Jezz - agree with you given the overcast conditions and the seam the indians were getting early on, cowan played a perfect knock. However, I certainly wouldnt approve of any pakistan players doing that on flat tracks for 2 hours vs england. Horses for courses I suppose. He probably could have done more in terms of taking quick singles here and there and rotating strike, apart from that solid player.

On a side note, good to see Ricky Ponting getting some runs. He was getting roughed up a bit at the start, but continued regardless. It was a shame that the india fans booed and jeered him onto this field (mark nics called it ungracious), personally I thought it was arrogance and uncalled for.

Hussey and cowans decisions apart, good day of test cricket. sorry for the long post...

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here's hoping that Cowan and warner becomes the regular opening partnership for australia, the battering ram and the solid block
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No place for watson then? I'd still open with watson alongside cowan and put warner down at 5/6, marsh out and ponting back up to 3.

I think Hussey's days are numbered. Marsh has done well previously but I can't see the England bowlers losing sleep over Warner as the opener when it comes to the Ashes.

Cowan looked good but it was against that Indian bowling.

Cowan looked good but it was against that Indian bowling.__________________________________

A bit harsh that is kash. I thought the indians bowled well, especially early on and considering the last 6 months. Yadav is looking a real find, i know its early days.....BUT. Agree about warner though, dont think hes an opener, and hussey was unlucky. Kash, im going to liverpool vs blackburn today (and newcastle game friday)..... yawn!!!

I would much rather take Khan, Ishant and Yadav over anything Pakistan has to offer.

Thanks for that very useful insight Tendulkar - the thread, however, relates to cowan and not the pak/indian bowlers...

don't mention India please guys or Lord Tensulker will start crying

How come your going to the Liverpool games Afridi? U going to show your support for SuareZ?

Maybe a bit harsh on Yadhev as he does look like he does have the tools but Ishant is the biggest myth to ever come out of India.

I was impressed by Cowan's temperament, but think he'll struggle in Test Cricket.

Some might think he's very much in the mould of an Ali Cook, but the lad can't play comfortably off his pads like Cook can.

It's all very well leaving everything outside off, but not if you can't cash in when the bowlers stray onto the pads.

Even the C9 commentators picked up on his inability to flick those balls away.

As long as he guards his wicket like that every time he comes out to bat I'll be happy. Plays some lovely orthodox shots as well, very nice technique.

No place for watson then?
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I would bring watson in down the order a bit. we all know that Ponting and Hussey don't have all that long left, and so i invisagea future Australia batting card looking like this:

Cowan
Warner
Marsh
Clarke
Watson
Khawaja
Haddin
Johnson
Siddle
Pattinson/Cummins
Lyon

i just think that having an attacking opener with a defensive opener is a good fit, like strauss and trescothick

Please no Johnson, that's all I ask. Ryan Harris instead please.

It was indeed a pleasure watching a true opener bat in the style an opener is selected for.

Warner obviously can swing the bat but if he wants to hold down the openers position he needs to toss that 20/20 rubbish style where it belongs....(India) or park cricket....

oh yeah, i forgot harris, harris in for johnson

If Johnson was fit he would be in the Perth attack...