't call it junk time.