Quinton to keep and AB to captain and bat no lower than 5.
I think the loss of Boucher, Kallis and now Smith is vastly significant no less than the loss of langer, Warne and McGrath. Losing the leader of 110 tests is a change in a significant part of the team. Kallis was a supreme batsman capable or being a similar bowler.
I think the Oz bowlers rely very heavily on Johnson and it is noticeable when he has an off day.
However I have been impressed with the consistency in their batting which I felt to be their weak point going into this series.
[quote author=Mail link=topic=87607.msg553241#msg553241 date=1394213831]
Quinton to keep and AB to captain and bat no lower than 5.
I think the loss of Boucher, Kallis and now Smith is vastly significant no less than the loss of langer, Warne and McGrath. Losing the leader of 110 tests is a change in a significant part of the team. Kallis was a supreme batsman capable or being a similar bowler.
I think the Oz bowlers rely very heavily on Johnson and it is noticeable when he has an off day.
However I have been impressed with the consistency in their batting which I felt to be their weak point going into this series.
I think young Smith should bowl a bit more.
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Well I don't know if Kock would keep wickets now, I guess he should open and keep. Seems like the better option right now. Captaincy and WK bat seems too much burden anyway. I don't think it creates as much of dent in the team as losing McWarne etc. but still relatively speaking I suppose it does upset the team balance there.
And I don't entirely agree there with ya. Johnson wasn't as good in the last test, and Ryano stepped up and cleaned them up nicely and wrapped things up. But obviously Johnson being in form is a massive advantage, I don't even to state the obvious here.
Smiffeh should bowl more, I agree. Although I wonder if it'd take toll on his batting.
My main point is the impact of losing a leader who has been in the dressing room, and a performer, for 110 Tests as it is a significant change in dressing room and on field dynamics. Smith Has been a constant and a pivotal part of their success.
My view is he should have given up the captaincy but play on.
It is a matter of opinion on the elation impact of losing certain players but your opinion is duly noted.
Apropos Smith. He has the strangest batting technique ever but he has proven to be effective as he seems to keep his game simple. In some ways he reminds me of Blewett. I think when you have another aspect to your game it strengthens your performances so he should bowl more.
Wrist spinner and I see he gets quite a lot of drift. A reL dark horse this chap.
