Head to head - Andrew McDonald v Marcus North

Well, it's been a long time between drinks for The Boys From The Balls, but with an imminent overseas tour coming up for the Australian cricket team (and the subsequent trips to Eastlakes footy club to watch the games on the big screen whilst tucking into a chicken parma) and the AFL season a mere torpedo punt away, it's time to get back on the wagon.

And what better way to do so, than another edition in our "Head to Head" series. This time, it's the 2 blokes seemingly vying for the number 6 spot in the Australian side, Rockin' Ronnie McDonald and Severley Boringly Named North.

MC Gregor

Here it is laid out nice and simply. McDonald seems like a genuinely nice guy. He bowls a tight length. He's ok with the bat and would be a welcome personality in a team which is increasingly full of metrosexuals. But, tragically, he is a red-head and is therefore not suitable for anything other than amusing small children at parties.Plus North is better than him.

Mix Master D

But they're not really battling for the same spot. The way I see it, if the selectors want an all rounder, they'll pick McDonald to play at 6 or 7. If they want an extra batsman, they'll pick North to bat at 6. The fact that North bowls some offies (and seemingly good ones at that) is an added bonus. Kind of like Michael Clarke's bowling. And if Clarke isn't fit, they'll play both of them.

MC Gregor

I think for this test it’s a moot point, but if Australia plays on a spinners deck, then it is North v McDonald. North's right arm orthodox provides a bit of variety from McGain and Clark, and could be a strong bonus. Plus he's going to average 10-15 runs more with the bat. I really like the prospect of North as an all-rounder in the short-term, then fully fledged batter in the medium turn.

Mix Master D

He doesn't really provide any different to Clarke in that they're both part time slow bowlers. Spinner's deck or not, I'm not sure if the Australian selectors would want to burden North with being one of their genuine bowling options. I like to think of him as someone that can be turned to if required, but that shouldn't actually be playing as an all rounder. He is, after all, a batsman.

MC Gregor

He doesn't round arm sling like Clarke, plus I don't think Australia has really overburdened their fifth bowler for a long, long time. Indeed, Symo hardly bowled, McDonald got a few overs, but nothing out of the book. If the pitch is a seamers delight, then I think McDonald might be a better fit this Test. But on all other scenarios, I think having an additional bit of spin (particularly if it’s tight) and having a decent batsman (left hander to boot) would be too attractive to miss out on.

Mix Master D

I think you're just hating on McDonald cos you don't want to get in bed and snuggle with him

MC Gregor

Mix Master, he has no soul. He is the ginger un-dead. I can respect him...heck I can even like him a little...but I don't trust 'im. Plus I am assured that North is, like, the most tops cricket guy eva! OMG he, like, totally rocks.

Mix Master D

For fear of sending you into a youth-induced fit, I'll concede you this. North is a better batsman and should be selected if they wish to have a batsman. However, if they wish to have an all rounder, then McDonald is the man. North's bowling is a handy addition but you wouldn't pick him for it. Just like Michael Clarke (and he took his 6 wicket haul in a Test match).

MC Gregor

So it appears we kind of agree that North should be an option with the bat (perhaps long-term). Our only dispute is on whether McDonald is the better option on all types of pitches. I think that's as close as we're likely to get.

Mix Master D

I've tried to get closer, but you keep on pushing me away

MC Gregor

cough cough