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Here’s a question: How can a bloke make back to back hundreds and be dropped? The short answer is that he can’t be. At least, he shouldn’t be. And in any other international cricket side in the world, he wouldn’t be. Whilst I’m not a fan of Simon Katich, dropping him from the team after being the leading run scorer from the series is the wrong idea. It will ruin him. I’m in favour of keeping Katich.However – when the Big Unit Matthew Hayden returns, there will be one too many batsmen. So who makes way if it’s not Katich? Well, it won’t be Ponting or Clarke, and Symonds is now safe at number 6. That leaves Phil Jaques or Mike Hussey. On current form, Mike Hussey is the one who is most vulnerable – but you can’t drop a bloke who averages 68 in test cricket, and it’s ludicrous to even consider it. Phil Jaques was struggling for runs, but found a hundred just when he needed it, and at the age of 29 is going to be opening the batting for Australia long term.
By all reports, it looks as though Katich will be the one dropped. But he shouldn’t be. Matthew Hayden will be recalled. But he shouldn’t be. Simon Katich should continue to open the batting with Phil Jaques. Haydos should be thanked for his service to Australian cricket, and told to hang up the whites. (Not the yellows though.)
It’s true that Matthew Hayden is a specialist opener (perhaps Australia’s best ever) and Katich isn’t. But then, Justin Langer wasn’t an opening batsman either when he was recalled at Michael Slater’s expense all those years ago. He was a stop gap who kept performing – just like Katich is right now.
The warning signs are there for the Big Unit. It’s obvious he still has the hunger; you can see it in his eyes. But, when the mind is willing and the flesh is weak, it’s time to give it away. And Big Haydos’ body is just starting to give up the ghost on him. It’s sad, because there’s nothing worse than seeing someone fight Mother Nature to go on. And make no mistake about it, Haydos wants a crack at the English on their own turf (he’s never conquered them), but it shouldn’t be allowed to happen. He won’t get through the rigours of a 5 test series. The Australian selectors are renowned for making the tough calls and getting them right – let’s see how they go on this one.
What do you think?
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It would appear that Katich will be dropped. (As he was after a ton, for Symonds uninspiring debut in Sri Lanka) BUT - he got in via injury, and may stay there due to that. Haydos may damage himself in the September Champions Trophy, Ponting and Clarke have back problems, and Symonds missed the 5th day due to ... a back problem. At least Katich won't catch chickenpox in India!
I dropped Martin Love after he scored a ton and unfortunately they will do the same to the Kat. Lets face it Jacques was struggling for form as he did not have much cricket leading into the test. You can refer to my previous opinions on practice matches on tours. Personally I think that Haydos should be ommitted as he Katich is doing the job. But the selectors will go back to him.
Should read they dropped Martin Love!
The thing I worry about with Hayden is that his body is failing him, and he is struggling to get through test series now. If I were selecting, I wouldn't be 100% confident in him getting through a tour - and I wouldn't be all that keen on changing my opening batsmen around halfway through a series or just for one or two tests.
Hayden should go out of test cricket while he's still on top, and be remembered for the batsman he is, not as a bloke who struggled towards the end of his career.
Whilst I don't think Jaques should be dropped, Katich definitely shouldn't be. He's earned his place through sheer amount of runs, and if Haydos does walk back into it then keep Jaques at 12th man, have him ready to move back into the side when the opportunity arises. Katich's form over summer was brilliant, and while I hated watching him open in one dayers as much as the next person, he 100% deserves his test spot.
NO WAY!!!!!
I'm sure that Haydos would take on the English with both arms and legs lopped off (it's nought but a flesh wound), such is the desire and hunger that is evident in his eyes, and given the way he usually beligerently bludgeons bowling attacks around, i'm sure he would do the same to England.
Australia without Haydos opening would be like Australia without Boon, Border, Waugh, Warne, or ....... Hold on, i've just shot my own argument down, haven't I?? Bugger!!