Stuart MacGill has continued the retirements of Australian cricketers announcing on the third day of the second test against the West Indies that he would be quitting the game at the conclusion of this test.
After finally seeing the back of the world’s greatest ever leg spinner, Shane Warne, MacGill struggled to appear from the shadows as age, dodgy knees and his wrist has finally given way.
MacGill’s grey hair showing the physical signs of wear and tare but his contribution to Australian cricket must not be overlooked.
If he hadn’t been in the same era as Warne, MacGill would have played over 100 tests and taken over 500 wickets at a competitive average.
Unfortunately for him, he bowled in an era where there was Warne but Stuart, we salute you. A developing television career awaits the wine specialist who has presented Uncorcked on the Lifestyle Channel but expect his media personality to evolve and grow within the lifestyle genre.
MacGill’s decision to quit the game comes only three months after the International retirements of Adam Gilchrist, Brad Hogg which were on top of the four retirements of the previous year; Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Justin Langer and Damien Martyn.
Add to this the experienced Darren Lehmann, Matthew Elliot, Jason Gillespe and Michael Kasprowicz have called it a day as the time has come for the new generation of Australian cricketers to step up to the plate.
Matthew Hayden’s future is also uncertain with Achilles issues that could see the batsmen forced into retirement.
With no standout spinner amongst the ranks, Australia will turn to the uncapped New South Welshman, Beau Casson who has struggled to hold a permanent spot in his state side or perhaps Australia may play four quicks.
Doug Bollinger and Ashley Noffke would not look out of place in the Baggy Green whilst Australian spin bowling stocks might be at there lowest level, the selectors may decide to pick another batsmen, David Hussey who can provide some right arm off-spinners.
Perhaps the selectors need to consider sharing the spin bowling duties amongst David Hussey, Michael Clarke and Andrew Symonds if there is not clear, specialist spinner deserving a spot in the Australian Test XI.
On the other hand, Casson will have the first opportunity to state his claim to the test side in a very new looking side that, heading into the third test will only feature six players from the side that won back the Ashes 18 months ago and by the time they head to England in 2009, the make up of the team could change again.
Australia face a tough summer against an aggressive South Africa who are on the rise and filled with a plethora of talent. They could dethrone the Australian side in what promises to be another competitive summer.
The Australian XI struggled to dominate against the Indians last Summer and were lucky to have won the series.
Spots are still up for grabs with only Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Andrew Symonds, Brad Haddin, Brett Lee and Stuart Clark guaranteed their places in the test side.
The opening position is held by Hayden if fit and now Simon Katich will be putting pressure on Phil Jaques to retain his opening position.
Our bowling stocks as mentioned above are spinnerless while Mitchell Johnson is yet to cement his spot in the side as his bowling has been inconsistent.
The West Indies have provided a challenge and we have the Indians later this year in India followed by New Zealand and South Africa at home before heading to England in 2009 to defend the Ashes.
It’s a hard, difficult and challenging road ahead, the cricket landscape could be changing…
After finally seeing the back of the world’s greatest ever leg spinner, Shane Warne, MacGill struggled to appear from the shadows as age, dodgy knees and his wrist has finally given way.
MacGill’s grey hair showing the physical signs of wear and tare but his contribution to Australian cricket must not be overlooked.
If he hadn’t been in the same era as Warne, MacGill would have played over 100 tests and taken over 500 wickets at a competitive average.
Unfortunately for him, he bowled in an era where there was Warne but Stuart, we salute you. A developing television career awaits the wine specialist who has presented Uncorcked on the Lifestyle Channel but expect his media personality to evolve and grow within the lifestyle genre.
MacGill’s decision to quit the game comes only three months after the International retirements of Adam Gilchrist, Brad Hogg which were on top of the four retirements of the previous year; Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Justin Langer and Damien Martyn.
Add to this the experienced Darren Lehmann, Matthew Elliot, Jason Gillespe and Michael Kasprowicz have called it a day as the time has come for the new generation of Australian cricketers to step up to the plate.
Matthew Hayden’s future is also uncertain with Achilles issues that could see the batsmen forced into retirement.
With no standout spinner amongst the ranks, Australia will turn to the uncapped New South Welshman, Beau Casson who has struggled to hold a permanent spot in his state side or perhaps Australia may play four quicks.
Doug Bollinger and Ashley Noffke would not look out of place in the Baggy Green whilst Australian spin bowling stocks might be at there lowest level, the selectors may decide to pick another batsmen, David Hussey who can provide some right arm off-spinners.
Perhaps the selectors need to consider sharing the spin bowling duties amongst David Hussey, Michael Clarke and Andrew Symonds if there is not clear, specialist spinner deserving a spot in the Australian Test XI.
On the other hand, Casson will have the first opportunity to state his claim to the test side in a very new looking side that, heading into the third test will only feature six players from the side that won back the Ashes 18 months ago and by the time they head to England in 2009, the make up of the team could change again.
Australia face a tough summer against an aggressive South Africa who are on the rise and filled with a plethora of talent. They could dethrone the Australian side in what promises to be another competitive summer.
The Australian XI struggled to dominate against the Indians last Summer and were lucky to have won the series.
Spots are still up for grabs with only Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Andrew Symonds, Brad Haddin, Brett Lee and Stuart Clark guaranteed their places in the test side.
The opening position is held by Hayden if fit and now Simon Katich will be putting pressure on Phil Jaques to retain his opening position.
Our bowling stocks as mentioned above are spinnerless while Mitchell Johnson is yet to cement his spot in the side as his bowling has been inconsistent.
The West Indies have provided a challenge and we have the Indians later this year in India followed by New Zealand and South Africa at home before heading to England in 2009 to defend the Ashes.
It’s a hard, difficult and challenging road ahead, the cricket landscape could be changing…
