Aussie 16 - 2017

[bwildered]

 Lord Gower was the chairman of the panel. They only had a hour .
 The biggest debate was to convince Root into No3 berth . Westley's chief supporter was Beefy, although most said he got cheap runs in his second innings.

[IlfordEagle]

If Botham is Tom's chief supporter then that's it he's had it!!

[nat]

If Botham is Tom's chief supporter then that's it he's had it!!

Yep Beefy is only present as the local character.

[Oldhasbeen]

If Botham is Tom's chief supporter then that's it he's had it!!

Yep Beefy is only present as the local character.

Botham: as so often, a great player makes a dismal pundit.
Along with Willis, Boycott, Shearer and quite a few others.

One key thing in the discussion: the need for player with real balls to tour Aus. Afraid Tom, at least in the test arena, doesn't inspire confidence in this respect. Malan looks more gutsy.

[nat]

If Botham is Tom's chief supporter then that's it he's had it!!

Yep Beefy is only present as the local character.

Botham: as so often, a great player makes a dismal pundit.
Along with Willis, Boycott, Shearer and quite a few others.

One key thing in the discussion: the need for player with real balls to tour Aus. Afraid Tom, at least in the test arena, doesn't inspire confidence in this respect. Malan looks more gutsy.

Saffer so may bottle it.

[Oldhasbeen]

Sounds like TRD will miss out with his back injury.

Assuming Wood passes a fitness test (big if). that will leave room for one more paceman. Any suggestions? I'm not convinced by any of the obvious (experienced) candidates:

Finn - can be devastating, does he have the mental strength?
Ball - doesn't look anything special to me. 
Willey - one-day player. Useful bat & good fielder but his bowling would get marmalised downunder
Footit - on the verge last year. I like a lefty in the attack, but shot himself in the foot by leaving Surrey.
Jordan - great slip but his bowling's never convinced at Test level
Plunkett - maybe the default choice?

[nat]

My choice - Craig Overton. They'll probably need another bowler to cover Wood for when he (inevitably) gets injured. So I'd go for Sam Curran.

[LeedsExile]

I expect they will pick Finn but he was "unselectable" the last time in Australia. I also favour either Overton or Plunkett. I do not rate Ball at all.

[neil]

My choice - Craig Overton. They'll probably need another bowler to cover Wood for when he (inevitably) gets injured. So I'd go for Sam Curran.

Yep agree with this.

Think Overton has a good future. Let's hope he keeps Jamie out of the test team for years to come! 

[afinetickletoleg]

So Westley who has averaged 24.12 in his first 9 test innings has been replaced by James Vince who averaged 19.27 in his 11 test innings to date.  Talk me through that decision!!

As for selecting Gary Ballance again.............................

[JasonP]

So Westley who has averaged 24.12 in his first 9 test innings has been replaced by James Vince who averaged 19.27 in his 11 test innings to date.  Talk me through that decision!!

As for selecting Gary Ballance again.............................

The sad thing is I think Ballance is probably the best option, as long as he bats at 5 and not 3.  He's a better player than Malan, Vince and Westley.  The cupboard is very bare at the moment when it comes to first class batting at them moment.

[tonk]

Looks like another drubbing is coming-not much to choose between the batters but the Aussie bowling looks much better.

[Oldhasbeen]

I agree that the selectors haven't got a lot of great options but...   

- Ballance has shown time and again that he ain't got it against class attacks, whether pace, spin or swing. (I would have preferred Hales)
- Ball has a test bowling average of 114. His supporters claim that his height wil help on Aussie wickets, but anyone remember the 2013 tour, when we took Finn, Rankin and Tremlett on the same grounds? Enough said.
- In tests, Vince often looked good for a while, but overall did poorly, getting out playing outside off stump over and again.  The Big Q - has he changed anything in his technique/approach to mitigate this? (Anyone seen him much this year? He's  only averaging 35.)

Haven't seen Overton for a couple of years but his figures are good. Mason Crane - big risk.Can't see him playing unless we get desperate.

[Oldhasbeen]

However, a big cheer for the selectors in NOT selecting half-fit players - no more triumphs of hope over experience!

 If fit, TRJ & Wood would have been in my squad.

[LeedsExile]

I agree with old has been's comments. I have never seen anything in Ball to justify his selection and to date Crane is all hype over actual performances. Would have preferred Leach as spinner. Balance is in because he is a close friend of Root, Rashid is not hence his absence.