Gillespie's bowling becoming a concern.

[Mongoose]

I think Aus probably will pick him. They've backed guys in the past who have followed sustained success with a lean patch. It's this kind of backing that allows a team some stability and takes the pressure off a guy who is worried about his form. OK, you don't stick with someone who is unproven and fails consistently, but if a guy has shown quality and produced the goods, you stick with him when it doesn't go right, as the chances are he'll come back and do well. I think this is the route Aus will take with Dizzy. As for whether he'll produce the goods, or whether he really is past his best, time will tell. It'll be a shame if he's done at the age of 30. I quite like Dizzy, and he deserves a few more years playing tests.

[Seamer]

Originally Posted by Mongoose

I think Aus probably will pick him. .

OK Mongoose. Assuming you are right, then who misses out? Obviously not McGrath. Lee has been bowling very well and has it over Gillespie in terms of current form. Kasprowicz is the only specialist change bowler in the squad.

[Mongoose]

I think Kaspa might miss out. you point out he's a change bowler whereas the others are opening bowlers, but I think any decent bowler should be able to come on at first change instead of opening. McGrath will clearly open, so it's between Lee and Dizzy. Either could come on at first change and do a job. If these three are picked, I think Lee will open so he can target Trescothick as he's done well against him in the ODIs.

[Seamer]

No, both Lee and Gillespie moreso require a new ball to be effective. Gillespie is a bowler that needs a hard seam to hit to get movement off the wicket. He cannot swing the ball, get reverse swing, and cannot cut the ball like Kaspa can. Kaspa is a master with the aging ball, and is far less susceptable to fatigue and injury. Going in with three specialist openers, and no workhorse with the older ball will be a huge mistake if they choose to go that way.
Kaspa has averaged 25 in conditions ranging from the subcontinent, to Australia and NZ in the last 14 months. 75% of his wickets have been top 6 batsmen. I feel the English underrate him as a bowler and if he gets a chance he will not disappoint.

[Mongoose]

You know them best, Seamer. It'll be interesting to see what the selectors do, and how the guys chosen actually perform in the tests. Will Lee be destructive, or get some tap? Will Dizzy be on his best form? Will Kaspa be the man quietly holding things together in the attack? I'll be watching with great interest.

[Lemming]

Maybe McGrath's bowling is becoming a little bit of a concern !

In this last one-day three-match series, McGrath has taken the solitary wicket of Michael Vaughan in the second match, and that wicket has cost 103 runs and means he has a strike rate of 168 balls (28 overs) for the series.

Maybe England have got him sorted, he may still be accurate but not not threatening enough to get wickets if the opposition doesn't want him to.

Oh look, there's a flying pig!

(Watch the bloke now get 25 wickets this Ashes series)

[Seamer]

Originally Posted by Mongoose

You know them best, Seamer..

Thats what i think too Mongoose, and have sent a letter offering my services to the ACB. Hav'nt heard from them yet so i suppose my proposal is still under consideration. Will keep you updated.

Originally Posted by Mongoose

It'll be interesting to see what the selectors do, and how the guys chosen actually perform in the tests. Will Lee be destructive, or get some tap? Will Dizzy be on his best form? Will Kaspa be the man quietly holding things together in the attack? I'll be watching with great interest.

I think your call is the right one to be honest. McGrath, Dizzy, Lee, Warne. Bloody selectors. I don't disagree with your prediction, i am just giving my opinion why i think it will be the wrong way to go.

[Seamer]

Originally Posted by Lemming

Maybe McGrath's bowling is becoming a little bit of a concern !

In this last one-day three-match series, McGrath has taken the solitary wicket of Michael Vaughan in the second match, and that wicket has cost 103 runs and means he has a strike rate of 168 balls (28 overs) for the series. )

Hmmm. Very observant there Lemming. I was so busy focusing on Gillespie that he had slipped under my radar. If Gillespie finds form and Lee keeps his, i might have no choice but to start a thread, "McGraths bowling is becoming a concern" Every Aussie on this forum would counter-attack me, but i do enjoy a good debate. Cheers for the heads up

[Beny]

Who thinks we should play 4 pacemen for the first test and see what happens....

The batting is in fine form at the momment and I think the issue that needs dealing with here is that we are now back where we were a month ago. Lets put them all out there and see who plays best, after all we have enough batting to back ourselves up. I think Lee will slit his wrists though if he doesent get a shot... Poor bugger.

[Leafy Seadragon]

I've still seen nothing to change my opinion that we'll start the first test with the same bowling lineup that finished the previous. Gillespie still has to show that his effort yesterday is indicative rather than a one-off. But given the three-day match does this, then IMO McGrath, Gillespie, Kasprowicz & Warne will front. Even if it doesn't, I suspect the selectors will be unwilling to take the risk with Lee. Fear not Seamer, I think your precious Kasprowicz is safe (and rightly so)