By Pyc Fitness
©2004-2008
ON THE evidence, Andrew Hilditch and company won't take long to chose their side for the first Test of the summer. Most outstanding issues were settled on the opening day of the matches played in Melbourne and Sydney.
Michael Hussey secured the last batting position with a timely return at the MCG, while the sight of Stuart MacGill sending down his twirlers brightened a rumbling day at the SCG.
Hilditch will not dwell upon the performances of his players. Their records speak for themselves. For now it is enough that they are available.
Hussey's appearance at the top of the batting order sparked speculation but it emerged that it was merely a strategy to avoid unnecessary disruption to his state team. He will return to his customary berth against Sri Lanka, propping up the middle in his alert way.
Doubtless he was dismayed to record a duck in his first outing but he has a couple of weeks to shake off the cobwebs. Often a couple of decent drives is enough to get the blood flowing. Hussey's recovery was bad news for Brad Hodge, whose worm has taken a downward turn.
Most of the Test men were playing at the SCG, and all emerged unscathed. Matthew Hayden wisely concentrated on adjusting to the slower tempo of four-day cricket. Not that he exactly propped and cocked. Rather, he waited for opportunities to drive past the bowler or pull to square leg, and otherwise kept a straight bat.
Andrew Symonds did not get to the crease but his game does not change much between the codes, and he was in superb form on the subcontinent.
Meanwhile, Phil Jaques studied his prospective opening partner, absorbing information. Michael Clarke stood cheerfully at slip as his fellow fisherman set about building his innings.
Among the leather-flingers, none were lethal and none impotent. Brett Lee seemed the likeliest to take a wicket, and periodically produced an error from the imposing Hayden. Lee's run-up and action were smooth, and he looked in good order but will be hoping for a livelier deck in the Test match or India will again score 700.
Stuart Clark also found the pitch too slow for his liking and seemed to plod. But then he often looks ordinary until the wickets start falling. Nathan Bracken was resourceful and patient but will have to content himself with coloured-clothed cricket until the autumnal trip to Pakistan.
Mitchell Johnson will be hoping the afternoon rain seeped under the covers.
Even more than usual, MacGill's first over was eagerly awaited. Apparently, his opening contribution was a startling interception at mid-off. Thereafter his fielding was its old self. His bowling passed muster. He repeatedly overpitched to Hayden, and took a wicket with a stinker, but was steady enough and did not appear to be inconvenienced by his wonky knee. Unless his injury recurs, he will be ready for the Gabba.
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