David Warner - 9: One swallow may not make a summer but Warner’s valiant, unbowed if ultimately futile maiden Test hundred suggested that those (including us – see The David Warner experiment) who said he would be found out at the top level were premature in their assessment.
Phillip Hughes – 2: Four innings, four failures and four c Guptill b Martin’s on the scorecard. Cut a sad and disconsolate figure as he departed in full knowledge that the axe is about to fall. Averages just 24 since returning against England at the WACA one year ago.
Usman Khawaja – 4: Got starts in both innings but was unable to go on; being found out outside off stump on both occasions. It seems the new generation of Australian batsmen are just as susceptible in swinging and seaming conditions as the old.
Ricky Ponting – 3: Not a happy homecoming to the scene of his last Test hundred - now 31 innings ago - and the mode of dismissal in both innings suggested that as the Rolling Stones once sang the best batsman Australia has produced since Bradman is ‘Out of Time’.
Michael Clarke – 5: As at Johannesburg, the skipper followed up a century in the first of a two Test series with two low scores – including a misjudged shouldering of arms that was reminiscent of his dismissal to Simon Jones at Old Trafford in 2005. Continues to impress with his attacking captaincy and skilful handling of a young, inexperienced attack.
Mike Hussey – 3: Two more failures, which means that since his starring role in Sri Lanka, Mr Cricket has only totalled 83 runs in seven innings. Did take his now customary wicket with the ball.
Brad Haddin – 2: Smart piece of quick-thinking to stump Ryder, but reckless, irresponsible and to be frank brainless dismissals in both innings could yet prove to be his Test epitaph.
Peter Siddle – 7: Enjoyed leading the attack and impressed with three wickets in each innings. Once again added vital runs when his team were in trouble in the first innings, but couldn’t repeat the trick second time around.
James Pattinson – 9: This Test cricket lark - easy isn’t it? Pattinson would be forgiven for thinking so after adding eight wickets here to six on debut in Brisbane. India’s batsmen are likely to prove a much tougher proposition, but with the parallel emergence of Cummins, Australia have found a pair of likely lads to spearhead its bowling attack for years to come.
Mitchell Starc – 2: Was flattered with two fortuitous wickets in the 1st innings and his poor performance may have had some Australians pining for Mitchell Johnson. He really was that bad.
Nathan Lyon – 7: Continues to impress both in terms of his talent and temperament. Nearly succeeded in carrying his side over the line in partnership with Warner and his disappointment was palpable as he sunk to his knees in despair when dismissed with just seven more runs required.
Where next?
2nd Test: Australia vs New Zealand - New Zealand marks out of 10
James Pattinson and Big Brother
1st Test: Australia vs New Zealand - Australia marks out of 10
1st Test: Australia vs New Zealand - New Zealand marks out of 10
Cricket zeroes: Channel 9's Commentary Team
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Even if Watson and March come back, I will keep Warner in the team.
http://cricketmatchspecial.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-review-australia-crumbles-under.html
Posted by: SVC | Monday, December 12, 2011 at 16:35