Tuesday, November 15, 2005

The Aussie Middle Order

Brad Hodge is going to make his debut against the Windies. Interesting. Katich has been sent away after a recent run of poor scores. His brave efforts of the past year have been forgotten. Even after the inexperienced middle order proves to be a vulnerability, the selectors refuse to acknowledge their error in dropping Martyn. Now Katich faces the axe. What is it about the lineup that lookes so settled not so long ago that is causing this hectic chopping and changing now ? Up until 2004, Ponting, Martyn, Lehmann and Waugh seemed to be well-set. Then Waugh retired and Symonds first and then Katich replaced him. Clarke got a chance when Ponting was injured and Katich had to make way for Lehmann. Then Lehmann was dropped and Katich came back in. Then after the Ashes, of course we know what happened. Disturbing times ?

1 comment:

Gopal Bhagavatula said...

This is a reflection of the transition due to age. If you look at the ages of the players in the current and future aussie batting lineup:

34 - Hayden, Langer, Martyn
30 - Ponting, Hussey, Hodge, Symonds, Katich
28 - David Hussey
27 - Hopes (possible allrounder, currently injured)
26 - Jaques
24 - Clarke, Watson (allrounder, currently injured)
22 - Cameron White (legspinning allrounder)

It's only natural that the 34 year olds are being transition for the 30 year olds. Remember Langer, Hayden, Martyn, Lehmann all got their revivial as test players @ 30. I think it's only unsettling because its happening all at once. I think the Aussie selectors will be apprehensive but not worried. And about Katich, based on the age breakdown I would say he is in the mix with the other 3 30 year olds. It's just that for this test only 3 of the four could be selected and he happened to be the odd man out. he may get back in if the selectors decide to drop Clarke for a State cricket refersher course.