Australia v India v Sri Lanka

[roo boys!]

He had a chance to hit it, of course, but it was a hell of a ball.

[c4v3m4n]

So who will replace Marsh for the test series against West Indies?

Is there anyone performing at state level that could be given a chance, or do we go back to Khawaja? ::)

[PowerBug]

So who will replace Marsh for the test series against West Indies?

Is there anyone performing at state level that could be given a chance, or do we go back to Khawaja? ::)

Khawaja, Watson, Nic Maddinson is what i say.

[Maca24]

Khawaja in the box seat I'd imagine? Or just throw Watson in and play Cowan and Warner as well.

[CrowsFan]

I think Birt would be a great test batsmen :D
Imagine if him and Warner both went off in a test match :o

[Maca24]

I think Birt would be a great test batsmen :D
Imagine if him and Warner both went off in a test match :o

Birt in tests  :-\ lol

[CrowsFan]

I think Birt would be a great test batsmen :D
Imagine if him and Warner both went off in a test match :o

Birt in tests  :-\ lol

It was a joke maca ;)

[Maca24]

I think Birt would be a great test batsmen :D
Imagine if him and Warner both went off in a test match :o

Birt in tests  :-\ lol

It was a joke maca ;)

Good!  :P

[TheMailman]

Throw in Khawaja for Marsh and when Watson comes in form take out Cowan for Watson. When Ponting decides that his day has come to retire see who has the better form out of Cowan, Marsh and whoever else is good. If Pattinson looks in good knick than Harris would have to move way. I don't know when Johnson comes back but a in form Johnson is better than an in form Siddle or Hilfy.

[c4v3m4n]

Throw in Khawaja for Marsh and when Watson comes in form take out Cowan for Watson. When Ponting decides that his day has come to retire see who has the better form out of Cowan, Marsh and whoever else is good. If Pattinson looks in good knick than Harris would have to move way. I don't know when Johnson comes back but a in form Johnson is better than an in form Siddle or Hilfy.

Cowan will stay, you need a steady player at the top of the order; that's why Langer and Hayden were such an amazing opening pair. Having Watson and Warner at the top of the order would be farcical IMO. Watson really needs to be placed down the order (in order for him to be able to get through a series uninjured  ::) ), which means Hussey will unfortunately be giving his marching orders. The other option that they could look at while Marsh and Khawaja look for form is to move Ponting, Clarke and Hussey up the order and slot Watson in after them.  Could be worthwhile seeing how well the middle order is doing at the moment. ;D

Both Pattinson and Cummins will provide massive headaches for the selectors as well. I don't think we'll be seeing Johnson again...unless things go terribly wrong for Australia. *knocks on wood* He is a massive confidence player, if things are going right, he is unstoppable, with both ball and bat. If he's not on fire, he's woeful.

It will be very interesting who takes Ponting's position when he decides to retire as well....

Lastly, I feel sorry for Dan Christian, I don't think he'll be getting any game time soon which is a shame, I really enjoy watching him play. :-\

[TheMailman]

I don't know if Watson and Warner opening would be all that farcical. The combination of left and right handedness makes it difficult for bowlers. Gambir and Sehwag are probably two similar opening pairs that come to mind (obviously not right now). I've always wanted Watson to go down the order but where does he go? He isn't good enough to justify dropping Hussey atm.

By the end of this year I hope:

1.Warner
2.Khawaja/Cowan
3.Khawaja/Cowan
4.Ponting (only time would decide replacement. Maybe Clarke?)
5.Clarke/Hussey (Clarke could potentially move back to 2nd drop and Hussey could move up)
6.Watson (Most likely this won't happen and it'll be Hussey here instead.)
7.Haddin/Wade/Paine (Whichever is the best keeper in the now.)
8.Siddle (Based on form)
9.Pattinson (Based on form)
10. Hilfenhaus/Johnson (Keep Hilfy unless Johno shows some really good form)
11. Lyon (Other spinners aren't really providing enough competition)

This would leave several high key backups for replacing in

Batting:
S.Marsh
P.Hughes
What other middle order players are doing well?

Wk:
Haddin or Paine or Wade depending on who's the actual keeper

Bowling (too many  :P)
Harris
Cummins
Johnson
Starc
Doherty
Haurtiz etc.

Basically Australia needs more batting

[Windigo]

Why not bat Haddin at 3. And Watson bats in Haddin's old spot? Drop Marsh and keep Cowan & Warner.

[TheMailman]

Why not bat Haddin at 3. And Watson bats in Haddin's old spot? Drop Marsh and keep Cowan & Warner.

Could put too much pressure on the wicketkeeper

i.e Haddin has to be in the field for a day and a half and then bat straight away if a early wicket falls.

[Master Q]

1. Warner
2. Cowan
3. Clarke
4. Ponting
5. Hussey
6. Watson
7. Keeper
8. Siddle
9. Pattison (If he's in form)
10. Hilfy
11. Lyon

That's what I think the team will look like. Very shortly.

[c4v3m4n]

I don't know if Watson and Warner opening would be all that farcical. The combination of left and right handedness makes it difficult for bowlers. Gambir and Sehwag are probably two similar opening pairs that come to mind (obviously not right now). I've always wanted Watson to go down the order but where does he go? He isn't good enough to justify dropping Hussey atm.

I'm not worried about their batting hands, it's their batting style that I am questioning. Having two powerful, fast scoring batsman at the top of the order isn't the right combination for tests. Remember, this is test cricket, not an ODI.

While I do agree Hussey is in good form, Watson is just too good not to have in the team. They could always look at slotting Watson in for Marsh too, and then he'll just come on as a part-time bowler to relieve our other bowlers. 

The other humorous idea that I have heard is to put Watson in for Haddin and make Hussey the wicketkeeper (as he's kept before). ::)

1. Warner
2. Cowan
3. Clarke
4. Ponting
5. Hussey
6. Watson
7. Keeper
8. Siddle
9. Pattison (If he's in form)
10. Hilfy
11. Lyon

That's what I think the team will look like. Very shortly.

Clarke at three is an interesting option, but he's doing so well at number 5, why change it?