Elliot or Katich

[Beny]

I'm not judging Elliot on 1 return match (in which he did'nt make double figures incidently). I'm going by the fact that he simply is a combination of too old and not good enough.

[vvvrulz]

I'm curious, why was he dropped in the first place?
I remember he and Blewett used to open, both of which have sorta disappeared.

[Paoli]

Elliot played 2 bad tests in the Windies, but that wasn't the reason for him getting dropped.

I'd be able to send u a private message saying why

[vvvrulz]

Ah, cheers that clears it all up.

[Seamer]

I would choose neither. If we were going to go with an in form batsman of that age group you would have to go for Bevan. I think it is time to look to the future while we are still on top and go for a young bolter in Dominic Thornely (NSW). If we continue to inject youth into the team and instill a winning culture in them as well, there is no reason why the next generation can,t continue Australians dominance of world cricket - we certainly have the depth ,talent, resouces and infrastructure to do so. I would also get Shaun Tate in there as well as soon as possible. Clarke and Watson was a good decision as well
For the record - Aus first class stats 04/05

Name                 Mat   I  NO  Runs   HS    Ave DJ Thornely           6    8   2   531  261*  88.50
MG Bevan              4    8   1   529  167*  75.57
MTG Elliott           5   10   0   350  120   35.00
SM Katich             2    3   0   120   78   40.00
SR Watson             4    7   1   317  136   52.83

http://aus.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2...MOST_RUNS.html

[Paoli]

Unlike most other nations, Australia won't choose Thornely based solely on this form. The youngest Australian players make test debuts at is about 26 (Clarke and Watson are exceptions). I believe that is a luxury.

The next inline is after Katich is Brad Hodge, who damn well deserves a Test Cap.

[Zainub]

Godness Gracious me, you guys sure have depth in your batting reserves!

[freddie flintoff 142]

well we now know the answer to this debate and this guy who was metioned in passing...........................

shane watson

[Seamer]

Brad Hodge is a brilliant player no doubt - he has all the shots and is great to watch in full flight.But like so many other talented batsmen going around (Love, Elliot, Katitch Bevan ect ), he has been a victim of the depth of talent Australia currently possess and is damned unlucky not to have recieved a baggy green
The point i am trying to make is that there is a need to think towards the future now.The players in brackets above are all on the wrong side of 30 and current Aussie team are mostly senior players, well into their 30,s except Clarke and Watson. I am starting to get a bit nervous about the the medium term future of Australian cricket because due to retirement, injury or loss of form, it is possible we may lose the bulk of those guys within a very short space of time. If that happens, that massive void will have to be filled by new, unseasoned players, facing a vengeful cricket world busting for the chance to hand us back a few thrashings.England especially.
Australia have to restore the balance of youth and experience now before it is too late.If we do, we may return back to the rest of the field for a while, but we will still remain strong

[Paoli]

Well we won't rush a Cosgrove or a Shaun Marsh or for that matter a Dom Thornely into the national squad. Hodge is obviously on the selecters minds cos he is in the AUA squad and went to India....Australia's formula has worked for the past 6 years----why change it now?