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Originally Posted by flanflinger  I have no doubt that he has ability, my problem is that at 36 maybe the opportunity has come to late? |
Well unlike McGill, it is not as if Warne held Hogg back. Three years ago, i would have laughed if someone suggested Hogg as a test player. But he has improved out of sight these days.
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Originally Posted by flanflinger The bigger problem for Australia is - who are the long term candidates? |
Well i am not deluding myself on the spin issue in regards to Australia. We have been shaking the spinner tree for years now and nothing is falling. Right now to my knowledge, the next best options are Cameron White or Nathan Hauritz and those guys are hardly likely to tear the cricketing world apart. Spin is not one of Australia's favorite subjects anymore, which is why we are talking up our pace options so much.
It is hoped down here that by the use of this attack, there is more than one way to skin a cat. Tait and Lee are not particularly that good IMO, but they are fast, and every team needs a fast man. Mitchel Johnson is special and i think he will cause many a headache for batsman for the next 8-10 years. You have not heard much about Hilfenhouse, but i can assure you his reputation is deserved. Bracken will be useful at times - especially in England. Most people agree that Clark is a fine bowler. And we have another guy by the name of Noffke who is just starting to ripen.
Australia is strong in batting, and will be for the foreseeable future. Our fast bowling stocks are very healthy. Our spin options are scant and a bit of a worry. This all adds up to a competitive Australia, but not as nearly a dominant one. Considering the doom and gloom forecasts after the retirement of Warne and McGrath, things are looking better than what they could have been.