If I was the selector…

I think a couple of changes are needed to the Aussie cricket team, mainly to improve their bowling attack.

• Watson in for Hughes
• S. Clark in for Johnson

The Aussie batting lineup has been very good apart from Hughes.  Leading up to the Ashes Hughes was looking solid with centuries in South Africa and an abundance of runs in English Country cricket.  Hence it could well be argued that he should be given a chance to find form.

However, the Aussie bowling attack is not performing and in the interest of team balance I’d drop Hughes for Watson.  Watson can open the batting and also provide an extra bowling option.  Watson hit 84 against Northamptonshire batting at number three, and at the time of writing has already taken two wickets.

Johnson is, of course, the main concern.  He’s taken lots of wickets in his relatively short Test career so far, but the team can’t afford to carry an out-of-form strike bowler any longer.

With only three Tests remaining and England 1-0 up hard decisions are required, and I’d drop Johnson for Stuart Clark.  Clark has an outstanding bowling record and although he’s struggled after an injury, he’s taken wickets in the warmup games (including against Nthnt) and can’t surely be worse than Johnson’s recent efforts.

The Scolari Effect

Luiz Felipe Scolari’s decision to take the Chelsea managerial post could be a nasty double-punch to Man Utd’s gut.

Firstly, during Euro 2008, Scolari publicly encouraged Cristiano Ronaldo to make his “dream move” to Real Madrid.  Undoubtedly Scolari would prefer to watch Ronaldo on TV rather than in person running against Chelsea’s defenders.

Secondly, Scolari’s departure as the Portugal manager has left a position vacant there, and it turns out that the Man Utd assistant coach/manager Carlos Queiroz (much beloved by both Sir Alex and Ronaldo) is interested in the role.

Whether both of these transfers actually transpire remains to be seen and blogged about.

Worst Umpire Ever

Alternative title:  Luckiest Bowler Ever

I’m referring to the final two deliveries in the recent West Indies vs Australia cricket Test match in Kingston, Jamaica, which “earned” the bowler two consecutive wickets and sets him up for an undeserved hat-trick in his next over.

The bowler?  Stuart MacGill
The umpire?  Russell Tiffin

Wicket #1

The batsman played at the ball, missed it, the Aussies appealed unanimously, and the umpire gave it out.  Admittedly the bat was close to the ball, and it seems there was a noise that may have suggested a nick.  True, we’ve seen worse umpiring decisions, but this one was still poor.

Wicket #2

For an example of a worse umpiring decision we turn to the very next delivery.  The batsman half padded up and half attempted a shot, the ball bounced off his front pad, a fielder caught it, and the umpire gave it out.  There was enough space between the bat and the ball for a Death Star to orbit through!

Rangers into UEFA Cup Final

Rangers win 4-2 after penalties.  Highlights of penalty shoot-out: