The battle to be the next Australian quick

[Navdeep]

Nobody think Bracken will do well back in the test arena? A 1 day regular now, him, Lee, Tait and a spinner, probably MacGill would be my attack, with an all rounder in there, probably Watson.

[draexem]

Originally Posted by Navdeep

Nobody think Bracken will do well back in the test arena? A 1 day regular now, him, Lee, Tait and a spinner, probably MacGill would be my attack, with an all rounder in there, probably Watson.

I don't think it's possible to drop Clark to bring Bracken in, he's performing too well in the test arena. Gets a bit of movement, and a ton of bounce. He may not look it but Clark is 198cm, and trouble's the batsmen with the bounce he gets off the pitch. It's something Lee, Tait and Bracken are unable to get, so Clark's a must. McGrath (195cm) use to trouble the batsmen the same way.

My lineup will be Clark, Lee (starting to show some maturity over the last 2 years), Hilfenhaus (one of the most dangerous swing bowlers in Australia and very young), and MacGill. I may be calling for Hilfenhaus too early, but damn he's an exciting prospect.

[Rachael]

Originally Posted by draexem

I don't think it's possible to drop Clark to bring Bracken in

Quite right: Clark is the first name on the teamsheet... but Bracken would be an interesting new-ball partner for a year or so whilst Johnson and Hilfenhaus mature. Lee's unwarranted Test experience, batting, and vague signs of improvement with the ball will probably ensure he's the third seamer - though as the selectors have been insistent on pickng him for year after year despite evidence of rank incompetence, one suspects they'd pick him even if he did nothing BUT bat.

[Demon Lillee]

The best attack (opinion)

Clarke (new ball opener) - Australia's new Mr line and length
Lee (new ball opener) - reputed and feared quick who has matured greatly
Tait (third seamer) - young firebrand who in tandem with Lee could cause batsmen some sleepless nights
McGill (spin) - turns it a mile.. may thrive in a cricket environment that doesn't have the Warne cloud hanging over him

That attack can take alot of wickets and definately win test matches.. however the gulf between Australia and the rest of the world could see DK Lillee back and still taking out pegs

[Quagmire]

Well lets look an current test match form for players that played in 2006 (couldnt excluding retired players)

Stuart Clark - 8 tests, 42 wickets at 17.76
Stuart MacGill - 3 tests, 20 wickets at 21.80
Brett Lee - 10 tests, 37 wickets at 32.37

In the ODI arena 2006

Nathan Bracken - 23 mat, 46 wickets at 18.82
Brett Lee - 26 mat, 44 wickets at 24.88
Brad Hogg - 19 mat, 26 wickets at 24.00
Andrew Symonds - 24 mat, 20 wickets at 36.80
Shane Watson - 12 mat, 19 wickets at 19.15

ODI Arena 2007

Nathan Bracken - 21 mat, 31 wickets at 23.54
Shaun Tait - 15 mat, 28 wickets at 24.46
Brad Hogg - 17 mat, 23 wickets at 24.39

What more does Bracken have to do to get into the test side?