Julian87
International Debutant
There are a few guys trying to prove themselves and get into the Australian test team now that Warne and McGrath have retired. The fast bowling shouldn't be too much of a worry with Lee, Clark, Hilfenhaus, Gillespie, Tait and Johnson all ready (imo) and fighting for spots.
But the spin option is wide open because Stuart Macgill is getting on in age and hasn't been at his dominant best of late, not to mention the selectors apparent dislike of him. So who should replace Warne? I think it is definitely Stuey as the number one choice, because Cullen and Bailey both have pretty ordinary first class records. Cullen appears to be a good ODD/I bowler but has not enough variety or penetration to succeed in test matches imo. I am biased but I don't think a stock standard off spinner has a place in test cricket today. The likes of Saqlain, Murali and Vettori have taken it to a new level.
I will be very dissapointed if Macgill isn't picked. And if he's not, I will be even more dissed if they pick the off spin of Cullen. Of the young bowlers I would choose Bailey because he has the potential and being a leg spinner, he is naturally more attacking.
There is then also the fact that both Symonds and Clarke can bowl part time finger spin. But this is almost a myth imo, they may come in handy on a fifth day SCG turner or a crumbler on the sub continent, but anywhere else, they are pretty much useless in the longer version of the game. Imo, so are Symonds' medium pacers. He needs to step up with the bat because he is miles away from all rounder status in test cricket. It's like saying Mark Waugh's bowling was worthy of all rounder status imo. I am also hoping Cameron White comes into contention soon as a lower middle order batsman because I think him as a second bowling option would be great assistance, especially once Macgill has retired or if he isn't selected. I haven't mentioned Watson because I think he should be the opener that replaces Langer.
But the spin option is wide open because Stuart Macgill is getting on in age and hasn't been at his dominant best of late, not to mention the selectors apparent dislike of him. So who should replace Warne? I think it is definitely Stuey as the number one choice, because Cullen and Bailey both have pretty ordinary first class records. Cullen appears to be a good ODD/I bowler but has not enough variety or penetration to succeed in test matches imo. I am biased but I don't think a stock standard off spinner has a place in test cricket today. The likes of Saqlain, Murali and Vettori have taken it to a new level.
I will be very dissapointed if Macgill isn't picked. And if he's not, I will be even more dissed if they pick the off spin of Cullen. Of the young bowlers I would choose Bailey because he has the potential and being a leg spinner, he is naturally more attacking.
There is then also the fact that both Symonds and Clarke can bowl part time finger spin. But this is almost a myth imo, they may come in handy on a fifth day SCG turner or a crumbler on the sub continent, but anywhere else, they are pretty much useless in the longer version of the game. Imo, so are Symonds' medium pacers. He needs to step up with the bat because he is miles away from all rounder status in test cricket. It's like saying Mark Waugh's bowling was worthy of all rounder status imo. I am also hoping Cameron White comes into contention soon as a lower middle order batsman because I think him as a second bowling option would be great assistance, especially once Macgill has retired or if he isn't selected. I haven't mentioned Watson because I think he should be the opener that replaces Langer.
