Swervy said:
But the fact of the matter is Australia are still light years ahead of SA. I cant really see SA troubling the Aussies that much, and if the Australian bowling attack fires on all cylinders (which it didnt this summer of course) SA will struggle. It is perectly reasonable to suggest Australia could win all three tests...its not a laughable suggestion.
Not just 3 Tests, though, is it? It's 6.
IF Gillespie returns they might. If he doesn't (and, sadly, that looks a possibility), obviously Australia's attack is no stronger than it was this summer. I'd say it's probably realistic to suggest that Warne can't possibly have such a good series again for a little while, and while McGrath is likely to be injured less, if Lee and Tait play (which ATM looks pretty on-the-cards) Australia will have to perform miracles to win even the home series, never mind the away one, 3-0.
Australia are not light-years ahead of SA because they've regressed seriously last summer.
and regarding Trescothick, I dont think you can really rule out someone who was pretty much Englands most CONSISTANT scorer this summer, who scored nigh on 450 runs in 5 tests vs the Worlds top team...again its not a laughable idea that he could be Englands top scorer this winter...it may well not happen, but its probably more likely than maybe Vaughan or Bell being the top performer. Remember Trescothick is pretty good at going on to make big big scores, it only takes a couple of those scores and he could be on for a 600 run winter..and for me Pakistan could suit him, and he has succeeded vs India previously
And he succeeded vs India in India...? Guess why? Exactly the same reason he succeeded this summer. LUCK. 2 shocking lbw decisions in his favour in India, and any number of drops and no-balls in England this summer.
Whether or not Australia are The World's top team, their bowling wasn't especially magnificent this summer (and when McGrath was missing it was downright poor) and any team that catches better and bowls less no-balls
will get Trescothick for not many if he plays as poorly as he played this summer.