After some very long and careful study, I have arrived at The Roar XI. Selecting an XI is really tough business most of the time, this is a particularly difficult task, but hopefully worth the effort. I am sure there will be disappointments and bolters, but that’s the nature of these things. Please feel free to put your two bobs worth in. In fact, I expect you to. Treat this as a draft if you must, but follow my logic first please.
The aim of this selection is a team who:
a) Would be fun to enjoy dinner with, and;
b) Change their minds several times during the course of a session, let alone a match.
Note that as I have never actually seen any of them play there may be some regrets later on, but as Frank Sinatra once sung, too few to mention.
Here we go, breath bated.
1. Christo the Daddyo
Somewhat of a nervous opener. Often chips in for a cutting remark outside off. Never a full-blooded drive.
2. Big Gordon (vc)
Only recently available for selection. Handy assistant to the ever-knowledgeable captain. Seems to know his business. Sure but steady.
3. MattH (c)
A captain by nature. Always assured, knows the opposition as well as his own team; armed with a library and a long memory. Big booming drives are not his style, deft cuts (late or otherwise) are his thing. Doesn’t say much unless he has thought long and hard about it. Very capable of a long innings.
4. Rowdy (wk)
Unsteady as she goes for Rowdy. Will rather hastily bring out horoscopes at the drop of a hat for a DRS (or anything else for that matter!). Quick-witted and also on his feet. Capable of scoring well, but this top order won’t leave too many opportunities. Let it go through to the ‘keeper Rowdy!
(AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
5. Richie
Bit of an all-rounder, swings it about a lot with the rare connection for six. Pitches in now and then, but reliable.
6. Paul Suttor
Quite a scribe with plenty to offer. Occasionally tosses the odd one up just to see what happens. Very reliable, particularly on Mondays. Gets the odd googly going as well.
7. Stuart
Enjoys a ginger beer, or so he tells me. Very handy for the post-match celebrations. Another very reliable contributor across several sports. Might keep you up late so be warned.
8. Roseville
Pace and perfection all day! Very stylish; a tough omission for the leadership group, but still a fine contributor. Has a memory like an elephant and quite the statistician. Enjoys the off-field banter more than most; can back up his arguments with voluminous facts and figures so watch out! Expect anything.
9. Arnab
Comes off a slowish run these days, but still performs well into the breeze. Deadly with outswingers, with the surprise straight one trapping the unwary plumb in front. Play as late as you can. Don’t get sucked into an argument on the subcontinent players, AB will nail you.
(Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
10. David Holden
Unusual run up but a stylish delivery. Another with lots of commentary on his day. Enjoys a few warm-up refreshments before things get going (like most of us!). Had a few late nights with the Ashes in England last year. Bit of an all-rounder, likes many sports. A dangerous customer, especially in the fourth session of play.
11. The Late News
Probably a spot or two too high in the batting order, but a “must
pick”, more so when I’m selecting! Nuisance value with the ball in hand, a sure signal to the ground staff when he pads up. Experienced with handling eskies, and particularly handy in the fourth session. Very.
Twelfth men (plural of course!)
I await your advice!
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