Australia’s World Cup chances have been hit by an injury to Brett Lee. Lee injured himself at training and is awaiting to undergo an MRI test to ascertain the extent of ligament damage.
Lee is one of best one-day bowlers and with the erratic but lethal Shaun Tait, could have formed an imposing opening combination. Hopefully the injury is not as serious as feared and he’ll be right for the Caribbean.
However it may be the opening Stuart Clark needs to retain his place in the one-day squad. Clark was unlucky to be dropped but the selectors should be commended for selecting Tait. He is from the Jeff Thompson school of bowling. If Tait has no idea in what direction he will fling the ball then the batsmen have no hope either. It works.
Australia’s batting is good enough but with Lee out and lingering doubts about McGrath’s ability to fight a final campaign, it could be an issue. It will depend on how Bracken and Johnson step up. They are capable but have been patchy.
Symonds still leaves a gaping hole in the middle order. I’m no where righting Australia off but concern is mounting. The Chappell-Hadlee games will be a great test of Australia’s character. New Zealand can sense an upset in the offing. They will be coming out hard and will be a measure of how Australia may fare come March.
8 responses so far ↓
Amanda // Feb 16, 2007 at 7:45 pm
To answer your question, apparently not.
Shaun // Feb 16, 2007 at 9:07 pm
Too right. What a shocker in Wellington.
Club Troppo » Friday’s Missing Link // Feb 17, 2007 at 7:51 am
[...] In this week’s token sport link, Shaun endorses the inclusion of Shaun Tait in the one day squad: He is from the Jeff Thompson school of bowling. If Tait has no idea in what direction he will fling the ball then the batsmen have no hope either. [...]
wrongun // Feb 18, 2007 at 11:51 am
Normal service has been resumed – Australia 4/336 after 50 overs; Hussey 105 from 84 with 8 fours and 6 sixes, Hodge 97 not out off 86 with 10 fours and 2 sixes, White 42 not out off 19 with 3 fours and 3 sixes.
Was getting a bit worried there.
Shaun // Feb 18, 2007 at 2:42 pm
NZ are making a good effort of the run chase. 203/3 after 33 overs. We need a few wickets..
wrongun // Feb 18, 2007 at 4:45 pm
One word. Bugger. I won’t say anything else cos it’s truly unprintable. And giving up the One Day crown to the bloody Saffies.
Shaun // Feb 18, 2007 at 9:15 pm
Foxtel filled in time before the NZ innings by showing an interview with Hussey regarding the 12 March 2006 match at the Wanderers where South Africa chased down Australia’s 434.
I thought, “Nah, Australia should have this if they bowl well.”
So wrong.
Mungo Amanda // Feb 19, 2007 at 6:58 am
Poor Phil Jacques.