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zaremba · 11-08-2009, 04:00 PM

To be fair to England their selections this summer have been bolder than Australia's in that they have consistently selected 5 bowlers.

Anyhow selecting a team, and approaching the match, with a draw in mind is a recipe for disaster. It worked in 2005 at the oval (jones being replaced by collingwood) but that was precipitated by an injury and I'd say it was the exception rather than the rule, and the team was still balanced in that it had 4 front line bowlers in addition to Colly and the part timers.

So Australia should pick a normal team IMHO, and play with a normal attacking mentality. Only towards the closing stages of the game should the draw enter their thinking, eg when considering whether to make an aggressive / sporting declaration or whether to go for an audacious run-chase.

11-08-2009, 04:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
zaremba Cricketer Of The Year Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: chez les Ashes Posts: 8,729	To be fair to England their selections this summer have been bolder than Australia's in that they have consistently selected 5 bowlers. Anyhow selecting a team, and approaching the match, with a draw in mind is a recipe for disaster. It worked in 2005 at the oval (jones being replaced by collingwood) but that was precipitated by an injury and I'd say it was the exception rather than the rule, and the team was still balanced in that it had 4 front line bowlers in addition to Colly and the part timers. So Australia should pick a normal team IMHO, and play with a normal attacking mentality. Only towards the closing stages of the game should the draw enter their thinking, eg when considering whether to make an aggressive / sporting declaration or whether to go for an audacious run-chase.