courtjester
Member
The next big Aust test transition
In the next few years, the Australian test team will lose Ponting, Katich, Hussey. You'd also reckon that North may be gone in 3 years. Ponting is over 35, and Katich and Hussey are almost 35. Four out of our current top six will be gone in 2-3 years, leaving only the incumbent Watson and Clarke.
I contend that this will be as big a problem in transition than losing Warne, McGrath, Hayden and Gilly. We will lose most of our batting stability.
Currently:
North is almost 31 and his form has been questioned. Has been ok in NZ, but must perform when the team is under the pump. Cant afford a bad series.
Ponting is 35, and while his form has been good, he will begin to lose reflex and sight soon.
Hussey is almost 35, and will be in a similar position to Ponting. He has maintained adequate form after being in a slump, but time is harsh on batsmen.
Katich is almost 35 as well, and has been in great form. But as he gets older, opening will get harder.
What I would contend is that the Australian selectors need to act on this in the next few series. I would stagger it like this:
1. North out, Hughes in-
North is the first to go: I am not a fan of North. He doesnt do it when the pressure is on. He would be 1st to go (despite being youngest)
North out-Phil Hughes in, making the order:
Hughes
Watson
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
Katich
In the first stage, Kat moves to 5-6, where he can do the role North should do, better than North.
2. Ponting/Katich/Hussey 'retire', Steve Smith in.
These three guys have to stagger their retirements to allow the replacement 5-10 tests before the new debutant comes in. Let's say Hussey goes first, the order will then be:
Hughes
Watson
Ponting
Clarke
Smith
Katich
3. The third player goes. Someone comes in.
What are your thoughts?
In the next few years, the Australian test team will lose Ponting, Katich, Hussey. You'd also reckon that North may be gone in 3 years. Ponting is over 35, and Katich and Hussey are almost 35. Four out of our current top six will be gone in 2-3 years, leaving only the incumbent Watson and Clarke.
I contend that this will be as big a problem in transition than losing Warne, McGrath, Hayden and Gilly. We will lose most of our batting stability.
Currently:
North is almost 31 and his form has been questioned. Has been ok in NZ, but must perform when the team is under the pump. Cant afford a bad series.
Ponting is 35, and while his form has been good, he will begin to lose reflex and sight soon.
Hussey is almost 35, and will be in a similar position to Ponting. He has maintained adequate form after being in a slump, but time is harsh on batsmen.
Katich is almost 35 as well, and has been in great form. But as he gets older, opening will get harder.
What I would contend is that the Australian selectors need to act on this in the next few series. I would stagger it like this:
1. North out, Hughes in-
North is the first to go: I am not a fan of North. He doesnt do it when the pressure is on. He would be 1st to go (despite being youngest)
North out-Phil Hughes in, making the order:
Hughes
Watson
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
Katich
In the first stage, Kat moves to 5-6, where he can do the role North should do, better than North.
2. Ponting/Katich/Hussey 'retire', Steve Smith in.
These three guys have to stagger their retirements to allow the replacement 5-10 tests before the new debutant comes in. Let's say Hussey goes first, the order will then be:
Hughes
Watson
Ponting
Clarke
Smith
Katich
3. The third player goes. Someone comes in.
What are your thoughts?