Hord & forst, can our cricketers beat South Africa?

I'm a bit hesitant to post again on this subject:(

I recall a post I made just before the Brisbane Test virtually damning Clarke to history as a lousy leader of men and predicting he would get the sack at the end of the Ashes Series.:(

But damn - isn't it great to be wrong:D:D:D:D

Back to the South African Tour. I reckon there is a lot of focus on the South Africans roughing up our batsmen - and certainly, Steyn and Co., will be a very different prospect when compared to the Poms.

But what about their batsmen and our bowlers. Have the South Africans faced a pace attack like Johnson, Harris, Siddle and yes, Pattison. Yes they have faced these bowlers before but have they faced the "new, McDermott/Boof version"?

I can't wait for the Tests to begin:D:D:D

I am with everyone not seeing the 5-0 but SA will be much harder than the Poms.

They are the best team in the world and it is hard to see them rolling over like the Poms. having said that, they will miss Kallis who has been the backbone of the side with bat and ball and he will leave a big hole that takes time to fill.

They are not a young side either with the majority 28+ and a number over 30. Smith is 32...by no means past it in todays cricket but they will have their selection issues in the next few years.

As England have just discovered....how long can you keep the passion?

I suspect the series will pivot around the performance of......Australia's top 6

Interesting, but Bailey may not be No. 6 , Watson may be there, & if so, lookout!, Bob


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Originally Posted by bob10

Interesting, but Bailey may not be No. 6 , Watson may be there, & if so, lookout!, Bob


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Why?

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Originally Posted by Barra1

Why?

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IMO, Watson is much better suited to bat down the order. he could be the glue that holds the innings together, and make some big scores. Said that for a while, like I said Australia would win the ashes back, let's see what happens, Bob

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Originally Posted by bob10

IMO, Watson is much better suited to bat down the order. he could be the glue that holds the innings together, and make some big scores. Said that for a while, like I said Australia would win the ashes back, let's see what happens, Bob

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History suggests otherwise:(

However, your forecasts regarding the Tests were much better than mine (geez - it is hard to be humble - but yet so glad we belted the Poms) - so let us hope your predictions regarding Mr "How Many Chances Does A Bloke Get" Watson are correct.

I simply base my comments on a No. 3 Batsman or No. 6 for that matter having an average below 38 after 50 or so Tests - well....it is not encouraging is it ......would I place my life in his hands to hold an innings together.......would you?

But Bob....I hope I am so wrong - as I have been before....and if Watson holds the innings together and scores and scores - I will be the first to say "Bob - you were correct and I'm a silly duffer".

And guess what - once again - I will revel in the Aussies glory and conveniently forget my predictions.

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Originally Posted by Barra1

History suggests otherwise:(

However, your forecasts regarding the Tests were much better than mine (geez - it is hard to be humble - but yet so glad we belted the Poms) - so let us hope your predictions regarding Mr "How Many Chances Does A Bloke Get" Watson are correct.

I simply base my comments on a No. 3 Batsman or No. 6 for that matter having an average below 38 after 50 or so Tests - well....it is not encouraging is it ......would I place my life in his hands to hold an innings together.......would you?

But Bob....I hope I am so wrong - as I have been before....and if Watson holds the innings together and scores and scores - I will be the first to say "Bob - you were correct and I'm a silly duffer".

And guess what - once again - I will revel in the Aussies glory and conveniently forget my predictions.

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Have faith, it is all that holds us together, at times. Faith in your team mates, in your coaching staff, in your self, confidence builds on it's self, we have not seen the best of Watson, but I predict we will soon, because of Boof. What a wonderful Aussie nickname, for the saviour of Australian cricket. Big call? perhaps. But he has that wonderful Aussie ingredient in his nature, mongrel, and he has the down to earth nature which enables him to pass that mongrel on to these young sooks, we have had in our team. When they pass from boys to men, with a bit of mongrel, ..... anything could happen. We may even beat India in India. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, there is one very good side to get past first. That will not be easy. Bob

Must admit I am more with Barra on this one Bob. No doubt about Watson potential and I hope Boof can harness it with consistency but not sure Watson has shown the grit to hold an innings together.

Unfortunately has that school boy sook look when things go crook rather than a mongrel..I want to rip someones head off :D

After watching Watson bat in the first one dayer, it is getting harder to have faith in him. If only the big boofhead would move his feet.....he should practise in a bed of bullants :D oh well, we'll see next game Bob

This does not give me confidence , Bob


Shane Watson to be rested for ODIs in Sydney and Perth, Dan Christian called into squad - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)