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For those of us old enough to remember the all conquering West Indian teams of the 80s and 90s, this coming series is a sad reflection on how much Caribbean cricket has fallen away in the last 3 decades. Unfortunately these two tests are likely to be nothing more than glorified training sessions for the Australians. The only talking point in the lead up is who will replace Warner as opener, options being Bancroft, Harris, Renshaw, Green and Smith.

Must admit I was surprised to see Cam Bancroft come out in the media the other day to put his case, sounded a bit like a political campaign TBH. I don't think doing that would have endeared him to the heirarchy especially given some of the statements he has made in the past about the sandpaper saga which may be true but not good for his chances of selection.

Anyway the squad announcement will be made tomorrow so we will know soon enough.

Would have been a good opportunity to blood Lance Morris in a Test Series at home against the WI including at the bouncy Gabba but it looks like the NSW bowling cartel can smell wickets and so they have told Dumb & Dumber (aka Bailey & McDonald) what the Test line up will be!

No Bancroft. A fkn disgrace. Renshaw?!? Give me a break!

We've got three bowlers all likely to go over the cliff together at the same time and not a hint of contingency planning with old mate Bolo still hanging around. Play that bloke at the MCG but forget it anywhere else. As BH said, perfect series to blood Morris but nup, self interest always wins. 

Ronald is a coach in the Warnie sense of the word and Bailey takes his cue from the NSW mafia.

Can't think of any professional cricketer, still performing at the elite level, simply stepping aside for the greater good. It's their profession, and compared to other professions a short lived one....especially on the test arena.

Considering all the dissatisfaction with the R&P show, the naysayers ahould be grateful with this test squad to play WI....it will just make that " I told you so" even sweeter.....but I guess it's all the waiting which is pissing  off folk the most.....be patient, your time will come.

Freezin wrote:

Can't think of any professional cricketer, still performing at the elite level, simply stepping aside for the greater good. It's their profession, and compared to other professions a short lived one....especially on the test arena.

Considering all the dissatisfaction with the R&P show, the naysayers ahould be grateful with this test squad to play WI....it will just make that " I told you so" even sweeter.....but I guess it's all the waiting which is pissing  off folk the most.....be patient, your time will come.

What the fk are you on about you shitdribbler? Who said anything about "stepping aside for the greater good". It's the selectors job to pick the team, not the players you dill. 

Dazzler you did say "self interest always wins" and "Bailey takes his cue from the NSW mafia"....just merely responding to your very own shit dribbling.... princess. 

So who's self interest always wins then?....and who is in this NSW mafia you speak of? Dazzler you are a card mate...a farking card.

SO we have in batting order

Khawaja
Smith
Labusagne
Green
Head
Marsh
Carey
Starc
Cummins
Lyon
Hazlewood

This is an opportunity for Cam Green to establish himself at number 4 against a very modest opposition who would struggle against every state team as they did against the CA XI in Adelaide today.

The real test will happen in the later series against the Kiwis on their seaming pitches. 2nd test at Hagley Park I see Freezin. No doubt you will get to a day or two of this match!
 

Didn't Smith struggle against the pace of Joffra Archer in England a few years ago? It was probably the first time we saw him struggle. Got hit on the helmet a few times from memory. I wouldn't recognise a West Indies quick if I fell over one these days but if they've got one or two who can bang it in and give him a bit of chin music it will be interesting to see how he handles it.

Theres a guy called Alzari Joseph who toured last time. He is pretty sharp and could make Smiths life uncomfortable. Then there's Kemar Roach who has been around for ages but don't know any of the others. There are 7 uncapped players in the squad.

Hagley is a neat venue mikeh.....just took my dog for a walk across the ground the other day....not too many test match grounds where you can do that......Hagley is a bit of a road these days mate......great  place to watch the cricket....all grassy banks to watch  the game....only one seated area which is the members stand......