The very impressive Callum Ferguson

[Amjid Javed]

Hes at the start of his ODI career for Australia but ive been pretty impressed by what ive seen so far. At times he looks unorthodox and not to pretty on the eye but he does get runs consitantly. Hes not really played a spectacular stand up and really take notice Inns as of yet. However, in what is an ever changing Australia ODI batting line up he seems to be doing a very effective job in the middle order.

I think hes one of the postives the Aussies can look at in recent times in their ODI team.

 

[*sallu*]

Callum Ferguson 's Innings by Innings in ODIs to date

6*, 28, 13*, 55*, 25, 50, 63, 4, 41, 2, 10*, 41, DNB, 41*, 71*, 55

This guy seems to be the new mr.consistant. All 15 matches so far have been played against decent bowling line ups in New zealand, RSA and England.

He just comes in and without making much of an impression scores an impressive calm 40-50. Thats been the story of his career so far. Would like to see him in the test side

 

[Extreme Pace]

All 15 matches so far have been played against decent bowling line ups in New zealand, RSA and England.

You are forgetting Pakistan, he played in the UAE series and did well against Afridi/Ajmal on spinning tracks.

 

[*sallu*]

You are forgetting Pakistan, he played in the UAE series and did well against Afridi/Ajmal on spinning tracks.

yup my bad!!!
2 matches only though, scores of 2 and 10*

 

[Extreme Pace]

Nah i am pretty sure he made a couple of 40s

http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/392618.html

http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/392620.html

 

[AZ]

good player, looks like he'll have a pretty decent career...still remember 2 absolutely thunderous cover drives he played in the 2nd ODI in Dubai...the THWACK could be heard right round the stadium...needless to say, that was the cue for most Pakistan supporters to start heading for the exit doors

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Looks a good player of what I've seen of him so far. Plays both spinners and fast bowling well enough and also a good runner between the wickets. A good start for Ferguson against England aswell and will also give him more confidence for the CT coming up.

 

[IAJ]

Aussie system as its best: They bring in players who are ready for international cricket. It seems so easy for them!

 

[shoib_superstar]

bright prospect for the future
although he is about 24

 

[Wassixpakistani]

He'll take Micheal Hussey's place for sure .

He's the new Mr.Cricket

 

[*sallu*]

Nah i am pretty sure he made a couple of 40s

http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/392618.html

http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/392620.html

Yup my apologies

Got a 41* and 41 as well

 

[ace_allrounder]

good player, looks like he'll have a pretty decent career...still remember 2 absolutely thunderous cover drives he played in the 2nd ODI in Dubai...the THWACK could be heard right round the stadium...needless to say, that was the cue for most Pakistan supporters to start heading for the exit doors

I was one of them

 

[AZ]

bas kya kare, har jeet to hoti rehti hai

 

[Cover Drive]

He seems a bit Fawad Alam type of player to me

 

[Poison]

Australia's version of Fawad Alam.

 

[AZ]

except he's already 10 times better than Fawad

 

[*sallu*]

Australia's version of Fawad Alam.

A more complete and refined version

 

[Poison]

Don't know why you guys are dissing Fawad Alam; he's our next superstar. Tell me where Callum Ferguson is a better batsman than Alam? Ferguson doesnt hit many boundaries; he's in the exact same mould as Alam, as a grafter.

 

[*sallu*]

Don't know why you guys are dissing Fawad Alam; he's our next superstar. Tell me where Callum Ferguson is a better batsman than Alam? Ferguson doesnt hit many boundaries; he's in the exact same mould as Alam, as a grafter.

Awesome strike rate of 87 after 15 one day matches at an average of over 50 at number 5.

It doesn't matter whether you score in boundaries or singles, if you can mantain that strike rate with that kind of an average I'd have players like him in any side.

 

[Poison]

Give Alam time - he's not played at a fixed position as such because of the failure to pass of the elder statesmen in the side.

He'll come good.

 

[Random Aussie]

Aussie system as its best: They bring in players who are ready for international cricket. It seems so easy for them!

Interestingly he wasn't really on the radar until this year. Had a great domestic season, especially at the end, got a chance, took it and away he goes.

Would be a chance for Test selection when we finally fire Mr Wicket

 

[Brilliant_Boyd]

Hasn't got huge talent but has good determenation. Fawad alam?

 

[Sheikh]

except he's already 10 times better than Fawad

Yeah, because a handful of odis prove that right?

Do you watch test match cricket?

 

[AZ]

Yeah, because a handful of odis prove that right?

Do you watch test match cricket?

and Fawad has played what, 50 Tests now? both are on the relatively same level on their careers, except Ferguson is already looking the more comfortable player and with a more secure spot in the team

 

[Sheikh]

and Fawad has played what, 50 Tests now? both are on the relatively same level on their careers, except Ferguson is already looking the more comfortable player and with a more secure spot in the team

Fawad has played 2 tests, and has already made his mark. Once Callum actually earns his first cap (after waiting years like Alam did) and perhaps hits a century on debut, or scores 1680 on debut (since that's 10 times more than Fawad) then maybe your statement, ''except he's already 10 times better than Fawad'' may just hold some weight.

 

[AZ]

it wasn't a comparison that was to be taken literally, more to do with how well he seemed to fit into intl. cricket as opposed to Fawad...surely you would/should've picked up on that

 

[iZeeshan]

and Fawad has played what, 50 Tests now? both are on the relatively same level on their careers, except Ferguson is already looking the more comfortable player and with a more secure spot in the team

WHAT THE ) )

EDIT. just read you're last post. sorry, but it seemed funny at the time.

 

[Seen Sheen]

Interestingly he wasn't really on the radar until this year. Had a great domestic season, especially at the end, got a chance, took it and away he goes.

Would be a chance for Test selection when we finally fire Mr Wicket

Mr. Wicket ) ..even after 'the oval' ton..!
Recall what Matty Hayden did after his career saving effort at the same ground 4 years ago..

 

[DHONI183]

Not a bad player. Seems calm and composed at the wicket. However, I failed to see the hitting ability in him (correct me here).

 

[Blitz]

Like Fawad Alam? Reminds me more of Umar Akmal. The style is very similar, and both are naturally aggresive. Play in the same positions, and have both had an impressive start to thier career.

 

[Seen Sheen]

Not a bad player. Seems calm and composed at the wicket. However, I failed to see the hitting ability in him (correct me here).

he isnt a big hitter of the ball.. He wont hit sixes at will.u would see an occasional hit clearing the boundary..but he would use the crease beautifully and try to deal in boundaries..he is a good improviser..

 

[The_Cricket_Devil]

I really like the inventiveness of Callum Ferguson. He may not be a textbook player but I feel he will be effective wherever he plays thanks to his adaptability and great eye. His early results are already staggering and I feel as he gets chances to go up the order centuries will also be a common visitor upon his doorstep.

Test cricket awaits this young man and I hope he prospers in it

 

[LG]

Like Fawad Alam? Reminds me more of Umar Akmal. The style is very similar, and both are naturally aggresive. Play in the same positions, and have both had an impressive start to thier career.

Not really. Fergusson is not the hitter that is Umar Akmal.

Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave BF SR 100 50 4s 6s Ct St

Callum Ferguson

16 15 6 504 71* 56.00 576 87.50 0 5 48 0 5 0

Umar Akmal

4 4 1 192 102* 64.00 174 110.34 1 1 13 6 2 0

The strike rates tell the overall story, but you'll have to watch Ferguson bat to know what kind of player he is. He doesn't hit many boundaries, but deals in pushes along the ground for quick singles and doubles, and doesn't play many dot deliveries, hence, the relatively high strike rate of 87.50. In fact, he is yet to hit a six in an international match. On the other hand, Umar Akmal has a strike rate of 110.34 and has already hit 6 sixes.

P.S.: Hey, JeeraBlade, it still doesn't work for me. (look at my table ^^ )

 

[Random Aussie]

Mr. Wicket ) ..even after 'the oval' ton..!
Recall what Matty Hayden did after his career saving effort at the same ground 4 years ago..

Yes but Hayden kept getting out because he was trying to hit the new ball over cover's head. As soon as he cut that out he was back scorng runs.

Mr Wicket is getting clean bowled by random bowlers.

 

[OZGOD]

Hes at the start of his ODI career for Australia but ive been pretty impressed by what ive seen so far. At times he looks unorthodox and not to pretty on the eye but he does get runs consitantly. Hes not really played a spectacular stand up and really take notice Inns as of yet. However, in what is an ever changing Australia ODI batting line up he seems to be doing a very effective job in the middle order.

I think hes one of the postives the Aussies can look at in recent times in their ODI team.

He's pretty good. I predict a Test career in the next couple of years, maybe batting at 6, then moving up. May even replace Hussey.

 

[Seen Sheen]

Yes but Hayden kept getting out because he was trying to hit the new ball over cover's head. As soon as he cut that out he was back scorng runs.

Mr Wicket is getting clean bowled by random bowlers.

then same thing applies for huss too,as soon as he stopped playing 'not playing a shot' ,he hit a ton..
I think series against Windies would decide his fate..but with the attack WI have,Mr.Cricket would be back..

 

[IAJ]

Bump.

Where did it go wrong for Callum? I often thought he was going to replace Hussey when he retires. I know he doesn't have a great FC average but what we saw of him he looked quite impressive.

He had a good outing against Lions not long ago.

 

[Convict]

Bump.

Where did it go wrong for Callum? I often thought he was going to replace Hussey when he retires. I know he doesn't have a great FC average but what we saw of him he looked quite impressive.

He had a good outing against Lions not long ago.

He never does well in FC cricket.

Might have a similar to average to Marsh but Marsh pulled together some 50+ average seasons.

Fergusons averages mid 30s year in year out.

The Lions were also appauling.

 

[Sakss]

What happened to this guy.. Heard he scored a few FC hundreds recently

 

[Convict]

Has scored a lot of centuries over the past few seasons.

Actually kind of surprised he didn't go with Australia A but I guess they opted for Khawaja instead

 

[Random Aussie]

Was thereabouts then got injured, isn't really in the running now. Plays for the wrong state and doesn't have a famous dad.

 

[Sami92]

He is included in the Australia A side for one dayers. I feel he should have been in the 4 day squads as well.

 

[MenInG]

Even by his own luckless standards, Callum Ferguson must have wondered what he'd done to deserve such an aestas horribilis.

Having entered 2020-21 believing a bountiful summer might re-float his stocks in the eyes of national selectors, Ferguson found himself left out of South Australia's team for the opening Marsh Sheffield Shield fixture and within weeks had announced his retirement from first-class cricket.

Three months later he was dumped by KFC BBL team Sydney Thunder where he had captained for the previous two seasons, a decision that initially left him "angry and ticked off" although he admits that reaction has since softened to disappointment.

"I don't agree with the decision they fell on and how it all wrapped up, probably as much as anything the communication of it, and I'm certainly really disappointed with the way it ended," Ferguson said this week of his split with the Thunder.

"But I'm certainly very grateful for the time I had there and hopefully there's another adventure and another experience on the horizon, and I'll be looking forward to that."

The 36-year-old then opted not to pursue off-season opportunities in the UK where he played several seasons with Worcestershire, and instead targeted places in franchise T20 competitions elsewhere in the world in order to maximise time at home with wife Rhiannon and their young daughter, Layla.

But having been drafted by Lahore Qalanders for next month's scheduled resumption of the Pakistan Super League (the competition was suspended in March due to breaches of COVID-19 biosecurity protocols), he's now unsure where or if the remainder of that tournament will be played.

Reported plans for the PSL to be completed in the United Arab Emirates have been thrown into doubt following this week's news that the UAE has placed a ban on travellers arriving from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh due to the escalating pandemic problems on the subcontinent.

Ferguson, who was to be joined by fellow Australians Usman Khawaja, Joe Burns and James Faulkner for the second phase of the PSL, is hoping to learn in coming days whether the competition will revert to Pakistan where matches might be confined to Karachi.

"I'm looking forward to hearing a bit more from the owners and organisers as to what it might look like travelling to Pakistan, or to the UAE if that's where it's to be played," Ferguson told cricket.com.au having noted with interest recent problems to beset the Indian Premier League.

"Just to know what the bio-secure bubble looks like and what quarantine requirements will be on the way over, all that sort of stuff.

"Once I find out a bit more then I'll be able to come up with a stance on it and make a final decision, but I think given what's happened in the IPL it throws a few concerns at you."

Not that Ferguson is easily fazed.

Twice when he seemed poised to win an extended run in the national team (2009 and 2015) he suffered serious knee injuries, and when his Test call-up came it coincided with Australia's humbling loss to South Africa at Hobart in 2016 that saw several players axed in the fall-out, Ferguson among them.

The quiet resolve he summoned to bounce back from those disappointments now manifests itself in a belief he has a couple more seasons in him as a player at BBL level, in the hope of securing the domestic T20 title he missed with SA in 2010-11 when he was on Australia duties.

"I'm keen to go around again in the Big Bash, for another year or two," he said this week.

"I'm still really enjoying it, I feel like I've been playing well, my numbers have been pretty good over the last three years so I'm hopeful that someone will be keen to get me on board and I'll be keen to contribute to a title hopefully.

"My manager did field a few enquiries towards the back end of the season with list managers keeping an eye on who would be coming out of contract at the end of the year.

"Just how much substance is attached to those enquiries is hard for me to know because I wasn't fielding them myself."

If the opportunity to keep playing is restricted to stints in T20 franchise competitions in Pakistan, the Caribbean and possibly Canada, Ferguson is interested in exploring coaching options although he's not sure he wants to pursue it as a full-time career.

He enjoyed the mentoring work he undertook with the young Thunder squad and believes the strong relationships he developed with emerging players at state level would hold him in good stead should he look to transition into an off-field job in years to come.

But even though SA's men's team doesn't currently include a specialist batting coach, with Ferguson's long-time mentor Greg Blewett vacating the role recently due to his expanded media commitments, he feels it's too soon to return to the Redbacks fold.

"If I was to go into coaching full-time – and at this point I'm not 100 per cent sure I want to do that – I'd always thought that post-playing I'd like to have a few years' separation from the playing group," Ferguson said.

"In the immediate future, I'm probably more interested in some consultant-type coaching, whether it's with a young up-and-coming talent or individuals that are looking for someone to bounce ideas off and work with one-on-one."

As a keen observer of the game whose insights have already been sought as an expert commentator, Ferguson noted with interest former Test captain Greg Chappell's thoughts on revamping the men's domestic program in Australia published on cricket.com.au earlier this week.

While Chappell proposed a full 10-match Sheffield Shield season be programmed prior to the BBL beginning in December, Ferguson believes a similar approach should be taken to the Marsh One-Day Cup competition.

Ferguson, a member of Australia's 2009 ICC Champions Trophy-winning team, would like to see a return to a full domestic 50-over competition in which every state plays each other home and away.

The 10-round one-day format was abandoned in 2011-12 before being re-launched in tournament mode with a reduced number of games that meant states played as few as five preliminary games (2018-19) before the grand finalists were decided.

Scheduling problems wrought by COVID-19 last summer meant only 14 matches were played across the entire tournament, and Ferguson believes an expanded domestic 50-over competition would enhance Australia's prospects at ODI and T20I World Cups.

Echoing Chappell's thoughts that scope exists to begin the Shield season as early as August or September in northern Australia, Ferguson claims one-day games could also be fixtured in the Top End and then scheduled at Test venues further south as weather improved.

"Over the last few years, I've been thinking we could get more one-day cricket in before the start of the traditional Australian summer dates by going up north," he said.

"I feel we've probably left ourselves a bit short in 50-over cricket over the last six or seven years, since they (Cricket Australia) started the tournament format.

"I do want us to play more one-day cricket on the major grounds, but on top of that I think we could also play more matches in the traditional pre-season period to get games into younger guys and help the T20 players as well develop 50-over skills.

"That would mean more Powerplay overs, more middle overs and more death overs for guys to gain experience in and to shape their craft.

"Whenever Australia goes to a World Cup the expectation is we're going to win it, but if we're going to challenge for trophies we need to have played enough of the ODI or T20I formats to be able to compete.

"Other countries that have been successful in recent times have played more of those matches than us at domestic level, and that's got to be a concern for us and something that we need to rectify in my eyes."

Having skippered the Thunder before and after the introduction of last summer's rule changes, Ferguson is also well placed to provide an assessment of their respective merits.

The veteran of 150 top-level T20 appearances across international cricket and tournaments in Australia, India and the UK, he welcomed the BBL's introduction of a two-over Power Surge that a batting team could call in the second half of their innings thereby restricting their opponents to two outfielders.

However, he was not so keen on the revised Bash Boost criteria that awarded a bonus point to the team ahead on scoring comparisons midway through each match's second innings, nor the X-Factor initiative that allowed changes to the on-field XI after the 10th over of the first innings.

"I didn't mind the Power Surge, I thought that could be used tactically and we saw it could be hugely beneficial to some batting sides but could also cause a batting side to implode," he said.

"I'm still not sold on the bonus point at the halfway mark, I'd rather see a side gain a bonus point at the end of the game after they've chased down a score quickly.

"In 50-over cricket you get a bonus point at 40 overs, so maybe in the BBL there's a bonus point for finishing the game inside 15 or 17 overs or whatever and completely obliterating the opposition.

"I feel like a bonus point should come your way for winning, and I don't like the idea of potentially sacrificing your game for a bonus point.

"And the X-Factor player, I don't really like that one either.

"I think we used it once for the tournament, and I just don't think it needs to be in the game."

He also holds reservations about the proposed player draft that has been mooted for international players nominating for BBL|11.

While the likely introduction and associated details of how a draft might operate are yet to be confirmed, Ferguson voiced his fear the allocation of overseas talent via a draft pool might reduce teams' ability to hand-pick players for specific roles within their set-up.

"My major concern is it will be to the detriment of the quality of competition with teams not necessarily being able to plan and build their lists quite as thoroughly as they would have in the past," he said.

"To really make sure they've got the right skills set and the right personality for their group.

"What we might end up seeing is a side that really needed a spin-bowling allrounder ending up with a batter who can bowl a bit of spin because someone else got their preferred player first.

"Or they're chasing a top-three batter but all they could get hold of through the draft was a number five or six finisher.

"I feel like it will be a much more difficult process to try and put your list together effectively, and what we don't want is overseas players sitting on the pine because teams have got more locals that suit specific roles."

https://www.cricket.com.au/news/cal...hing-thunder-south-australia-rules/2021-05-15

 

[BunnyRabbit]

A very talented batter. Should have played around a 100 ODIs.