yuppie wrote:I don't think anyone though this series would be so one sided.
Definitely not me, I expected a tight Aus win - 2-0/2-1 - but tight, and hard fought.
Australia seem to be able to rely on 3 batters now which is going to make them even harder to beat at home. In Australian conditions Manus, Warner and Smith finally give the team some depth. Still some problems with others in the line up but its no longer the Warner and Smith show.
Joe Burns' spot is definitely up for discussion, imo. I don't think anyone else's is. Sure, Wade only averaged 30, but a few of those 30's he hit were hard fought battles with Wagner - and also a good "stiffner" for the Aussie side. The 30-odd in the second test when everyone was getting knocked around by Wagner's bouncers, and Wade stood up and strangely wore many balls to the body was a good part of the series, imo. I have often thought the Wade is a 30 run batsman, who shows enough skill, but not enough application at times (and 31 is his career average, I see). I reckon he deserves and will get start the next series.
Head averaged 43 - which is also about his career average - which is more than serviceable, and he is under no pressure atm.
Head has the advantage, imo, of being a project player: I think he is viewed as a future captain.
This might also mean that Paine's position will be more secure which is no bad thing.
As unbiased as I am in this area, I agree. His 75 in the second test really helped his case too.
As for the bowling, still as good as it was. Siddle retiring does limit the depth a little but the future for Australia at present looks a whole lot better than it did 12 months ago.
I reckon Siddle is getting even better with age. I know it's only T20, but he has been looking in complete control of his bowling these past couple of weeks.
Besides Pattinson proving to be a very handy replacement, I think Aus have a few that could step up when needed. The Richardson Twins (Jai and Kane) jump to mind straight up, Neser has been the almost man for some time now (I'm worried that he may never get that chance), and a few others - but there are also is a few interesting prospects starting to make their way in the game: Matt Kelly from WA, Wes Agar in SA, and the man probably to be Tasmania's first fast bowler to play for Australia, Ryley Meredith, to name a few. unlike a few years ago, I don't think the cupboard is so bare with fast bowling stocks.
As for NZ, they will really think that they missed an opportunity here to give themselves some credit. 30 years since they last played a boxing day test in Australia, and this display might mean it will be a few more years before they get the chance again.
I think the crowd numbers in Melbourne will vote heavily for them. That was something impressive, and the bean counters would have loved that...
But yes, this must be hugely disappointing for the Black Caps, and their fans.
- but they deserve it. We have been suffering in the Rugby for many years now.
Posted: Mon Jan 06, 2020 4:03 am