Warne's back...

[Rachael]

The following is an extract from "Warne's back - tall of tale but short of bounce" as submitted to cricinfo by Paul Coupar in Galle on March 9, 2004.

"Contrary to the view that Asian pitches are A Good Thing For Spinners, this is not Warne's natural habitat. He thrives on bounce. His bowling average is nearly nine runs higher on Asian pitches than elsewhere (disregarding, that is, that stateless series in October 2002, of which Steve Waugh later said Pakistan's kamikaze batting in Sri Lanka and Sharjah was worse than Bangladesh's.) Even including that travesty, Warne's figures remain better elsewhere.

It has been fascinating to watch Warne, and that other great wicket-hunter, Muttiah Muralitharan, pursue their quarry over the past two days. Picture Warne today, and Murali yesterday: Warne, like the fly-fisherman, tossing bait down the line, in a languid, almost mesmerising arc. He invites the aggression that undoes itself. Murali, by contrast, hurries and harries. The flight is flatter and faster; the time for the batsman to fashion a reply (rather than a gut reaction) less. Murali is to spin bowling what the relentless, harrying hound is to hunting.

As a slow bowler even among slow bowlers, Warne has not found bounce here. It hits the pitch and begins to die. Murali's greater pace has presented a greater threat"

For full text see http://usa.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/C...09MAR2004.html

[Vinoth]

The Remarkable Come Back By The Aus Has Shown Some Serious Effect In His Bowling By Taking Wickets

Regurarly. The Streaky Lankans Against The Mighty Aus May Not Stand For Long Although They Have Good

Bowlers Like Murali.



Thanx


Vinoth

[Mike]

Warne's successful comeback surprised me. He wasn't that effective in Sri Lanka last time. He is looking fitter and trimmer than I've seen him for a long time. He undoubtedly has designs to play for a few more years yet which is bad news for other teams. Good news for cricket watchers because he adds quality to any Test match.

[NZBeth]

Warne is trouble where ever he lurks either on the field or off.

[DanielJamesSimon]

Originally Posted by NZBeth

Warne is trouble where ever he lurks either on the field or off.

Too true.

I think he's a great chance to claim what should be rightfully his - the world record - in the upcoming Sri Lankan tour, whether or not Muralitharan tours. It'll be some feat, but I hope he does it.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by DanielJamesSimon

Too true.

I think he's a great chance to claim what should be rightfully his - the world record - in the upcoming Sri Lankan tour, whether or not Muralitharan tours. It'll be some feat, but I hope he does it.

A Darren Gough delivery hit Warney on the hand when he was batting and it's broken it. Out for a month.

[Rachael]

Not sure who the Aussie's next opponents are.. but they should consider sending Goughy a lorryload of beer for that favour: do you think he could repeat the act just before the next Ashes series?

[DanielJamesSimon]

Originally Posted by Pete

A Darren Gough delivery hit Warney on the hand when he was batting and it's broken it. Out for a month.

Originally Posted by Rachael

Not sure who the Aussie's next opponents are.. but they should consider sending Goughy a lorryload of beer for that favour: do you think he could repeat the act just before the next Ashes series?

Australia should consider sending Brett Lee to break Goughy's hand! Australia's next opponents are Sri Lanka in Darwin and Cairns next month. If Murali tours now, there won't be any battle for the world record holding title that we've been waiting for.

Anyway, Warne or no Warne, Australia will still win the Ashes. It'll just be easier with Warne.

[Zeke]

Warne will play.