Also, who's the Bowling Coach for Australia. The fact that mcdermott left may have an effect on the bowlers who may not swing the ball this time 'round.
New bowling coach is Alastair de Winter - former Tasmanian player.
Very much looking forward to Friday!
Who thinks Australia will go with 4 quicks? I think we will but I hope we don't.
With Watson not being able to bowl (if he plays at all), I think there's now a better chance of 4 quicks. To me 4 quicks + Watson would have been stupid - you don't see SA considering 4 quicks + Kallis. But now Clarke would be the next best bowler out of the batsmen, so he could play as the spinner and bowl 10 quicks overs every day. Otherwise, McDonald I suppose would be the all-rounder replacement option for Watson - or perhaps if they went outside the box a bit, maybe Maxwell or Steve Smith. Both made runs for Aus A, and 4 quicks plus a spinning all-rounder isn't the worst idea. Or of course, just pick the best 6 batters, 3 quicks and Lyon and don't worry about part time/all-rounder stuff.
To cover for Ponting, yeah I guess Doolan's in the mix...but Rob Quiney has to be the man right? He and Cowan have been the leading run scorers over the last 2 seasons. Quiney also made runs in the Aus A game. He'd get first shot as Ponting's cover in my mind. Downside for him is that he's a leftie, I'm guessing they'd prefer to not have all lefties in the top 3.
Finally a thought on Watson. What kind of message would it send to Watson if they won't pick him as a specialist batsman?? If the selectors don't think he's good enough to play without his bowling, I would question his place and it would be a serious kick in the nuts to Watto.
Would also like to nominate John Hastings as a man who could get a look at some point this summer. Very tidy, and would do well in a 4 quick attack holding up one end. Can also bat which may be helpful if McDonald/Maxwell get picked as an all-rounder, weakening that top 7.
