The grass is always greener

I’m not sure that tomorrow’s second Test between the West Indies and Australia warrants much of a preview. Best approach this one with little expectation, I think. Many may be distracted by another sport even – at Telstra stadium, Australia has scored just this minute. And around the world there is much splendid cricket taking played. Not least, the exciting conclusion of the first Test between Pakistan and England at Multan.

Less than an hour ago, Pakistan (274 & 341) sealed a thrilling fight back, defeating England (418 & 175) by just 22 runs. In a match reminiscent of England’s last summer, they dominated on the first innings and wobbled in the second – only on this case the wobbles lead to a fall. There was a last rally as England recovered from 7/117 to 7/166, needing just 32 runs for victory. But Shoaib Akhtar and Danish Kaneria put paid to that. Shoaib took three of the last four wickets, spectacularly bowling Jones and Giles. What a mess. Star performers:

1 point – Freddie Flintoff (4-68 & 4-88 and 44 first innings runs)
2 points – Trescothick (193 in the first innings and 4 catches)
3 points and MOTM – Salman Butt (74 & 122)

In Hyderabad, South Africa has started its Indian campaign. India recovered from 3 for 5 and then 4 for 34 to post 9/249 on the back of 103 from Yuvraj Singh. After 48 off from 36 by Smith, the Boks have stumbled to 3/140.

And let’s hear if for Boof Lehmann. 301 big ones for the Redbacks against the Sand Gropers. Not out. Not bad for an old man. South Australia is poised to overcome the Western Australians. For those of you who are interested in the progress of Dizzie Gillespie (I am), he took one first innings wicket to Paul Rofe’s six! He started the second innings with a bang, trapping Murray Goodwin lbw with the first ball of the innings.

For the record, I am looking forward to tomorrow’s Test in Hobart. I think this might be the first time the Windies have played at the home ground of DC Boon. The West Indies have five very well credentialed batsmen. Surely a couple can get some runs.

How many lives does a Kat have?

The Australian selectors sprang a small surprise in announcing the twelve for the second Test which starts in Hobart next Thursday. Many expected either Hodge or Symonds to replace the injured Shane Watson. By selecting both players and dropping Simon Katich, the selectors have left their options open until the final 11 is named. They could do one of three things:

1. Continue the quest for an all rounder in the Test team.

2. Go with five specialist bowlers and replace Watson with MacGill. Remember that in Gilchrist, the team already possesses one of the best all
rounders the world has seen.

3. Go back to the 6-1-4 line up and give Hodge a well deserved opportunity.

Last time Katich was dropped, I had some scathing words to say. That was in Sri Lanka and the decision was made by the tour selectors. On this occasion the national selectors have had their say and it is hard to argue with. Katich has averaged just 29 in his last ten matches. Worse still, he has scored just three runs in his last three matches, from four innings. It think it’s a shame as I think Katich has what it takes. However, further analysis reveals that in his 38 innings, Katich has been dismissed 12 times for under ten (that’s 31.6% of the time) and 19 times for under 20 (50%). That’s way too many failures. I suspect that we have seen the last of The Kat. He won’t be getting nine lives.

I’m tipping that Symonds will get the nod next week. In selecting Symonds, the selectors have indicated that they are very interested in the all rounder project. Trevor Hohns had this to say: “Symonds has been in red-hot form with the bat, and his medium pace and off spin adds a lot of options to the bowling attack. He thoroughly deserves his opportunity at Test level again.” Those words would not fill Brad Hodge with high hopes. Besides, Roy and Trev are both Queenslanders. That is not withstanding that Hodge today smashed 177 from 178 balls (23 x 4, 5 x 6) against the West Indies. They stay he has good timing!

This is a huge chance for Symonds. I think there is a strong chance that he will give the Windies a touch up. His Test birth in Sri Lanka was not easy and the Windies fast medium attack on a friendly Bellerive track should suit him very well. I think Watson is about to have his place stolen. As Hohns, says, Symonds has a lot to offer, especially against sub-standard Test opposition. His main “failing” is age – Roy is an amazing athlete and he has a few years left in him yet but he is just over 30 and I believe that Watson’s youth was counting in his favour.