Advertisement

Rodney Hogg: don’t write off the West Indies

James Pattinson is in line for his first Test since March 2014. Photo: Getty

James Pattinson is in line for his first Test since March 2014. Photo: Getty

I’m thinking this Test match between Australia and the West Indies in Hobart will be over inside of three days – but I’m not convinced Australia will win it.

We’re hearing reports of a green top, and I think the curator’s been caught out a little bit with the game starting Thursday.

They’re predicting overcast conditions, and I think that Kemar Roach, Jerome Taylor and Jason Holder have been bowling on really flat, lifeless wickets.

Warner not a fan of pink ball revolution
Who on earth are these West Indies players?
West Indies embrace underdog tag

At 201cm, Jason Holder has a Curtly Ambrose-like presence about him. Photo: Getty

At 201cm, Jason Holder has a Curtly Ambrose-like presence about him. Photo: Getty

You present these three with a pitch that’s got a bit in it and I think you’ll find the worm might turn.

The height of Holder and the pace of Roach and Taylor will cause some problems.

If they get a pitch that favours fast-paced bowling, watch out – our batting was very brittle in England and I think it’s going to be a low-scoring game.

The problem is I just don’t think the West Indies batsmen can win a Test match for them. Their batting is average.

But those three quicks just might rattle the cage of what is a pretty ordinary Australian batting line-up.

We’ve got a real weakness in the middle order. The stars are David Warner and Steve Smith – after that you’re into Adam Voges, and the Marsh boys.

Voges, to be fair, looks like he can handle himself.

But Peter Nevill’s still got to prove himself, the Marsh brothers battle, Mitchell Johnson’s not there anymore – if you can knock over Warner and Smith you’re in with a shout.

I reckon they’re going to bowl well, the West Indies.

Australia’s rising star

James Pattinson is in line for his first Test since March 2014. Photo: Getty

James Pattinson will play his first Test since March 2014. Photo: Getty

It’s great to see James Pattinson back – hopefully now he can get a clear run at it and his career isn’t blighted by injury. He’s certainly a superstar in the making, it’s just he hasn’t been fit.

Pattinson’s capable of being a great.

Peter Siddle’s experience will be paramount down there in Hobart, bowling into the breeze.

And obviously Josh Hazlewood is learning all the time – I’m confident he’ll bowl well.

But this kid Jason Holder is one to watch out for – his height will cause problems. He’s a work in progress.

It’s a battle of the two inexperienced captains – Smith and Holder are very new to the leadership caper.

They’re both a bit wet behind the ears as captains.

The West Indies have been underperforming for too long now.

With the exception of Chris Gayle, they haven’t produced a star – batsman or bowler – this century.

It’s time some of these blokes stood up and were counted.

Hobart would be the perfect time to start.

kerr-top-stories

Advertisement
Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter.
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.