7/27/2019 Is Australia Really That Bad
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Is Australia really that bad?
Having dissected the weaknesses of the England cricket team its
now time to put the
Aussies under the sports psychologist microscope and find those
glimmers of hope.
We asked our in house Sports Psychologist to cast his eye over
the Aussie team, find the
positives and give some pointers as to how they can (to coin a
phrase) Move Forward.
Shane Watson Class will seem him through and the cream always
rises to the top. His
current LBW problem is nowhere near as bad as the one Gooch had
against Alderman in the
80s, and Gooch didnt have the DRS to full back on. He looks
good, the cover drive is class
and if he can get past 30 (or even 40) he will cash in with
something like a 70 or 80. Might
not sound much, but the logic is 80 is better than 30. Dont drop
him. Seems to getting along
better with the captain, they were talking on the Lords balcony
the other day and that just
needs to be encouraged more when theyre in the slips.
Chris Rogers Lovely fella and deserves a full crack over the 5
tests. A run machine inEngland and he will come good. He knows the
Duke and any questions over his eye sight
should be discarded.
Usmain Khawaja Getting a good vibe after the excellent 50 at
Lords. Looked composed
and less nervous. Hes the new pup. Pup and Boof love him and
confidence in a player goes
a long way. Playing it beautifully in the nets and that counts
for a lot when you are up against
Anderson and Swann. Big future
Phil Hughes Technique is everything and Hughes now has it in
spades. Forget the blip of
Lords and hang on to the 80 not out at Trent Bridge. Runs a bit
hot and cold (and sometimes
not at all) but we know he has talent and commeth the hour,
commeth the Hughesy.Expecting big things, a little bit vulnerable
early but technique will win the day
Michael Clarke Think he has been underpressurebut its now time
for him free the
shackles and find his inner batting self. Its like hes been
turned away from his batting like a
blind man and hes sat on a fence, but once he finds that inner
batting self watch out
England!
Steve SmithHes been a right laugh over the years but you can see
he means business
this time around. Less of lets get him in to the team so we can
all have a bit of craic. Hes
in the team to have a crack. Batting has improved, bowling is
nearly test class. The fact that
he got the same amount of runs as he did wickets in the last
test really proves hes an all-rounder.
Brad HaddinHes a rockand lets be honest none of us really warmed
to Matthew Wade.
Its great to have him back in the team and you can feel and see
the difference. Not
questions about his keeping and hasnt looked ring rusty at all.
Gets into the faces of the
opposition and will keep targeting Bell and Root as the
vulnerable ones.
Ashton Agar Its only two tests but you know a long term test
player when you see one.
The 98 was no flash in the pan and he could even move up the
order in the longer term. In
the team as a Spinner and once he gets on a wicket that takes
spin the wickets will come.
Nice Lad
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Peter SiddleRuns in bowls, Runs in and bowls again. Doesnt do a
lot with the ball but
has got the batsman thinking he does. Hes clever and has the
wickets to prove that.
Looking lean and hungry
James PattisonOn his way home sadly with a back problem but lets
be honest not a
major loss as he bowled like a dog at Lords. Not sure he tours
well and more of a home boy.Bird is an ideal replacement
Ryan Harris Fit as a mallee bull, in the wickets and in for the
long haul. The Physio is
keeping a close eye on him but just get the feeling hes out of
the woods. Have him pencilled
in for the next 8 tests.
A quick word on other Squad members:
Ed Cowan- The brains of the operation and is unlikely to worry
too much about being on the
outer at the moment. Likely to get runs in the game against
Sussex and is an ideal
replacement in the unlikely event the top six dont start to fire
up.
Nathan Lyon All exuberance and really needs to get back in the
team as the current
leader of the team song. Has been working on his bowling and has
the lyrics down pat.
James Faulkner- Not been that busy and seems the excitable type.
Like a young dog needs
regular exercise and some purpose in life. Raring to go and
surely didnt just come over to
carry the drinks?
Mitchell Starc- He wont admit but will be pleased to see the
back of Patto, opening the
door for an early return to the team. See him featuring sooner
rather than later. Brings
accuracy and control.
Matthew WadeDoesnt seem in the best of moods. Boof said to be
keeping a close eye
on him. Keen to play at Sussex.
Jackson BirdLooks arent everything in life and will he be vying
with Starc to replace
Pattison. Has a big nose so is likely to get the nod.
David Warner- Well known English actor last seen in an episode
of Dr Who. An unlikely
starter for three remaining tests.
Note: The writer has lived in Australia since 1993 and is still
recovering from the 20 years of
hurt inflicted on the English cricket team by Australia. He
understands and appreciates the
pain and suffering associated with cricketing loss and
dominance. He is here to help.
