Aussie selectors consider 4 pronged pace attack against India

[Seamer]

Interesting comments from Andrew Hilditch

Cricinfo - Injured MacGill waits on decision

Now to my memory, no test team has fielded such an attack since the great Windies sides of the 80's. Perhaps also, this is the first time since the 80's where one nation has had the depth of quality in the pace bowling department to be able to try it.

Should they do it? Will they?

Exciting times ahead for the Aussie fans if they take the punt, perhaps not so exciting for the Indians though.

[engssmoothcriminal]

Originally Posted by Seamer

Now to my memory, no test team has fielded such an attack since the great Windies sides of the 80's. Perhaps also, this is the first time since the 80's where one nation has had the depth of quality in the pace bowling department to be able to try it.

Cricinfo - 4th Test: England v South Africa at Leeds, Aug 21-25, 2003

Hmm as messers Ali and Kirtley were getting pummelled by the batting might of Zondeki and Ntini I don't think my exact thoughts at the time were " my what strength in depth we must possess to leave out someone like Harmison from our FIVE man pace attack" .


(Personally I'd keep the frontline spinner as drop-in pitches have a tendancy to die after a couple of days and you really don't want Symonds and Clarke having to fill in 20-25 overs a day)

[greg]

Well it is clear that Australia are lacking a decent spinner so they may as well pick a 4th seamer as he is more likely to cause an Indian batsman problems than an average spinner ever would.

Who they pick is not for me to say but i doubt Bracken will be chosen as they already have one left armer and Bracken has been tried before and didn't pull up any trees and at over 30 he would only be a short term measure anyway.

[acker]

I have voted for Tait because

I like the thought of having 3 quick bowlers (Lee, Johnson & Tait) averaging farly consistantly around the mid 140 kph's constantly in the Indian's faces.

I dont think the Indians handle pace and bounce well with exeptions to Tendulkar and Shewag.

Bracken offers nothing Johnson does not already offer. Plus bowls about 15 kph slower than Johnson.

Hilfenhaus close but if we are going to have a full on pace attack, I reckon we should make it as quick as we can. Clark is holding him out my team.

Spinners well I reckon with Magill struggling to find the pitch and constantly offering batsmen a selection of waist to shoulder height full tosses like someone offers you a selection of cakes at afternoon tea. Not to mention his no ball spree's. I dont think Symonds and Clarke are to far behind in spin talent compared to the rest of the meagre spin offerings in Australian cricket at the moment. Let's not forget Clarke is no spin monkey 6 for 9 in a test match innings is a pretty impressive bowling performance even though the pitch was a turner.

[darksideofthemoon]

Hilfenhaus has been waiting in the queue.(88-90mph isn't slow)
Tait should have to wait his turn.

[Seamer]

Past players are now putting their two cents worth into the debate

Cricinfo - Lehmann and Gillespie push for spinner at MCG

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by acker

I have voted for Tait because

I like the thought of having 3 quick bowlers (Lee, Johnson & Tait) averaging farly consistantly around the mid 140 kph's constantly in the Indian's faces.

This was the secret of the great West Indian sides - a bowling change never meant relief for the batsmen.

As one quick was spelled, he was replaced by another - and few sides could handle that kind of pressure, fear of serious injury it must be argued also played in the heads of opposition batsmen.

[Seamer]

Originally Posted by Seamer

Past players are now putting their two cents worth into the debate

Cricinfo - Lehmann and Gillespie push for spinner at MCG

Now Gilchrist has joined Moody as an advocate of Brad Hogg

Pick Hogg says Gilchrist - Cricket - Sport - smh.com.au

[acker]

Originally Posted by darksideofthemoon

Hilfenhaus has been waiting in the queue.(88-90mph isn't slow)
Tait should have to wait his turn.

Tait gave 10 good reasons in a recent Pura Cup match why he should jump the queue.

Tait's back.

[Seamer]

Yes that 10-for came at the right time for him, no doubt.

Well, McGill is officially out for the series now
Cricinfo - MacGill to undergo hand surgery
so, it means a decision must be made.

Looking at how things are bearing out in terms of form, you would have to say it will come down to Tait or Hogg.

One outside chance that cannot (but probably will) be dismissed is Noffke. His all-round efforts with both bat (490 runs@ 61) and ball (24wickets@19) have been quite outstanding

Hilfenhouse has probably not done enough to force his way in (8 wickets @66)

I personally do not like the idea of having two fast men in the line up. It leaves our bowling lineup too unbalanced, and major damage could be inflicted on us if one or both lose their radar. It would be exciting to see Lee and Tait going at the Indians, but too risky i reckon

Noffke would certainly add balance and options as a bowler, and would be very handy coming in at no8. Great fielder too. But he has never been in the squad, does'nt really know the players, so probably not his time just yet.

But i think they have to go with Hogg. He's the best spinning option we have, has a good recent record against the Indians, and has form under his belt.