Time to look forward

[Paoli]

Well the selectors made it clear yesterday that they have taken yet another step in looking forward. Darren Lehmann's career seems all but over after the panel chose Mike Hussey in his place. James Hopes is replacing the injured Shane Watson. He is one of our WAT A team.

I am furious however that M Hussey got in ahead of D Hussey. David Hussey made a sensational 125 in Hobart for Australia A against the Windies. If you make 100 for Australia A, why shouldn't you get in the one day squad. Although he has been dropped from the Pura Cup, he should be in the ODI squad. And Ian Harvey should be in at James Hopes expense.

The Test Squad. Unfortunately, but almost certainly, the curtain will close on the working class hero Darren Lehmann. Taking his spot should be Brad Hodge. He has a better average than Mike Hussey and the only one above is Bevan who the selectors will not take notice of.

My test squad:

1. Hayden
2. Langer
3. Ponting
4. Martyn
5. Clarke
6. Katich
7. Hodge
8. Gilchrist
9. McGrath
10. Gillespie
11. Lee
12. Kasprowicz
13. Warne
14. MacGill
15. Watson/White

I think Stewie MacGill will get selected on the basis that there is nobody better to take his spot. If Hodge doesn't get selected, I think it's fair for him to consider a move up north in the off season.

[Zainub]

I've never heard of James Hope before, what kind of a player is he, I under stand he is an allrounder.

[Seamer]

Classic Victorian parochialism!! Bill Lawry would be in total agreement (Hodge,Harvey)

[Paoli]

Originally Posted by Zainub Razvi

I've never heard of James Hope before, what kind of a player is he, I under stand he is an allrounder.

Indeed. Averages 23 with the bat in the ING Cup, and 25 with the ball. Mike Hussey deserves his selection somewhat..but im sure his brother will not be too pleased.

[Beny]

http://aus.cricinfo.com/link_to_data...21FEB2005.html

Here he comes!

Crosthwaite said he received the good news from Bushrangers coach Greg Shipperd whilst batting in the Junction Oval nets at training on Monday.

"I came forward to a ball that I probably should have went back to and 'Shippy's' walked down the net and said, 'Look, I really need you to start going back to things like that'," the gloveman recounted.

"'I really want you to start batting like a first-class player. We've got you in the side on Thursday'."

Crosthwaite goes into his first-class debut in good form, having clubbed 114 last weekend in grade cricket.