Pre test Gambit

I do not know what a gambit is.

Australia have dropped Brad Hodge, and reinserted sensitive new age dude Michael Clarke.

Ricky Ponting likes to back people.

It’s his thing.

He learnt it from Steve Waugh.

Ricky comes out and says I back [insert current out of form player here] and I want them around.

The first time I remember him doing it was for Brett Lee, and that worked, he turned him into a superstar one day bowler, while he continued to be an over rated test bowler until recently.

Then he turned Roy from the guy who was warming up Shane Watson’s spot to the man in the one day game, and then later, in the test arena.

At that stage it seemed he was a good hudge of cattle.

Now he seems to have lost the magic touch.

Recently Ponting has tried to work his magic over two men.

Stuart MacGill was backed before Sri Lanka toured, and then again in the Windies.

Stuey’s new stock ball, the full toss, is not fooling anyone, Stuart looks dodgy.

His last 3 tests have been horrible, and at 37 you can’t see him getting too many more chances.

Simon Katich has been backed today, as a future opener.

The Krab was a former middle order disappointment for Australia, and after one test he is a current top order disappointment.

Australia’s brightest top order batsman is playing for the Punjab.

Perhaps Ponting sees something in the Krab and Stuey that my non test playing eyes can’t see.

West Indies are up and dancing.

They think Australia are now beatable, and with Gayle an Lawson probably coming back they are floating on air.

Gayle has often struggled against McGrath, now he has to face Rupert Clark, so that should be a good battle.

Jerome Taylor may be back as well, which means Sammy will probably get the ass.

The Windies have certainly talked, and prayed, a good game this week, so they must not get blown away.

Gayle is a good in for them, but I don't know if I would pick Taylor, Sammy strengthens there tail, and with a top order than collapses tragically, a number 8 who can hold a bat is an important player.

So I will back Sammy, publicly, not because I see a bright future for hi, just because I like the shape of his head.

The result

Australia should have blown away some cobwebs and should win this easily.www.cricketwithballs.com

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