One Day Test Cricket

The West Indies are in a powerful position thanks to some fast and bullish fast bowling from Fidel Edwards and some lunatic fringe batting from the Bangladeshi top order.

Resuming at 5-253, the West Indies added another 100 runs as Kirk Edwards reached his second hundred in only five Test innings and Marlon Samuels breezed to 48 before playing loosely and being caught and bowled in spectacular fashion by Nasir Hossain.

Fidel Edwards: five wickets in
five overs

Bangladesh started like they had a bus to catch and the more they swung, the faster and shorter Fidel Edwards bowled. By the ninth over they had 59 on the board but Edwards, then in his fifth over, had five wickets. It was slap and tickle cricket which included a brilliant at catch at short leg by Darren Bravo from Tamim Iqbal and mostly dumb batting from Bangladesh. Shakib Al Hasan, after taking five wickets, continued the free strokeplay in face of a crisis, scoring 73 at a run a ball and adding 84 with Naeem Islam before Davendra Bishoo turned one through the gate and bowled him. Naeem was run out near the end of the day in mix up with Nasir over a third run. With the batsmen starting and stopping, Roach threw to the wrong end and Bishoo redirected to the keeper in a display of Keystone Cops cricket. Naeem had looked the best of the batsmen and it was waste that may turn this Test match.

The Top Two

Just as it would come as no surprise if a poll found Dawn Fraser was our best swimmer, Phar Lap our best horse, Jack Brabham our best racing driver or Layne Beechley our best surfer, so the selection of Don Bradman and Shane Warne as the pick of our former Test cricketers, is as it would always be. In all the cases above, the selections are as much for the deeds on the field as they are for iconic status we conferred on them - a status which is far and away above the real people who inherited the bodies of legends.

Bradman is statistically our best batsman but it should be noted not our best cricketer. His record will never be bested in terms of batting average or centuries scored per innings. His effect on a depression torn Australia which needed a hero was dramatic. My dad tells me stories of bosses closing the shop early so blokes could get to the SCG to watch Bradman bat. His stats are freakish but flawed. He didn't play the number of Tests the modern player does and as such, its unlikely his body would have stood the pace. Once bowling was found that he was susceptible to, it was outlawed, so worried were administrators about him leaving the game and revenues being reduced. His runs were score in only Australia and England an against few opposition. He was an aloof, monarch loving autocrat who was ruthless on the field and even worse off. If Kerry Packer was the agent provocateur for World Series Cricket, Bradman was his equivalent on the conservative side and needs identifying as the main barnacle in the old ACB. Ian Chappell once said that in discussions about player payments "Bradman used to argue against players getting more money as though it was coming from his own pocket". We'll never see another batsman like him and hopefully the same can be said for his captaincy and his administration of the game.

Warne, like Bradman, was a man for his time. As the acceptance of falling standards of public behaviour became more obvious in the 1990's, our Shane was right there to test the limits: drugs, monstering NZ schoolboys, secret underdak videos, the endless abysmally ignorant and indecent text messages and all the larrikan behaviour which he often turned loutish. Also like Bradman, he was freak on the field, with any one moment of his highlight's reel being enough for even the best of cricketers. The claim that he was probably the best leader never to captain Australia is close but no cigar, as Keith Miller deserves that accolade. Warne was at his best when he was instinctive on the field and at his worst when he relied on the same skills off. Many have said he has a great cricket brain but perhaps it leaves little room for any other thinking. Yet, through it all, we all just turned a blind eye because without him, we didn't win cricket matches. As much as Bradman came to represent that fighting Aussie spirit, Warne became the dip stick of our moral standards and no man more accurately fitted a descriptive noun. He couldn't be further removed from the social standing of Bradman and its likely he would never had progressed if The Don was Chairman of Selectors. The big blond sack of skin remains larger than life even though his real playing days are over. Hitching his celebrity to another of the beautiful people, he is destined to have blond, blue eyed, long legged, busty, drop dead gorgeous daughters and hopefully, they will bring him what he deserves ... all the trouble in the world.

I like neither of the above as men and am continually amazed when I am enthused by others to embrace them. I do not begrudge them their spots in this list, nor do I argue its credibility, although I would have by preference had Lillee at two ... if for no other reason to have a fast bowler close enough to Bradman to cause him unease.

This written acknowledgement is an improvement over the first draft. Initially I summed up their positions at 1 and 2 as follows: "Bradman could bat, Warne could bowl". Six words seemed as much as I wished to spare but I find age is tempering my penchant for cynicism.

Then again ...

West Indies Cautious Opening

The West Indies won the toss and batted in the second and final Test of their series away to Bangladesh, after the first Test was ruined by rain.

After the top three had batted them into a commanding position, Bangaldesh's three spinners, Shakib Al Hasan, Nasir Hossain, and to a lesser extent Suhrawadi Shuvo, started to weave a web around the West Indians and runs dried up. Hasan, in particular, was miserly and it was odd that his only wicket was the nightwatchmen as he conceded just 31 runs in 23 overs.

Kirk Edwards sweeps during his 71x

Kieran Powell came into the side for the injured Lendl Simmons and batted fluently with Kraigg Braithwaite. They batted like old time Test cricketers, matching caution with punishment, playing each ball on its merits and their three figure opening stand was worthy of them. It was, however, Kirk Edwards who caught the eye. He had looked tied to the crease by the spinners in Chittagong but he's a quick learner and he used his feet impressively here. In only his third Test, its dangerous to put expectations of players who make good early starts but he looks like the West Indians of years gone by. He has the swagger, the style and performance of one around which a good side may be built.

Not that the famous Collapso Cricketers didn't put the skids under themselves, losing three wickets in the final session, including the completely wasteful use of another failed nightwatchmen. Kemar Roach was sent in to protect Marlon Samuels for eight overs and lasted less than three, completely out of his league against the spinners. As it was, Samuels strode out and hit four boundaries in his twenty deliveries before stumps, perhaps suggesting his own thoughts to Darren Bravo.

Pakistan Wins In Dubai

Pakistan won the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka, taking a 1-0 lead in the three Tests being played in neutral venues in the UAE. 

MOM Saeed Ajmal

It was a strange Test. Despite winning with ease by nine wickets, it was less the work of her bowlers that secured the victory for Pakistan than it was the work of the Sri Lankan batsmen. With a batting order that has been declining in performance for some time, it was again their ineptitude in twice being dismissed around the 250 mark which gifted the match to Pakistan. Kumar Sangakkara and regular keeper Prasanna Jayawardene have nearly 450 runs between them for the series which is the same as the combined runs of the remaining six players who have batted in the top seven. Mahela Jayawardene and captain Tillakaratne Dilshan have a combined aggregate of 81 runs in eight innings which should be the greatest cause for concern, especially as the skipper is calling on his batsmen for more application. Its always a worry when the leader starts talking to himself.

Azhar Ali first Test hundred

It was also strange that Saeed Ajmal was awarded Man of the Match for capturing eight wickets, including 5-68 in the Sri Lankan second innings. Like a good proctologist, his best work was done cleaning out the tail, with only two of his eight scalps in the top seven of the batting order. Why Azhar Ali didn't win is a mystery, as his first Test century after 10 scores over fifty, was the main reason Pakistan were in a winning position and he was not out at the end when the victory was had.

Jayawardene failed again

Sri Lanka resumed at 1-88 and the loss of Sangakkara was the blow they didn't need, especially to yet another roughy from umpire Tony Hill. He has had more howlers this year than a werewolves convention and the ICC needs to act to either improve or remove him from the international panel. The soft middle order again left without resistance: Jayawardene sweeping at a ball outside off from Ajmal and losing his leg stump and Dilshan lbw to Junaid Khan with one that jagged back into his pads from the off. When opener Tharanga Paranavitana's 80 overs of resistance ended soon after, Angelo Matthews was again left to bat with the tail and added another fifty to a growing record which requires another move up the order, probably to four. Prassad tried hardest in the tail but Ajmal was too good for the likes of these. Hafeez and Ali made comfortable work of scoring the 94 needed for victory at four runs an over.

Pakistan were impressive but Sri Lanka were very disappointing and their poor showing in recent months is putting Australia's "improvement" into perspective. Lets not start celebrating just yet.

Jigsaw Pieces Dropping In The Right Places

It seems hard to believe but Cricket Australia have shown a willingness to pull the right strokes since last January when Englishmen scored three centuries pretty much as they liked in Sydney, dismissed Australia twice for under 300 and won by an innings and more than enough. On the last day, when 80% of the crowd were Englishmen and their sunburned girlfriends, Australia stood about in shame waiting for the presentations and watching whilst their opponents were grabbed for interviews. It was just as well. What can you say when you have been thumped in a home series?

In the sad aftermath when Australian citizens discovered how many Poms had been living next door or working in the same office all these years until miraculously finding their ethnic voice, Cricket Australia announced that three former captains and a leader in industry would conduct cricket's equivalent of a Royal Commission into the problems which ailed the game in Oz. Some scoffed. Some suggested whitewash. Some doubted real change was possible.

All of us were wrong.

The Argus Review and a subsequent structural reform announced by James Sutherland in the last few days are big ticket items in the way forward but they would be pointless without the same spirit being applied to the appointments they have called for. Its one thing to play sneaky buggers and restructure culprits out off the scene but it is entirely another to find new men who will be instruments of the change that the Argonauts called for after seeking out the counsel of nearly all of those with the brains, credibility and enthusiasm to make constructive but pointed criticism. I say nearly all because the cricketragic wasn't asked.

Pat Howard

Pat Howard was the first new face as High Performance Manager of the Australian team. Here was a set of fresh eyes to cover old ground in a new paddock. Howard's credentials are first class and the fact he isn't an ex player of any note is all the better. Unrestrained by the "the way we always do it", he will be interested in best practice not cricket practice and as such, debacles in player management and poor team cohesion will cease to exist. He is a man manager who will gain the players and management's confidence quickly and with due reason.

John Inverarity

The second part of this three part culture change was the announcement of John Inverarity as Chief Selector. Concerns about his age were raised immediately but its not as though he has to go jogging with the players and age is a distinct aid to a thorough knowledge of the game. Some might say, like Hilditch, Inverarity was a mediocre Test player but surely that's not the sole criteria for election to this newly designed role. Besides, he played for 23 years in Sheffield Shield and other first class cricket for Western Australia and South Australia and many Test players have been prepared to credit him with being the major influence in their careers. Rod Marsh is among them. At first class level, he was a cagey captain and thoughtful selector who applied imagination and consistency to both roles. There are few first class players with his leadership record, a fact highlighted by Greg Chappell, an outgoing part time selector, who took advantage of media calls today by praising Inverarity. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating but at least Geoff Lawson didn't get the job. Radicalism is not needed now. Inverarity will apply a soft hand with a firm will and he will brooch and cure the problems with communication with players. If a future Simon Katich situation arises on Inverarity's watch, the player will be spoken to and not be left in the dark. Interestingly, when asked a direct question about Katich and future selection, Inverarity made it clear that its a clean slate and all players will be considered for a role in the Australian team. At least he shouldn't be ageist!

The third part remains to be actualised. He's hoping that Steve Rixon gets the coaching role so we will have a man with both the technical skills and the people skills needed in this expanded role. Stumper is an enthusiastic cove who works harder than the players ever could and is already respected by any cricketer who has played under his guidance.

Wally Edwards

Finally, Jack Clarke will be succeeded as Chairman of Cricket Australia by Western Australian Wally Edwards. The only Australian failure of he 1974-75 flogging of the Poms, he managed to squeeze two ducks into his six Test innings with cap at a rakish angle, being replaced in the Sydney Test by debutante Rick McCosker. Beyond and more importantly than that, Edwards has had a 24 year career as a member of the WA Board and has served on the CA Board for the past 12 years. He has an excellent record in business and has started with the lofty goal of seeing Australia back to the No 1 spot in all three forms of the game during his term.

We have been looking for positives.

Queensland Jump To The Lead

After all teams have completed two matches each, Qld have jumped to the lead in the Sheffield Shield after winning both of their opening games. The Qlders thumped Tasmania this week after beating Victoria comfortably last week, both games being at headquarters. Western Australia, on the strength of a great start at the batting crease by Liam Davis and Adam Vogues, are the only other side to win a game but were unlucky not to add to that tally in Adelaide. 

Cullen Bailey hanging in
to salvage a draw

SA v WA
The Sandgropers started the day needing seven wickets and lost 35 overs during the day after having South Australia 4-47 at lunch. When play finally resumed, Coulter-Nile, Hogan and Beer grabbed 5 wickets between them as the Redbacks held on for thirty overs adding only 62 but it appeared in vane with plenty of time still left to break up the last pair of Peter George and Cullen Bailey. For the next 22 overs, the pair forgot about runs and just kept their wickets intact, adding only 13. It was the hardest work for no points either are likely to achieve
Scorecard
NSW v Victoria
Some other side must have been playing Victoria at the SCG for the first three days as some senior Blues stood up to be counted on the last day and deny Victoria outright points. Undone in this game by an inept batting performance on the first day (Henriques aside), two of the leaders took responsibility with a 216 run 5th wicket stand which got NSW to a safe position. Simon Katich and Ben Rohrer both made good hundreds to dispel any theories that the SCG wicket had been difficult. Henriques and Nevil made sure of the draw in the latter order as Victoria ran out of options beyond a long bowl for both of their spinners. This may be a continuing saga for the Big V who look a little thin on penetration this season. NSW hold bottom position.
Scorecard

Take that - Simon Katich on the
front foot again.

Off the field, Simon Katich finally fessed up to the remainder of his true feelings at his ugly dismissal from the contract list, stating what the rest of the cricket public have been thinking about the involvement of Michael Clarke in his demise. Katich made it clear to the media after the match that grabbing the then vice captain by the throat two years earlier in a fit of patriotic zeal, had probably been enough reason for Clarke to seek retribution once he went from Pup to Big Dog. What's the difference between Katich and Clarke? One was thinking of country, whilst the other... well, you can work it out. Katich could well be a right royal pain in the butt for Cricket Australia over the next two seasons, especially if he does what he did today and scores runs. If so, then CA and not Andrew Hilditch can only blame themselves. It was one thing if Clarke moved against Katich, another if Hilditch and fellow selectors agreed but why in the name of all that is sane did CA let the thing go forward? Clarke is unlikely to dignify the comments with a response in what has become a classic Kat and Pup fight.
Postscript
Read Peter Roebuck's response in the SMH (29/10/11) which makes some fair points in both defence and against Katich. His concluding comment that Katich was "a batsmen out of form playing in a losing side" is a clanger though. If Katich was out of form then its hard to imagine how you would rate Ponting and Clarke over the same period. Out of form? Quite the reverse Mr Roebuck. His form was better than a resurgent Hussey and was the equal of Australia's best cricketer for the period, Watson. Roebuck on Katich

Dennis Lillee No.3

In January 1975, with my HSC finished and uni looming, I went to the SCG for the final couple of days as Australia regained the Ashes they had lost against the Boycott-Snow show in 70-71 ... a loss which cost Bill Lawry the captaincy and his Test place. Just as John SNow had terrorised the Australians, so this had been a gladiatorial summer as the English professionals were bashed, battered and beaten up by a women. Lillean Thomson had done so much damage that Colin Cowdrey left his armchair in an English winter for the glare and heat haze of Perth, where the temperature was the same as his age (42). Watching this well oiled Australian machine so brilliantly led by Ian Chappell was then and still is the highlight of my live cricket viewing.

Of them all, Dennis Lillee was magnificent. That summer he had returned after breaking his back with the ball in his hand on this same ground. I went there expecting a slower Lillee, now cast in a supporting role to the wild tear away, Jeff Thomson. From side on, I could only tell where the ball was when either released and then when Marsh took it, usually a pitch and half behind the stumps and often at chest height. Thomson was lightning, erratic and bloody dangerous but Lillee was beautiful.

Rod Marsh always reckoned Thommo was consistently faster than Lillee but on the odd occasion when a batsmen required reminding, he still said Lillee was quicker. That could well be clever wicket keeper's diplomacy but I saw enough to suggest it was true. In his time, there was no fiercer competitor in world cricket than DK. Even in his dotage he fired up some nasty outswingers to capture wickets in his 40's against the touring Englishmen at Lilac Hill. The man never knew how to lie down. Shield batsmen knew all about it too as he never turned up to play without giving everything, which always included the scowl, the grin, the flick of sweat from brow with that long index finger and always the most perfect approach to the wicket, leap, delivery and follow through world cricket has seen since Lindwall. God knows how many wickets he might have taken if he played as many Tests as the modern heroes.

Mark me down as a romantic making judgements biased by the era and players I saw but Dennis Lillee remains the best bowler I have seen - technically, passionately, competitively and intelligently. He has not had the influence of Shane Warne but then Warne has had so many more media tools at his disposal and a sweet heart relationship with the Australian media and public that gains him forgiveness for any indiscretion and goodness knows there have been a lot of them. Lillee is a good boy in comparison. He placed a bet as a joke which looks far more sinister now than it did then, took an aluminium bat to Mike Brearley and a boot to Miandad. I'm sure if he knew he would get three games for it, he would have kicked harder.

In retirement Lillee remains the master, coaching in schools on the subcontinent, England and Australia, thinking only of bowlers, not their countries. You can't compare players from different eras, you just have to make a judgment call from the gut. As much as it might have been fine to have seen Lillee v Tendulkar or Warne v Richards (either one really), they are just salivations of the mind, spoken of over barbie beers to irritate wives. Its enough that my wife only reveres two cricketers out of the thousands I've told her about ... endlessly ... Greg Chappell and Dennis Lillee. She even knows their middle initials. How Zen is that?

If I only had one spot in my team for a bowler, I'd pick Lillee, not Warne. 

So says my gut.

Shield Games

Glenn Maxwell cutting during his 92

NSW v Victoria
Victoria are poised for outright victory coming into the last day of the clash with NSW in Sydney after an accomplished batting performance on the third day saw them add nearly 300 in 88 overs. It was a day made longer in order to make up for first day rain and for NSW it must have seemed even longer still. Chris Rogers notched his 50th first class hundred in what has become an weight of runs which is embarrassing for outgoing Chairman of Stuff Ups, Andrew Hilditch. Before Simon Katich had cause to complain, Rogers had done exactly what he was told and has been snubbed regardless whilst Hughes received perseverance, Watson was moved in the order and Katich dropped. Hmm.
It was David Hussey who set the tone of the batting with a bright 70 off just 98 and then Glenn Maxwell's near hundred which steered a wagging tail to add 163 for the last four wickets and bury NSW. At 2-51 by stumps and another extended day today, only Lillee and Marsh would back them.
Scoreboard

Liam Davis

SA v WA
Western Australia have set SA a second innings target of 353 to win their Shield game at the Adelaide Oval but then batting with a substantial first innings lead is always easier. The WA second innings was almost all contained in a 164 fourth wicket stand between Liam Davis and Adam Vogues after Peter George and Gary Putland had reduced them to 3-21. Putland ended with 8 wickets for the match. Davis is the early form batsman in Australian cricket with 331 runs at 83 from just two games and his batting partner Vogues is a close second with 297 at 99. The Redbacks have made a disastrous start, losing three wickets inside eleven overs before the close, including Harris and Ferguson. Meanwhile, Tom Cooper may have to go back to grade cricket after being run out first ball.
Scoreboard
Qld v Tasmania
The abject failure of Tasmania at the Gabba - routed before lunch on the 3rd day - was highlighted by the fact Qld needed less than 300 to beat them by an innings. Ryan Harris smashed the remaining Tasmanians, taking four of the last five and taking seven for the innings. His match haul of 9-83 is strong tonic for Michael Clarke in a battle with South Africa which requires fire to counter fire. South Africa's deep batting line up are a long way from the Tasmanians but you can't do more than your best, regardless of the opposition. Jason Krejza, another member of the forgotten spinners club, top scored with some effective hitting as Harris ran amok.

No 4 - Adam Gilchrist

Yep, yep, yep ... the single best timer of a cricket ball I have watched. Not as good a keeper as Healy or Oldfield but the difference is hardly worth the comparison when one considers what else he bought to the team. Here was a man who greatest trait was nothing to do with the amazing skills he possessed as a cricketer ... he is simply one of the most decent men to have worn the Baggy Green. Loved to win, fought as hard as any international cricketer but never felt the need to descend to the low points of abuse and gamesmanship of others around him. Read the detailed assessment by Malcolm Knox of one of this correspondents favourite two or three cricketers.
Malcolm Knox on Gilly (SMH)

Shield Cricket

NSW v Victoria

Moses Henriques made 68

NSW lost wickets at regular intervals and were dismissed for a disappointing 201. The only stand of consequence was the 77 added mid innings by Moses Henriques (68) and Peter Nevil after Simon Katich was McDonald's only wicket of the innings. McDonald has a habit of doing such things. Herrick bowled well for his 5-79, all of his scalps contained in the top seven. Jon Holland cleaned up the tail. With so much having been said about Holland, its hard to understand that he is still to capture 50 first class wickets and as yet, has no 5fa.
Quiney and Rodgers gave Victoria the perfect start, their opening stand of 94 in 21 overs, but they were helped by some ordinary bowling from the Starc and Hazelwood, NSW's barely shaving opening bowlers. Quiney, in particular, took full toll and must have kicked himself when Sean Abbott removed him. As was always the risk, Steve O'Keefe under bowled himself at a time when he needed to lead with the ball. A long haul ahead for the NSW babes this season.
Scorecard

Ryan Harris fit and dangerous

Qld v Tas
What the hell happened to Tasmania! 15 of their wickets fell at the Gabba for 195 runs on the second day, almost certainly assuring Queensland of an outright victory on day three. In the first innings, they were 2-70 with Doolan and Bailey in charge but Reardon, a part time bowler with only five first class wickets to his credit, removed both of them inside three overs. Ryan Harris chimed in with the wickets of Faulkner and Cosgrove and Tasmania lost their last 8-59. To call it a collapse would be to give the Westgate Bridge a bad name. Worse was to come in the second innings, following on. After Harris got Kruger early, that man Reardon removed ex NSWelshman Ed Cowan. Ben Cutting removed George Bailey before he could get going and then it was Harris again, in his second spell, who bowled both Cosgrove and Faulkner. Through it all, Doolan looked a batsman. With 92 still to get to make the Queenslander openers strap on their pads, its unlikely the match will go much beyond lunch on the third day. Note to the Australia selectors ... Ryan Harris is back.
Scorecard
SA v WA
The Western Australian innings made it beyond three hundred thanks to Travis Birt and Michael Beer, the latter making a useful red ink contribution. The quick men, Gary Putland (5-71), Peter George (3-83) and former Coffs Harbour lad Joe Mennie (2-75) took all the wickets in a haphazard innings. South Australia couldn't stop themselves from getting out. Too many batsmen got themselves established and then left the arena with the job unfinished. Dan Harris and Tom Cooper were the most successful but having reached half centuries they surrendered. Cooper shows a lot of promise but after 16 first class innings and a top score of only 63, the Redbacks will need more than that from their number 4 (yet another ex NSW player and a World Cup player for the Netherlands). The Michaels - Beer and Hogan - bowled impressively, always keeping the Redbacks under pressure. Mostly, it was just a matter of time.
Scorecard

Pakistan Bowlers Dominate

Sangakkara made 78 as the
top order failed

Sri Lanka are not the awesome batting line up they once were as their stars begin to lose their lustre and find it difficult to shine, even on clear nights. On the opening day of the 2nd Test at Dubai, the top order again fell apart. Only Kumar Sangakkara withstood a moving ball and the determination of Umar Gul and the youngster Junaid Khan. Even Angelo Matthews could do little more than make a start and Sri Lanka had been reduced to 5-73 in 25 painful overs. Only Thirimanne who was lbw to a beauty from Gul could offer a viable excuse as the rest wafted catches to the men behind the wicket. Mishbah collected three of them at first slip.

Welegedara (48) made his
highest Test score

Sangakkara finally found a batting partner in Kaushal Silva, into the side for the injured Prasanna Jayawardene and they added 52 before spin gave Pakistan three wickets in ten overs, including Sangakkara for 78. A surprise 9th wicket 75 between Herath and Welegedara improved things for Sri Lanka but if Younis Khan could catch, Herath would have been out first ball. Younis couldn't catch a cold in a room full of viruses.

Gul and Junaid did the damage but the spinners mopped up on a good batting wicket.

Pakistan opened without a care in the world and have raced along at more than four an over. Even Taufeeq lost his head and has 20 from 36. Pakistan will look to bat aggressively and pile on the runs during the next two days against a Sri Lankan side that has its heads down, almost too embarrassed to look opponents in the eye. Dilshan Tillakaratne appears to have no answers and with Sangakkara playing only from pride and Mahela Jayawardene from memory, the younger players look out of their depth.

Pakistan continue to amaze. In the midst of scandal and outrage and with corruption so endemic that every dropped catch, every no ball, every soft dismissal gives rise to the threat of enquiry, they still manage to raise new young champions from the streets. If only the slime can be kept from them and a leader become brave enough to roar like Imran, they could be world champions again. 

If only.

Australia's Best - No 5 Keith "Nugget" Miller

Read Ian Chappell's moving tribute to Keith Miller, named No 5 in the list of Australia's best cricketers compiled by Christian Ryan for his book Australia: Story of a Cricket Country and decided by the votes of 121 former Australian Test players. The Sydney Morning Herald has an article each day this week naming the top five and with a tribute each day to those named.
Ian Chappell on Keith Miller (SMH)

Latest Shield Action

NSW v Victoria
Rain ruined the first day, with Victoria in complete control thanks Jayde Herrick's opening spell of 3-25. Even with players out, NSW can still field a strong combination, although with so many defections to other states thrown in, even the renowned depth of resources of the Blues will be tested this season. Nick Maddison disappointed hitting two fours and then was out on his third delivery. Much will depend on former skipper Simon Katich when play resumes.
Scorecard
Qld v Tasmania
After winning the toss and watching Ryan Broad and Wade Townsend add 150 for the first wicket, the Bananabenders let it all slip badly away, losing ten wickets for 137 as other players failed to capitalise on starts. Ben Hilfenhaus got both of the openers and then helped Luke Butterworth clean out the middle order, both in their third spells. Mark Cosgrove made one of his rare appearances at the bowling crease to dismiss Peter Forest at a time when George Bailey was desperate for a wicket. For Forest, it was yet another start without a finish.
Scorecard

Marcus North scored 119

SA v WA
At 2-238 after winning the toss and batting, WA skipper Marcus North must have thought this captaincy lurk was an easy one. 182 runs into a third wicket stand with opener Liam Davis and a hundred in the bag, the ex Australian middle order player must have been shocked eight overs later when both of them sat in the pavilion and with Adam Voges, Michael Johnson and Nathan Couter-Nile as additional company. It was Peter George and Gary Putland who caused the 5-28 crash. Davis and Voges fell in successive deliveries to George before the new ball had been taken. Four of the Sandgropers were lbw to honest, straight bowling.
Scorecard

Rain Drawn Nought

Elias Sunny, seven wickets on debut

The West Indies did their best to liven up a drawn first Test, despite the hosts, Bangladesh, having much the better of the contest.

Resuming at 5-145 on the last day, the Windies added 99 in 17 overs to be all out well behind Bangladesh's declared first innings. Whilst skipper Darren Sammy produced one of his fire cracker innings, carving 58 off only 43, with eight 4's and two 6's, the end was as ugly as hitting which preceded it. A dance down the wicket and cross batted heave saw Al Hasan apply the "you miss, I hit" philosophy to a tee. The other left arm spinner, Elias Sunny, snared six of the top seven and Al Hasan three of the tail when Sammy turned up the heat in the kitchen.

Bangladesh batted way too slowly in their second innings and left their declaration until late in order to make sure they didn't lose the game. They will need more daring if they are going to play with the big boys. The West Indies may have swung hard at the ball but they would always be a chance to panic as their batting has been a house of cards in a hurricane in recent years. The West Indies batted with more authority second time around after Sunny took the new ball but in reality, what could happen in 22 overs?

Rain Catches Windies With Draws Down

When you loose 40% of a match to rain, a draw becomes a near certainty and so it will be in Chittagong. When the opposing sides contain so many inexperienced players who are convinced their career depends more on not getting out than on what they do while they are there, then that lack of time makes it all that more inevitable that no result can be found.

Bangladesh added another 95 to their first day total before declaring. Davendra Bishoo picked up three wickets from the cheaper seats on a wicket that is now turning.

The West Indies, with a great gulf between the inexperience of the top three and veterans which follow, stumbled along in the 51 overs until stumps, some making starts and others not but only Shiv Chanderpaul looking a Test player. The normally dour middle order player who has passed Courtney Walsh as the West Indies most capped player, batted his average but with, for him, an almost indecent haste. He left his career strike rate behind (42 per 100 balls) in scoring his 49 off just 72 and included two sixes off the debutante Elias Sunny. Both were plonked back over Sunny's head but the newcomer exacted revenge when a questionable decision saw Chanderpaul caught at slip, apparently off his pad as he advanced down the wicket.

Elias Sunny gets his first Test wicket

Sunny picked up four of the five wickets to fall in an excellent debut. The left arm orthodox - yes, I know, we really don't have enough of them in the game - held his cool after having Kirk Edwards dropped twice before claiming him as his first Test wicket and then quickly removed Bravo. Chanderpaul and Samuels each had a turn at attacking him, rightly seeing his spin as the main danger and therefore trying to put the young man off his game. Shakib Al Hossain, peddling the same wares as Sunny, bowled a tight line to keep pressure on from bowl ends.

West Indies will struggle on the last day against the spin, but with the follow on all but avoided, time will prevent any miracle Bangladesh might wish to dream of overnight.

Australia's Best Cricketers

Not the best but my favourite

Its easy to go bonkers on such a task but in a new book, Australia: Story of a Cricket Country, editor Christian Ryan has provided what he calls a once in a life time poll to determine Australia's top five cricketers. In compiling the top five, he has ended up with a list of the 25 best, now being serialised in the Sydney Morning Herald.

There are many who dismiss such lists as being impossible to formulate with any degree of accuracy because choosing the criteria for selection becomes more important than the eventual list itself. There is the old chestnut of comparing players across generations and that inevitably, the longer the selection period, the more likely the players at the earlier stages of the period are not considered as favourably because those choosing are unlikely to have seen the players perform. Those who pooh-pooh the exercise are generally those too timid to engage in the task. In the end, there are no wrong answers, although my list will be better than yours but only because in completing the task, I have been filled with a warm flood of memories of hot Saturdays at the SCG and towelling hats and my heroes acting heroically. Debating our selections is part of that same thrill. We get off the fence and onto the playing arena with every quoted stat, every retold anecdote. What a gift these men have left with us. 

All that taken into account, Ryan has at least chosen a selection panel which has some credibility, inviting returns from 121 former Test players as the sole voting sample. The result is as interesting as it is likely to be controversial - all such lists are.

It will undoubtedly rake up discussion and argument among workmates, travelling companions in the rush hour, overs beers at BBQ's and certainly between overs on suburban and country grounds for the next few Saturdays. The greatest of all discussion grounds of the game, that between grandfather, father and sons is likely to be where this list will most hotly be debated and if the youngest of the generations watches quietly from the bowlers end, they'll learn more than they can offer to the discussion and be the richer for it. Cricket has always only been as strong as the next generation taking it forward but that strength depends on carrying with them the best of the past to be cherished and remembered.

This list will help that process.

The SMH has rather cheekily held back the final five, although revealed almost by accident or teaser that Keith Miller will be the first of the final five. If we pencil in Bradman, Warne and Lillee as safe bets, that leaves only one spot. Who? So far, no Grimmett, no Armstrong, no Morris, no Hill, no Taylor, all of whom are Hall of Fame members and only one keeper in the first 20 named. I'll give my final guess to Adam Gilchrist.

As a custodian myself, such events brighten my day: there can never be too much cricket talk.

For more details and a look at players 6 to 25, go to Australia's Best Cricketers or the SMH video presentation Australia's Top 25 Cricketers

Ryobi Cup

Two more games were played in the domestic one day series over the weekend with Queensland and South Australia both continuing in the winning habit.

At Mackay, Queensland prevailed by five runs over Tasmania in a game that wasn't as close as it seemed. The bottom half of the Tigers order kept fighting but were always going to be a handful of runs short, despite last minute hitting from Jason Krejza and good hands from Gulbis, Johnston and Faulkner. Alister McDermott caused the real damage at the startof the innings removing George Bailey and Mark Cosgrove.

Earlier, Ryan Broad and Nathan Reardon had been the main contributors, with the middle order man Reardon remaining not out as he kept Queensland going forward despite the valuable loss of four wickets in as many overs at the two thirds mark. Peter Forest had also looked in good touch making 35 as acting captain.

At the Adelaide Oval, it was an game of oddities. Spin bowlers opened the bowling (Michael Beer for WA and Nathan Lyon for SA) in what must have been a weekend craze, for Jason Krejza did the same for Tasmania. Two batsmen scored centuries in batting lineups that otherwise failed.

The Sandgropers batted first at Michael Klinger's request and even though the Lyon experiment went off without a roar, Putland, Christian and Bailey were all over them like flies on a stockman's hat. At 7-123, the innings was in tatters with 14 overs left. Luke Ronchi then launched an amazing counter attack, supported by ex Qlder Nathan Rimmington who certainly not the worst of tailenders. Ronchi's century was in stark contrast with the heavy weights that had gone before as Marcus North, Adam Vogues and Travis Burt all failed. The 8th wicket pair added 110 in 80 balls to give South Australia something to chase.

Beer struck dividends with the first ball of the South Australian innings, trapping Daniel Harris lbw but Klinger and Callum Ferguson steadied things adding 62. Cameron Borgus added a further 52 with Ferguson for the 4th wicket but the Redbacks were wearing the wobbly boot at 8-170 after Beer again put the skids under the innings with two wickets in four deliveries. In a match which had swung this way and that, Western Australia should have won it from there but didn't because of the class of Ferguson and some adventurous hitting from the No 10, Nathan Lyon, including a big six from Rimmington to win the game after a partnership of 65. Ferguson, who batted for all but one ball of the innings, played a superb knock, proof that one day cricket can produce innings of class.

South Africa Bolt In

South Africa squared the one day series against Australia at Port Elizabeth, handing the quick bowlers a particular thumping. On a slow track, only Xavier Doherty (Eggzavier if you are Liz Hurley's tanned pile of wrinkles) and Steve Smith showed any capacity for holding the South Africans back.

Batting first, four of South Africa's top six made near or better run a ball half centuries (Smith, Kallis, Duminy and Miller) as the Australians struggled. Two big partnerships - 142 by Kallis and Smith and 107 by Duminy and Miller - were unworried by the Australian pace trio of Bollinger, Johnson and Cummins. The teenager, after impressing with 3-28 in the first game at Centurion came well and truly back to the field here and was handed a stern lesson by Graeme Smith in his early overs and particularly harsh critique by David Miller and JP Duminy as the innings raced to 300. Such learning will be the making of him if he is to be the world beater wise heads have suggested.

Bad back ... tell me about it!

Further alarm bells rang for Australia when their most overworked cricketer, Shane Watson, suffered back spasms when bowling and had to leave the ground. He eventually batted at six but allied with his poor form in Sri Lanka, the matter of his workload must now move beyond media speculation. As strong as he has become, his mind and now his body are sending danger signs and the policy of destroying the second of our two best assets over the past few years (Katich was destroyed more directly) when team performances have been less than our best, must face severe examination. The sooner we have the new selection committee and coach, the better.

South Africa get Clarke for 1

Australia lost wickets at regular intervals after Ponting blazed but failed as substitute for Watson at the top of the order. Warner was again impressive but unfortunately top edged Morkel just when the side needed him to accelerate. Hussey was his tradesman-like self and Smith looked determined and solid during his hour at the crease but the rest fell away as the pressure of an increasing run rate weighed down on them. Tsotsobe (2-32) and Morkel (4-22) were far superior to their pace rivals and Botha wheeled down an economic ten over spell.

The reality of playing South Africa at home has started to kick in.

A question for the administrators though ... Australia will play only two Tests on this, the 13th tour to South Africa by an Australian team in the 108 year history on Tests between them and this is the least number of Tests ever played in a tour. Undoubtedly the public will be told that tightness in the playing schedule is the reason but if Test cricket really is the primary goal of Cricket Australia - as quoted in the Argus Report - then why are we wasting five days on ODI and Twenty20 matches instead of having a third Test and shortening the tour by a week? Money making isn't apparently completely off the agenda yet.

Chittagong Still Wet

No super soppers at Chowdhury

No play was possible for the second consecutive day in the Test between Bangladesh and West Indies at Chittagong after overnight rain soaked the ground. Despite the whole ground being under covers, water had seeped through creating large patches of sodden ground. The persistent rain appears to be clearing but thunderstorms are possible on the fourth day.

Bangladesh will hope to resume at 4-255, with their young captain, Mushfiqur Rahim (68no) restarting an innings which began three days ago.

October is the tail out month of the monsoon season with 180mm the average rainfall. Perhaps November to January might be better months to schedule Test matches.

Frustration in Abu Dhabi & Chittagong

Kumar passed 200

Pakistan v Sri Lanka
The pitch proved too good and the Pakistani fielding too bad for a positive result to be obtained in Abu Dhabi. The last day was dominated by Sri Lanka - principally by Kumar Sangakkara and Prasanna Jayawardene - and was the only day of five that they clearly held control. The sixth wicket pair grew their partnership to 201, staying in union until just before tea and snuffing out any hope of a Pakistani victory. Sangakkara raised his eighth double hundred in an innings divorced from many of the doubles he has previously scored. He survived chances on the 4th day but was careful and resolute on the 5th, providing no further hope for Pakistan until Azhar Ali trapped him in front with a leg break and claimed his first Test wicket. Mishbar-ul-Haq's act of desperation and exasperation paid an immediate divided.

201 runs for the 6th wicket

Prasanna, who had outscored Sangakkara, had earlier achieved his fourth Test hundred and his first since Cardiff in May of 2010. It followed a lean run, especially in the recent series against Australia which included a pair at Galle. He has returned to No 7 with the solid form of Angelo Mathews creating a swap in their batting positions and he looked more comfortable in the traditional batting wicket keepers spot popularised by Rod Marsh and Allan Knott in the 1970's. He batted with greater freedom on the last day after being dropped as stumps approached yesterday. Down on confidence after the home series against an improving Australia, he was impressive on what has to be said was a dead pitch.

Umar Gul benefited from bowling at the tail before the Pakistan top three showed no interest in an improbable target and limped through until stumps to complete the draw.

The key issues which determined the outcome in Abu Dhabi were the docile nature of the pitch which became flatter and deader each day, the inept catching of Pakistan and a poor umpiring performance by Tony Hill. Test matches need higher standards than these.

Bangladesh v West Indies
No play on day two owing to rain. Unfortunately, tomorrow looks likely to suffer a similar fate.

Overseas Tests

Kumar Sangakkara

Pakistan v Sri Lanka
After Pakistan had occupied the crease for some of the first day, all of the second and most of the third to accumulate 511, Sri Lanka batted the fourth day out with the same endeavour, scoring just 251 for the loss of 4 wickets. Thanks chiefly to Kumar Sangakkara's unbeaten 161 and inept Pakistani catching, Sri Lanka are within 16 runs of making Pakistan bat again. Five catches were grassed, three of them by Mohammad Hafeez off the blade Lahiru Thirimanne, including misses at slip of successive deliveries from Junaid Khan. Thirimanne added 153 with Sangakkara who also had his share of luck being dropped twice by Younis Khan. As often happens, after such a long partnership, Mahela Jayawardene and Tillakaratne Dilshan fell inside ten overs of Thirimanne's dismissal but Sangakkara continued to resist with Angelo Mathews and Prasanna Jayawardene, bringing up his 26th Test century, 14 of which have been beyond the 150 mark. In fact, if he reaches his double century, it will be his eighth, leaving Hammond behind and with only Lara and Bradman scoring more. They say you are defined by the company you keep.

Pakistan couldn't catch on Day 4

As great as this Sri Lankan team is, they are in steady decline with Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara in the same bracket as Ricky Ponting: still good players who can hurt you on occasion but unlikely to bat you out of a series because their high scoring consistency is dissipating. Dilshan never was a great, averaging no better than early forties which once was well considered but not in the modern game where only averages over 50 attract attention. Since Murali and Vaas left, allowing the wallpapered cracks to weather and be exposed, Sri Lanka have not found youngsters of the same verve. There are too many conservatives with no audacity in the batting and their bowlers are at best honest. Malinga was a match winner but he prefers to win matches for more generous paymasters. Angelo Mathews, now vice captain, also stands apart from the bunch but whether team mates will be prepared to follow a leader with only a two syllable surname is debatable.

Pakistan should win on the last day if the lofted ball doesn't continue to find Hafeez. On a docile wicket, their bowlers have worked hard for the victory and deserve a change of luck. Their batting lacks endeavour, with Azhar, Younis and particularly Taufeeq batting like children hiding in a bedroom cupboard from the boogie man. On a placid pitch, against an opposition which appear to be finding cricket a chore and an opposing captain who shows as much interest in the game as a nun at an underwear party, there was no excuse for personal scoring rate below 50 per hundred balls.

Tamim Iqbal made 52

Bangladesh v West Indies
The Stuart Law coached Bangladesh started their first home series since March of 2010, with the opening day against the West Indies at Chittagong. Mushfiqur Rahm won the toss in his debut Test as Bangladesh captain and batted. Much confidence has been placed in the 23 year old, who will also keep wicket. He debuted as a 16 year old - the youngest of all nations to have played at Lords - and despite concerns about his form a year ago, has risen to the top. He top scored on a day of steady batting which threatened to run away from the West Indies only to be pegged back by its own enthusiasm for stroke play. Darren Sammy did a good job on a dead wicket, changing his bowlers around often and varying angles of attack and field placings. Iqbal Kayes was the only batsman not to make a start, snicking o Baugh of Ravi Rampaul. The others all made inroads but failed to take it all the way down the highway.

As a result, quick wickets tomorrow could well undo their good work.

Nafees was felled by Fidel Edwards

Davendra Bishoo got spin after lunch and the odd ball kept disturbingly low for a first day track. Marlon Samuels, cast into the second spinner role despite getting first use of the ball, was gifted two wickets when Iqbal and Hasan threw their hands away with senseless slogs after they had batted their way into command. Fidel Edwards was his usual aggressive self, channelling Charlie Griffiths with an around the wicket bouncer which sent No 3 Nafees from the field with a bloodied nose when the ball either snuck between visor and grill or just hit with enough impact to force the grill back into his face. Cause was irrelevant as effect was the same.

An even day that could have been even better for Bangladesh but they don't play enough cricket to have that experience on hand. Rain will be the biggest threat to both sides over the next few days.

Tragics Meets Statewide

If its not bad enough The Cricketragic is inflicted on ABC listeners in the North West New England, today he was let loose on the entire rural ABC network of NSW as he discussed the proposed new game of 5ives which will be trialled as a replacement format for OD cricket. As a preamble to tomorrow's post, listen to Peter discuss 5ives with the ABC's Statewide presenter, Kelly Fuller.

The Cricketragic on ABC Statewide with Kelly Fuller

At The Risk Of Blowing My Own Trumpet ...

... thought you'd like to know that readership of thecricketragics has swollen over the last few months. September set new records, with over 1300 page views for the month and the monthly average reaching nearly 500 views a months since Jun '09. Wish I could have batted those figures back in the day!

Many thanks for the continued support. 

If you wish to post comments, just click on the word "Comments" below and follow the prompts. Look for "Name/URL" and record your name because we don't take anonymous comments. If you are interested in providing articles - your own written work - contact thecricketragics through the contacts list low left.

15 Into 11 Won't Go

The Australian squad for South Africa was announced on Monday by Andrew Hilditch who, like a zombie, keeps appearing before us as if George Romero were the scriptwriter for Cricket Australia. It contained a reasonably predictable grouping for the two Test series in and against South Africa but with one obvious exception. 

Pat Cummins has been a man on everyone's lips. Even though only 18, he's quick and he's from NSW which means automatic selection and has done for many years. He's leapfrogged other young stars from the Blues to climb into the touring party despite only very limited appearances at first class level and has done so here at the expense of the Victorian James Pattinson. I can hear the train a comin as members of the Big V cricket community build up a head of steam over Pattinson's exclusion and with reasonable  justification. Pattinson has been great for the Vics for several seasons and has done everything asked of him when given his chance at the higher level. He was understudy to the fast men in Sri Lanka recently, perhaps unlucky not to win the spot which Trent Copeland occupied - another NSWelshman! Rob Zombie said he was unlucky not to be selected for South Africa, a statement as obvious as was the denial of his claims in favour of the "still cuts himself shaving" Cummins.

That's not my main concern, because in the end its the composition of the team that troubles me and why the selectors see the need to take 15 players out of the country for two Tests to be played at the same seasonal time as Australia.

Michael Clarke (c), Shane Watson (vc), Michael Beer, Trent Copeland, Patrick Cummins, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Phil Hughes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle.

This is the side as chosen with seven batsmen and seven bowlers and Haddin to keep wickets. Clearly, the batting order to seven will be Watson, Hughes, Marsh, Ponting, Clarke, Hussey and Haddin, based on recent matches in Sri Lanka. I won't enter into the Hughes debate again - well not for a while - but I'll accept this is the order. Khawaja is the reserve. No problem. 

When we look at the bowling, its clear that on tracks at Capetown and Jo'burg it will be pace that dominates. In the history of cricket in South Africa only the great off spinner Hugh Tayfield and to a lesser extent Shane Warne and Paul Adams from the Spinners Union have tasted success on those tracks and with South Africa having the world's best new ball attack of Dayle Steyn and Monty Morkel, the kids in 3A would have worked out we'll be playing on green tops. To fight fire with fire, two spinners have been chosen with four Tests between them. Reasonable to pick one but not both. Its unlikely we'll play four quicks so that leaves three, two of which will be Harris and Johnson, so Copeland, Siddle and new boy (literally in adjective and noun) Cummins vie for one spot.

We've picked one quick and one spinner too many when they won't play a game and will miss the chance of playing in any of the five Sheffield Shield games and five Ryobi Cup games that are scheduled back home in Australia during the same time period. If we want to build Australian cricket, we have to do these things better.

Of the spinners, I'd send Beer home because left arm orthodox bowlers are prevalent in South African cricket. Only Lyon, with his high action and rip may provide them with concern. Likewise, I'd sent Copeland home because on these tracks, his consistent line and length will be a recipe for chocolate cake which the aggressive South African's will smear their lips with. Siddle or Cummins, take your pick. If we lose the first with Siddle in the side, swap Cummins in for the second to replace our worst bowler from the first, regardless of his previous performances.

Of course, I don't pick the Australian side and I'm not dead either. I just make uncanny suggestions which eventually ring true.