*Official* First Test at the Gabba

[BoyBrumby]

Doherty a one test wonder according to RGD Willis. Thoughts?

[Pothas]

Doubt he has done badly enough to get dropped, will get the next test at least.

[Woodster]

Originally Posted by Howe_zat

If Strauss declares before tea I'll eat my shoes.

One thing I learned today is that Marcus North isn’t an awful bowler. He can put a decent, tidy spell together when his captain needs that. It’s just that he has never taken a wicket, ever.

Sure, sometimes he happens to be bowling when a wicket falls. But I was once stood on the street when somebody gave me a coupon book for Subway. Saying Marcus North took a wicket last night is a bit like saying I stole a coupon book.

It'll be interesting to see the intent though. I think the crucial part will be getting through the first hour with minimal damage, then hopefully gradually accelerate, and if we get into the position to declare then let's do so. But will be intruiging to see how we go about our business. If we lose a couple of wickets in the first hour then I presume we'll try and grind our way to safety, but if we do get the Aussies on the back foot let's go for it.

Yes North is not a bad bowler. As Warne says he's better than a part-timer, don't think you could go into a Test with him as your frontline spinner though, unless it is indeed a seamers paradise and he'll play little part in proceedings.

[GIMH]

And Harmison has sympathy for Johnson because "I've had similar days"

[Woodster]

Originally Posted by BoyBrumby

Doherty a one test wonder according to RGD Willis. Thoughts?

Think that'd be harsh especially with Adelaide coming up I can't see it. Where do they go from here, back to Hauritz, or to Smith ? No I can't see him not being selected for the next Test.

[Howe_zat]

There's not much Australia can blame on Doherty, they knew he'd be defensive when they picked him, plus they don't have another spinner really pushing him. He'd have to get carted on the last day to get dropped after one Test. On the other hand, the Aussie selectors have hardly been consistent with their bowlers lately.

[howardj]

Our best wicket-taking attack at present:

Harris
Bollinger
Siddle
Krejza

[Howe_zat]

Any news on Rhino's fitness?

[zaremba]

Originally Posted by Howe_zat

I think it's a bit unfair to cite luck on day 3 but not on day 4, both Strauss and Hussey had let-offs but capitalised brilliantly.

The difference is that England deserved wickets (early wickets at that) by virtue of an outstanding sustained spell of bowling. There's just no comparison between how the 2 attacks performed.

I'm not for a moment knocking either Hussey or Haddin, btw. Both played utterly outstanding innings.

[Woodster]

Originally Posted by Howe_zat

Any news on Rhino's fitness?

He's just taken a 4-for in a State game against Victoria and got through 21 overs, so he must be feeling pretty good at the moment.

[howardj]

Originally Posted by Howe_zat

Any news on Rhino's fitness?

Picked up a four-for in the Shield game that's going on.

Haven't heard that he's pulled up badly.

I like the fact that he and Bollinger are always at the batsman.

[NUFAN]

Originally Posted by Woodster

Think that'd be harsh especially with Adelaide coming up I can't see it. Where do they go from here, back to Hauritz, or to Smith ? No I can't see him not being selected for the next Test.

O'Keefe > Doherty
Khawaja > Clarke injured
Bollinger > Johnson
Harris > Hilfenhaus
Smith > North

Watson Katich Ponting Khawaja Hussey Haddin Smith OKeefe Harris Siddle Bollinger.

I'm only quarter serious but I think the selectors will e considering these 5 options but obviously will not change all 5.

[howardj]

Originally Posted by NUFAN

O'Keefe > Doherty
Khawaja > Clarke injured
Bollinger > Johnson
Harris > Hilfenhaus
Smith > North

Watson Katich Ponting Khawaja Hussey Haddin Smith OKeefe Harris Siddle Bollinger.

I'm only quarter serious but I think the selectors will e considering these 5 options but obviously will not change all 5.

Good work there.

I think the selectors will **** themselves, ala with the Hughes dumping in 2009, if they think the Ashes are slipping.

That said, they are changes they should seriiously entertain.

[Pothas]

If they drop Johnson then O'Keefe's batting becomes an important factor, I just don't see them ditching Doherty after one game.

What are the chances of Johnson getting dropped? Think he would have to perform awfully for at least another test personally.

[superkingdave]

Someone should rethink their twitter profile name imo

Ashes (theashes) on Twitter