*Official* Fourth Test at the MCG

[Goughy]

Talking to an old Aussie a couple of days ago and saw it mentioned today in a piece and both suggested that Haddin should be the next captain of Aus.

His point was that he is a good captain and as he is a country boy he would add a toughness to the team that seems to be lacking. I have no idea if any of that is true as I know next to nothing about Haddin but it was interesting to listen to the guy as he a) knew more tham most I talk to about cricket and b) seemed to see the same changes in the Aussie team that I do.

So, my question to those that know more about Haddin than me, is he a realistic option as skipper? and if so, what qualities does he bring?

[Prince EWS]

Originally Posted by Goughy

Talking to an old Aussie a couple of days ago and saw it mentioned today in a piece the Haddin should be the next captain of Aus.

His point was that he is a good captain and as he is a country boy he would add a toughness to the team that seems to be lacking. I have no idea if any of that is true as I know next to nothing about Haddin bit it was interesting to listen to the guy as he a) knew more tham most I talk to about cricket and b) seemed to see the same changes in the Aussie team that I do.

So, my question to those that know more about Haddin than me, is he a realistic option as skipper? and if so, what qualities does he bring?

Out of the ten non-Ponting players in the current eleven, he'd definitely be my pick should Ponting go. I've seen him captain NSW a few times in one day cricket - he's a bit unconventional but you could never accuse him of letting the game drift. I wouldn't say he was perfect tactically but he's definitely a thinking captain, which isn't a quality many would perhaps associate with his character. IIRC, his performance as a batsman improved significantly when he got the captaincy, too.

I will add though that I think there's basically no chance of it ever happening.

[Uppercut]

Hmm, giving Clarke the captaincy doesn't look the best move to me. Would provide too much continuity in a regime that really needs a shake-up and with Australia's policy of retaining ex-captains, if it all goes wrong you're forced to either deal with it or risk deeply undermining a player that should be a big part of Australian cricket for the next few years. Plus it means retaining him in the ODI side indefinitely.

Might be forced to do it anyway, don't know enough about the other options to offer a real opinion. A couple of years back I'd have wanted it given to Katich but that's not especially feasible anymore. Retaining Ponting until after the World Cup looks the least-bad option from here but it's really only postponing the difficult decision.

[Prince EWS]

Originally Posted by Uppercut

Hmm, giving Clarke the captaincy doesn't look the best move to me. Would provide too much continuity in a regime that really needs a shake-up and with Australia's policy of retaining ex-captains, if it all goes wrong you're forced to either deal with it or risk deeply undermining a player that should be a big part of Australian cricket for the next few years. Plus it means retaining him in the ODI side indefinitely.

Might be forced to do it anyway, don't know enough about the other options to offer a real opinion. A couple of years back I'd have wanted it given to Katich but that's not especially feasible anymore. Retaining Ponting until after the World Cup looks the least-bad option from here but it's really only postponing the difficult decision.

Just making sure - but you know my post was about Haddin and not Clarke, right?

[Uppercut]

Yeah I'd started typing it before you posted.

The merit of making Clarke captain is what's relevant, unfortunately..

[Ruckus]

I wonder what Watson would be like as captaincy material. Just in terms of an image, Watson looks like a captain to me.

[Goughy]

Originally Posted by Uppercut

Yeah I'd started typing it before you posted.

The merit of making Clarke captain is what's relevant, unfortunately..

Not relevant to the question I asked though

[Howe_zat]

Originally Posted by Prince EWS

Out of the ten non-Ponting players in the current eleven, he'd definitely be my pick should Ponting go. I've seen him captain NSW a few times in one day cricket - he's a bit unconventional but you could never accuse him of letting the game drift. I wouldn't say he was perfect tactically but he's definitely a thinking captain, which isn't a quality many would perhaps associate with his character. IIRC, his performance as a batsman improved significantly when he got the captaincy, too.

I will add though that I think there's basically no chance of it ever happening.

Of course not. His merits as a captain are irrelevant. He's not the best young batsman in the side, and so cannot be captain.

There are rules for this sort of thing, you know.

[Uppercut]

Originally Posted by Goughy

Not relevant to the question I asked though

But it's related.. whether something is a good decision or not is 50% determined by the alternative.

[Jono]

Haddin bats like an absolute fool in situations where some sensible batting is needed. Sure play your natural game, but if retarded shots is your natural game than you are rubbish. And Haddin isn't rubbish.

Maybe Haddin's game would change if he was given the captaincy, and he'd bat more responsibly ala MS Dhoni. But a change in batting would definitely be necessary.

[Top_Cat]

Yeah great, pick another bloke who bats like a **** when under the pump.

[fezzie]

from pat symcox twitter


Wonder if Trott and Prior are talking a bit of Afrikaans at the wicket!

I see South Africa is putting the Aussies to the sword again. Can Prior make it 4 fifties for the Saffas?


enjoy

[MW1304]

Originally Posted by fezzie

from pat symcox twitter


Wonder if Trott and Prior are talking a bit of Afrikaans at the wicket!

I see South Africa is putting the Aussies to the sword again. Can Prior make it 4 fifties for the Saffas?


enjoy

*ahem* *watches tumbleweed roll past*

I'm pretty sure Colly will remain for the next test whatever happens, and quite frankly i hope he does. Its just the kind of situation where he has previously flourished and the England staff will certainly think he can produce..."backs-to-the-wall" and all that...

Best case scenario would be us winning this match, then we go to Sydney and skittle 'em, before being put under the pump ourselves, causing good old Colly to produce a coma-inducing high-pressure 100 to put ourselves in a commanding position, signing off from Test cricket in (his) style, before the obligatory Swann 2nd innings 5-fer. Woohoo to my imagination.

[fezzie]

collingwood is just playing for a MBE.
he knows he doesnt have to do anything to get one...what a player

if he had a year like sachin or amla, he would be named the king.

[GIMH]

He already has an MBE so why the hell would he be playing for one?