Mark Chilton – LiveCricket.in
Chill discusses cricket
Posts Tagged ‘Victoria’
2nd
So Australia get beaten on their own soil since 1993 and there is suddenly a crisis and every man and his dog voices their opinion. The fact is they just haven’t been used to getting beaten that often and to be so convincingly turned over means questions get asked. I have read many articles over the last few days about where they go from here and I thought I would offer another opinion.
It is no secret that they are a different team without Glenn Mcgrath and Shane Warne, especially the latter, and their deficiency in the spin departement has proved to be a real problem. I reckon they have two options.
Firstly, they could pick their four best bowlers (regardless of action), six best batters and Brad Haddin to keep wicket. The possible batters in my view would be Brad Hodge or David Hussey.
Secondly, they find an allrounder to allow them to play the spinner. I would play Jason Krejza who is a more attacking spin option then pick a bloke who can do a holding job as a fourth seamer to allow some control when the three quicks are tired or the spinner fetches it. Andrew Macdonald is a consistent performer having a great season with Victoria and has an opportunity to show is potential. A fully fit Andrew Symonds would still make my starting eleven but he has to able to bowl the overs.
Althought the results were ultimately pretty convincing the Aussies had South Africa on the ropes at times and failed to convert their strong positions. They are still a quality side and if they can keep confidence will still be a tough team to beat in Sydney and provide a stern test for England in the Ashes next year.
1st
A slight change this week. I am currently playing cricket for Melbourne University in the district competition here in Melbourne and would like to give a brief insight into my experience so far.
I have always been a big fan of the way the Australian league system is set up. The 1st Grade competition is the feeder for the full Victorian team so all the best players are concentrated in the one league which makes for very competitive cricket. Unfortunately we haven’t made the best of starts and are just below par in all departments but i have seen some real talent at the club and been impressed by the whole attitude the club has to training and improving. There is a real desire and ‘get on with it’ attitude that i am sure, will not only stand the club in good stead for the rest of this season, but also the future ones too.
I am aware that officials have tried to work on setting up a premier league back in Lancashire and think it is a real shame things haven’t worked out. I understand that the logistics behind it would take some sorting out but i also see huge benefits in concentrating the talent we have in Lancashire. If you had 18 clubs with the best players from the region all playing in the one competition standards would undoubtedly increase and players would be tested week in week out.
It will take someone to stick their neck out but i truly believe it would be of huge benefit to Lancashire CCC.