No. McSweeney isn’t a number 6. I’d play Inglis at 6 before McSweeney.
McSweeney to get another go when Marnus eventually gets dropped.
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Ok Mr ……what’s your 12 for the MCG test?
Not convinced throwing Konstas in to face Bumrah on Boxing Day would be a great idea.
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It’ll be fantastic to watch. SK looks like an incredible talent
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Out Hazlewood and in Bartlett as the bowling change
If Head isn’t fit Konstas comes in and Uzzie bats 5. Otherwise its Konstas for Uzzie
Only added to the squad at this stage. We wait for them to say who the team will be.
I’m confused what’s your 12?
Konstas
McSweeney
Labaschangne
Smith
Head (or Uzzie if Head is unfit)
Marsh
Carey
Cummins
Starc
Boland
Bartlett
Boland = chopped liver?
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If Head is unfit I would play Inglis in his spot. Also an attacking scorer.
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Definitely a talent but putting a 19 year old kid in to open the batting against the best bowler in the world in front of 90000 people is setting him up to fail.
If they are really wanting to make a change I’d go with someone like Rogers
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Ooh missus…
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Boland is already in the 12
Probably a good shout. I personally don’t see Inglis as a test quality top 6. He’s like Matt Wade, he may come off occasionally but wont be consistent.
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Maybe not but Head was that way too for a long time. Also Uzi is hardly being a positive scorer at present, although he can score quickly. He has had his return and done well, but it is time to move on and give others a shot. A rebuild not a shuffle is what I would prefer.
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It’s no more setting him up to fail than it was to send McSweeney in as opener. And Konstas at least has been playing as an opener, McSweeney we shoehorned in to a spot that we needed filled rather than his best role.
I’m not sure a 19yo is necessarily going to be too damaged if he gets knocked over by the current #1 pace bowler in the world anyway. And I’m not sure we should be too bothered by it either. Give him two tests now, take him to Sri Lanka, give him the exposure before potentially opening in an Ashes series. Even if he doesn’t get runs, Bumrah isn’t ending his career. He’s a cricketing baby. But someone like Rogers, if he gets out cheaply it’s all over and you’re back to choosing a kid anyway.
So on a similar front, what I don’t like is dropping McSweeney for struggling in an unfamiliar role after three Tests. That does more damage imo than him failing at the crease so far. Especially when Usman, Lab and Marsh have not been up to standard - or even close to it - as the experienced members. If you view him as a long term option , stick with him. If Marsh can’t offer a legitimate bowling option, he shouldn’t be playing. McSweeney should be no matter which angle I look at it from. Most State number fours cut their teeth at 5 or 6 for the Test side. His temperament looks great.
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We also possibly have the WTC final plus a 3 test series in the Windies so plenty of tests for him
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MCS the scapegoat ….Uzi and Marnus should have walked the plank before him. Marsh cannot stay at 6 if he’s injured.
MCS was good in Adelaide but maybe two youngens in the team (SK and MCS) was too much for the selectors to handle
I’m very excited to see Konstas play (live) at the G and potentially Jhye Richardson in Sydney (I rate him if he can stay fit)
Webster, Richardson, Abbott, Konstas added to the 15 man squad, with McS dropped
Here is the squad for 4th/5th tests
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Maybe they are the only ones playing well enough to keep their spot.