Brett Lee, an idiot?

[Leafy Seadragon]

Originally Posted by Rachael

Hmmmm... one lucky summer with a very, very good partner the other end. Never did anything else that significant in his entire career, did he?

A harsh summary Rachael for a bowler who took 200 test wickets despite a spell out of test cricket predominantly due to injury (an onfield shoulder injury that limited him after that time). If you look at his career, he bowled well until his return from WSC, averaging in the 25's. Admittedly not figures that probably puts him up with the greats, but certainly handy. Without the injury, he may have gone on to great things, although the strain his action put on his body probably would have limited this.

When people talk about the great Lillee/Thomson partnership - it was just that. Unfortunately the time frame was a short one and the reasons for this can be lost in amongst a set of numbers supposed to sum someone up. If you talk of comparison between Kaspa & Thomson in their prime, for me its got to be Thomson every time. I actually do rate Kaspa highly and certainly more deserving of a place in the current side than Lee, but pre-injury Thomson was pretty special.

In terms of back-up bowlers, I would almost be inclined to give Tait a crack before giving Lee another stint. A bit close to call that one given reports suggest Lee has sorted out many of his control issues

[AussieCricketLover]

Enough of the Lee bashing, you english havent seen this guy lately, and to say he's never performed a match winning spell is laughable at best. Perhaps the idea of bringing lee into the side and letting batsman hit out on him because McGrath is bogging them down is all part of the plan.
His recent form in the ODI's in New Zealand has been extroadinary; how are people supposed to be able to play deliverys at 160kmh when machines struggle to go that fast, when your bowling at that speed consistantly line and length doesnt really have that much importance, muscle memory cant react that fast on a consistant basis, there will always be (sooner or later) an error minute maybe but error nevertheless after all the human body isnt perfect and does have its limits regardless of training and genetic makeup.
To say that Bichel is tailendcleaneruperer is bull to, he should be touring IMO

[AussieCricketLover]

Wanting Tait to have a shot could also be a bit biased Leafy

[Leafy Seadragon]

Biased? It might be seen that way being a fellow South Aussie, but I just want to see the best outcome for the Aussie team long-term. Given the wraps on Tait for the past couple of years and the suggestion from numerous observers that he is probably the one to carry the long-term strike bowler load, then to me its the logical way to go. The only two factors that I would think would influence this choice are: is there a better option for Australia now? and is it too early for him to be thrown in the deep end?

In answer to the first question, I don't know whether Lee is a better option now - he's bowled so little of late, its hard to get a handle on him. Possibly. Is Tait the next best option? Given that he's stormed the Pura Cup (admittedly only one season), is genuinely quick and is now taking wickets, I would suggest that this puts him ahead of Bracken/Bichel/another on the basis of their most recent international form. The selectors seem to agree on this (possibly also influenced as I understand it by the timing of the series).

Is he ready? Coming in to support McGrath and Gillespie or Kaspa I would say yes (although I think the preferred balance would be a straight swap for Gillespie - not that I wouldn't choose Gilllespie every time). Without the guidance and steadying influence of McGrath, I might have actually gone with Bracken to reduce the load (although I think that Bracken might have appreciated similar support in his tests - unfortunately McGrath wasn't available). Nah - Tait's damn quick (or so they say) and looks to be firing, give him a go. If nothing else, touring with these guys can't hurt, with the chance for the odd first-class match thrown in.

In answer to the bias question - I actually think that were the situation reversed, the appeal of sheer pace and long-term future would still sway it to Tait. Similarly, I think that the choice of MacGill over Cullen was the right one (despite his origins), 'cos I think SCG is currently the better option, even though Cullen would have also benefited enormously from the experience and possibly Oz in the long-term. Maybe a season in County would be a win-win?