Mitchell Johnson (Under Wraps)

[outswing]

Ive heard some good reviews on Stuart Clarke, but Buchanan would be crazy not to go for either Johnsone or Tait.
I would really like to see Tait bowling on a pitch such as the Gabba, but if Australia go for Mitchell Johnson, they would have something that England lack - a decent left arm seamer....

[Rachael]

Originally Posted by outswing

I would really like to see Tait bowling on a pitch such as the Gabba

The Gabba is fast enough (and bouncy enough) to ensure anyone bowling over 80 mph is in with a shout... and of all the pitches it's the one where bounce and seam movement (both Clark specialities) are most likely to be rewarded. If Tait is suited to anywhere it's going to be to one of the slower pitches, where guys like Clark might struggle and where it's worth having a wild speedster looking for reverse swing in between mammoth spells from the spinners.

On a horses-for-courses basis I'd go with McGrath, Clark, Johnson and Warne at Brisbane.

[flanflinger]

Rachael,

I think you might be happy with that, but I doubt most people would have Lee in there for Clark or Johnson.

From what Buchanan said, we are looking at

McGrath, Lee, Warne and Clark.. but if Watson is fit, Tait or Johnson could come into play. But without Watson I feel they will go safety first, and that is Clark..

[Rachael]

Originally Posted by flanflinger

if Watson is fit, Tait or Johnson could come into play. But without Watson I feel they will go safety first, and that is Clark..

After the last Ashes debacle can you blame them? They have surely had enough of bowlers going AWOL... and in a five Test series (where you also have three Tests likely to be spin-dominated) the side that looks stronger on paper would surely be ill-advised to kick off with a gamble.

If the side is 1-0 down after Brisbane... Tait and Johnson become far, far more attractive prospects... but not going into a game where winning without them seems eminently feasible!

[acker]

Big dilemma tomorrow big Glenn still has'nt stretched out from his heel injury, Tait vs Johnson ; Tait on his home ground but I think lacking match fitness against Johnston on top of his game and rearing for a crack.

Interesting