Very harsh on McSweeney. I feel sorry for him that he's been expended so quickly. But he's more of a middle order bat. Maybe when Green is back he could slot in at 6 (sorry Bison!), or maybe they'll try him again when Uzzie moves on (or is gently pushed). Anyhow, pressure makes diamonds Sam.
Hey google, what's an example of being set up to fail?
Goggle: "Australian Cricket Selectors ignoring current First Class openers to select Nathan McSweeney to bat out of position and open the batting on bowler friendly pitches against Bumrah!"
Yes, I agree it is a savage decision to axe McSweeney. India have the best fast bowler in the world atm as we are continually told. So is another young gun going to be burnt?
Also, is the fact that Marsh remains when he is unable to back up the fast bowlers and only score limited runs risking Cummings and Starc becoming stock bowlers instead of shock bowlers.
Sadly, I think Usman Khawaja should consider retiring after the Sydney test to let others prepare for the Ashes.
The seemingly unshakeable belief Cummings and the selectors have in the old guard is becoming unsustainable. Yes, despite what Cummings says I believe he is in the thick of all decision making.
The enigma that is Marsh is being ignored, yet again. In 45 Tests and 78 innings he’s scored 3 100’s and 9 50’s. After 45 Tests as a top six batsman he averages 29! I sat again 29! And the allrounder business is moot because he can’t bowl. The whole Smith opening fiasco was to accomodate Marsh as they could not justify dropping Greenie for him. Surely enough is enough, you never list his scores with the other strugglers, yet his stats this series are abysmal. I know my tin foil hat is getting a little sweaty, but seriously what is the conspiracy of silence around this guy? Stop this pantomime now and get Webster in there. And a farcical decision on McSweeney.
Agree completely. A promising but callow middle order bat from Adelaide who had made a few runs against Shield bowlers -- nothing huge -- was picked to open at Perth and Brisbane against the toughest bowler in world cricket and he couldn't do it. Who could have seen that coming? Pretty much anyone, and the selectors should have. Now they've sent a teenage boy to do a battle-hardened man's job. Even poor old Bancroft would have been a wiser option for now. There's a reason that in 150 years nobody his age has been picked to open for Australia, and it hasn't been lack of talent. Meanwhile the old blokes -- who, we're told, are supposed to show the way -- are treated like protected species. It's shameful. Start the cleanout with Bailey and his mates.
I’m not too sure if all the blame should be levelled at George (I can’t even say who the other members of the selection panel are) however, I think the selections at the top level of the First XI have been disappointing. The panel has been very cruel to McSweeney
I think McSweeny will be quietly chuffed he doesn’t have to face Bumrah in a test match for a little while. No doubt he will be back in the baggy green in the future and he showed he is “made of the right stuff” in Adelaide that night.
I’m excited to see Sam out there in the middle a young bloke in hot form with no fear might be just what we need.
Why are CA carrying 15 players around the country for this series ? We don't always have that many for an overseas tour.
Is that why the CBA sponsor ship has ended, they don't want to pay for the flights, uniforms, accom and victualling for the various superfluous extras.
Marsh has been good for a couple of years and deserves a bit more time i think
Khawaja is getting found out by fast bowlers in a way he wouldn’t have in the past- probably time for him to go
Head and Carey have been excellent
Starc seems in his pomp and looks good for a few more years
Cummins is fading a little bit still plenty good enough
Hazelwood is arguably too much of a liability all whilst bowling magnificently- when he can actually get on the park
Hard to say with Lyon- he’s not bowled much
Maybe the gift of this series- or more accurately the gift of Bumrah is that it will or should force the beginnings of generational change- if it doesn’t start now we’re a chance of being a feckless rabble dining the Ashes next summer, and almost certain to be shortly thereafter
Very harsh on McSweeney. I feel sorry for him that he's been expended so quickly. But he's more of a middle order bat. Maybe when Green is back he could slot in at 6 (sorry Bison!), or maybe they'll try him again when Uzzie moves on (or is gently pushed). Anyhow, pressure makes diamonds Sam.
I love the Oils. I love them even more now. Worlds colliding, Jerry.
Hey google, what's an example of being set up to fail?
Goggle: "Australian Cricket Selectors ignoring current First Class openers to select Nathan McSweeney to bat out of position and open the batting on bowler friendly pitches against Bumrah!"
Couldn’t have said it better myself
Yes, I agree it is a savage decision to axe McSweeney. India have the best fast bowler in the world atm as we are continually told. So is another young gun going to be burnt?
Also, is the fact that Marsh remains when he is unable to back up the fast bowlers and only score limited runs risking Cummings and Starc becoming stock bowlers instead of shock bowlers.
Sadly, I think Usman Khawaja should consider retiring after the Sydney test to let others prepare for the Ashes.
The seemingly unshakeable belief Cummings and the selectors have in the old guard is becoming unsustainable. Yes, despite what Cummings says I believe he is in the thick of all decision making.
I am not sure what they expect from McSweeney. I feel he has done enough to continue. If they are intent on changes one has to be the Bison.
The enigma that is Marsh is being ignored, yet again. In 45 Tests and 78 innings he’s scored 3 100’s and 9 50’s. After 45 Tests as a top six batsman he averages 29! I sat again 29! And the allrounder business is moot because he can’t bowl. The whole Smith opening fiasco was to accomodate Marsh as they could not justify dropping Greenie for him. Surely enough is enough, you never list his scores with the other strugglers, yet his stats this series are abysmal. I know my tin foil hat is getting a little sweaty, but seriously what is the conspiracy of silence around this guy? Stop this pantomime now and get Webster in there. And a farcical decision on McSweeney.
The change should be to the selection panel - starting with George!
His selection calls are as unusual & effective as the batting stance he once adopted in his playing days!
Agree completely. A promising but callow middle order bat from Adelaide who had made a few runs against Shield bowlers -- nothing huge -- was picked to open at Perth and Brisbane against the toughest bowler in world cricket and he couldn't do it. Who could have seen that coming? Pretty much anyone, and the selectors should have. Now they've sent a teenage boy to do a battle-hardened man's job. Even poor old Bancroft would have been a wiser option for now. There's a reason that in 150 years nobody his age has been picked to open for Australia, and it hasn't been lack of talent. Meanwhile the old blokes -- who, we're told, are supposed to show the way -- are treated like protected species. It's shameful. Start the cleanout with Bailey and his mates.
I’m not too sure if all the blame should be levelled at George (I can’t even say who the other members of the selection panel are) however, I think the selections at the top level of the First XI have been disappointing. The panel has been very cruel to McSweeney
FIFO. Too much support for Usman and Marnus who haven’t shown enough intent. Far from ruthless at the moment and keeping India in the contest
Is there any point in picking him in the squad if they’re not going to select him in the xi?
Unpopular opinion on selection for Melbourne
They should drop Lyon, bring in Webster for Marsh (5th bowling option) and bring in Inglis.
This would mean Inglis at 6, Carey at 7, Webster at 8.
Strengthen our batting order, which is our weakness & we still have enough part time off spin in Webster and Head
I think McSweeny will be quietly chuffed he doesn’t have to face Bumrah in a test match for a little while. No doubt he will be back in the baggy green in the future and he showed he is “made of the right stuff” in Adelaide that night.
I’m excited to see Sam out there in the middle a young bloke in hot form with no fear might be just what we need.
In my eyes it’s a good call.
Why are CA carrying 15 players around the country for this series ? We don't always have that many for an overseas tour.
Is that why the CBA sponsor ship has ended, they don't want to pay for the flights, uniforms, accom and victualling for the various superfluous extras.
They usually have a spare battery and bowler or 2 and once team is named they are freed to pursue other things.
It’s all pretty hard to work out
Harsh on McSweeney for sure
But Konstas seems a more logical fit at the top
Marsh has been good for a couple of years and deserves a bit more time i think
Khawaja is getting found out by fast bowlers in a way he wouldn’t have in the past- probably time for him to go
Head and Carey have been excellent
Starc seems in his pomp and looks good for a few more years
Cummins is fading a little bit still plenty good enough
Hazelwood is arguably too much of a liability all whilst bowling magnificently- when he can actually get on the park
Hard to say with Lyon- he’s not bowled much
Maybe the gift of this series- or more accurately the gift of Bumrah is that it will or should force the beginnings of generational change- if it doesn’t start now we’re a chance of being a feckless rabble dining the Ashes next summer, and almost certain to be shortly thereafter