So we got thumped for a third time in a row by the Kiwis. And the record for the second highest run chase on limited overs internationals fell after only two days. I’m starting to get a little worried.
The good news is that batting isn’t a problem. Remember that Cilchrist, Ponting, Clarke and Symonds are all out of the side. Australia has still put on competitive totals with those left. The trouble has been that they have been run down.
It was painful seeing Bracken bowling that full toss that went for six and gave Kiwis the game. Apart from Tait (as he is the least experienced bowler) Bracken, Johnson and McGrath all seem out of touch. As for Hogg and White, forget it. Micheal Clarke’s part timers have offered more this summer.
The scary thing about New Zealand is that the grounds are a similar size to those in the Caribbean. 300 is becoming quite a common limited overs score these days (I can remember when 250 was an achievement).
If Lee is not fit then Australia are in trouble. They need to go for Stuart Clark as a replacement. As for the other bowlers, I’m hoping that the good ole Aussie spirit will prevail and they’ll hit their straps come March.
Then again, we truly could be looking at the end of an era and the Chappell-Hadlee series is a sign of what is to come.
3 responses so far ↓
Oranje Orakel // Feb 22, 2007 at 11:34 pm
I would not be too worried if I were you lot
That team of yours is very good- and have the proven BMT
But still our team will give it all!
Shaun // Feb 23, 2007 at 10:26 pm
The South Africans deserve to be favourites. They have the form of the board and the Aussies are fading. Brett Lee is officially out which is a blow.
However we like the big games so I’m hopeful that it will come together.
Club Troppo » Weekend Missing Link // Feb 24, 2007 at 11:20 pm
[...] On matters sporting, the bloody Kiwis won. Again. And the World Cup is just around the corner, on similar postage-stamp sized grounds. Shaun at Sidelined has more. On a lighter note, Darryl Mason suggests that any rev-heads attempting to outrun THIS cease and desist. Now. Likewise, the best write-up on the Ralph Fiennes/Lisa Robinson Qantas loo bonk-fest is at TSSH. [...]