RIDGY PIDGE

Meanwhile, as English affycondos have been quick to douse the hype that Skinny Finn is the new Glenn McGrath, Australia have promoted the real new Glenn McGrath:

Australia call up Josh Hazelwood to replace injured Mitchell Johnson

Mitchell Johnson has been ruled out of Australia's limited overs matches in Ireland and England due to an infected right elbow.

Australia have called up the uncapped 19-year-old Josh Hazlewood to replace Johnson, who is expected to rejoin his team-mates for the two Tests against Pakistan in England next month.

Another elbow? Soon "tennis" elbow will be superseded by "cricket" elbow. I mean, cricket is plagued by elbow injuries, but you rarely, if ever, hear of a high profile tennis player with a similar affliction.

Comments

[Cam]

From what I saw of him in that under whatevers tournament in NZ, Hazelwood looked bloody good. Well done to the selectors for picking him.

Now i'll be turning it over to the 'Cricket NSW and the Aussie selectors are in bed together' conspiracy theorists...

[Lou]

He does look good, but it's too early for him.

It's far different playing against adults in international cricket and a decent team as well than playing against teams of youngsters who are all about half his size.

He probably won't play though, will he? Bit of a baptism of fire if he does.

[Lou]

I've just realised if Ritzy doesn't get a game and it's not looking good, the Champions Trophy winning bowling attack is gone, apart from the pie-chucker Watto.

[Tony]

First time I saw Josh was in the Ford Ranger Cup when he went through the Vics at the SCG on a damp track in swingy conditions. Unplayable.

Next time I saw him was against the kiddies in NZ. Good.

Only seen him a couple of times since and he was steady at best. Obviously the big boys played him with more comfort, in good batting conditions, than the first two times.

But he definitely shows promise.

[m0nty]

NSW players get their chance at 19. If you're from another state you might get a look-in once you're 27.