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Before I get into the details of the series, the 1st Test had 3 teams playing! West Indies, Australia, and Zimbabwe! Zimbabwe were represented by Russell Tiffin (umpire) and Pommie Mbangwa (commentary)

Tiffin was on fire, didn't make a single bad decision throughout the match. Even the commentators (other than Pommie) commented that he was having a very good match. And apparently, Jimmy Adams (I think) said on a few occasions that Tiffin is back on the Elite panel. I haven't read that anywhere on Cricinfo or otherwise, and occasionally umpires not on the Elite panel stand in Test matches, but certainly it's good news if true. If not, the ICC should seriously consider reinstating him (in place of Darrell Hair probably).

Tiffin is also standing in this 2nd Test, Aust v WI.

Pommie was at his usual high standard during the 1st Test

Now to the cricket. Hayden has been sent home through injury. Simon Katich will keep his spot in the team despite making 12 and 1 in the 1st game, while Brad Hodge (67 and 27 I believe) will be dropped.

Michael Clarke returns to the team, to strengthen what has become an ordinary top order (bar Ponting).

After a scare in the 1st Test, and the return of Clarke, I would think that Australia will be looking to bat first and post a massive total (600+ decl.)... to put West Indies in their place. Will be a good game.

brmtaylor.com admin wrote:And apparently, Jimmy Adams (I think) said on a few occasions that Tiffin is back on the Elite panel. I haven't read that anywhere on Cricinfo or otherwise, and occasionally umpires not on the Elite panel stand in Test matches, but certainly it's good news if true. If not, the ICC should seriously consider reinstating him (in place of Darrell Hair probably).

According to the ICC website, he's still on the International Panel, so he'll only get Test matches during the busy periods. I recall that he was 'demoted' from the Elite Panel as he wasn't standing in enough domestic matches to qualify? But yes, he's a very good umpire - better than many on the Elite Panel.

Tiffin made a few (supposedly) bad decisions yesterday
Do a Google News search for "Tiffin" for details

Real time though, I thought 2 of the 3 he gave out were indeed out, with 1 being a bit doubtful.

stuart magill retired. im hoping warne comes back
i think the Aussies will just stick with symonds and clarke for the rest of the series

Clarke is a more than capable part time spinner, so I think you are right in saying that Casson won't make his debut in the 3rd Test.

It's a shame Brad Hogg retired really, on current form he is miles ahead of MacGill. Hogg was a genuine allrounder as well - a number 6 batsman (he was originally selected for WA in the early 90's as a specialist batsman), unlike MacGill who doesn't know which end of the bat to hold.

A disappointing end for MacGill, who had done reasonably well in the shadow of Warne for pretty much his whole career. It's amazing he even got to 40 odd Test's in the end.