If Head gets a pair at the Gabba? Theres no one else other than Khawaja to replace him unless they promote Maddinson or someone into the test squad. Khawaja will feature at some point this series otherwise why even have him there.
Would think Trav gets the first two tests especially as rain looks to threaten a fair bit of the first test. If Trav fails in both then Khawaja could be in for Boxing Day
India 332 runs ahead none down. Barring any bad weather absolutely zero chance of the Kiwis saving it. India can bat all day tomorrow and set them 600+ with 2 days to bowl them out
Wonder how many games have the openers beaten the opposition in both innings?
Kiwis will have a lot to do just to compete mentally in the 4th innings, let alone actually make inroads.
NZ lost the game in the very first hour. The pitch had been under covers due to wet weather and the new ball was swinging (not exactly a comfortable scenario for Indian batsmen). But, Southee and Jamieson were unable to get the 1-2 early wickets that could have caused havoc. Gutsy call by Kohli to win the toss and bat and its paid off.
By the way, what a treat for Patel to get a 10-fer in an innings in the land of his parents. Sangha next in line to do something similar? Being of Indian heritage I am obviously biased but I would LOVE to see an Aussie of Indian ancestry do well.
I find it a bit weird how few Australians from sub-continental backgrounds have made it to state & international level.
Depending on which league, there’s either a healthy smattering or a flat-out dominance of sub-continental dudes, whether born here or immigrants.
England, RSA, NZ & the Windies have their fair share.
Khawaja & Fuzzy Ahmed - both Pakistan born… Agar is I think half Sri Lankan… can’t think of any more?
Agreed. I was thinking about this the other day. You’d think it won’t be long before we starting getting a much bigger percentage coming through to state level and above
Having played 12 seasons at a premier grade club in Melbourne I think there were a couple of big things that stood out on why players with sub continent origins struggled:
Culturally from what I saw the clubs were not willing to be fully inclusive of different backgrounds. For example most if not all social events centred around the consumption of alcohol. Clearly this isn’t for everyone.
The approach we took to training standards was very different. Fitness and fielding work was given a high priority and was generally not enjoyed by the players of sub continental backgrounds. The potential players I saw over the years much preferred to just bat and bowl at training. But more was needed from them in the approach we took. Again I’m sure there was a middle ground that could have been found to better align the two viewpoints.
Post my time in premier cricket I played wi the a suburban club where 80% plus of senior players were of Indian background. This club did a fantastic job at combining the cultures. My favourite club event there was annual Bollywood night. So much fun. We also mixed up after training dinners with pizzas only getting a run once a month with India food the regular food. There was also much smaller focus on fitness and fielding which I think worked well. The first XI of this club has almost been exclusively Indian for the past 5 years. So the formula appears to have worked.
Yep. There’s definitely a different approach to cricket which also plays the other way, a lot of Australian coaches have been tried and really struggled in the sub continent
Plus some clubs are notoriously cliquey. Don’t give guys a real chance if they’re from outer suburbs, let alone a different country.
Don’t agree. If you aren’t opening at state level you don’t open at test level. I hate seeing players being shoehorned into opening. You pick your best 2 openers in the country to open and then if any injuries or lack of form you choose the next best in the country. If Khawaja plays again it will be at 5 so between him Maddinson, Head and any other middle order batsman who are worthy
Well that forecast suggests this first Test could be a lottery. Depending on what deck is presented by the groundsman that’s a tricky toss to lose. I’d be tempted to have a bowl in those conditions if winning the toss but I wonder what Pat will go for if he calls correctly.
Suppose Smith will be lending his view along with Langers. Not the easiest intro for our new skipper.
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