Australia's Test Squad for England and West Indies

[dfrinku]

Young Watto just needs that break out test series to really kick into the next gear.

I hear he's an ATG in the nets.

 

[Dan]

In 30 test matches since he beginning of 2011, Watto has averaged 31 with the bat and has taken 32 wickets @ 35 with the ball

The important point is that he isn't currently good enough to bat top 6 or be a frontline bowler

I don't think anybody here is claiming that Watson has performed well enough to be a genuine top 6 batsman or a frontline bowler though. It's a weird straw man that you've constructed here -- "People don't want Faulkner at 6, so let's slam known CW-darling Shane Watson for not having better stats in that role."

I use the term "literally nobody" incorrectly on a fairly regular basis. But this is one case where I'm not. Literally nobody that springs to mind thinks Shane Watson has performed nearly well enough post-2011. Nobody denies that Watson isn't performing well enough to be a top 6 batsman or a frontline bowler; we're all just resigned to the fact that he's going to keep being picked.

This is a genuine question: but why is Faulkner so disliked on this forum? I haven't followed all the discussions here but whenever I'm around there seems almost a disappointment if he does well (e.g. MOM for WC final). I'm genuinely interested as from where I stand he clearly has that X factor - not nec. for test selection yet but no reason to hate on the guy. Indeed, to revel in the promise. Anyway, interested if anyone feels like proffering a response.

Long story short, because he's a dick.

 

[Furball]

Youmean the bloke you shoot in the toilet?

It's a joke based on the fact he looks like he refined his bowling action in an air conditioning vent.

 

[dfrinku]

And that his face looks like the squashed 2D faces from the N64 era.

 

[Tangles]

If the question is "we need a better allrounder than Watson" then Forkers is an option. The problem is that I don't think he can bat 6 so Rad has to move up a spot to accommodate him. That throws the balance out IMO. Marsh and Moz are better suited to 6.

 

[Dan]

I don't think any of them are *really* Test #6s. It's just that Haddin isn't a #6 either -- he's not good enough these days to be above 7.

If we had a 'keeper who averaged 40+ without being useless whenever he leaves Australia (i.e. Gilchrist), then we could afford to include Faulkner in the genuine all-rounder discussion. But we don't, so batting > bowling in these considerations.

 

[FBU]

Johnson has said that he only wants to bowl short spells of 3 or 4 overs as it affects his pace when bowling more. If the coach has agreed on that then Siddle would be needed as I don't think Hazlewood has the experience of doing that job at 24. He has only played 30 f/c games. Watson and Marsh are injury prone but would fox the England batsmen. Both have 5fers against them. Watson. 2 in Tests and Marsh in an ODI. I wonder if Siddle's bunny, KP might be playing.

 

[Spark]

If the English contrive to give MMarsh another 5-for then they should just give up tbh

 

[Antihippy]

Johnson has said that he only wants to bowl short spells of 3 or 4 overs as it affects his pace when bowling more. If the coach has agreed on that then Siddle would be needed as I don't think Hazlewood has the experience of doing that job at 24. He has only played 30 f/c games. Watson and Marsh are injury prone but would fox the England batsmen. Both have 5fers against them. Watson. 2 in Tests and Marsh in an ODI. I wonder if Siddle's bunny, KP might be playing.

Hazlewood is actually pretty good at containing. Last test against the indians he got through 17 overs for 31 runs on a deck that is as flat as a pancake. and that spell contained a ridiculous run of 8 overs 6 maidens and 3 runs.

 

[Spark]

It's less whether he can keep the runs down and more whether he's physically capable of that sort of workload at this stage of his career.

 

[Tangles]

Or for how many tests in a row. In how short a turn around.

 

[Antihippy]

Hmm that is true. I do remember his pace dropping off after long spells.

 

[GotSpin]

Just heard Watto has Been hitting them really well in the nets.

 

[TheJediBrah]

Long story short, because he's a dick.

And yet everyone loves Steve Smith. Who, as a junior at least, was the biggest **** i've ever met.

 

[Furball]

And yet everyone loves Steve Smith. Who, as a junior at least, was the biggest **** i've ever met.

Faulkner's Test debut sealed it for me, chirping away like a prick at anyone and everyone. Mate, you're on debut bowling **** in a team that's 3-0 down, wind your neck in.

 

[social]

Faulkner's Test debut sealed it for me, chirping away like a prick at anyone and everyone. Mate, you're on debut bowling **** in a team that's 3-0 down, wind your neck in.

Faulkner backs it up

I have no time for those who chirp and cant perform

 

[GotSpin]

And yet everyone loves Steve Smith. Who, as a junior at least, was the biggest **** i've ever met.

Nah i knew him when i Was younger and he Was a pretty good bloke.

 

[Shady Slim]

prefer henriques to faulkner only because he seems like a genuinely top bloke and i feel he wouldn't get out trying to slog over mid wicket as much

 

[TheJediBrah]

prefer henriques to faulkner only because he seems like a genuinely top bloke and i feel he wouldn't get out trying to slog over mid wicket as much

Faulkner has the big game and big-moment mentality. Pressure of the situation elevates him to the next level. I don't see that with Henriques.

 

[FBU]

Lancs are hoping to get Faulkner. I hope it happens.