Wrap - Currency of Runs and Wickets

1. David Warner. Much maligned and deservedly so. However he gets 335* that probably could have been over 400. I love the critics who dare speak out about the quality of it or the timing or the Hayden record...lap it up it is rare. We have seen three in our lifetimes! (Taylor, Hayden and now Warner). He has extraordinary talent and has redefined the game. Now though is not the time to be talking about cutting back on cricket. Brain first...then mouth.


The way the Aussies fielded they needed to declare. Their catching and ground fielding was woeful in the first innings. Starc should have had 8 for. The ineffective nature of Nathan Lyon is another concern. Rarely does he rip through a team for us. Can you recall a recent one? Yasir Shah should never score a 100 against you.


2. Selection Problems. You have to give credit where it is reluctantly due sometimes and despite thankfully leaving the Australian Cricket Selection table, Greg Chappell is still coaching/ mentoring/ guiding our youngest U/19 cricketers. (Not sure why they can't just send him into retirement with Trevor Hohns?). It was Chappell that unearthed Marnus Labuschagne in the Test arena. A good find now he has matured his game, but let's see how he goes against India and South Africa... even New Zealand.


3. Captain-Coach Selectors. A new era. Interested to see how George Bailey fares. Is he tough enough? He said he might use social media to inform players of their sackings... how ridiculous. You are either selected or you aren't. More runs and wickets - the only currency that matters.


4. Pink Ball Tests. No one really wants to bat under the lights with the swinging pink ball. Australia even enforced the follow on to avoid it. One thing the sub continent teams love doing is batting! Under lights tests everyone, especially when Starc is steaming in. We could regret the missed stumpings and catches.


5. Oh The Pain... Paine looks like he is struggling. A chronic finger/ hand injury could be the perfect out for him as skipper. His batting is terrible these days. Meanwhile Carey belts 143 for South Australia...


6. Latrell Mitchell. Is there anything sadder than a sports star with a million hangers on and a future of regret? Evander Holyfield lives in a two bed apartment these days. The player becomes filled with silly greedy ideals (for the benefit of others) and loses out. His entourage rivals that of King Lear. No club needs a star who is hard work. Think Hayne. The Roosters, Bulldogs, Cowboys and now Tigers have shunned him. Is there a message there? The saddest thing is that Latrell is the last to see it. Then roll out the old "I'm going to rugby" line.


7. Anthony Mundine. Perhaps Mundine is sadder, but he is not stupid. He gets beaten in the ring by a nuffy. Time to stop Anthony... you are losing credibility. Does he need it on social media to advise him? He has the cash however.


8. Liverpool. 11 points ahead and now destined to win big in the Premier League this year - barring a disaster. They rarely lose these days!