Adelaide Test – Form Guide and Selections

Invers writes for us:

“Here at CA (Cricket Almanac) we are much happier with performances since we handed the day-to-day running of things over to the Almanac community.

Looking back at the Gabba Test I thought that the top order of Harms and Smokey was a bit shakey.  Harms seems prone to soft dismissals just before the drinks break when looking well set.  I think I’ll drop him down to 4 so he can bat on Day 2 in Adelaide.  He may need a day to get over the launch at Adelaide Lutheran FC on Wednesday night.

Smokey – May be living on past glories of that catch off his son’s bowling, but it is too soon to write off such a proven performer.

Reynolds and Curtain – This was the partnership that set up the Gabba Test for us.  Sort of Mark and Steve Waugh like – flashy exuberance from Curtain and solid determination from Reynolds.  Word from Pomborneit is that “Steve” is over his injuries and has been taking wickets again with his medium pacers.  Could be handy of a flat Adelaide deck.

Iron Mike – Chimed in several times with handy contributions in Brisbane.  Will he go as well away from home turf?  I say yes, but his wife says the landscaping is still not done, and Jim the bobcat operator has promised (for the fifth time) to turn up this weekend.  Tough one??

Rulebook Ashwood – Has more followers than a mare in season, so must include on his home turf.   I’m just a bit worried that he will still be looking for the gate to the George Giffen Stand when he is dismissed.  How is the knee, and will he last the full distance off a quick back up?

Andrew Else – Did a solid job of cleaning up the tail in Brisbane.  Has a bit of the Rory McIlroy’s about him, with a late season resurgence compensating for his previous annus horribilus.  Must include.

E.Regnans – Our very own Watto.  Promises the world and can look a million dollars on occasions.  The dog ate his laptop; or he did a typing finger in his run-up; or something on the day before the Gabba Test.  Getting expensive, but one last chance?

Looking further down the nominations, the sudden depth of Australian cricket writing is astonishing.  Down Chapel Street the hairdressers, beauticians and brazilian brokers all have “Are you Cricket Credible?” and “Need your Creases Ironed?” signs out to replace their “Racing Ready?” fliers.  Crio and DD have gone into a funk and won’t be sighted until Eight Grand Boys wins a maiden or the ALP an election.  Wait until they show something.  Later.

PJ Flynn – A weight for age performer who was not sighted in Brisbane, but is reported to be trialling well at Macedon Lodge.  The Adelaide wicket always turns like a wife who found the bank statements, from Day 4 onwards.  I think Flynn’s previous experience on the sub-continent makes him our man for Day 5.  Will be finishing on solidly when most of these are looking for somewhere to lie down.

J Butler – Grand old performer who has shown he still has it after a long spell.  Worth trying at odds.

A Starkie – Always around the place.  Could figure.

Dips; Phil Dimitriadis; Mickey Randall – Foreign contingent with uncertain credentials.  Irish sprinter has form, but first up this company?  Greek entrant goes well over Marathon distances.  Too short this time?  Singapore Derby winner may not yet be ready.  Wait for Boxing Day?

There are a number of promising performers working through the grades at the provincials.  Glen, Skip, Swish, PFuller?  Up to this company?

Cookie – is still under suspension for pulling one up a few months ago, but stewards would consider an appeal.  Has ability on his day.

Well lads that’s just about all the cricket writing form I could find going back through my archives of the Sportsman.  Any other nominations?  Open to all comers.

Just remember our script editors are always looking for new contributions for each Test.  “I’ll break your f…ing arm,” was a great suggestion for Brisbane, and we may well use it in the next Van Damme movie.  “Scared eyes” had the desired psychological impact, and Scorsese has optioned it.

Fresh ideas always wanted, so just leave your nominations for each day of the Adelaide Test with me C/- Almanac Editorial Desk.  I’ll be checking in from Tahiti each day to see how you’re going.

Keep up the good work.

Who knew this job could be so easy?

Regards,

Invers