5th Test Border Gavaskar Trophy January 3-7 1000hrs @ the SCG

[LukeParkerno1]

ummm nah luke... you would rather the test washed out because you have time off ??

The article is pretty valid imo....

fundraising ??? you can fundraise on other dates

Cutting half the crowd ??? Sydney biggest city population in Aus really shouldn't effect the crowd sizes as you have the biggest population IMO compared to the other cites Perth Brisbane ...that hosts test during the working period and what does the SCG hold 50k?...you really should get a decent crowd size whenever it is held due to your population.

Facts are holding the test in the new year increases the chance of washouts....I think the SCG is the number one venue in the world for days lost due to weather in the past 10/20 years. That was one of the major reasons the SA govt tried hard to get the new years tests...

Out of all test venues to be changed in regards to dates in Aus I think the SCG tops this list..... its just tradition keeping it there IMO

Yes I’d rather hold it in the new year couldn’t care less if there’s a bit of weather around. There’s been rain at every venue bar Perth this year. You will lose millions in the fundraising alone they aren’t changing it

 

[freo_leo29]

Whilst there is effectively universal joy for the dropping of Marsh, spare a thought for the Marsh supporters here.

contrary to popular beliefs, people can support a player and still agree with him being dropped

He just simply wasn't performing at the right level, doesn't take away from the run he had before this series, including a critical piece in that NZ series that helped take pressure off Green (we had that collapse and Green could barely get off the mark, Bison came in and took the pressure off, Green goes on to score big)

 

[Cainozz]

Happy for Webster, deserves a crack. Am I right in saying he used to bowl off-spin a few years ago before turning into a medium pace bowler? He could always go back to off-spin on our tour for Sri Lanka.

 

[greatwhiteshark]

As much as I love Marsh, I'll always support my Western Australian boys, but it was time to go, Webster has had some all time form in the Sheffield Shield, and realistically, what is the point of having a Sheffield Shield if you're not going to reward players who have good form?

About time, Marsh can come and play for the Scorchers too.

What’s the bet they don’t release marsh to the scorchers.

 

[Art Vandelay_]

Will it rain?

 

[troybe]

At least we’ve got 5 days of fundraising to look forward to

 

[freo_leo29]

What’s the bet they don’t release marsh to the scorchers.

Should get a gig, doubt he plays the Saturday as he would be concussion sub but he should play between Sri Lanka tour

He needs a hit for a bit of freedom

 

[TheMcManusNose]

Who's the guy that's in the top 6 bats in Australia and bowls 145.
And why isn't he playing NOW?

Cam Green isn't playing because he's had a titanium cable put in his back.

I was referencing the poster I quoted who was saying why pick webster if you're going to drop him for Green.

 

[nobbyiscool]

There's more people following this thread than the relevant thread - jump on 501, I think NZ are about to do something really speecial.

 

[western royboy]

Youre saying Marsh will be required in SL?

Webster

 

[cats_09]

Probably not ideal for India

 

[largebus]

Marsh played this series like he knew he was a lame duck keeping the seat warm for Green, with all the soft lazy dismissals. Hopefully he'll actually do something useful on the Scorchers.
Took the catch that started the collapse so if it is the last hurrah, not a bad way to go.

Webster I don't rate as a Test bowler either from what I've seen live but his runs have justified his place. Hope he goes well.

 

[western royboy]

I can’t see marsh going to Sri Lanka his test career is over

Webster

 

[Bucking Beads]

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Why not?

Doesn’t really strike me as a test cricketer. Bowling while adequate isn’t on the level of what’s required to be a genuine test all rounder. Don’t think his batting is at the level either tbh. He deserves his go though. Hope he goes well.

 

[nobbyiscool]

****ing STOKED for my man Beau. I've been on him since about 24 months ago during his first ripper season, and I love a Tasmanian in the national team!

 

[Coasters7]

Marsh had to go but I’m not sure Webster is the answer. Can’t really argue with his Shield record so he deserves a go on that alone but I’m not sure he’ll be much more reliable than Marsh. Feel like he’ll get found out at the next level just like the guy he’s replacing.

 

[jannissary]

Unless you're selected as the keeper, I'm not sure that "specialist fielder" is a viable position in test matches - and even then for keepers, there's an expectation that they can hold their own with the bat

Regarding Marsh, not only is it a case that he's batting hasn't been up to scratch, but he's also rarely bowling - can't afford to keep carrying him

only person who comes to mind is the salmon like jonty rhodes, and even then he could bat a bit

 

[JackFlash]

If that is the case I think he can be pretty happy with his last day of Test cricket - couple of good catches in a memorable day 5 win.

He's done well since coming back into the team, but his form has dropped off dramatically and with Green being out it is even more noticeable. Time for some new blood!

 

[jannissary]

I think India are right to drop Pant.

Momentum is crucial in sport and bad decisions should be judged much more harshly if it leads to a loss of momentum or increased pressure on the team.

If India were clearly up it doesn't matter too much if Pant throws his wicket away for 30 but in the context of the game I think his dismissals were key in costing India the win

dropping a dangerously punishing batsmen when the batting line up is already dicey raises some question marks in my eye. rohit/kohli should be the ones made example of. kohli made an ass of himself last test and only made runs in perth - other than the second innings he’s been ordinary. sharma is just dreadful & has little impact on the pitch or in the field.

with that in mind, im not complaining

 

[Coops93]

Surprised at the angst regarding Webster. To me it was a no-brainer. Webster may well wind up being a 1 test player, or 2 or 3 depending what happens on the next couple of tours, but Marsh was doing nothing. He didn't look like scoring a run and could give you 4 overs a test.

Webster has the form and even if he fails twice batting he'll be able to give 8-10 overs an innings. From that alone he's more valuable than Marsh. I was potentially in favour of going with 6 batters with McSweeney at 6 and jamming in a few overs from Head-Labuschagne (ideally bowling spin...)-McSweeney if a chop out is needed, but with Starcs fitness being somewhat a query going with an actual all-rounder who could at least provide a real no.5 bowling option is the right idea.

Going forward, questions around Greens capacity to bowl long term will be looked at. He made no.4 his spot his own until the injury, so is good enough to bat top 4, I wouldn't be shocked if his bowling loads go down given how many back injuries he's had.

 

[Westend]

Surprised at the angst regarding Webster. To me it was a no-brainer. Webster may well wind up being a 1 test player, or 2 or 3 depending what happens on the next couple of tours, but Marsh was doing nothing. He didn't look like scoring a run and could give you 4 overs a test.

Webster has the form and even if he fails twice batting he'll be able to give 8-10 overs an innings. From that alone he's more valuable than Marsh. I was potentially in favour of going with 6 batters with McSweeney at 6 and jamming in a few overs from Head-Labuschagne (ideally bowling spin...)-McSweeney if a chop out is needed, but with Starcs fitness being somewhat a query going with an actual all-rounder who could at least provide a real no.5 bowling option is the right idea.

Going forward, questions around Greens capacity to bowl long term will be looked at. He made no.4 his spot his own until the injury, so is good enough to bat top 4, I wouldn't be shocked if his bowling loads go down given how many back injuries he's had.

I honestly think that is why they have gone with Webster over Marsh due to Starcs fitness. If Starc was 100% reckon marsh might still of been picked regardless of form

 

[Jeremias]

Wow. Didn't think they had the balls to drop Marsh.

It's the correct decision though. He's there as an all rounder but hasn't been batting well and due to injury hasn't been bowling anywhere near as much as he otherwise may have.

Shouldn't be in the side and I'm rapt Webster gets his chance. Let's see whether he performs, but you couldn't possibly say it isn't deserved given what he's produced at state level over the past few years.

 

[Coops93]

dropping a dangerously punishing batsmen when the batting line up is already dicey raises some question marks in my eye. rohit/kohli should be the ones made example of. kohli made an ass of himself last test and only made runs in perth - other than the second innings he’s been ordinary. sharma is just dreadful & has little impact on the pitch or in the field.

with that in mind, im not complaining

Agreed regarding Pant. I must admit, as an opposition fan, I feel better with Pant out of the team than in the team. Seeing he's potentially out makes me feel more comfortable.

We all know he's the kind of guy who can play 2 or 3 miserable shots and look like he's cost you the game, then next week he'll score 130 off 90 balls and completely turn the game on its head - Ala Trav Head for us.

I could see their perspective and almost dropping him on principle to a degree, but to me it's making him out to be a scapegoat. 9 other batters did significantly worse than him, he isn't the issue. As you touched on, the 2 old blokes over 35 that haven't scored a meaningful run are potentially more the issue.

 

[western royboy]

I honestly think that is why they have gone with Webster over Marsh due to Starcs fitness. If Starc was 100% reckon marsh might still of been picked regardless of form

Marsh’s form with the bat is obvious, for whatever reason he has done little bowling. The next two Tests are in Feb in SL at the same ground on what recent history has been a dustbowl turner. It makes absolute perfect sense to get a look at Webster with an eye to playing him as a Funky Miller dual medium pace / off spin option beforehand

 

[Coops93]

I honestly think that is why they have gone with Webster over Marsh due to Starcs fitness. If Starc was 100% reckon marsh might still of been picked regardless of form

It is a move that's made me wonder about Starcs selection more. I don't feel super comfortable going into a test with a bowler under an injury cloud to the point of picking a reserve bowler in the team.

But that aside, Webster should've been in instead of Marsh regardless. At this point, if he provides 2 wickets and a total of 60-80 runs for the game I'd be relatively happy with that performance.