***Official*** Sri Lanka in Australia 2012/2013

[quincywagstaff]

I've been to roughly 50 days of Test cricket at the MCG and that the second day of this Test was probably the most boring I've been to. The first session was so ho-hum that I was almost nodding off by the end of it!

Such a disappointing match after 4 tough, hard-fought Tests this summer. That would have to be the worst batting performance in a Test by a side in Australia post-WSC, especially considering on paper it was a very capable one. Probably the West Indies batting performance at the Gabba in 2000/01 would be worse.

Notwithstanding the weak opposition, full marks to Australia for their overall performance. Only concern imo for them this match was how their top order recklessly gave away three wickets when they had it all over SL. If you're not going to take advantage in that situation, you never will.

Really bad signs ahead for SL. As has been mentioned by others, this performance is part of a growing trend and they're a side that's old, soft and in decline - the worst possible combination.

[BoyBrumby]

Like the look of Bird; nice, easy-looking action and has the lean but wiry build of a natural athlete.

Does sort of make one wonder if the selectors ever actually watch bowlers before they pick them. If you see (say) half a dozen overs of him and the same of Hastings it's pretty obvious who's the better prospect.

Flagrant softcockery from the Lankans all round too. Mathews's dismissal pretty much summed it up. Given where the match was one has to ask what the feck he was trying to do.

Shyte and spawny innings all the way through tho, tbf.

[GingerFurball]

I've been to roughly 50 days of Test cricket at the MCG and that the second day of this Test was probably the most boring I've been to. The first session was so ho-hum that I was almost nodding off by the end of it!

Such a disappointing match after 4 tough, hard-fought Tests this summer. That would have to be the worst batting performance in a Test by a side in Australia post-WSC, especially considering on paper it was a very capable one. Probably the West Indies batting performance at the Gabba in 2000/01 would be worse.

Notwithstanding the weak opposition, full marks to Australia for their overall performance. Only concern imo for them this match was how their top order recklessly gave away three wickets when they had it all over SL. If you're not going to take advantage in that situation, you never will.

Really bad signs ahead for SL. As has been mentioned by others, this performance is part of a growing trend and they're a side that's old, soft and in decline - the worst possible combination.

Australia's batsmen from Boxing Day 2010 spewing at missing out on the 'worst batting display ever' award.

[quincywagstaff]

Australia's batsmen from Boxing Day 2010 spewing at missing out on the 'worst batting display ever' award.

Fair point, although I was talking about both innings of a Test and Australia's 2nd innings batting performance (still not great by any stretch) gives them the edge over this performance.

[Burgey]

Was going to go on Friday but no Sanga means no Burgey I think.

Think I'll be hitting up Stone Cutters Ridge instead.

[andyc]

Yeah, a bunch of us booked tickets for the third day a while ago and I was pumped to see Sanga, Watson and maybe even Usman. Now none of them are playing and getting a full day isn't even guaranteed.

[Spikey]

Noted X-Factors Glenn Maxwell and/or Mitchell Johnson will save the day

[Ruckus]

So it sounds as though Watson is finally weighing up whether or not to give up bowling.

[Spikey]

Noted X-Factors Glenn Maxwell and/or Mitchell Johnson will save the day

Kerry O'Keeffe ‏@kokeeffe49

With so many X factor players in our Test team , Mel B is now the new chief selector.. 11 year old Janis Joplins and boy bands are netting !
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KOK stealing my stuff. smh

[Spikey]

Gotta play Usman now. all of a sudden, we can't afford to waste a spot on an all-round experiment

[andyc]

Gotta play Usman now. all of a sudden, we can't afford to waste a spot on an all-round experiment

You'd hope that they would think that way, but when did Hussey inform the players/management? They might have already known when they outlined their options for Sydney.

[Spikey]

I was quite excited to tell them [his family] this morning that I'm not going to go away and play for Australia anymore.

well you'd think the family would have been told first.

[Spark]

It sounds like a big shock, so it must've been today.

[KungFu_Kallis]

Yep, Maxwell a great allrounder replacement for Watto....1 century from 9 times past fifty and 1.5 wkts per match in FC cricket

Although he has a demanding case for selection with 90 runs @ 22.50 in FC cricket this season

How has Steve O'Keefe been going this season? Would have thought he's unlucky to not get a gig before Maxwell, especially being a quality spinner of a different type to Lyon.

[chaminda_00]

How has Steve O'Keefe been going this season? Would have thought he's unlucky to not get a gig before Maxwell, especially being a quality spinner of a different type to Lyon.

145 runs @ 24 and 9 wickets @ 34. O'Keefe been pretty average with bat and bowl since he took over the captaincy. Turning into a serviceable state player, not a national prospect.