Selecting Brad Hodge for the 2011 World Cup.

Australian cricket is at, arguably, the lowest point in over a decade, dating as far back to their outstanding World Cup victory on June 20th 1999. Since that memorable day at the home of cricket, Lord’s, no fewer than 47 men have made their One-Day International (ODI) debut for the green and gold, ranging from a 150 game superstar in Michael Hussey, right down to a 2 game under-achiever in Moises Henriques. Of these 47 players, none may consider themselves more unlucky than Brad Hodge, who has managed just 25 ODI’s since his debut against New Zealand on December 3rd 2005.

Hodge, who has also played 6 Test Matches and 8 Twenty20 Internationals, was unceremoniously dumped from the Australian Test team, despite an impressive record of 503 runs at an average of 55.88. The reasoning given at the time was that his technique was flawed and was, at times, ‘too loose’ to be a Test Match batsman. Whether this is actually the case or not is something that can be left for another argument, the issue in discussion here is his lack of opportunities he has received in the ODI team.

Despite his technique being blamed in the longer version of the game, no reason has officially been given for his absence from ODI’s over the years, largely due to the fact that an excuse of ‘looseness’, simply doesn’t apply to ODI’s where shot-making is the key to success. Examples of this include ODI champions in Andrew Symonds (who I might add received more Test Match opportunities than Hodge) and Cameron White, both of which are attacking and at times, even reckless in the shorter version of the game.

The last last time Hodge played for Australia, on October 17th 2007, John Howard was Australia’s Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd was simply a friendly bloke promising to say sorry, and Julie Gillard was an unknown red-head from the Western Suburbs of Melbourne. A closer look through the list of batsman given an opportunity at ODI level since Hodge last played makes the scenario seem even more profound, as highlighted below;

Phil Jacques: 6 games, 125 runs @ 20.83
David Hussey: 23 games, 598 runs @ 28.47
David Warner: 7 games, 106 runs @ 15.14
Marcus North: 2 games, 6 runs @ 3.00
Moises Henriques: 2 games, 18 runs @ 9.00
Steven Smith:  9 games, 139 runs @ 27.80

When these records are compared to that of Hodge’s 575 runs at 30.26 (including one century), it’s clear to see why both his fans and himself alike are continually left bemused and frustrated.

As highlighted, a lot has changed since Hodge last played, however one thing remains the same, he continually scores big on the Domestic circuit both here in Australia and also in England. In addition to his impressive ODI’s statistics, Hodge has scored no less than 8,669 runs in his ‘List-A’ career, at an outstanding average of 43.56. This includes recent Australian Domestic campaigns of;

352 runs @ 50.28 in 2007/08
311 runs @ 38.87 in 2008/09
622 runs @ 69.11 in 2009/10
414 runs @ 138.00 in 2010/11

There are those who claim that given Hodge’s age (35), his time playing for Australia is well and truly over, and in addition to this, it is often said that statistics don’t often tell the true story. However in the case of Brad Hodge, the statistics simply don’t lie and selectors need to take notice of the sheer volume of runs he scores at Domestic level and the impressive record he already has whilst playing for Australia.

With this in mind, Greg Chappell and his fellow selectors need to ensure Hodge plays in Australia’s World Cup campaign later in the summer, or the chances of winning our fourth straight world title will be greatly diminished.

Jr.

In defence of Michael Clarke

Why is this bloke hated so much?

After a string of recent losses under Michael Clarke’s guidance, none more so than the debacle at the MCG tonight, the knives are well and truly out and are hitting the target on the “Pup’s” back.

Clarke, now 29-years-old, has captained his country in 17 ODI’s, claiming 12 wins with a winning ratio of 71%. This record is far superior to that of Steve Waugh (67 wins in 106 games, a 65% winning ratio) and just behind Ricky Ponting (160 wins in 220 games, a 77% winning ratio), both of which had far superior players at their disposal such as Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, Mark Waugh, Mathew Hayden and Andrew Symonds… To name a few.

After tonight’s loss, many fans have been quick to criticise Clarke’s field placements and choice of bowlers at various intervals in the game, in particular the limited use of young leg-spinner Steve Smith. However, many of those criticising Clarke are unaware of the back injury suffered by Smith earlier in the game whilst fielding. And when addressing the issue of field placements, there is only so much a captain can do, and if his bowlers are not capable of bowling in the correct areas, then his job becomes nothing short of impossible. At the end of the day, a captain should not have to set fields for bad bowling in any form of cricket, especially at international level.

The reason Australia lost this game is firstly because they didn’t make enough runs, and secondly because the bowlers (apart from debuting Xavier Doherty) simply didn’t bowl in the right areas. Furthermore, when John Hastings is playing for Australia, there is something wrong with the selection panel and they too need to take some of the blame. In fairness to Hastings, he’s a quality young cricketer who bowled reasonably well tonight, however when blokes like Dirk Nannes, Clint McKay and Stuart Clark are fit and ready to go on the sidelines, Hastings really shouldn’t be wearing the green and gold.

Mitch Johnson and Peter Siddle, who took just 2 wickets for 119 runs off their combined total of 18 overs, need to improve quickly or they risk losing their spots for the upcoming Ashes series against a cocky English outfit. With Ben Hilfenhaus and Doug Bollinger all aiming for the 1st Test at the Gabba in a few weeks time, the pressure is well and truly on all fast bowlers to make the most of their opportunities when they are presented.

England, who arrived in the country late last week, would’ve been sitting back in their hotel room, sipping on a few beers and laughing at what unfolded at the MCG tonight. The confidence levels in the Australian camp are at rock bottom and a losing streak like this hasn’t been seen for a long, long time.

The interest in the ODI’s, from an Australian perspective at least, was pathetic, with just under 20,000 fans attending the game at the 100,000 seat capacity stadium, the majority being Sri Lankan’s. Seeing the Sri Lankan fans dance, cheer and take over Bay 13 was a sign of the poor position Australian cricket finds itself in.

Thankfully it’s an Ashes summer.

Anon.

The Baggy Green… Going backwards?

After another lost Test series questions are being asked of the Australia cricket team, not that they weren’t already!

The Australian selectors are used to a situation where the team needs little changing, a team where the only changes are when a player gets injured and there is a ready made replacement that is called upon. For example, when Adam Gilchrist was injured Brad Haddin would step in. Now that Haddin has the keeping position, if he is injured Tim Paine steps in. That is one positive for the Australia team, we have always had a very capable wicket-keeper/batsman.

However, back to the original point. The selectors are finding themselves in strange territory with the fact that they don’t want to change the team because the team can win, and when it does it wins easily. On the other hand, they need to change the team because players aren’t performing and currently, they flat out aren’t winning. So where do things need to change, well take a look:

MARCUS NORTH

He is the first player that needs to be booted out of the team. He either scores decently or he scores a donut, there is no in between for North. Before his timely 128 in the last Test against India, his previous six innings returned scores of 0, 20, 16, 0, 0 and 10. I could go on further but I’m sure you can see where I’m heading with that, he is clearly a man that deserves to be in the Test team. He was also brought in as an all-rounder sort, however he bowls 8 overs a match if he’s lucky (don’t quote me on that one, didn’t check!). So obviously he is in the side for his batting and at the moment with that failing him, he is in the side for what reason.

STEVE SMITH

Get this kid in the Test side! He has performed at ODI and T20 level for Australia and has also shown glimpses in his couple of Test outings so far. Those glimpses can turn into constant events, he only needs experience. It is one thing I’ve noticed with the Australian team compared to every other Test nation in the world, our team has majority 27yo + players, opponents when they come to Australia are playing 1,2 or even 3 players under the age of 22. These other countries are blooding their talented youth and by the time they are 25 they are hitting their prime on the international stage and flourishing because of it. Get Smith into the team as a batsman to begin with, let him know the pressures that occur in the middle of the ground, bowl him 5-15 overs a Test, then once he has played a few Tests give him more responsibility with the ball. Then watch the kid shine with both bat and ball. But the Australian selectors need to start giving the younger, talented hopefuls a go instead of bringing in 30yo’s like Marcus North to replace an injured player, or vacated position.

NATHAN HAURITZ

I have to admit that I am a Hauritz fan. While I don’t argue with the fact that he can lose his way and throw many a pie down to the batsman, he can bowl and just needs the confidence to do so. Confidence, not just from himself, but from his captain and teammates. In the first Test, when the game was on the line, Ponting threw the ball to North instead of his front-line spinner in Hauritz. That would absolutely shatter his confidence, plus ruin his morale for the next time he was given the ball. If you have a front-line spinner and you want wickets, you need to use him. Not a part-time bowler who rarely bowls. Overall though, Australians need to realise that we are not going to have another Shane Warne, Hauritz will never match up to Warne, but he is a good spin bowler that serves his country well. People need to stop comparing him to Warne, because it just doesn’t make sense to do that in the first place.

Another change I would make is to bring in Phil Hughes, this is in line with what I said earlier about youth. If the selectors aren’t going to bring Smith in to replace North than they do one of two other things. A) Bring Hughes in to replace North straight up, or B) Bring Hughes in to open the batting with Katich and slide everyone else (either behind Ponting or even Watson to the 3, I don’t really care) down the order.

It’s time we saw some changes made to the Australian team, it’s time we saw some youth given an opportunity and not just those from NSW, from all of Australia (yes I do realise that my two examples above are NSW, but I’m sure people get the idea). Thats another thing I’m slightly ticked about, but that is for another time.

MV

NBL 2010/11 season preview

Time for a season preview of the NBL, based on the fact that the season starts next week with a traditional rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney being reignited. For the purpose of this review, I will be looking at the team lists of each team and basing my decisions on the list and potential of that list.

Melbourne Tigers:

The Tigers have decided to go tall this season, very, very tall. Bringing in Wade Helliwell and Luke Nevill to sure up the centre position, where the seemed to struggle a little last season. However, this roster is completely revamped, Daryl Corletto and Tommy Greer are the only remaining players from last season. So based on form, it will be difficult to see where the Tigers are basically starting from scratch. The additions of Nevill and Helliwell are bonuses and both should be alternating in and out of the starting five. Cam Tragardh is the definite starter at the 4 if the Tigers wish to play a little smaller, with DC and Eric Devendorf at the 1 and 2 spots. However, my starting five would be Nevill, Helliwell, Tragardh, Corletto, Devendorf. This means that at the start of the game they should immediately have an impact inside and on the boards. Corletto provides the outside threat, along with Tragardh providing inside/outside offense. On the defensive end DC and Devendorf will be hounding the opposition guards, while the three talls will beast the opposition front court. Matt Burston should be sixth man off the bench, replacing on of Helliwell/Nevill whichever is having the lesser impact. Based on the above a top four spot beckons for the Tigers.

Sydney Kings:

The starting five for the Kings looks fairly straight forward looking at their list. Khazzouh and Grizzard are locks at the 5 and 3 respectively, Luke Martin and Graeme Dann should make up the guard positions, Martin at the point, while Ben Knight (if fit) will take up the starting 4 spot. Taj McCullough will take Knights place if he isn’t fit and should be sixth man off the bench if he doesn’t start. Damien Ryan and Blagoj Janev don’t have the same impact they used to so are relegated to role players. Its going to be a tough re-introduction to the NBL for the Kings, behind Khazzouh, Martin and Grizzard there isn’t a lot of depth. Not this year for the Kings.

Adelaide 36ers:

Another team that if I was picking the starting five would be very straight forward. At the 1 and 2 spots Darren Ng and Brad Hill, Adam Ballinger and Jacob Holmes sharing the 3 and 4 and Daniel Johnson brings it to the 5. There isn’t alot of depth to the 36ers at the centre position so expect a fair bit of small ball from them. With Holmes possibly moving to the 5 and Herbert sliding into the 3 spot or Carter moving into the lineup. Sixth man is a toss up between Herbert and Carter depending on the style of play needed. Carter is better defensively and can shoot the three, Herbert is probably better all-round offensively. They should have resigned Schenscher, but that shouldn’t affect them too much. Expect the 36ers to be there abouts when it comes to playoff time.

Townsville Crocodiles:

When it comes to depth, this team has plenty of it and at every position. There are many options for the starting five, but mine would be – Schenscher/Hinder/Crawford/Blalock/Crosswell. This team, while not as tall as the Tigers can  match it with them, based on Schenscher, Hinder and Allan. Blalock is going to be an absolute gun for the Crocs and should be manned tightly by the oppositon. Expect Crawford to be all over the oppositions most prolific scorer be it a 1,2 or 3 spot player. Add in Croc favourites Robertson and Cedar coming off the bench to beef up the offense and Brad Williamson to join the team to beef up the physicality.Opposition teams need to keep Schenscher out of the key, do that and you may restrict the Crocs to a reasonable score. Crocs will definitely play a part come playoff time.

Cairns Taipans:

Another team where a starting five just doesn’t leap out at you, it doesn’t help that the list is somewhat incomplete. Anyway – Crosswhite/Rychart/Loughton are locks, so it is simply the guard combination where things are unpredictable. If it were up to me Phil Jones and Ayinde Ubaka will be the 1 and 2 guards respectively. The scoring will come from Ubaka and Loughton from inside or outside, Jones from the outside and Rychart from the key. Don’t expect too much offense to be run through Crosswhite but keep a body near him at all times when he is in the key. This team is also fairly small, the rebounding numbers from this team will be down so that is where most opposition teams should be able to get on top of them and score the win. Low position on the ladder for the Taipans this season.

Gold Coast Blaze:

Another small team but a starting five does stand out – Pero/Worthington/Hoare/Harvey/Gibson. That starting five provides a few things, Gibson and Hoare on defense, Pero planting himself in the key and all out scoring and offensive ability. Worthington, Harvey and Gibson can all flat out score, so expect a very up tempo style from the Blaze this season so they can work off the fast breaks and transition three through Gibson or Harvey. Goulding will provide offense and energy off the bench, but apart from that expect bench minutes to be somewhat sporadic. Aside from Pero coming off and resting the majority of the game, Petrie can also expect a fair amount of playing time. Based on the expected scoring and up tempo game from the Blaze they are another team to look out for come playoffs. The main aim for opposition coaches is to nullify Worthington and Harvey, take those two out of the game and that takes anywhere between 40-60points off the Blaze score.

Perth Wildcats:

I’m not the best person to comment on the Wildcats because to be honest I don’t know all that much about them. However I do know that they are reigning champs, they have Shawn Redhage and Damien Martin and Matt Knight. Redhage is just a gun player and he will be focal point number one for both the Wildcats and whoever they are playing for the night. Martin is the defensive specialist and will shut out the opponents 1 or 2 guard and Matt Knight was just named the MVP for the preseason tournament so the guy can play as well. The Wildcats also just happened to win the preseason tournament so expect them to be thereabout, regardless of what their list says.

New Zealand Breakers:

When it comes to the Breakers only three names need to be said – Penney, Bruton and Vukona. Bruton and Penney are the competitions best 1/2 combination and also the most potent. Vukona is making a name for himself as a physical presence inside that can do a fair bit of everything. Dillon Boucher, Paul Henare and Corey Webster will all provide backup to those aforementioned three players. Each trip offensively will be brought down by Bruton, then some swinging around the perimetre will happen trying to get Bruton and/or Penney free to jack up the three ball. Then to change it up a little, after the initial swinging of the ball, the ball will be flicked into Vukona to beast the inside lane for a monster dunk or soft layup. Opposition coaches need to keep Vukona out of the lane and nullify one of Bruton or Penney, then they may stand a chance of winning. Breakers well up there come playoffs.

With The Ashes approaching, decisions need to be made.

With just 55 days until cricket’s most historic series resumes, the Australian squad is starting to take shape with a mixture of wise old heads and talented young players who play with an abundance of confidence and flair. The team that’s chosen to try to win back the urn needs to have a perfect balance of these factors and many more, in order to defeat a confident, determined English side.

The batting at the top of the order is set in stone with Shane Watson and Simon Katich proving to be (at least statistically) amongst Australia’s finest opening combinations of all time. Since Watson joined Katich at the top of the order in 2009, the pair have  performed better (statistically) than the likes of more heralded combinations, one such example being the Mark Taylor and Michael Slater partnership of the 1990s. Since returning to the side as an opening batsman, Watson has averaged 51.95 in 13 Tests, not far off Katich’s average as an opener, an impressive 53.47.

Positions 3, 4 and 5 are likely to be filled by the wise old heads, Ricky Ponting (who averages 48.22 against England from his 31 Tests), Michael Clarke (55.80 from 15 Tests) and Michael Hussey (56.46 from 10 Tests). These three positions are likely to be the most important factors of the series and if two of the three batsman make big runs, then the series is likely to go Australia’s way. Alternatively, if the three all have lean series’, the likelihood of Australia posting large enough totals to win matches is rather remote.

Position 6 is, as it has often been, the most unsettled position in the line up with Marcus North hanging onto his international career by the skin of his teeth. North, who averages just 36.33 in Tests, needs to produce some big scores in India this month to settle the debate and confirm his place in the starting eleven come November 25th. If he fails in India (he already has once) or early in the series against England, two 21 year-old New South Welshman are ready to take his place. These being Phillip Hughes, the dashing top order batsman who averages 51.25 in Tests and Steve Smith, the talented all-rounder who debuted with 100 runs and 3 wickets in the two-Test series against Pakistan earlier this year. Smith seems the likely option given his excellent form in T20I’s and ODI’s which has seen him score 156 quick-fire runs and take 24 wickets in 18 matches. In addition to this, Smith’s leg-spin can cover the loss of Marcus North’s bowling quota should he be the replacement.

The wicket-keeping position at number 7 will be handed back to Brad Haddin, who averages 38.62 in Tests and has proven to be a worthy replacement for Adam Gilchrist over recent years. Haddin however will need to stay sharp with both the gloves and the bat, as young Tasmanian keeper Tim Paine has proven he too has what it takes at the highest level. Having made his debut against Pakistan recently, Paine who’s currently into his third Test averages 26.25 with that bat and has proven a more than capable keeper. In addition to this, Paine averages an impressive 32.54 from his 23 One-Day Internationals thus far.

The number 8 position and traditional spin bowlers spot in the batting order goes to Nathan Hauritz, the off-spinning right hander who has progressed into a more than capable lower-order batsman. Averaging 26.42 with the bat and 31.82 with the ball, Haurtiz has enjoyed an extended period in the team and has improved dramatically in recent years. In total, Hauritz has in excess of 120 international wickets in all formats of the game, an impressive achievement for a bowler who 4 years ago couldn’t get a game for his state. Hauritz will need to fire in The Ashes, especially at the spin-friendly SCG should the series come down to the wire.

Position 9 and the first of the quick bowlers goes to Mitch Johnson who has improved so much with the bat, that he can now be considered as a genuine all-rounder alongside Hauritz. Averaging 23.63 with the bat and having in excess of 150 Test Match wickets, Johnson is arguably Australia’s most crucial player and his performance will likely decide the result of the series. On his day, Johnson is as hard to face as any bowler in world cricket and the Australian’s will be looking for early wickets to cast doubts in the minds of England’s top order.

Positions 10 and 11, the remaining two fast-bowlers positions will likely go to Ben Hilfenhaus and Doug Bollinger, two men who have grabbed the opportunity of playing Test cricket with both hands. Averaging 29.28 and 24.65 respectively, Bollinger will rely on pace, bounce and a McGrath-like consistency to snag his victims, while Hilfenhaus will rely on his late swing, a technique which proved successful in the last Ashes contest in England last year. The two complement Johnson and Hauritz well and together, they form an attack which is full of variety and once which will keep the English on their toes.

In addition to the starting eleven, Hughes, Smith and Paine, the Australian’s have plenty more talented crickets in reserve, especially in the fast-bowlers shed. Victorian duo Peter Siddle (who averages 31.53 with the ball in Tests) and Clint McKay (22.81 in ODI’s) will be fully fit and eager for an opportunity to re-gain their place in the starting eleven. Both men offer more variety for captain Ponting and the pressure is well and truly on Bollinger and Hilfenhaus to perform and keep their spot.

Finally, the pick of the reserve top order batsman floating around in domestic cricket is Michael Klinger, the Victorian turned South Australian who has made a dramatic rise up the pecking order since moving states two seasons ago. Klinger, who was restricted in game-time in Victoria smashed his way to 1203 runs at 70.76 in 2008/09 and followed it up with a further 886 runs at 63.28 last summer. In addition to this, his form for the Australian ‘A’ team in recent tours has also been impressive and should Watson or Katich slip up, Klinger will no doubt be ready to pounce. The other reserve batsman are Usman Khawaja and Callum Ferguson who would slip nicely into one of Ponting, Clarke or Hussey’s position should either of them get injured. Khawaja, born in Pakistan, averages an impressive 48.56 from his 20 First Class Matches whilst Ferguson, who averages just 35.08 in First Class cricket, has proven himself to be more than capable on the international stage by averaging 46.07 in his 25 ODI’s thus far.

Whatever way the final eleven reads, Australia will need to be at the top of their game against a confident English outfit. The series will be much closer than the last in Australia which resulted in a 5-0 whitewash in favour of the home team, however I believe Australia will rise to the challenge and regain the little, treasured urn, winning the series 3-1.

Anon.

The twenty20 captaincy dilema

(Article originally posted on Talkin’ Sport website, May 2010)

As Australia comes to terms with their unexpected loss to England in the recent ICC Twenty20 World Cup Final, questions must be asked as to whether Michael Clarke’s form warrants a spot in Australia’s starting eleven.

Taking over the Twenty20 captaincy from Ricky Ponting, Clarke’s record since being handed the reigns has been exemplary, losing just one of fifteen matches in cricket’s most unpredictable format. However, throughout his 31 match career he averages a disappointing 21.85 runs per innings with a strike-rate of just 101.39, extremely low by today’s standards. Furthermore, there are plenty of talented youngsters pushing hard for selection.

Of the current players who have represented Australia in the Twenty20 format, both Luke Ronchi and Adam Voges have superior records yet aren’t currently in Australia’s best eleven. Ronchi averages 23.50 runs per innings with a massive strike rate of 174.07 whilst Voges averages 31.50 with a strike rate of 121.15. Throw in accomplished One-Day players such as Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine and Callum Ferguson, and there’s enough evidence to suggest Clarke’s position is in serious jeopardy.

This situation has been seen many times in world cricket in the past, none more famous than Mike Bearley captaining England during the late 1970s. Bearley averaged a paltry 22.88 in his 39 Test Matches for England, never scoring a century. However his record of losing just four of 31 matches, including winning The Ashes on three occasions whilst in charge, was far superior to his predecessors.

As recently as last week, Clarke has emphatically defended his position in the team and is committed to continue on as captain. He is openly confident he can turn his personal troubles with the bat around and prove his value, much like he has in the two longer versions of the game. This however remains to be seen and the forthcoming Twenty20’s against Pakistan in July may just make or break his Twenty20 career.

Anon.