Custom Bats Cricket Forum
General Cricket => Latest Matches => Ashes 2013/2014 => Topic started by: iand123 on December 29, 2013, 07:33:22 AM
-
Just read an article on the bbc site which was from cook's press conference after the game. He said his future as captain is far from certain. I don't believe this for a minute but got me thinking who would replace him if he did lose the job? I can't think of an obvious replacement other than Ian Bell but even that just feels a bit strange
Anyone got any other ideas?
-
bell or (god forbid) broad.
so bell it would be then.
flower is going to quit. :(
gooch should quit too in my view.
-
I think flower was always going to go out at the end of this series regardless of result.
I think they'd go with broad (quite worryingly) as he's young plays all 3 formats. By no means is that the right criteria but I think they'd give it to him. Bell has to be the only candidate really.
I think you are right with gooch. The batting has been horrific and you do have to question a batting coach when this happens but to be fair I think every single one of those batsmen should be taking a long look at themselves
Can't imagine for one second cook won't be captain anyway.
-
interestingly we only have 7 tests next year and no winter tour. we could give flower a sabbatical and have him back...
-
I'd be inclined to bring someone in to skipper as there is no real contender from within the side. Andrew Gale has always been a great skipper for Yorkshire, and would certainly out do Clarke with his funky fields...
-
I'd be inclined to bring someone in to skipper as there is no real contender from within the side. Andrew Gale has always been a great skipper for Yorkshire, and would certainly out do Clarke with his funky fields...
the player has to be worth his place in the team. if you wanted funky fields you may as well have Rory Hamilton-Brown!
not that you are an unbiased Yorkshire life member at all...! :)
-
I've only managed to watch the highlights of this series or 'lowlights' so I've not seen every minute
My overall impression, is that Mitchell Johnson, has pulled apart our batters, both technically and mentally?
They just couldn't handle the 90 plus mph and bounce off the wicket from a left hander
Which also meant the other bowlers could take full advantage
The Aussie batters have shown,that by attacking bowling, matches are won
And our fielding has been nowhere near upto test standards
Reasons for all the above?
-
the player has to be worth his place in the team. if you wanted funky fields you may as well have Rory Hamilton-Brown!
Hmmmm...it tends to be that we give the captaincy to the best batsman in the side (Hussain, Vaughan, Strauss, Cook) and that batsman's productivity then tails off considerably - the only person to briefly exempt themself from that rule being KP in his very brief stint in charge.
That being the case, its reasonable to ask whether it is a better idea to have Cook averaging 25 instead of 55 and Carberry averaging 30, or to have Cook freed from the shackles of captaincy averaging in the 50s again and someone else averaging 30?
So to Gale. I don't rate him in the top five batsmen in the country, so please don't think I've gone mad. But he is in the top 15-20, and has a solid career record with an average in the high 30s, most of that whilst doing the highest pressure job in English cricket outside the national team. His record is here:
http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/13533.html (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/13533.html)
That number compares very well with Ben Stokes (35) and Fat Sammy Patel (39) who have been deemed good enough to bat in the top six by England...
-
Reasons for all the above?
Tiredness, mental and physical. A couple of shot techniques.
-
I'd be inclined to bring someone in to skipper as there is no real contender from within the side. Andrew Gale has always been a great skipper for Yorkshire, and would certainly out do Clarke with his funky fields...
Yes like the other Yorkshire pies in the team why not just change England to Yorkshire.
At least it looks like you might have a bigger selection next season surely some of your Puddings might have played there Last game hopefully.
For stout Yorkshireman your men Bairstow and Bresnan sure like to shake hands with square leg.
-
It is not necessary that captaincy always weigh on the batsman, for example Michael Clarke and Graeme Smith have been magnificent while being captains (Graeme smith took charge whilst in his early 20's in fairly tumultuous circumstances for SA and Pup had a whitewash in India). Cook was also doing very well prior to the this and the last ashes series. Of course it goes the other way as well, for example Tendulkar's batting definitely suffered. Just depends on the person.
I don't think Cook will be dropped as captain if even if England gets whitewashed given the paucity of other options. The only other bloke would be Bell as I don't thnk they will give KP another chance at it.
I don't think Broad can even be considered - he has to first get around to facing Mitchell Johnson without looking like a scared little bunny - not exactly the best look if you were looking to lead by example.
-
Cook is still the right man to lead the team for me but i still think he sees gooch as a hero than a batting coach. So maybe they need to change their relationship or gooch has to go? I dont think massive knee- jerk reactions will do england eny good though.
-
I dont think massive knee- jerk reactions will do england eny good though.
Why ever not! Couldn't do any worse than continually sticking with this lot. Fair enough being beaten. That can happen to any team away from home. Its the manor in which they have simply shown no fight or desire to win. Some new faces would be exciting to see rather than more of the same.
Its not like people are only now saying Cook has no skill as a captain, they were saying it while we were winning too. He has to go. I'd like to see England do what SA did with Smith. I'd give it to Root and make him bat at 5 so he can focus on developing his skills as captain.
-
I think Flower is going to go at the end of the series. Will Giles now step up to replace him?
Don't think Cook's time is up yet though. Up to now his record has been great. You learn more when things go wrong. I think he will come back a stronger and better captain.
-
For stout Yorkshireman your men Bairstow and Bresnan sure like to shake hands with square leg.
You do talk some piffle. Bairstow doesn't move his feet at all, in any direction!
-
There is no one with experience. The only players left in the team is Bell, KP, Anderson. BROAD is a joke T20 skipper let alone anything else! Prior isn't in the team, KP is not in form and has the history.Anderson is a moaner/sully and that isn't capt material. Bell is the only option if you want a senior player but he doesn't seem a presence on the field and tbh, at 31 I'd rather just have him at 3 and concentrating on batting.
I'd give a few players a game in Sydney (rankin, ballance) and once back in the uk I'd hope they produce a 3-5 year plan, maybe even bring in the kids and build a side again. If that means a junior player like smith was then so be it, better than giving it to a bit part player just because they are senior!! Not broad whatever happens.. Walking ego
-
There is no one with experience. The only players left in the team is Bell, KP, Anderson. BROAD is a joke T20 skipper let alone anything else! Prior isn't in the team, KP is not in form and has the history.Anderson is a moaner/sully and that isn't capt material. Bell is the only option if you want a senior player but he doesn't seem a presence on the field and tbh, at 31 I'd rather just have him at 3 and concentrating on batting.
I'd give a few players a game in Sydney (rankin, ballance) and once back in the uk I'd hope they produce a 3-5 year plan, maybe even bring in the kids and build a side again. If that means a junior player like smith was then so be it, better than giving it to a bit part player just because they are senior!! Not broad whatever happens.. Walking ego
Root could be England captain much sooner than expected if they go for a junior player then. Can't see England going down that route though.
-
Root could be England captain much sooner than expected if they go for a junior player then. Can't see England going down that route though.
Me neither but that only leaves keeping Cook or broad. I'd rather they don't have a skipper than have broad tbh.
-
Jo Root isn't the worst shout in the world tbh much rather him than Broad.
Flower I think was always lined up to leave at the end of this tour or maybe after the summer as we have no winter tour planned so would have given England a while to find a replacement. But Cook is not going to go Anywhere. It's his first major failing as captain and also probably some of the worst form he has been in since he played international cricket. His captaincy is not the most inventive in the world but by and large it gets the job done.
Player wise we either need to stick or twist. Prior is by far and away different league to Bairstow BUT JB has basically carried drinks for 12months, hardly played any competitive cricket last county season as was always in England squads but not playing and then this tour gets chucked in when all is lost and Aussies are cock a hoop. Personally he would not be my choice to replace Prior but that's because I don't think prior needs replacing yet just needs a break.
Carberry has looked good without making a big score and combined with cooks poor form at present doesn't give you a solid opening stand but until one of the young guns is really ready ( I hear about Robson but until hearing about I'm on this forum no idea who he was) Carberry is the best bet. Root again is just out of form and luck, KP is world class and still deserves his place as in my view is Ian Bell, stokes has been good since coming in, wk position is one for debate. Then we have the problem we used to have a strong lower order are up of genuine all rounders, broad used to score regular, Swann the same and Bresnan but that has fallen away over past couple of series. Personally I am not a fan of Broad and honestly believe we have a better player in this country than him for out test team both in terms of ability and the way he conducts himself. Bresnan has bowled around 80mph from what is seen and looks terrified of MJ so he needs to go for me again never really seen what he adds to the team. Swann has retired. Then Jimmy and Monty true 10 & 11.
-
Light of day
Cook should keep the captaincy but this has to be the curve he needs maybe this will hunger the players there is simply nobody else and i hope he goes on from here.
As for the team.
Do we need a new keeper in the background yes i think Prior will come back strong i hope he does.
Spinner for sure we need one maybe a Bothwick or Adil Racheed type all rounder and stick with them.
Stokes is quality although i do not overly rate Root he is a good batsman and will get better.
Bell and KP are world class simple as that so we could go one or two ways.
We need a quick bowler .
My team
Cook
Chopra
Bell
KP
Root
Stokes
Prior
Borthwick/Adil
Board
Finn/Rankin/Overton
Anderson
-
Cook should stay as captain. He's our best bat and had decent results before this series. Clarke had plenty of bad series as captain before this one.
I would like to see rankin and borthwick play in the last test
-
Not surprised by this in the slightest. Actually pleased to read about it. I had the misfortune of watching most of the play last night (staying up late drinking on my birthday helped!) and his captaincy was laughably bad. The field placings were far too defensive for the situation - it was as though he was more interested in saving runs than taking wickets - and the way he shuffled the bowlers was a joke - no point in picking Monty if he's just going to play second fiddle to Root and get taken off after a two over spell.
In addition, Cook has no leadership qualities whatsoever. He is a passive observer of a man. He scored far more runs when he wasn't burdened with the pressure of captaincy, and am sure he will do the same again when a new captain comes in. Exactly who that person should be, I cannot say, but I would actually be tempted to look at county cricket and see what true leaders exist out there that have had a half decent season captaining their county. Get this person nurtured, captain a few Lions games and maybe allow said person to debut as captain against India in the summer. A big step, but one that may be worth taken given the lack of other obvious captains in the current squad.
-
Because 4 100's in his first 4 games as captain is no runs? And Andrew Strauss was very much just a passive observer as well, Cook has been like this ever since he took over its not like hes suddenly got defensive out of no where, one bad series does not a bad captain make.
-
My team
Cook
Chopra
Bell
KP
Root
Stokes
Prior
Borthwick/Adil
Board
Finn/Rankin/Overton
Anderson
Chopra - would you pick him over Sam Robson?
Problem is, when they come back and play in English conditions, they will look like superstars again. I don't think Trott should be discounted yet either.
Captain... Cook is not a captain but will remain captain as there is noone else. He's a key player. Bell is boring. KP is mental... I'm sorry and I know ill get shouted at, but what about bringing Rory Hamilton-Brown in to open. Long term captain, potentially world class bat... Untested but he did the same when he went from Sussex 2s to Surrey.
-
I never liked cook as captain personally. I didn't think he showed anything before while strauss was in charge to be the man to take over either.
yes his record wasn't that bad, but I think that is due to strauss's out of the blue retirmemnet, that the side was on a roll, and not a lot of great input was needed to win back then. now it is, he is struggling for ideas.
look at this test match, day 2 morning, Clarke has several slips, a gully and short leg to mitch, we are 6 down and get blown away.
day 3, morning, we need 1 wicket! yes 1 wicket. we have 1 slip, and men saving runs. that wicket puts on a decent stand.
a captain needs to go for the jugular, not just against the opposition, but also when his own team isn't puling there weight.
so many times, ive seen broad bowl short rubbish, after short rubbish, then whinge about his field, as if its cooks fault, and cook seems to just bend over instantly.
he should be saying "bowl to my field, or ill put someone on who will!"
-
Call up Andy Flower to open and captain!
Should be on the Kolpak by now! :D
-
County cricket is mile away from international cricket. England would never panick like they did back in the dark days of the 80's and appoint an untried county captain that is not worth his place in the side. Those days have gone and England are much better for it. One series and yes it's been a disaster but no need for a knee jerk reaction.
-
County cricket is mile away from international cricket.
It might be, but, with the current system, how does a player ever get experience of captaincy?
-
Got to agree with Keiron unlike Football which i must say i get to watch once every two weeks live well my team anyway not one of i doubt watches enough County stuff to really formulate a real decision.
Robson what he scored 2 Tons against 2 state 2nd elevens before that 100 runs in 10 fc innings but weho knows only seen him once.
It all speculation and facts on here including myself but the stats are not always correct they do not show temperament and other small yet vital ingredients of a proper test match player.
These are picked up by proper judges and scouts who watch them analytic people and converters of said sciences.
As a pre prozone student and very analytical mind we only see the outage here not the whole picture.
We keep spouting names that including me about people we hear or in truth know very little about bar the odd day in a county match or limited overs cricket on telly
-
The man I'd like to see in the England side is Jos Butler he has a real X factor IMO.
Definitely some interesting times ahead for England
-
Got to agree with Keiron unlike Football which i must say i get to watch once every two weeks live well my team anyway not one of i doubt watches enough County stuff to really formulate a real decision.
I always find it amazing how many people who don't watch any county cricket know exactly who should be in the Test team.
-
As a captain you are only as good as your bowling attack.
-
As a captain you are only as good as your bowling attack.
Not to mention your batsmen and fielders...
-
Not to mention your batsmen and fielders...
But first and foremost your bowling attack. I reckon I could've done the job for the West Indies in the 70's no problem. It's easy to set inventive fields when you have control.
-
I always find it amazing how many people who don't watch any county cricket know exactly who should be in the Test team.
Got to agree with that if somebody really asked me about a certain player not even in my own county could i tell you.
I'm as bad as the next man but players like Robson or Chopra who has seen them live in a county championship game
-
Got to agree with that if somebody really asked me about a certain player not even in my own county could i tell you.
I'm as bad as the next man but players like Robson or Chopra who has seen them live in a county championship game
I have. But not enough to be convinced by either.
Chopra seems to be the 'in' call at the moment. In the same way that Bairstow and Taylor were, not so long ago.
-
There are of course more than one type of leader as well leadership is not always about waving and being the loudest.
But as a leader it is part your responsibility is results.
Lets hope our skipper learns but after all he is the leader of our ship and the barmy army did him proud yesterday by the sounds of it
-
Lets hope our skipper learns but after all he is the leader of our ship and the barmy army did him proud yesterday by the sounds of it
I wish someone would sack the Barmy Army.
-
I have seen Robson a fair bit - Mainly because I teach a lad in the Middlesex setup and he has got me my fair share of tickets - Decent, but I am not saying he should be in the test side, just giving a comparison with Chopra. I will say there is a young Zim lad there called Ryan Higgins @ Middlesex (VERY much like Gary Balance) who will play for the England 1-day/T20 setup sooner or later.
But admittedly Malan, Morgan and Neil Dexter are very useful country cricketers BUT Test level is a whole different kettle of fish - None of them good enough in my opinion.
For the players with the ability to play test, your face needs to fit and be lucky with the obvious element of 'dead mans boots' about the whole selection policy. The tagline seems to be "Its yours till you play your way out of it". Great for continuity but I fear the policy has also made a few players a bit lazy.
Personally, James Taylor has paid his dues and deserves a run. I think Stuart Meaker and Tymal Mills need to be looked at as our version of 'Mitch'. Both are very quick bowlers but both need experience of being in, and around, the England set up. Until then, Finn and Rankin are there. However, in English conditions - Anderson, Broad, Bresnan are still your main three and will remain to be so over the next 12 months.
-
Clarke and McCullum widely regarded as inventive captains don't have the respect of the dressing room that Cook does I don't think. These are skills that can be learnt though and I'd rather have someone of Cooks standard making an improvement than a fresh inventive captain who's isn't a good enough batsman.
-
Clarke and McCullum widely regarded as inventive captains don't have the respect of the dressing room that Cook does I don't think. These are skills that can be learnt though and I'd rather have someone of Cooks standard making an improvement than a fresh inventive captain who's isn't a good enough batsman.
Clarke and McCullum do have the respect of their sides.
But they aren't particulary loved or liked.
Whereas wngkand operate on the 'love in'. Cook's well liked/loved. But I doubt his captaincy is respected.
-
The man I'd like to see in the England side is Jos Butler he has a real X factor IMO.
Definitely some interesting times ahead for England
Buttler X Factor?
He's another wild slogger.
He gets exposed in Test cricket within 3-5 matches.
-
Will be very surprised if Borthwick plays the final test!
-
I think Buttler gets a season or two as the everyday keeper for Lancs, whilst keeping in limited overs for England, and then replaces Prior in 2016 as England's no.1 as a game changing no. 7
With Buttler as 'his' keeper for the foreseeable future, that then opens the door for Kegsy to return to the England set-up in 2017 as the replacement for Monty.
-
Why does a WK dictate who your spin bowler is?!
-
Why does a WK dictate who your spin bowler is?!
If it was, why wasn't Monty first choice because he was playing with Prior at Sussex...
Simon Kerrigan does the one thing that all good off spinners are told not to do - Stops at the crease with minimal follow through... Limits overspin and top spin.
-
It might be, but, with the current system, how does a player ever get experience of captaincy?
Why do you need to be a captain in county cricket to be captain of an international side ?
Certainly since international central contracts I can't think of a international captain who was also captain of their county/state etc side.
-
Why do you need to be a captain in county cricket to be captain of an international side ?
Certainly since international central contracts I can't think of a international captain who was also captain of their county/state etc side.
Someone should design the cricketing equivalent of the Hazard Perception driving test - For captains.
Though don't let the tailend take it or they will keep clicking on the bowler!!! :D
-
Captaincy is a separate skill. A good batsmen isn't necessarily a good captain, even if he does have natural leadership skills (unlike Cook). I like the idea of an experienced county captain coming in to the setup, ideally someone who was knocking on the door anyway, like Chopra...
-
Why do you need to be a captain in county cricket to be captain of an international side ?
Certainly since international central contracts I can't think of a international captain who was also captain of their county/state etc side.
You need some experience in some form of cricket.
-
Simon Kerrigan does the one thing that all good off spinners are told not to do - Stops at the crease with minimal follow through... Limits overspin and top spin.
I've seen him turn it. Sadly, I've also seen him land it in the wrong half...
-
Captaincy is a separate skill. A good batsmen isn't necessarily a good captain, even if he does have natural leadership skills (unlike Cook). I like the idea of an experienced county captain coming in to the setup, ideally someone who was knocking on the door anyway, like Chopra...
Not a good idea and can't think of another example of a player making their international debut as a captain and being successful. If you are making your debut you want to be concentrating on your skills and doing well for the team.
-
You need some experience in some form of cricket.
Do you have an example of someone ?
-
Surely someone from the youthful part of the England squad has captained one of the juniors sides? U19s? U21s? For experience
-
Ali Cook does have excellent leadership skills. that is different to being a natural reader of the game. both he and strauss are methodical captains, as Stewart and gooch were. there is nothing wrong with that.
to say they aren't natural leaders misses the point.
bell has frequently captained his county and the lions. cook captained the lions too.
they have experience. they are the best we have.
we need to recognise that the pressure they are under is intense. I am staggered there haven't been more on field riffs between the eng team.
-
I've seen him turn it. Sadly, I've also seen him land it in the wrong half...
I hit him for a 4 once he got me out 2 balls later!!!!!
-
Ali Cook does have excellent leadership skills. that is different to being a natural reader of the game. both he and strauss are methodical captains, as Stewart and gooch were. there is nothing wrong with that.
to say they aren't natural leaders misses the point.
bell has frequently captained his county and the lions. cook captained the lions too.
they have experience. they are the best we have.
we need to recognise that the pressure they are under is intense. I am staggered there haven't been more on field riffs between the eng team.
Agree with that Buzz. If they do change the captain it will be to someone from withing the current team. I think Cook is a good captain who will get better. He leads by example by scoring shed loads of runs (except this series) is calm, carries no baggage, appears to have no ego and will only get better. Needs to learn how to call the toss though as this is vitally important in cricket. More so than in any other sport.
-
If that is the case K-Dog, how come most of the media - both English and Aussie - have criticised him for being overly defensive, slow to react and lacking in innovation.
I've heard that from a variety of different characters from Warne to Botham to Atherton and in the press since the last series.
Is it possible he needs to evolve a little quicker?
-
If that is the case K-Dog, how come most of the media - both English and Aussie - have criticised him for being overly defensive, slow to react and lacking in innovation.
I've heard that from a variety of different characters from Warne to Botham to Atherton and in the press since the last series.
Is it possible he needs to evolve a little quicker?
These were the same criticisms being levelled by the same people at Cook when England were winning. Cook's style of captaincy, and Strauss' was the same, is never going to be popular, especially with the Warnes and Bothams of this world who believe (rightly or wrongly) that they know best. Until now, Cook's captaincy was effective and I'm sure it will be again.
-
I don't think Cook is an exceptional captain however this is his first major fail and his weakness' as a captain have been exposed. You cant really said he's been backed up by his team mates either. If he fails again there is reason for concern however let him rebuild with a new team and see how it goes. If carberry doesnt get 100 in the last test i doubt we will see him in a test shirt again im afraid. I hope trott returns and i think he will, i also think prior needs maybe half a season in the county championship and he will find his former self. I'm not really bothered about the last test and i don't think it will show much of anyone on how they perform. If i were a selector this would be my team for a while and try and build on it.
A.Cook (C)
J.Root
J.Trott (presuming he feels that he is fine to be playing test cricket again)
KP
I.Bell (VC)
S.Davies (WK)
B.Stokes
C.Woakes
S.Broad
J.Anderson (replaced when time is right)
S.Kerrigan
Back up for: (Dependent on form)
Openers - V.Chopra/S.Robson/M.Carberry/N.Compton
Middle order - G.Ballance/J.Taylor/M.Ali
Wicket keepers - M.Prior/J.Buttler/P.Mustard
All rounders(ish) - S.Borthwick/C.Jordan/R.Bopara
Pace - S.Meaker/G.Onions/S.Finn
Spin - S.Borthwick/M.Panasar
Get the back up players playing as much cricket as possible
Just my opinion for what its worth
-
Well I must admit, as much as I am criticising Cook, I'd rather he stayed in the team and captained.
It will be interesting to see what the next two series bring.
-
Because the media have to talk about and blame someone. Look at the people in the media who are talking about Cook, and then look at their records as captains ???.
Next summer when they play and beat India at home and he is scoring loads of runs everyone will say he is superb.
In this series it has been the batsman that have let the team down. The captain has very little or no control over the way they bat. If only he had won the toss and the batsman have been able to score 400+ then it might have been different. Its impossible to be attacking and innovative when you are defending 170 every game.
Plus he has been let down by the senior players and Trott having to go home.
-
I agree our batting has been the critical factor in us being humiliated in this series. However I have also thought our bowling lacks any great threat. I really think we need to inject some pace into the lineup. I'd really like to see Finn and Tremlett back in the fold bowling some serious wheels.
-
Agreed - he's been a man alone, and it kind of showed on his face last night when the catches were going down. Didn't see too many senior players patting him on the bum either.
Would you change nothing K?
-
Do we think Jos Butler will ever be donning the gloves as test keeper?
I'd love to see him coming in at 7 as I think he really does have that X factor and is a really class act.....
-
Agreed - he's been a man alone, and it kind of showed on his face last night when the catches were going down. Didn't see too many senior players patting him on the bum either.
Would you change nothing K?
Yes Bruce I would have played Rankin in Perth and maybe Finn as well. I would bin Bresnan as I don't think he offers anything now.
If I could pick the side for the last test I would go for.
Cook
Carbery
Bell
KP
Ballance
Root
Prior
Broad
Anderson
Rankin
Finn
And get those 4 fast bowlers to shove it right up their nostrils........every ball.
-
Do we think Jos Butler will ever be donning the gloves as test keeper?
I'd love to see him coming in at 7 as I think he really does have that X factor and is a really class act.....
I agree, absolute star in the making. I would love to see him playing all forms next summer.
-
I agree, absolute star in the making. I would love to see him playing all forms next summer.
If he puts in a good display behind the stumps in the Championship I can see him getting into the test squad, don't think he's ready to play test cricket just yet, but being around the squad can only do him good (as long as we don't have another Bairstow situation where he carries the drinks and gets one game every 9 months).
-
Stokes has to keep his place and be given a good run in the team. His hundred is the only positive out of the whole series.
-
Stokes has to keep his place and be given a good run in the team. His hundred is the only positive out of the whole series.
Yes sorry forgot about Stokes (not sure what that says ?) Yes Stokes in for Finn or Ballance ?
-
I'm as bad as the next man but players like Robson or Chopra who has seen them live in a county championship game
As a paid up member at Yorkshire & Middlesex I've probably seen most everyone in Division One play at least twice this year, and have caught the odd Division 2 game as well. I think that probably makes me the odd one out (or, as my wife so succinctly put it, a sad (No Swearing Please)).
-
I can't see wholesale changes, maybe just one big one.
Either Cook steps down, or Flower goes, or a backroom staffing change, or a retirement or two.
I bet with Swanny gone and Prior dropped, every spinner and keeper who has intentions of playing for England will be striving hard over the next few months to get better and have a good start in the 2014 season.
-
Do we think Jos Butler will ever be donning the gloves as test keeper?
I'd love to see him coming in at 7 as I think he really does have that X factor and is a really class act.....
Well I like him, but I wonder why Somerset chose kieswetter over him, was it because they a) do to believe he's food enough or b) believ peeve he's good enough, and would rather lose him now, than lies now and butler to England in the long term?
I suspect b)
Can't seem to find the inns and outs of it though, but butler was signed up for 2 bbl games only as he had England commitments, but this week has extended his stay in the bbl. has something happened?
-
As a paid up member at Yorkshire & Middlesex I've probably seen most everyone in Division One play at least twice this year, and have caught the odd Division 2 game as well. I think that probably makes me the odd one out (or, as my wife so succinctly put it, a sad (No Swearing Please)).
Your job as a civil servent must be giving you more than the usual 30 days a year off then bud..
Flexi time is it....
-
Okay, a few - probably a lot - of thoughts arising from this thread, because I don't want to clog it up by replying to lots of individual posts.
Firstly, on the captaincy - I think people fail to appreciate that the England job is completely different to the role of any other international skipper, even for the cricket mad population of India and, to a lesser extent, Australia. Why? Because it never ends - the fact that the English Season is out of synch with the seasons of the other nine Test playing nations means that the England skipper will be required for a four month home run every year and then one or more likely two stints of a couple of months on away tours. All the time, he will be barracked by the worlds most hostile press - yes, we seem to still like to kick our own in a way that no other country would countenance.
That means that it is a difficult job, and as I have stated elsewhere, it has been taken on by a series of successful batsmen who have each had a period of grace of about six months before the pressure caught up with their games - it happened to Hussain, Vaughan and Strauss and is now happening to Cook (if the dropped catches are not evidence then think how he used to wit out attacks that bowled full and tight to him). If he skippered like Virgil did, there would be an argument for taking the hit in batting productivity for his leadership qualities, but Cook has never seemed better than a guy given the job because there are limited other options.
I would replace him. From within the team, options would be Bell (no - too valuable with the bat, too diffident a character), Broad (no - has proved a lack of tactical acumen) and Anderson (actually not a bad choice now that we have Stokes to reduce his burden of overs). Pietersen would be a credible fourth option, and would actually be my choice were it not for the likely retirement of half the squad that would follow. All this being the case, it would not be madness to select a skipper from outside the starting XI - it worked for the Yarpies with Smith and the West Indians with Sammy, and for those worried that it smacks of England circa 1988 please bear in mind the sensible logical selection policies that have been put in place since and the level headed - and, lets be honest, cash heavy, management structure which supports them.
Who? I said Gale earlier semi jokingly, but actually don't think he would be a terrible call, at least as a stop gap for eighteen months whilst Root gets his had around international cricket and fame. He can bat, catch, and is a very good captain indeed - and I do not say that as a biased Yorkie, but as someone who was really impressed with his man management skills and ability to think outside the box when he took the job on. Of the other county skippers:
Too old - Collingwood, Yardy, Chapple, Trescothick, Key, Read, Peters
Nowhere near good enough - Mitchell, Troughton
Foreign - Sarwan, Smith, Rodgers, Madsen, Peterson, Klinger
Not Even Sure he wants to keep the job: Adams
The only one I could argue would be James Foster...who would be a stop gap solution of the shortest kind, even though I would love to see him get the job and to see his skills on the highest stage again. Someone suggested RHB - I nearly fell off my chair....why would anyone consider a guy of limited talent who presided over the farce of Cocaineshire? A recipe for disaster akin to asking Jesse Ryder and Andrew Symonds to run your club bar!
Gale is a credible candidate...but as I said, one raised jokingly. What I would actually do is as follows (my side to start next Summer):
AN Cook
JE Root
IR Bell
KP Pietersen
MJ Prior (c)
B Stokes
JE Bairstow (w)
S Borthwick/A Rashid
SJ Broad
JM Anderson
B Rankin
(Sorry Bressie!)
Prior has a good cricket brain and can come again as an international, but will struggle to combine three roles - his physical issues with keeping are well known. But at five, he can be a bulwark of the batting, which is reinforced by having a genuine top order bat at seven with the gloves and a decent bat at eight as well. Bairstow deserves a good run at the keeper's role - he has not produced as he might in the test arena but has been royally messed around by England, playing so infrequently that he has rarely been able to start a test in any kind of form, and has shown that he can bat at the top level, even if he has not gone on and converted. Lets take into account that he handled Steyn/Morkel/Philander/Kallis better than anyone and the way he reminded the rest of the England side that Nathan Lyon was a clubbie there to be spanked in the last test.
Someone raised the next names in line - having seen all of them a few times, I would place Robson ahead of Chopra because he has a more classical technique; Chopra is quite hacky with his movements and might be a nick off merchant at the top level. Taylor does not entirely convince me, though could make it if he was selected at a time when he could bed in against slower attacks, and Balance is a year to eighteen months away from being ready. Two names less frequently referenced who I think might break through this year are Alex Lees - a young Cook, not only for his lack of variety in shot selection - and Ben Foakes, who is a lovely batsman to watch.
-
Your job as a civil servent must be giving you more than the usual 30 days a year off then bud..
Flexi time is it....
Nope - its easy enough to catch two days play at Lords between a double night shift! And working bank holidays and taking overtime in lieu pushes 30 days over 50!
-
Well I like him, but I wonder why Somerset chose kieswetter over him,
Buttler will miss at least two months with the England one day side, in which he excels.
In the remaining three and a bit months, at the very best he is no better than CK. His first class record, at least, suggests that he is still a little way behind at this stage, being a natural athlete who has yet to nail the mechanics of keeping and a batsman who plays too many big shots too early. Lancashire could have gotten a bargain, but its more likely that Zummerzet took a hard headed, pragmatic decision.
-
Smith had played for a year in South Africa's test side and played 8 tests and 22 ODI's under Pollock before he was made captain.
-
All this being the case, it would not be madness to select a skipper from outside the starting XI - it worked for the Yarpies with Smith and the West Indians with Sammy, and for those worried that it smacks of England circa 1988 please bear in mind the sensible logical selection policies that have been put in place since and the level headed - and, lets be honest, cash heavy, management structure which supports them.
Sammy had also played international cricket for a number of years and was established in the WI side before being made captain. (or as established as anyone in the WI side back then)
-
Manormanic, I think that analysis is very sound.
I tweeted a while back about Prior playing as a specialist batter to prolong his longevity. Making him skipper also seems just about the only shot if Cook were to go. Would add to the cordon more than likely too.
I agree about Chopra. I have seen him get caught behind off the inside edge three times (playing defensively) the four or five times I have seen him bat. I'm not convinced by Rankin and from what I heard, Rashid's coterie of 'advisors' somewhat burnt his bridges, so Borthwick it is. Maybe Overton will be picked or an Essex left armer, Topley, who actually takes wickets?
-
Why pick our most out of form player to be our next captain? On Paper Prior ticks the boxes but form has to come into it and his form fluctuates too much. Cook is the right man, so is Flower. The team just needs some new faces and a break from the Ashes fairground.
When they won in India these guys were Heros something that all the previous captains in our era didn't get near, let's just stand by them.
-
Why pick our most out of form player to be our next captain? On Paper Prior ticks the boxes but form has to come into it and his form fluctuates too much. Cook is the right man, so is Flower. The team just needs some new faces and a break from the Ashes fairground.
When they won in India these guys were Heros something that all the previous captains in our era didn't get near, let's just stand by them.
Quite.
I did put 'if' Cook goes. I think Prior will come back he is only 31.
Much to Gerry SA's chagrin, I expect, England only play seven Tests next year, meaning Flower has a lot of down time seeing as he has nothing in his remit re. limited overs stuff. I think he'll go of his own volition.
-
Why don't England have a winter your next year?
-
aparantly from a good source if theres anyone whos closest to coming in batting wise from epp.. is robson
-
Ashes reorganisation.
-
I don't think Cook is the problem, English cricket is the problem. He is the right person to be captain, in terms of age, experience and his standing in the game, and if you have to look outside your best Test XI and pick a specialist skipper when that person's playing ability does not warrant selection in the team, then he shouldn't be there. English cricket has always been conservative, negative and dull. England very rarely makes bold choices as captain, and when it does (Botham, Flintoff, Pietersen) it doesn't work. The biggest issue for me is the conservative nature of English play, it's always designed to push for victory only when there is no chance of defeat. Sth Africa is the same, they had an opportunity to create Test history with that chase a week or so back, but they bricked it when they lost Du Plessis and played for the draw, finishing 8 runs shy with 3 wickets in the shed. Last night they batted on far too long when they should've declared behind, or just after Kallis reached his ton, but now they have a day to dismiss India and chase whatever the deficit is, and if India survive the first session, the Test is dead. Alistair Cook isn't the problem, the system is.
-
I don't think Cook is the problem, English cricket is the problem. He is the right person to be captain, in terms of age, experience and his standing in the game, and if you have to look outside your best Test XI and pick a specialist skipper when that person's playing ability does not warrant selection in the team, then he shouldn't be there. English cricket has always been conservative, negative and dull. England very rarely makes bold choices as captain, and when it does (Botham, Flintoff, Pietersen) it doesn't work. The biggest issue for me is the conservative nature of English play, it's always designed to push for victory only when there is no chance of defeat. Sth Africa is the same, they had an opportunity to create Test history with that chase a week or so back, but they bricked it when they lost Du Plessis and played for the draw, finishing 8 runs shy with 3 wickets in the shed. Last night they batted on far too long when they should've declared behind, or just after Kallis reached his ton, but now they have a day to dismiss India and chase whatever the deficit is, and if India survive the first session, the Test is dead. Alistair Cook isn't the problem, the system is.
I think South Africa will destroy Australia though in that coming series.
I think England are tired apparently they spend 270 days out of there own beds last year some off them that has to take it tole.
What did go on in the previous 3 series with Australia and the India.
The dust will settle we will re-org and we will fight on..
-
I have seen Robson a fair bit - Mainly because I teach a lad in the Middlesex setup and he has got me my fair share of tickets - Decent, but I am not saying he should be in the test side, just giving a comparison with Chopra. I will say there is a young Zim lad there called Ryan Higgins @ Middlesex (VERY much like Gary Balance) who will play for the England 1-day/T20 setup sooner or later.
But admittedly Malan, Morgan and Neil Dexter are very useful country cricketers BUT Test level is a whole different kettle of fish - None of them good enough in my opinion.
For the players with the ability to play test, your face needs to fit and be lucky with the obvious element of 'dead mans boots' about the whole selection policy. The tagline seems to be "Its yours till you play your way out of it". Great for continuity but I fear the policy has also made a few players a bit lazy.
Personally, James Taylor has paid his dues and deserves a run. I think Stuart Meaker and Tymal Mills need to be looked at as our version of 'Mitch'. Both are very quick bowlers but both need experience of being in, and around, the England set up. Until then, Finn and Rankin are there. However, in English conditions - Anderson, Broad, Bresnan are still your main three and will remain to be so over the next 12 months.
totally agree about ryan, he is quite incredible tbh, no nearly good enough for the full england setup atm, but he is exceptional, I played against him, and he scored 156 not out in a T20 match, and we are no slouches, he made us look, frankly, totally (No Swearing Please), great timer of the ball, and I tink he could also be good enough for the longer format
-
I don't think Cook is the problem, English cricket is the problem. He is the right person to be captain, in terms of age, experience and his standing in the game, and if you have to look outside your best Test XI and pick a specialist skipper when that person's playing ability does not warrant selection in the team, then he shouldn't be there. English cricket has always been conservative, negative and dull. England very rarely makes bold choices as captain, and when it does (Botham, Flintoff, Pietersen) it doesn't work. The biggest issue for me is the conservative nature of English play, it's always designed to push for victory only when there is no chance of defeat. Sth Africa is the same, they had an opportunity to create Test history with that chase a week or so back, but they bricked it when they lost Du Plessis and played for the draw, finishing 8 runs shy with 3 wickets in the shed. Last night they batted on far too long when they should've declared behind, or just after Kallis reached his ton, but now they have a day to dismiss India and chase whatever the deficit is, and if India survive the first session, the Test is dead. Alistair Cook isn't the problem, the system is.
Well, it's surely the same system that led England to being the number 1 test nation in the world not that long ago. The same system that led England to an historic series win in India, and the same system that led England to 3 straight ashes series wins. The problem isn't the system now, the system was the problem when we had to endure a frankly amateur side trying to compete in the late 80's and most of the 90's.
I think a very talented group of players has run out of steam with too many being out of form at the same time. A lot of that is just to do with timing and luck, so I think the nation just has to take a chill pill.
A bit of time for this side to reflect, spend some time at home, then add a couple of new faces around the set up and they will be just fine.
-
totally agree about ryan, he is quite incredible tbh, no nearly good enough for the full england setup atm, but he is exceptional, I played against him, and he scored 156 not out in a T20 match, and we are no slouches, he made us look, frankly, totally (No Swearing Please), great timer of the ball, and I tink he could also be good enough for the longer format
Don't get me wrong, the guy is 19, but being a Berkshire lad myself, I had heard alot about this lad coming to England about 6 years ago and stunning coaches left, right and centre.
Seeing him play in a few matches, looking as dangerous as any of the other batsmen out there... If any county knows how to develop young players into ones capable of international cricket, Middlesex is up there!
-
I've only managed to watch the highlights of this series or 'lowlights' so I've not seen every minute
My overall impression, is that Mitchell Johnson, has pulled apart our batters, both technically and mentally?
They just couldn't handle the 90 plus mph and bounce off the wicket from a left hander
Which also meant the other bowlers could take full advantage
He has had a good series but he's not exactly in the Akhtar/Wasim/Waqar class of fast bowling. We have made him look like that which is very disappointing. Imagine this crop going up against them... :o
Watching it last night, Warne had a few words for Cook and his captaincy. I had to agree with his viewpoint. You could tell that Athers really wanted to agree with him but could'nt publically...ex England captain convention!!
I thought Cooks treatment of Monty was embarassing for him and would have done nothing for his confidence. Incredibly short sighted in my view given that he is now our senior spinner. When he did bring him on. it was the oposite side to where Lyon had taken his wickets >:(
-
Do you think England should consider asking Vaughan, Hussain and Strauss to talk to Cook? They are all experienced England 'heroes'. May be worthwhile getting some former skips to give him advice?
-
Do you think England should consider asking Vaughan, Hussain and Strauss to talk to Cook? They are all experienced England 'heroes'. May be worthwhile getting some former skips to give him advice?
I guess no idea is a bad idea, I suspect though that this the last thing Cook wants right now.
-
Strauss has a future i think in some capacity with the England team
-
all eng captains have multiple sesions with Brearley
-
all eng captains have multiple sesions with Brearley
Simon Hughes said this on the radio, but did temper it with how the modern game has moved on.
Not much to be done than suck it up and move on with purpose.
-
Who would want take over as captain or coach its a very septic England squad!!!!! Biggest problem is relying on foreign talent qualifying for England via the length of residency, and in addition to this the failure to blood genuine English talent at international level and stick with them while they learn. Makes you wonder what the future holds when Irish and South African born players and some who have even played for Ireland etc are then accepted into the English squad with open arms makes you wonder if they believe in English talent at all!!!!!!!
-
Also simon hughes has just tweeted if we win the last one in sydney that would be 4-4 in a 10 match series, thats not too bad is it?
-
Also simon hughes has just tweeted if we win the last one in sydney that would be 4-4 in a 10 match series, thats not too bad is it?
England win on away goals...
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
-
Also simon hughes has just tweeted if we win the last one in sydney that would be 4-4 in a 10 match series, thats not too bad is it?
Doesn't it then go on count back. Which would mean Aus win 4-1.
-
Also simon hughes has just tweeted if we win the last one in sydney that would be 4-4 in a 10 match series, thats not too bad is it?
The words 'clutching', 'at' and 'straws' spring to mind there. Whatever gives your lot solace though.
-
The words 'clutching', 'at' and 'straws' spring to mind there.
I have to agree.
two different series. I would rather have the ashes than any fanciful moral high ground.
we have been hammered. the only way to improve is to accept that
-
I have to agree.
two different series. I would rather have the ashes than any fanciful moral high ground.
we have been hammered. the only way to improve is to accept that
At the end of the day, it is played 2, won 1, lost 1, so not the end of the world as many seem to make out.
We have been outplayed most of the time in this series and few positives coming out of it. It is how the team respond and bounce back in the summer which is key.
Ot would be nice to leave Aus with the Ashes, and I expected Eng to pit up more of a fight.
-
Maybe we should play 2 match test series. That way the worst defeat we could have is a 2-0 drubbing. Sounds a lot better and our bowlers would be nice and fresh.
-
With all this talk of Cook and Flower and all the rest of them leaving, do you think it has anything to do with Paul Downton taking over from Hugh Morris?
I don't know how it could, but you have to ask.
-
downton doesn't start until Jan 1st and is a thoroughly good guy. nothing to do with his appointment.
-
Looking at the latest news reports Flower says he is keen to stay on with England. A bit of a change from a few weeks ago when he refused to comment beyond the end of the series. Perhaps he doesn't want to go out on a 5-0 whitewash?
-
Not really, why would'nt he want to rebuild england?
Yes we have been poor and outplayed in this series
It's one series thats all
Clearly england have for things wrong-taking 3 huge bowlers on tour and not playing them for a start
The first thing to do is get bell batting at 3....not root he should be lower down
And this may be controvertial but get prior back in
We have limited choices on tour ballance may get a go soon enough in 2014
And i would bring back nick compton-yes really
-
downton doesn't start until Jan 1st and is a thoroughly good guy. nothing to do with his appointment.
Do you know him Buzz ?
I always thigh the was ordinary as a player.
-
no I don't know him, but he has worked in the city for a number of years and has a very solid reputation.
-
Do you know him Buzz ?
I always thigh the was ordinary as a player.
never let anyone down, and became more than a cricketer after his career came to an abrupt end. Not sure there is any reason for undue scepticism?
-
There are 3 things that have let England down in this series only in my opinion of course.
1. Cook's poor captaincy ( tactical, field positioning, bowling changes )
2. Batsmen's lack of commitment
3. Anderson's poor performance with the ball ( don't want to hear "oh he is tired, worn out". He doesn't look at all interested and has no passion )
Cook should stay captain simply because their isn't anyone good enough to take over. He needs to sit back and look at his mistakes and talk to who ever he needs to to help correct these mistakes.
They have the batsmen to win but they need to work hard, find the commitment and just bat as long as they can.
Drop Anderson to give him a reality check... He isn't indispensable.
-
Anderson is a tricky one - he has not been good this series, though to be fair the Australian conditions are those in which he is likely to be least of an influence overall. I think a combination of tiredness/too much time on the road, those pitches and maybe losing a foot of pace have made him a bit pop gun, but I think he still has a future in the England side.
-
Do you have an example of someone ?
Nasser Hussain. He captained his county, as did most England captains before him. Since Hussain, only Strauss has been a success. Perhaps more by luck than judgement?
-
Nasser Hussain. He captained his county, as did most England captains before him. Since Hussain, only Strauss has been a success. Perhaps more by luck than judgement?
that Michael Vaughan bloke, he was a disaster as a captain. better forget his reign. oh.
actually only Flintoff was a failure and even he did well in India
-
Flintoff's captaincy manifesto:
1. Play Johnny Cash really loud
2. Have a beer with oppo, what's twelve among friends?
3. ....
Where did it go wrong?
-
There are 3 things that have let England down in this series only in my opinion of course.
1. Cook's poor captaincy ( tactical, field positioning, bowling changes )
2. Batsmen's lack of commitment
3. Anderson's poor performance with the ball ( don't want to hear "oh he is tired, worn out". He doesn't look at all interested and has no passion )
Similarly I only think three things have let England down in this series:
1) Batting
2) Bowling
3) Fielding
-
It's true Cook's decision making on all levels has been extremely poor this series, even down to picking heads or tails at the toss!! but give him a break he's only been in the job a year, during which time he amongst other things:
a) captained a first series win in India for god knows how long
b) won a home Ashes series
I think he needs to sit down with Flower and perhaps Gooch and analyse his mistakes during this series and he strikes me as the sort of skipper who would be willing to listen to constructive criticisms and hopefully improve in the future
-
that Michael Vaughan bloke, he was a disaster as a captain. better forget his reign. oh.
Captained his county. (I think.)
-
Since Vaughan (I meant him), only Strauss has been a success. :o
-
Captained his county. (I think.)
He was captain of England first.
-
Cook has been average as best with regards his Captaincy since he became Captain, but there are no suitable alternatives in the team. Its hard to see in the current set up where players are suppose to gain any experience at Captaincy especially as the players are not involved with county cricket. Should players with Captain potential be groomed more in the performance squad?
It could be seen as a symptom of a coaching system that places the emphasis on off field analysis and concentrates on details which places little importance on the role of the Captain, which leads to emasculated players and Captain.
-
T20 and ODI captain.
Not the same, but a step in the right direction.
Broad will be the next captain if Cook steps down and Prior not returning to the fold. Unless Trott returns at some point, however unlikely, he may get a go.
-
T20 and ODI captain.
Not the same, but a step in the right direction.
Broad will be the next captain if Cook steps down and Prior not returning to the fold. Unless Trott returns at some point, however unlikely, he may get a go.
Even if Trott did return I don't think he'd be in the right condition to captain the team. Would Bell not make a decent choice then?
-
Even if Trott did return I don't think he'd be in the right condition to captain the team. Would Bell not make a decent choice then?
Dunno. Personally, can't see it, but I do not know what he is like off the field.
Broad is already getting captaincy experience so is the logical (if not sensible) choice.
-
Broad doesn't come across as the right person for test captaincy to me personally.
-
He doesn't, and history stands squarely against it - if you look back over the last 35 years, how many test captains have been front line seamers? I can think of Bob Willis and Ian Botham for England, Darren Sammy and (briefly) Courtney Walsh for the West Indies, Wasim and Waqar for Pakistan and Shaun Pollock (again briefly) for the Yarpies.
Of those, three were unconditional failures, two were interim selections and one was an okay choice. Sammy I don't rank as I have yet to meet anyone who thought he was actually there for his bowling!
-
Imran Khan seems the obvious exception.
-
I don't think they should let Broad near it. He has too much of a 'hot head'.
Also I think it is very hard to captain a side as a bowler (having done a bit of it myself). When you are bowling you don't get time to rest between overs (too busy sorting out fields / what to do next / keeping everyone on their game) and when you're not bowling you always thinking 'should I bring myself back on here?' Very difficult job.
-
Imran Khan seems the obvious exception.
Fair point - I thought about including him but felt that his spells as captain coincided with him being more of a support seamer, though that does not entirely apply to his first stint. He may therefore, should you wish, stand as "the exception" that proves "the rule"? :)
-
I'd like to see Joe Root installed as vice captain and hopefully fast track this guy to England captain. I don't see anyone else unfortunately.
If we were to (No Swearing Please) ourselves and panic and sack cook I would be tempted to give it KP short term. Think we would get a massive reaction from him.
-
Cook. Done.
There quite simply is, no other viable option.
-
I'd like to see Joe Root installed as vice captain and hopefully fast track this guy to England captain. I don't see anyone else unfortunately.
If we were to (No Swearing Please) ourselves and panic and sack cook I would be tempted to give it KP short term. Think we would get a massive reaction from him.
Yeah it would - him sticking two fingers up at the ECB and laughing at the fact he was previously sacked as captain and now they have gone crawling back.
You think he is cocky and arrogant now - he would be unbareable!
-
I'd like to see Joe Root installed as vice captain and hopefully fast track this guy to England captain. I don't see anyone else unfortunately.
If we were to (No Swearing Please) ourselves and panic and sack cook I would be tempted to give it KP short term. Think we would get a massive reaction from him.
There might be a massive reaction from him but the rest of the squad would retire!
-
There might be a massive reaction from him but the rest of the squad would retire!
There's not much of the squad left that was there during "textgate" that would leave.
cook, bell, anderson and broad. non of which can demand high ipl salaries. so they'd all end up staying for there careers anyway.
not that i believe kp should be skipper. important not sure wrong have a leader amongst them at moment. no one seems to stand out as leadership material
-
Whilst this tour has been massively disappointing from an English perspective I don't think getting rid of Cook is the answer. How many people wanted Cook out after the home ashes series? How many wanted him out after either of the series against New Zealand? Who wanted to get rid of him after beating India in India?
People can continue to call Cook negative or passive or whatever other insults they want to throw at him but the fact is that England's highest first innings score on this tour is 255. Is it Cook's fault that the batsman haven't stepped up as you would expect on this tour? I would say that at present Cook is still the best person to lead England in test cricket and test captaincy isn't all about putting fielders in unorthodox positions.