Eels Blogs

Replies

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  Jimmy January 11, 2015 at 1:56pm

  I'm no cricket buff but that looks like a strong squad to me.  Great to see Pat Cummins selected.  I think he could be an all-time great if he can get over his injuries.
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  sixtiesboy January 11, 2015 at 2:12pm

  I think Faulkner is a gun and should be given a go in the test team too. George Bailey is so consistent at this level. From memory I think that his average is second only to Michael Bevan.
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    SuperEel 22 > sixtiesboy January 11, 2015 at 2:16pm

    He has played One Test so far. I think he needs a little more control in his Test innings. He only averages 31 at First Class level. His bowling backs him up really well. It will be interesting when Watson retires/gets injured whether they stick with Mitchell Marsh or go with Faulkner.
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  SuperEel 22 January 11, 2015 at 2:14pm

  Strong squad. A little surprised to see Doherty selected but he does have a decent ODI record. Clarke's being given until Game 2 of the Tri-series to be fit. If not, he'll be replaced. Mitchell Marsh should be right. Watson seems to play a lot better in ODI's because he doesn't have to think too much, just see the ball, hit the ball. Maxwell is always a gamble. He could be a match winner, or he could be horrible. Provided everyone is fit, this would be my 12 for the first match in the World Cup.

  Warner

  Finch

  Watson

  Clarke (c)

  Smith

  Bailey

  Haddin

  Faulkner

  Johnson

  Cummins

  Hazlewood

  Doherty

  The batting is very strong, especially the middle order. I'm actually struggling to squeeze in all the batsmen I want. I'd be tempted to put Cummins or Hazlewood as 12th man and use Faulkner as a front line seamer as well as Watson. If needed we'd have Smith and Finch to fill in for a few overs. We definitely need Clarke, Smith, Bailey and Faulkner. Those four are the backbone of that batting order. The other option would be to stick Watson as 12th man and play Smith at first drop.
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    RIDER > SuperEel 22 January 11, 2015 at 2:26pm

    Watsons done nothing to justify a place.
    
    Maxwell after Clarke or Smith and can bowl a very good ball.
    
    He is learning to take a couple of balls before trying to smash them. A bit like Warner having to learn the same thing and now look how consistent he's become.
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    coco > SuperEel 22 January 11, 2015 at 4:06pm

    Maxwell has not produced once when needed
    Warner
    Finch
    Watson
    Smith
    Clarke
    Bailey
    Haddin (wk)
    Faulkner
    Johnson
    Hazelwood/cummins
    Doherty
    
    If you play maxwell he is in for Doherty - however with a deep batting order down to Johnson you don't need him.
    
    IF you pick Maxwell you need to leave Clarke out. Smith needs to be there and Bailey at 5 is one of best in the world.
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    Hugh > SuperEel 22 January 11, 2015 at 5:35pm

    Starc efforts in ODI's are really good. he would be playing ahead of Cummins for mind.
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    coco > SuperEel 22 January 11, 2015 at 8:42pm

    I think starc will be johnsons back up- won't want three left armers in team. Cummins ahead of Starc for balance
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  SuperEel 22 January 11, 2015 at 3:06pm

  Maxwell is too slap happy early on in his innings. As a middle order batsman in ODI cricket, he has to learn to pace his innings and play normal shots until he's set. We can't afford a middle order batsman to be hit and miss in a tournament like the world cup.
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    RIDER > SuperEel 22 January 11, 2015 at 3:20pm

    C'mon Super, that's like saying don't play Warner in a test because he doesn't play like a traditional opener.
    
    When he misses the rest of the team are more than capable of keeping it going. If he hits we will usually win just based on him.
    
    What does Watson bring? Using up balls and putting pressure on the lower order.
    
    You're entitled to your opinion, but in my opinion you are wrong.