Tag Archives: old trafford

The Ashes: 3rd test, 2nd day … The Myth and wasted opportunity

August 3, 2013 By in Shumpty Speaks Tags: , , , Leave a comment

Another excellent day of cricket at Old Trafford overnight and another winning day for the Australians who are right on top in this game. Here are my keys to day 5:

 

  1. The Myth chokes … As expected: Well he came, he was booed and a got out. I have written variously stating my opinion that David “the Myth” Warner should not be in the test team at the moment and should be required to come back to top flight cricket, if he does, through an apprenticeship in Sheffield Shield cricket. He looked out of his depth against Swann and then had a massive brain snap in referring an obvious edge to the DRS system. MUST NOT PLAY AGAIN THIS SERIES.
  2. Oh Smithy … so close and yet so far: How well is Steve Smith going at the moment? Since he came back into the team in India I have been nothing short of very impressed with both the form of “the Fidgeter” and how he goes about his game. The fidgeting belies his seemingly calm demeanour and he batted for 200 plus balls which shows great application to his craft.
  3. Patience = Batting for 5 sessions: Probably the thing I am happiest with about Australia's performance on day two is the patience of the captain to keep the English in the field for as long as he did. Clarke has had the propensity at times to pull the trigger early on declarations rather than keeping the metaphorical boot on the throat of the opposition. Last night he changed that trend and I loved it!
  4. Lyon … where has he been the last 2 tests? I know Lyon did not get a wicket however he bowled with flight and turn that had England on the back foot and would have raised some sweat on the brow of the batsmen to come. Tomorrow presents as a massive day for Lyon: this could be a career changing moment for him as he has the opportunity to win a test for his country.
  5. Siddle: why do I question you so? I have been fairly overt about the fact that I do not believe that P Siddle should be in the test team. He again proved last night his value of the team by charging in for an inspirational spell in the shadows of stumps. The fact is that for all of his limitations he charges in all day and can sniff out a wicket particularly when the opposition batsmen have gone into their shell.

Australia are in the box seat but with the weather around Old Trafford, particularly expected on day 5, quick wickets will be needed on day 3 to press Australia's very real claims for victory. Nathan Lyon is the key: wickets from him and the follow on is definitely in play. Whatever happens it will be another enthralling day of test match cricket.

The Ashes: Australian Team named

August 1, 2013 By in Shumpty Speaks Tags: , , , Leave a comment

The Australian team for the first test has now even named. It is:

Watson, Rogers, Khawaja, Clarke, Smith, Warner, Haddin, Starc, Harris, Siddle, Lyon

Agree with only one change: Lyon for Agar. The return of Davey “the Myth” Warner is a disgrace. If we wanted a left armer why not Faulkner?

In fact why are Bird and Faulkner over there if they are not going to play them?

Rant had: time to get behind the boys and fire up!

The Ashes: 3rd Test … my Australian XI

August 1, 2013 By in Shumpty Speaks Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

The third test at Old Trafford is nearly upon us which means more sleepless nights, more water cooler talk about the parlous start of Australian cricket and team speculation. I have been a strong advocate for NOT making too many changes to the Australian team and I stand by that position. That being the case: here is my selection for the 3rd Test and why.

 

Watson, Rogers, Khawaja, Hughes, Clarke (c), Smith, Haddin, Faulkner, Siddle, Harris, Lyon

 

James Faulkner comes in for the injured James Pattinson. That is a very rough call on Jackson Bird but I like the variety that comes from having a left arm swing bowler in the team. My perfect world preference would be Siddle not being in the team and Bird in in his place but selectors and fans alike seem to worship at the alter of Siddle so that is unlikely to happen any time soon.

 

Nathan Lyon comes in for Asthon Agar. I think even blind Freddie could see that Agar is a talent for the future. Blind Freddie could also see that the experiment that has been his inclusion has failed. Ignore the media hype and the one excellent innings: his job is with the ball and he had not yet gotten the job done. The English spinners took 11 of the 20 Australian wickets to fall at Lords whilst Agar could not take one. It is time to return Nathan Lyon to the team.

 

No place for Davey. Warner has returned to the squad from his African sojourn. I am sorry to the all the Warner fans out there but one good innings on a road in Pretoria against a semi-first class attack does not a return to form make. He will be on standby for Smith so his return to the team could be by default but on form I still remain to be convinced he is anything more than the myth I have long thought him to be.