Official 'Katich and Rogers to open' thread

[LongHopCassidy]

Let's look at this on its face. A major reason the Aus top four has sucked so convincingly is because nobody is there to breathe down their neck. I'd go so far to say that the golden years happened not only because of the talent and dedication of the first XI's batting, but the knowledge that they were perfectly replaceable meant they were willing to scrap for every run.

Right now, everyone batting above Clarke has copped a torrent of criticism since the South Africa tests and any changes made have been strictly short-term (i.e. Hughes being babysat till Sri Lanka, Watto's recovery from his last broken nail).

You can't help but feel that the top four is certain their spots are secure irrespective of performance, simply because they're the best we've got and Invers will persist in patiently waving aside every failure until they develop proper Test temperaments in their own centrally-contracted time.

So, for the Ashes, why not have two players - one a Test veteran, the other spending half their life pounding attacks on English decks - waiting in the wings or even used as outright bolter selections David-Steele style?

In any case, they'd be an urgent injection of maturity into the squad proper, even if they don't play a Test.

[Crazy Sam]

As I've written elsewhere, it is ridiculous that we are "rebuilding" when our test series over the next 12 months are India away, England home and away, and South Africa away.

If a 35-year-old like Rogers is one of our best bats he should be in the team right now - simple. We only need a solid 12 months out of him.

[Mike5181]

Rogers, yes. Katich, no.

[LongHopCassidy]

Originally Posted by Mike5181

Rogers, yes. Katich, no.

Why not? It's not like Clarke's going to be late for the team song again...

[benchmark00]

God, Rogers *spew*

[ganeshran]

Too late for Katich to make a comeback now. Should have never been forced out of the team in the first place IMO.

[LongHopCassidy]

Originally Posted by ganeshran

Too late for Katich to make a comeback now. Should have never been forced out of the team in the first place IMO.

Bobby Simpson and Colin Cowdrey would like a word.

[Daemon]

Warner
Katman
Cosgrove
Doolan
Clarke
Burns
Haddin

[ganeshran]

Originally Posted by LongHopCassidy

Bobby Simpson and Colin Cowdrey would like a word.

Katch is already 38 now I think - His reflexes will start to deteriorate rapidly soon and Australia can't afford to persist with him for an extended run in case he takes time to get used to the grind of international cricket after a long hibernation

Plus his issues with Clarke are well known. Don't see him coming back tbh.

[stephen]

Originally Posted by Daemon

Warner
Katman
Cosgrove
Doolan
Clarke
Burns
Haddin

I hate to say it but Cosgrove and Doolan really don't have the domestic records to suggest that they should be replacing Cowan and Hughes. Burns is at a very early stage in his career and should be given more time to perform domestically before he gets picked.

[social]

Originally Posted by ganeshran

Katch is already 38 now I think - His reflexes will start to deteriorate rapidly soon and Australia can't afford to persist with him for an extended run in case he takes time to get used to the grind of international cricket after a long hibernation

Plus his issues with Clarke are well known. Don't see him coming back tbh.

Plus Katich is retired and literally only plays BBL + a few club games now

[Marcuss]

He's playing for Lancashire this season

[social]

Originally Posted by Marcuss

He's playing for Lancashire this season

As I said, he only plays club games

[BoyBrumby]

Struggle to believe Katich wouldn't come back if asked, tbh.

Not going to be asked, so a moot point, but reckon he'd jump at it.

[fredfertang]

Now we've got the Arab's money we can do better, so I hope he does get a recall - then we could sign Dravid