- Banned
- #1
Barring injury, Symonds is the only member of the Australian top 7 who could be dropped before the end of this summer.
Jaques has earned his spot and will be given time to make it his own. The other guys are safe.
Symonds needs to make his mark at #6. There are some handy batsmen outside the team, and for all the voodoo about the value of the all-rounder, the only real currency is runs - and Symonds needs to score quite a few if he wants his Test career to be more than a cameo.
His Test average currently sits at 27. That's nowhere near good enough.
His ODI form has been exceptional since 2003 and the selectors will hope that he turned the corner at the MCG last year against England.
Symonds is a popular cricketer and I think most people would like to see him lock down a spot. I would definitely prefer to see him play ahead of Watson. But being a good bloke and an awesome fielder is not sufficient.
Symonds needs to deliver this summer or his Test career will be over.
Previously, he's played some very scratchy innings where he's looked totally uncomfortable. He's staggered into double figures before sending an edge to the keeper, holing out or chopping onto his stumps. There are times when he's resembled a park cricketer.
Blasting a quickfire 70 when we're already 4/360 should not be the benchmark. There will be situations when we've lost a couple of quick wickets, bringing Symonds to the crease. He needs to demonstrate that he can handle that situation. If he is regularly the second or third bunny in a mini-collapse, he's not going to last.
It's hard to see him being dropped before the start of the series against India, and he'll probably be given all six Tests unless he totally drops his bundle.
To stay beyond that, he needs to contribute consistently with the bat and probably post a couple of big scores.
If he can average 40+ over those six Tests, he will hold his spot for the tour of the West Indies. Anything less than that and Shane Watson, or hopefully someone else, will be knocking.
I hope Symonds cements his spot this summer, but I have my doubts.
Jaques has earned his spot and will be given time to make it his own. The other guys are safe.
Symonds needs to make his mark at #6. There are some handy batsmen outside the team, and for all the voodoo about the value of the all-rounder, the only real currency is runs - and Symonds needs to score quite a few if he wants his Test career to be more than a cameo.
His Test average currently sits at 27. That's nowhere near good enough.
His ODI form has been exceptional since 2003 and the selectors will hope that he turned the corner at the MCG last year against England.
Symonds is a popular cricketer and I think most people would like to see him lock down a spot. I would definitely prefer to see him play ahead of Watson. But being a good bloke and an awesome fielder is not sufficient.
Symonds needs to deliver this summer or his Test career will be over.
Previously, he's played some very scratchy innings where he's looked totally uncomfortable. He's staggered into double figures before sending an edge to the keeper, holing out or chopping onto his stumps. There are times when he's resembled a park cricketer.
Blasting a quickfire 70 when we're already 4/360 should not be the benchmark. There will be situations when we've lost a couple of quick wickets, bringing Symonds to the crease. He needs to demonstrate that he can handle that situation. If he is regularly the second or third bunny in a mini-collapse, he's not going to last.
It's hard to see him being dropped before the start of the series against India, and he'll probably be given all six Tests unless he totally drops his bundle.
To stay beyond that, he needs to contribute consistently with the bat and probably post a couple of big scores.
If he can average 40+ over those six Tests, he will hold his spot for the tour of the West Indies. Anything less than that and Shane Watson, or hopefully someone else, will be knocking.
I hope Symonds cements his spot this summer, but I have my doubts.
