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General Cricket => Latest Matches => Topic started by: edge on September 11, 2018, 07:50:04 PM
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Yes I'm going there already... it's been a cracking series v India but there's plenty of questions over the side, especially with a subcontinent tour coming up. Quite a lot of cricket to be played in between, but nothing like a long range predicton... what would be your tour squad and starting XI for the first test? Assume a 16-man squad, let's see if anyone can channel Ed Smith and get it all right (given his record so far, I bet none of us do).
First test XI:
1 Jennings
2 Burns
3 Ali
4 Root
5 Stokes
6 Buttler
7 Bairstow
8 Woakes
9 Rashid
10 Leach
11 Jimmy
Squad players:
Vince
Clarke (expect Pope more likely to go but prefer Clarke's experience of subcontinent A tours/batting top 3 - Pope goes with Lions to UAE)
Curran
J Overton
Bess.
Broad gets a rest. Near misses/Lions contenders - Livingstone (if he gets a few before the end of the season), Samit, Stone, Parkinson.
Who would you choose?
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@Bats_Entertainment will be mad we playing selector again....
Oh well
Jennings
Burns
Ali
Root
Bairstow
Stokes
Buttler
Rashid
Broad/Curran
Leach
Anderson
Squad would be woakes, pope, Vince, Bess, Overton.
Don’t like to agree with @Seniorplayer but woakes will be squealed on those pitches.
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@Bats_Entertainment will be mad we playing selector again....
So long as it's not in the county championship thread we'll be alright! No Leach, even though you've picked 17?
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So long as it's not in the county championship thread we'll be alright! No Leach, even though you've picked 17?
Forgot to put leach in my starting xi. Only had ten as it be broad or Curran.
Overton to travel if the rumours are true and they rest broad.
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Squad of 16 for me,
Jennings
Burns
Denly
Vince/Pope
Root
Buttler
Bairstow
Ali
Rashid
Leach
Stokes
S. Curran
Broad
Anderson
Woakes
Stone/ J.Overton
Can’t decide between Vince/Pope and Stone/Overton but don’t see them playing much anyways so isn’t a massive deal which of them they take
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I don’t see any point in flogging Anderson or Broad around those pitches. Pick all the fringe quicks and see who thrives.
They will only be playing bit parts anyway.
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I don’t see any point in flogging Anderson or Broad around those pitches. Pick all the fringe quicks and see who thrives.
They will only be playing bit parts anyway.
That’s what Australia have done for there tour of pakistan
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That’s what Australia have done for there tour of pakistan
They've only picked their fringe batsmen, too... ;)
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That’s what Australia have done for there tour of pakistan
Not strictly true. Hazlewood, Cummins and Pattinson have merely renewed their memberships to their local hospitals as the resident sick notes
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Hoping that Jamie Overton gets a shot. Starc managed to blast out Sri Lanka when they went down their. Overton similar pace could rattle them.
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From the India series, drop Jennings and pick Burns. Rest all are fine. And pick an extra spinner. Not too sure anyone is good enough though.
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From the India series, drop Jennings and pick Burns. Rest all are fine. And pick an extra spinner. Not too sure anyone is good enough though.
You might need another opening batsmen though
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Have to say, given Cook's announcement and Jennings form the pressure was on opening batsmen in the championship this week. The hundred Burns hit when teammates fell at the other end bodes very well with regards to his temperament.
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No point in having more than 2 pace bowlers in the starting XI. Possibly have Stokes as 3rd pace bowler/all rounder.
Then play as many spinners as possible. Obviously Root, Rashid and Ali are starters on those wickets. But at least one "proper" Leach/Bess spinner and a few more batsmen.
Should be an interesting starting XI :D
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is there any point/likelihood in/of loading the side with not good enough spinners, we don't really have much previous for not just picking 2 spinners and 3/4 seamers.
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No point in having more than 2 pace bowlers in the starting XI. Possibly have Stokes as 3rd pace bowler/all rounder.
Then play as many spinners as possible. Obviously Root, Rashid and Ali are starters on those wickets. But at least one "proper" Leach/Bess spinner and a few more batsmen.
Should be an interesting starting XI :D
Completely agree, anyone who saw the SL vs SA series would have seen how much spin was bowled. SL only played 1 seamer throughout the series (Lakmal) and he's the captain! and he only bowled 6.3 overs across the 2 tests!
In the series -
Wickets to seam = 15
Wickets to spin = 57
1st test at Galle -
https://www.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scorecard/20164/sl-vs-rsa-1st-test-south-africa-tour-of-sri-lanka-2018 (https://www.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scorecard/20164/sl-vs-rsa-1st-test-south-africa-tour-of-sri-lanka-2018)
2nd test at Colombo -
https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-scores/20165/sl-vs-rsa-2nd-test-south-africa-tour-of-sri-lanka-2018 (https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-scores/20165/sl-vs-rsa-2nd-test-south-africa-tour-of-sri-lanka-2018)
Team for the 1st test -
1. Burns
2. Jennings
3. Mo
4. Root
5. Butler
6. Stokes
7. Bairstow
8. Curran
9. Rashid
10. Leach
11. Anderson
Others to Tour -
12. Broad - him and Anderson to rotate
13. Pope - spare middle order bat
14. Denly - spare top order/opener
15. Woakes - alternative to Curran
16. Jamie Overton / Oli Stone - young quick bolter to tour as different option
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There is a genuinely eclectic load of selections from the below Telegraph article, so I have followed suit!
My team for SL
Burns,
Stoneman, (won't get picked it will be Jennings and Denly)
Ali,
Root,
Buttler, (whoever keeps needs to be at 7 due to the heat and having to stand up for most of the day)
Stokes,
Bairstow,
Curran,
Leach,
Bess, (yes three spinners. This is sri Lanka we are talking about.)
Anderson/Broad
Plus Pope, Livingston, Overton, Archer (fast tracked!)
We know that Denly will get picked and could end up opening with Burns in the tests.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2018/09/12/england-xis-first-test-v-sri-lanka-writers-make-picks/amp/?__twitter_impression=true (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2018/09/12/england-xis-first-test-v-sri-lanka-writers-make-picks/amp/?__twitter_impression=true)
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Oooh, this is really interesting.
So, in picking my XI, I am assuming that we get similar pitches to the ones that the Yarpies got last season - though this is not the given everyone assumes, as a Barmy Army tour brings with it certain financial benefits that the South Africans just can't mirror. As such, I would not be hugely surprised if two of the three tests are played on more Indian style pitches designed to last the full five days (and extract the full five days revenue). My thinking then takes the following path:
1. I want Liam Livingstone in the side. He was by far our best player when the Lions toured down there, and he gives us a useful additional spin option.
2. I want Ed Smith to retract from the Rashid farce and make a clear statement that County cricket matters. That means that, even though I think its the wrong time to blood Burns, who would ideally wait until the West Indies, he's in.
3. I want to rest some of our older bowlers, whether they like it or not.
4. I'm taking 16 players, because I want to have options, and to give experience to a couple of players.
So that got me:
Burns
Buttler
Ali
Root
Stokes
Bairstow
Livingstone
Curran
Rashid
J Overton
Leach
In the squad, I would take Anderson, in case we do get a flat top where his craft will benefit the side, and Vince as the reserve batsman (Pope misses out because I genuinely think it is a bit too soon for him, and we have enough number sixes anyway). I'd then have three quite left field solutions:
Ben Foakes - won't let anyone down with the bat, and was talked of as a good tourist last year. At the back of my mind, there is the thought that if the ball is really ragging, we may actually want our strongest gloveman there.
Amar Virdi - Rashid as one of three and two half spinners is okay, but the fact is that leg spin may not be the route on these pitches. If that turns out to be the case, Virdi for me edges Bess for the accuracy needed to get the best out of them.
Ben Coad - I know this one has been suggested elsewhere and mocked, but there is actually a good argument for it - Coad is excellent bowling cutters with the keeper up to the stumps, and bowls a similar trajectory to guys like Vaas and Lakmal who do well there. He would only be back up for injuries, and it would be good experience and a change for teh coaches to work with him.
My squad
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Controversial @Manormanic ! Deja vu in one way at least - why on earth bat Livingstone at 7? He normally bats 3/4 and scored all his boatloads of Lions runs at 4 last year, so why bat him behind Stokes and Bairstow who are natural 6/7 players? I agree I'd like him in though, hopefully he gets a few in the last two CC games and gets selected feeling confident.
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Well, aside from Buttler, who is a strategic move, you have Stokes, who wants to bat six but should probably bat five and Bairstow, who wants to bat five but should probably bat six. So, seven. It used to be the way that the new guy came in at the bottom of the established batting order to find his feet and I see no issue with that still being the case now personally. Though I agree you could just as easily go Livingstone/Stokes/YJB or Livingstone/YJB/Stokes!
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It did used to be that way, until Ian Bell failed to make the step up from 5 to 3 and then all the all-rounders got in the way. 7 is the slot for a keeper or all-rounder, picking a specialist bat to bat 7 is like telling them you don't think they're good enough before they've even had a go.
Also, regardless of who prefers to bat where (I think Bairstow is starting to realise he doesn't want to bat at 5) - if you're taking Stokes/YJB/AN Other to bat 5/6/7 then look at it this way; Stokes has done ok at 5 but performed best at 6 and was terrible at 7. Bairstow has been great at 7, ok at 6 and poor at 5. Clearly we need a no5!
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I am coming round to the fact that anything more than 1 pace will be excess!! So I reckon better to have 1 pace plus Stokes!
Burns
Denly/jennings
Vince
Root
Buttler
Stokes
Bairstow (keeper)
Ali
Leach
Bess/Rashid
Anderson/Broad/Curran
some choices to be taken in the next week!!
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When are the squads announced?
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Great to see Olly Stone called up! The lad bowls gas!!!
A friend of mine coached him as a youngster at Northants and said he will make it to the very top - he wasn't wrong!
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one day squad out
Olly Stone in it, I think a forum tip for the top :)
liam dawson still in which is a bit of a surprise.
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one day squad out
Olly Stone in it, I think a forum tip for the top :)
liam dawson still in which is a bit of a surprise.
Yes, a spinning all rounder who's been in and around the squads for a while, who has been performing well domestically and for the Lions. What a surprising selection...
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Yes, a spinning all rounder who's been in and around the squads for a while, who has been performing well domestically and for the Lions. What a surprising selection...
and a Hampshire player of course :)
who is not a kolpack :)
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More detail about to be published in my blog that I linked earlier, but my 11 for the first test plus travelling squad:
1. Rory Burns
2. Keaton Jennings
3. Moeen Ali
4. Joe Root (c)
5. Ben Stokes
6. Jos Buttler (vc)
7. Jonny Bairstow (wk)
8. Dom Bess
9. Sam Curran
10. James Anderson
11. Jack Leach
Not playing: Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, Jamie Porter, Joe Denly, Olly Stone, James Vince and Adil Rashid.
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Good to see Stone getting a call up. His first class and fitness records aren't ideal but it is good to see England taking a look at someone who has the attributes to help England to win abroad rather than pick the low-80s seamers who are cannon fodder abroad without a Dukes ball on dry surfaces.
Less impressed to see Dawson in that squad. A left over from the experiment of picking spinners based on their ability to bat. Ali and Root are there as batsman who can bowl spin and Rashid has a comparable first class average to Dawson with the bat. There should be a front line spinner taking that spot
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Dawson's just there as cover isn't he - very unlikely to actually play any cricket but steady head and won't let anyone down as a replacement for Ali or Rashid if called upon. Gun fielder as well iirc? If they were considering playing 3 spinners you'd assume 4 would have made the squad.
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Less impressed to see Dawson in that squad. A left over from the experiment of picking spinners based on their ability to bat. Ali and Root are there as batsman who can bowl spin and Rashid has a comparable first class average to Dawson with the bat. There should be a front line spinner taking that spot
Dawson was one of the major standout performers in the England lions tri series (from all teams) this summer including ripping through a strong spin playing side like India A in English conditions. His bowling record and consistency alone in recent years puts him up there as one of the best limited overs spinners in the country before you even start to consider his batting and gun fielding.
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Dawson averages less than one wicket per match in his list a career, so he's not scaring anyone with his non turning left armers. He's merely a fill in in case Moeen gets a knock, Dawson in quite frankly no more that bits and pieces(poor mans Jadeja/Shakib)
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Dawson's just there as cover isn't he - very unlikely to actually play any cricket but steady head and won't let anyone down as a replacement for Ali or Rashid if called upon. Gun fielder as well iirc? If they were considering playing 3 spinners you'd assume 4 would have made the squad.
Seems to me to be an odd player to take on tour as cover though when we are nonths away from a world cup. Would much rather see a young spinner with something about him like Matt Parkinson have that opportunity
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Seems to me to be an odd player to take on tour as cover though when we are nonths away from a world cup. Would much rather see a young spinner with something about him like Matt Parkinson have that opportunity
They won't take a third spinner in the World Cup squad, so it actually makes some sense to take a guy who is there and thereabouts and known to be a good tourist.
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Dawson averages less than one wicket per match in his list a career, so he's not scaring anyone with his non turning left armers. He's merely a fill in in case Moeen gets a knock, Dawson in quite frankly no more that bits and pieces(poor mans Jadeja/Shakib)
An excellent example of how a changing playing role (among other reasons) can affect someones career stats. Take the last 3 years and Dawsons wickets per match increases to 1.6.
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An excellent example of how a changing playing role (among other reasons) can affect someones career stats. Take the last 3 years and Dawsons wickets per match increases to 1.6.
Wait, you mean he didn't take any wickets in those matches early in his career when he played solely as a batsman, and that had an effect on his average number of wickets per game?
Don't let the truth cloud your judgement of irrelevant stats ;)
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one day squad out
Olly Stone in it, I think a forum tip for the top :)
liam dawson still in which is a bit of a surprise.
Ollie Stone now he's back to full fitness probably would have been selected sooner except for injury
tipped him to tour in the England v India thread watched him bowl in July topped 90 MPH.
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When's the test squad out - that's the one that interests me!
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Test squad is out tomorrow and there are rumours that Jason Roy could be in it. 😮😮😮
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Test squad is out tomorrow and there are rumours that Jason Roy could be in it. 😮😮😮
Pffft! You've been on the office sherry a bit early haven't you?
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Pffft! You've been on the office sherry a bit early haven't you?
Nah, just passing on what the Wisden editor has said.
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Roy would be my first pick to open for the test
He has shown he has what is necessary to perform on the international stage something we are in fairly short supply of when it comes to openers
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I would question whether Roy has the defensive technique against spin for test cricket. We all know that in one day stuff he can take offies in particular to the cleaners, but on a day 4/5 deck in Colombo would he be able to keep out enough balls to get a decent score?
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I would question whether Roy has the defensive technique against spin for test cricket. We all know that in one day stuff he can take offies in particular to the cleaners, but on a day 4/5 deck in Colombo would he be able to keep out enough balls to get a decent score?
Only one way to find out. I think he's great, and would give him a crack, but has to be said the skill set is vastly different when it won't matter how many runs you get personally and you just need to keep am attack out. Like I said though, I think he can, and as SD has said he's shown great maturity and ability to deal with pressure in the shorter forms.
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Also gives us a right/left option with burns (or Jennings if the selectors are weak)
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Is Denly a right- hander ?
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Personally I’d be very happy to see Roy get picked alongside Burns.get another right hander up top - Sherminator at 3!
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Is Denly a right- hander ?
Yes
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Only one way to find out. I think he's great, and would give him a crack, but has to be said the skill set is vastly different when it won't matter how many runs you get personally and you just need to keep am attack out. Like I said though, I think he can, and as SD has said he's shown great maturity and ability to deal with pressure in the shorter forms.
Agree that there is only one way to find out. Whoever gets the nod, I'm 100% behind the team. Personally think Roy would be more suited to playing in Aus or SA than Sri Lanka, but if he goes and plays I hope he goes well.
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Guardian backing Roy as a slightly surprise choice with burns of Surrey and/or Joe Denly.
Not the choice I would have, Burns thru sheer weight of runs deserves a shot...but Smith has made a couple of surprising picks so far and seems unafraid to go against the norm...
So Roy is looking more possible. He doesn't have a defence from the games I have seen but does have exceptional attacking shots.
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Roy is Sri Lanka would be an awful idea. Look at the problems he has had starting against spin in the hit and giggle stuff and extrapolate that on to raging bunsens. I like the guy, if our existing stregths were different I could even see a role for him in the near future, but no...
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I see Roy has only had one CC match this year and it was the most recent game Surrey played......but with Smith at the helm that won't matter to him.
If Burns doesn't get selected then you're basically saying CC is a waste of time and that it shouldn't be played. He deserves a chance at opening and while I'm all for those picking players who will benefit the team in the long run, he should have the chance to test his technique by better sides.
I'll eat my hat if Roy is selected in the first XI this winter!
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I don’t think Roy would be the answer in Sri Lanka. Some people have already pointed out that on turning pitches he has struggled and I can’t imagine this will have changed.
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It is early days to come to a judgement on Ed Smith but so far he seems to be heading down the path we went down under Duncan Fletcher where players we selected based on a judgement as to whether they had what it would take to step up to the next level and perform in international cricket. More recently we have lost our way by reverting to 1990s selection policy and picking whoever happens to be performing in county cricket at that time.
The county championship has a clear purpose in producing cricketers ready to step up to the next level but I don't see it as a failure of that competition that those those who excel in it aren't necessarily going to be the ones who can adapt to the next level. It happens at every sport that there are those who achieve up to a point but then can't crack it at the next level above.
You can never be certain who will have it them to cope with the step up to test cricket but i would say that performing under the pressure of ODIs and international t20s is a good start
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Yes but with uncapped players you don't know either. Let's say England stick with Jennings, which I think they are going to do and want Joe Denly on tour...,just for arguments, er sorry, discussions sake... :)
You might be left with a devastating attacking player who has the temperament for one day and t20 cricket, and an uncapped one who has 1000 FC runs for the last 5 seasons to choose from...
There won't be much medium pace even for the openers to face, spinners will be on real quick
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I see Roy has only had one CC match this year and it was the most recent game Surrey played......but with Smith at the helm that won't matter to him.
If Burns doesn't get selected then you're basically saying CC is a waste of time and that it shouldn't be played. He deserves a chance at opening and while I'm all for those picking players who will benefit the team in the long run, he should have the chance to test his technique by better sides.
I'll eat my hat if Roy is selected in the first XI this winter!
Burns surely has to be selected, would be farcical if he wasn't. Great that he's put in the hard yards, think it'll see him right in the long run in Test cricket - that said the tour of Sri Lanka will be a serious test having watched the South African team struggle out there. Not a gentle introduction at all. Dananjaya looks a quality mystery spinner too if you've not seen him yet.
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Is squad announced tomorrow?
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Is squad announced tomorrow?
Believe so
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Is the squad actually announced today?
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I'm wondering the same. Usually squads announced at lunchtime?
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i wouldn't be surprised if they're still deciding/making calls!!
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broad picked
burns denly and stone on tour also
root
ali
anderson
broad
burns
buttler
curran S
denly
jennings
leach
pope
rashid
stokes
stone
woakes
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Anthony Joshua's weigh in was on SSN from 12-1.30 so I doubt the ECB wanted to clash with that
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Managed to predict the squad, makes a change!
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First test squad announcement of recent vintage I can remember without it getting leaked in the papers the night before, amazing. Think they actually only met and decided this morning so that's probably why.
No massive surprises then, one of Stone/Overton was always likely to go and Smith had trailed Denly. Saying that, a little surprised they've gone with no backup opener and no spare spinner (assuming we'll play 2 specialists + Ali).
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First test squad announcement of recent vintage I can remember without it getting leaked in the papers the night before, amazing. Think they actually only met and decided this morning so that's probably why.
No massive surprises then, one of Stone/Overton was always likely to go and Smith had trailed Denly. Saying that, a little surprised they've gone with no backup opener and no spare spinner (assuming we'll play 2 specialists + Ali).
Denly has opened for much of his career so I’d assume he’s the back up opening batsman. Can see him batting at 3 tho
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Did they actually pick Burns? What? Common sense.
Disappointed to not see Porter ahead of Stone though
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First test squad announcement of recent vintage I can remember without it getting leaked in the papers the night before, amazing. Think they actually only met and decided this morning so that's probably why.
No massive surprises then, one of Stone/Overton was always likely to go and Smith had trailed Denly. Saying that, a little surprised they've gone with no backup opener and no spare spinner (assuming we'll play 2 specialists + Ali).
when you say no spare spinner are u discounting Denly? I think that's maybe why he has got the nos for his leggies. he has opened or 3 for Kent in the past not 100 per cent sure he bats there in the Championship
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What, no Roy?! ;)
Will Leach play ahead of Rashid?
I can see Denly being picked ahead of Rash too if they want to get a leg spinner in as that sures up the top order a bit.
No real shocks in the squad. James Vince's omission surprises me a bit seeing as he's been in and around the squad this summer, maybe his cordial ratios aren't up to scratch...
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no Roy :)
not surprised about Denly, I think if he gets on the field it will be with a lot of fans well wishes hoping he does well.
wouldn't of taken Jennings myself so one spare spot in my team
I think Jennings is lucky to get a gig
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Is Jennings the spare opener?
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Is Jennings the spare opener?
haha... technically the man in possession of the spot..
hmmm. There are some players over the years who have been given more chances than others. Hope he does well but he hasn't done enough for me
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I think Denly's a bit of a lazy selection in that he's just been picked because he ticks a lot of boxes, can't see how he gets in the team unless there's an injury or Keaton gets out leaving it 4 times in the first two tests. Yes he's opened in the past but the more recent run of top form that's got him in contention has been not opening. That said, his bowling stats this season are surprisingly tidy!
The twitter rants about whyyyyy is Ian Bell not batting three are amusing...
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haha... technically the man in possession of the spot..
hmmm. There are some players over the years who have been given more chances than others. Hope he does well but he hasn't done enough for me
Although he’s in possession he’s hardly done enough to play
We have to pick the xi we think will perform best and for me burns and denly are the teo who play
I also like a left/right hand combo opening the batting. Doesn’t allow bowlers to settle on a line and length
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Although he’s in possession he’s hardly done enough to play
We have to pick the xi we think will perform best and for me burns and denly are the teo who play
I also like a left/right hand combo opening the batting. Doesn’t allow bowlers to settle on a line and length
totally agree. I would of left Jennings behind and made a spot for another top order player. Bell...Clarke or Vince....Vince and Bell have been tried before and it means batting a number 3 as a number 2....I still would of done it.
Denly I think is a good choice, not exactly top order but we do need an alternative to Jennings.
Burns is the most deserving selection in recent memory, and a shot in the arm for the Championship after Roy was being touted
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Having watched finals day (different format i know) but clarke looked class and hes highly spoken of also, id have picked Clarke
that would mean (doubt it) 3 debuts at 1 2 3.
they'll be a toss up between curran and leach too i reckon
unless root shocks us all and drops broad
id quite like to see broad have a rest and leach play with 3 spinners, anderson, stokes and curran (left armer to produce rough)
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Pleased to have got 15 of the squad right! Pope has a big future but is likely to carry the drinks which is why I wanted to see him on the Lions tours this winter.
Seeing as I chose 18 in my squad I was always going to be slightly wrong. Vince has done what was asked and scored more heavily than before and earned his recall, Bess I would have liked to have seen taken but he will tour with Lions, Porter was always a long shot but think it is when, rather than if, he gets a test cap over the next couple of years.
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totally agree. I would of left Jennings behind and made a spot for another top order player. Bell...Clarke or Vince....Vince and Bell have been tried before and it means batting a number 3 as a number 2....I still would of done it.
Denly I think is a good choice, not exactly top order but we do need an alternative to Jennings.
Burns is the most deserving selection in recent memory, and a shot in the arm for the Championship after Roy was being touted
Mo will bat at 3 because it then allows us to play Leach and Curran, Broad or Anderson.
So it is a straight forward decision between Jennings and Denly.
Burns
Jennings/Denly
Mo
Root
Stokes
Butler
Bairstow
Curran
Rashid
Leach
Broad/Anderson
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Burns
Jennings/Denly
Mo
Root
Stokes
Butler
Bairstow
Curran
Rashid
Leach
Broad/Anderson
Just one change in batting order. I would swap Buttler and Stokes but knowing England management we are likely to see Baristow bat at 5, Stokes at 6 and Buttler at 7. We will also see either one of Curran/Rashid/Leach getting dropped to accommodate both Broad and Anderson. I feel for Curran since he is most likely guy to get the chop for Broad, unless Root is going to act as the 3rd spinner. Based on recent matches in Sri Lanka, more than one seamer seems to be a luxury.
How many folks on here think that both Anderson and Broad should have been rested for the series (especially the pitches are likely to be spinner friendly), so some of the less experienced seamers could get more match experience at international level?
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Mo will bat at 3 because it then allows us to play Leach and Curran, Broad or Anderson.
So it is a straight forward decision between Jennings and Denly.
Burns
Jennings/Denly
Mo
Root
Stokes
Butler
Bairstow
Curran
Rashid
Leach
Broad/Anderson
That's the exact same team as me
Only thing is I had made a decision of Denly over Jennings (Jennings can't play) And Anderson to start, broad to come in for him when rested
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Surprised Jennings in- must have been his hindered on debut and the fact it was in India no?
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That's the exact same team as me
Only thing is I had made a decision of Denly over Jennings (Jennings can't play) And Anderson to start, broad to come in for him when rested
Oh just because i put their name is 1st doesn't mean anything really just that it's a choice between the 2.
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Yes figured Denly was in maybe to open as well and smith on interview said Denly is in as a top order batter an an option to spin.
Like a lot of us on here I think I would start him and burns first test,the guy deserves a chance. And....it gives us possible 4 spinners in the side....
You got to think all matches will turn a lot. Or they could leave one out play 3 spinners and slot in stone for extra pace(or rest Anderson or broad to do that)
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Yes figured Denly was in maybe to open as well and smith on interview said Denly is in as a top order batter an an option to spin.
Like a lot of us on here I think I would start him and burns first test,the guy deserves a chance. And....it gives us possible 4 spinners in the side....
You got to think all matches will turn a lot. Or they could leave one out play 3 spinners and slot in stone for extra pace(or rest Anderson or broad to do that)
Not a bad call at all but England will be thinking if we play just 2 seamers what happens if one breaks down.
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Surprised Jennings in- must have been his hindered on debut and the fact it was in India no?
Yep
Sure that's the deciding factor struggles against the moving ball but scored 112 in Mumbai.
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Jennings will start won't he - what would the point of taking him otherwise?
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Jennings will start won't he - what would the point of taking him otherwise?
To leave him there?
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So the central contracts are out.
Glad to see Curran has been given a full one.
His buttler to, but a tad bizarre that Adil Rashid has got one to, do we reckon yorkshire new this before his extension? As technical they no don’t have to pay him.
Tom Curran given an incremental one to cover the Odis/t20s.
No contract for Jennings, unsurprisingly, but shows England through gts and that if he doesn’t perform is this tour he’ll be gone.
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yes I think they are sticking with Jennings but unsure he will make it to be a regular player.
he could well get runs on this tour thou, he has in the past in sub continent, don't think that solves much thou if he does.
lets hope Burns is the real deal otherwise we will be back to square one :)
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Sri Lanka named their test squad, just the five spinners listed. They also named three seamers but I doubt they'll pick more than Lakmal. #sandpits
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So Bairstow is being trailed in the media as likely out injured for the first test. Does this provide a handy way for the selectors to add a third spin option in Denly without having to face up to dropping Broad?
Jennings
Burns
Moeen
Root
Denly
Stokes
Buttler (wk)
Curran/Woakes/Stone
Rashid
Broad
Jimmy
Which would give a ridiculous 4 seamers and 3 spin options, plus Root/Jennings. OR are 4 seamers a bit pointless given the likely conditions and you play Leach for Broad then choose between Denly/Pope purely on their batting.
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Yes It does exactly that. I think Denly should play and bat 3 with everyone moving down. Stone in for broad would make sense, cannot see how both jimmy and broad playing helps on these pitches.
Pope and Curran is tricky as I think we will play Woakes....
Long term Curran has potential to bat top 6 for us I think
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Curran left arm and tricks gives England something different he could also become a top six Basman who bowls. Wouldnt play Woakes in SL is record on the sub continent is not good also if he gets some stick he bowls wide of off stump which you can get away with it in one dayers but achieves little in tests particularly on SL wickets.
Also Wouldn't play Broad or Anderson.
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Chuffed to see Tom and Sam both have a go today
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Batting looks shockingly lightweight.
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Surely Stokes, Jimmy plus 1 other seamer would do on these wickets? I would play Jimmy for his control in any conditions.
After seeing the wickets, it is likely that they will be turning sideways after a couple of days of the test matches, if not sooner (assuming it's not raining 7 hours a day!)
So I would love to see...
Jennings
Burns
Denly
Root
Pope
Stokes
Buttler
S Curran
Mo
Rashid
Jimmy
That would give up a spare keeper if Buttler got injured.
Would also give 3 seamers (Stokes for pace, Jimmy control and swing, and little Sam as swing leftie)
Then Mo, Rashid, Denly and Root.
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Mo will be batting at 3
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Mo will be batting at 3
Not too surprising, even allowing for it being Moeen/England moving him to a different batting spot after two reasonably successful innnings would seem unusually harsh!
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I was about to ask where cool was.... I then remembered:’(
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Surely Stokes, Jimmy plus 1 other seamer would do on these wickets? I would play Jimmy for his control in any conditions.
After seeing the wickets, it is likely that they will be turning sideways after a couple of days of the test matches, if not sooner (assuming it's not raining 7 hours a day!)
So I would love to see...
Jennings
Burns
Denly
Root
Pope
Stokes
Buttler
S Curran
Mo
Rashid
Jimmy
That would give up a spare keeper if Buttler got injured.
Would also give 3 seamers (Stokes for pace, Jimmy control and swing, and little Sam as swing leftie)
Then Mo, Rashid, Denly and Root.
Agree regards number of seamers. But like Buzz says I think Mo will bat 3 therefore it is between Pope and Denly for the number 5 slot and then Leach plays as 3rd spinner.
Jennings
Burns
Mo
Root
Pope/Denly
Stokes
Buttler
S. Curran
Rashid
Leach
Anderson
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Throw into the equation that Stokes' hamstrings looked an absolute state by the time he got out today... that really would put the cat amongst Ed Smith's pigeons.
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Foakes flying out now....
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricket/article-6317587/England-call-best-wicketkeeper-world-Ben-Foakes-cover-injured-Jonny-Bairstow.html (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricket/article-6317587/England-call-best-wicketkeeper-world-Ben-Foakes-cover-injured-Jonny-Bairstow.html)
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Hmmmm . Foakes is there as cover, but I've been trying to think past a whole generation when we had the best keeper keeping....it's a fair while ago.
I'm sure there are many on here that are used to batsman keepers playing.
I just wonder if England might play him if Bairstow is out and leave Butler as a batsman.We could well be going in with 3 spinners first test....
If there was ever a chance to play this might be it. bairstow and Butler are good but neither are at Foakes' s level.
Would we change tack and play the best available keeper?
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To be fair to Foakes, he's a good bat as well, with a First Class average in the 40s - better than many who've been given a crack as batsmen only. Mostly runs scored in Div 1 as well.
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So what happens if Foakes plays, shows he's a far superior gloveman to YJB and gets runs?
Does YJB come in as a batsman, if so for who?
Or does Foakes get shafted once YJB is fit again regardless?
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You got it on one mate
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So what happens if Foakes plays, shows he's a far superior gloveman to YJB and gets runs?
Does YJB come in as a batsman, if so for who?
Or does Foakes get shafted once YJB is fit again regardless?
Current England thinking batter first keeper second
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Even if he does well I'd say it'd be more shafting YJB to drop him than it would be to leave Stokes out after 1 test.
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https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/46016569 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/46016569)
England captain Joe Root says Jos Buttler is likely to keep wicket in the first Test against Sri Lanka next week if Jonny Bairstow is ruled out.
Bairstow is recovering from an ankle injury picked up while playing football, but Root says England have options with Buttler and Ben Foakes.
The first of three Tests starts in Galle on Tuesday, 6 November.
"Although Jonny will be a big loss, we've got great players that can come in and rebalance the team," said Root.
"It's day-by-day with Jonny at the minute. He's actually made good strides and recovered a little bit quicker than we anticipated, but it's still a long way to go.
"It's obviously a big three-match series, so we need to weigh all that up and make a decision closer to the first game."
Surrey wicketkeeper Foakes was called up to England's Test squad as cover for the injured Bairstow.
But asked whether Lancashire's Buttler would be the man to start in Galle, Root told BBC Sport: "That will probably be the likely scenario.
"But the reason we called Ben up is because he's a high-quality keeper and we give ourselves another way of balancing the side out and give ourselves a chance of winning.
"These are all different options we've given ourselves going into this series and it's a really nice position to be in."
Root says warm-up games against a Sri Lanka Cricket Board President's XI will give him a chance to assess the conditions and his team for the first Test.
"I've got a strong idea of what the core of it looks like, but we have got some great options," he added.
"We are going to make sure we've got a very balanced side that gives ourselves the best chance of winning in these conditions."
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roots press conferences are all on autoque
I would like to see Faokes keeping this match. he is the best by a street and could be stood up a lot
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roots press conferences are all on autoque
I would like to see Faokes keeping this match. he is the best by a street and could be stood up a lot
I am not sure if Foakes spent recent time playing in SL but I saw a video interview with him playing and training with the local Sri Lanka club. I just do not remember if it was recent or couple of years ago.
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I am not sure if Foakes spent recent time playing in SL but I saw a video interview with him playing and training with the local Sri Lanka club. I just do not remember if it was recent or couple of years ago.
im not sure either, I expect the test matches to be far harder than the one dayers....having said that I don't think this Lankan team are a patch on previous teams we have played away from home.
my point is, with a side packed with allrounders, and 3 spinners likely, would the team benefit from having a spcialist keeper?
neither butler nor bairstow are specialists....
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The question really boils down to how good you think Bairstow &/or Buttler are.
I'm of the opinion that they're both just about passable enough to get away with it. If we had Murali and Shane Warne, then yeah, you'd need a specialist, but the only mystery we have is Rashid and both Buttler & Bairstow should be able to read him by now, having kept to him each for years now.
The real issue for me is Moeen at 3, but that's an issue for another day!
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So what happens if Foakes plays, shows he's a far superior gloveman to YJB and gets runs?
Does YJB come in as a batsman, if so for who?
Or does Foakes get shafted once YJB is fit again regardless?
Okay, to start with, y ideal side for the coming test, assuming Jonny is out, would be:
Jennings
Burns
Denly
Root
Stokes
Ali
Buttler
Foakes or Leach
Curran
Rashid
Anderson
If they go for Foakes, they should give him the series - one of the top three dops out. Comes the West Indies, I doubt they would need a specialist keeper so unless Foakes scores masses of runs - which would be tough from eight...
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As much as I would love to see Foakes keeping, the talk seems to be for Buttler keeping!
Jennings
Burns
Denly
Root
Pope
Stokes
Buttler
S Curran
Mo
Rashid
Jimmy
But I suspect they will play..
Jennings
Burns
Mo
Root
Denly
Stokes
Buttler
S Curran
Rashid
Broad
Jimmy
So Mo bats at 3, Denly at 5 and Broad or another seamer in for Pope! That would weaken the batting a lot.
Plus Jimmy, Broad, Curran and Stokes. Then Mo, Rashid, Denly and Root as spinners! OTT?
Surely we don't need anymore than 3 seamers and Mo, Rashid, Denly and Root as spinners?
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It will be a travesty if Leach doesn't play on these bunsens!
4 seamers is at least 1 too many. Id personally go
Burns
Jennings
Denly
Root
Stokes
Butler
Moeen
Foakes
Rashid
Leach
Anderson
Stokes to take the new ball (briefly). Foakes to take the gloves - Butler is a specialist bat at 6. 3 spinners offering something different. If I had to pick another seamer it would be Stone on these wickets ahead of Broad and Curran
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Reckon Stone will play.
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First warmup now underway, the now usual 14 a side farce. England are playing everyone except Stone and Leach, top 7 is Burns Jennings Denly Root Stokes Moeen Buttler. Sadly I think that gives a good look at what the plan is, can sense the anger in cider country already!
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Disappointing to see Leach hasn't been given an opportunity. We won't need more than 3 seamers and given all the allrounders we have Leach really should be in.
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It won't be just those in wessssscountreeeee not happy if Leach is not picked. I find selection in recent years really gets my goat.
We have specialists and we don't seem to want to trust them. Can't fathom how broad and Anderson are both on this tour at all.
Rashid, Ali and leach are our best 3 spinners, Foakes the best keeper.
Frustrating
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England subtly hinting (with a sledgehammer) that Broad may not be picked for the first test.
There is a second warm-up game, where I would hope Leach would be given a decent bowl. Doesn;t look like Rashid is ripping through them in this innings.
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I would go in with
1 Burns
2 Jennings
3 Denly
4 Root
5 Pope
6 Stokes
7 Butler
8 Ali
9 S Curran
10 Rashid
11 Anderson
3 seam options, 3 spin options (plus Root) and plenty of batting in the lower order to give some breathing room to a new top order.
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I think Denly and root just about make up 1 spinner together.
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Side I would like to see is:
Jennings
Burns
Ali
Root
Stokes
Buttler
Curran
Rashid
Leach
Anderson
Think that gives us the best balanced bowling attack for this series. We won't need anymore than 3 seamers and it gives us a good variety of spinners.
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Denley
Burns
Ali
Root
Stokes
Buttler
Foakes
Curren
Stone
Leach
Anderson
Gives leach Ali root and Denley as spin options. The main two have to bowl a lot of overs cause they are spinners and you could swap Ali and Buttler if Ali bowls loads and Buttler isn’t keeping. Buttler is great against spin
Anderson (master) Stone (pace) Curren (left arm) stokes (makes things happen)
Foakes to stand up to everyone but stone and maybe Anderson
Reduces Buttler workload - who wants to keep stood up for a day and then bat for a day
I personally wouldn’t pick Rashid as I don’t think we score enough runs to get him in the game but can see why you would in place of stone or Curran
I’d leave out Jennings as out of nick. They won’t but I would.
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Not sure I'd fancy keeping wicket standing up to Ben Stokes mind.
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I think what we have seen by everyone's different sides is that we actually have quite a few options for once!!
These 2 warm up games, all be it complete jazz hat 14 a side jobs, they are going to be interesting to see if anyone can push their case for selection.
As we have seen in our 1st bowling opportunity it wasn't that great which opens it up for Stone and Leach when they get a go?? And Jennings has just failed again.... Burns starts well in an England shirt with a composed 47 before being run out.
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Mpt7’s team is the one I would have but with rashid in somehow...not 100 per cent on rashid because he tends to get a lot of wickets caught in the deep..fine for one Dayers
Would love to see a specialist keeper in and I think Denly could do a job instead on Jennings, he might be older but Jennings has had a lot of chances over 12 months
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Burns looked the part, can't believe it's taken this long to give him a go.
Jennings out cheaply again
Denly made 25, a score may have put more pressure on Jenning.
Stokes retired injured.
All in all its not looking great at the moment...
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What's wrong with Stokes?
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Waking up to see Stokes retiring hurt on 10 is not my ideal way of starting the day
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What's wrong with Stokes?
He got hit around the left elbow so went off for treatment but they are now saying it is just bruising and he may even bat again later today.
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I reckon he's been hurt for days.
Bad leg in the ODI's, hasn't bowled in the last 2 games, England insisting he's fine - they are just 'resting' him from bowling. They must think people are morons!!!
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I hope he is alright! If he can't bowl then we will end up having to bowl 3 seamers as well as him! That means that we would be a spinner short as normal!!
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agree I don't think he is fit.
might make Denly more likely to play if we were to leave out a spinner, and poss Denly to bowl a few overs with Rashid and ali
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Just read he got hit on the elbow - pah! Shows what i know.
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root on 96 good to see him getting runs its been a bit lean by his standards recently
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Not sure I'd fancy keeping wicket standing up to Ben Stokes mind.
should be easy...
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100 retired for root
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This will enable both batsmen to see if another run is available without craning
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Day one of the second practice game washed out. Could see Leach thrown in to a test match with zero match practice.
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That would be a real surprise, he didn't play all summer and no bowling in the first warm up
I think he should 100 per cent play But if he was going to play surely he would of bowled by now on the tour?
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This whole tour schedule has been an absolute mess from the off. Also this photo makes me sad
(http://a4.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fi%2Fcricket%2Fcricinfo%2F1163810_1296x729.jpg&w=920&h=518&scale=crop&cquality=80&location=origin)
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totally agree Rick, he's a good pro in the press he is waiting his chance working in the nets.
I don't think he is going to play but hope im wrong
I think myself we should sometimes go back to specialists, we are blessed with allrounders yes but the one day influence in our test side has not worked much recently.
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This whole tour schedule has been an absolute mess from the off. Also this photo makes me sad
([url]http://a4.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fi%2Fcricket%2Fcricinfo%2F1163810_1296x729.jpg&w=920&h=518&scale=crop&cquality=80&location=origin[/url])
It just gets worse Rick....
https://inews.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-test-series-pallekele-hotel/
How can you overbook a hotel the teams are staying in for a test match!!
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Today's flavour of farce is 50 overs a side. Good news: Leach is playing, Stokes got 50rtd, Jennings got 45rtd (wtf, that is serious jug avoidance). Bad news: Denly and Pope both got second ball blobs. Interesting news: Curran has gone in ahead of Root/Ali/Foakes, while Our Lord and Saviour Woakes is not playing.
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HAVE to bowl Leach and Stone today to see how they look, otherwise they may as well put their feet up!
I suspect they will only consider playing 1 of them though, as their batting is not that strong compared with Curran, Ali, Rashid, Stokes, etc!!
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Today's flavour of farce is 50 overs a side. Good news: Leach is playing, Stokes got 50rtd, Jennings got 45rtd (wtf, that is serious jug avoidance). Bad news: Denly and Pope both got second ball blobs. Interesting news: Curran has gone in ahead of Root/Ali/Foakes, while Our Lord and Saviour Woakes is not playing.
According to the media Stone ahead of woakes for 1st test selection.
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HAVE to bowl Leach and Stone today to see how they look, otherwise they may as well put their feet up!
I suspect they will only consider playing 1 of them though, as their batting is not that strong compared with Curran, Ali, Rashid, Stokes, etc!!
It’s areal shame I think specialist bowlers and keepers have to carry the batsmen in this England side. leach is the best spinner in the country and he’s not going to play in this test. What Root is doing bowling overs ahead of him god only knows.
It really gets my goat!!
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If it was just 1 out of Stone and Leach, I would prefer to see Leach get the gig!
On these wickets it's generally spin that works after day 1. So Stokes, Jimmy and think it would be Curran for me (if they insisted on playing one stronger batsman)
Then Leach for sure!
If they get Leach in, then they would surely go either:
Burns
Jennings
Denly
Root
Pope
Stokes
Buttler
Curran
Ali
Leach
Jimmy
Or even not play Pope, move Buttler to 5 and play Foakes at 7, although I think they want Buttler to keep!! Obvious really, Buttler is a decent keeper! So why play Foakes who is easily one of the best keepers on the planet!! :(
But if they wanted to play 3 main spinners and the 2 part timers, then they could easily go with
Burns
Jennings
Denly
Root
Buttler
Stokes
Curran
Ali
Rashid
Leach
Jimmy
On a side note, Jennings must surely be approaching "last chance saloon" by now! Cook retiring probably saved his bacon amd gave him this last opportunity I reckon.
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Moeen isn't going to bat at 9 is he! Curran as second seamer worries me a little but that's the way I think they'll go. A lot could depend on how fit to bowl Stokes is too.
Personally, if Stokes is fit to bowl his overs, I'd probably pick the below. Denly is getting nowhere with the ball in warmups and both he and Pope haven't scored, so Buttler plays as a batsman and in comes Foakes. 2 seam, 2 spin and 2 all-rounders. Woakes ahead of Curran on the grounds of better control, but realistically I think Curran is ahead of him after the home summer. Would like to try Stone but think it would probably mean too many overs from Stokes if you're only picking two seamers.
Burns
Jennings
Mo
Root
Buttler
Stokes
Foakes
Woakes
Rashid
Leach
Jimmy
Jennings will get the series at least.
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This is a very hard team to pick - because you want three spinners, three seamers and 6batsmen plus a keeper... and I am pretty sure that is more than 11
Broad has bowled with some control in the warm up games. Sam has batted nicely but been a bit profligate.
You have to wonder if Leach is going to be the one to miss out here. Denly hasn't settled at all.
I think they will do with the below - but I would probably play leach ahead of broad and Rashid
Burns
Jennings
Mo
Root
Stokes
Buttler
Woakes
Curran
Rashid
Broad
Jimmy
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This is a very hard team to pick - because you want three spinners, three seamers and 6batsmen plus a keeper... and I am pretty sure that is more than 11
Broad has bowled with some control in the warm up games. Sam has batted nicely but been a bit profligate.
You have to wonder if Leach is going to be the one to miss out here. Denly hasn't settled at all.
I think they will do with the below - but I would probably play leach ahead of broad and Rashid
Burns
Jennings
Mo
Root
Stokes
Buttler
Woakes
Curran
Rashid
Broad
Jimmy
That's actually more seamers than we had in the last test against India. That can't be right surely.
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I agree, but this is who I think will get picked (rather than who should get picked)
The other option is to play Pope or Foakes ahead of Woakes or Sam.
I have no idea what will actually happen.
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I agree, but this is who I think will get picked (rather than who should get picked)
The other option is to play Pope or Foakes ahead of Woakes or Sam.
I have no idea what will actually happen.
Yes I think it is anyone's guess what side will play really!
I hope Leach plays and we go with 3 spinners. I only think we need 3 seamers.
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Notable that England changed plans to have Buttler keep all day today I think, Foakes could be closer than we think.
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Thank God some of you aren't selectors.
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Slightly off kilter but still on this series has anyone been interested in the coverage of Burn's technique?
I watched some highlights of the warm up games and did not see a jerky head movement to mid on before the ball is bowled, he has an open stance and is very quick on his feet which is a huge plus against a moving ball
What he does have is a very wavy and uneven backlift, plenty of other players like cook and Lara have had this too.
does it make any difference anyway, there's been plenty of text book players who simply dont have the mental game for batting long, or the hand eye co ordination needed at the top level.
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Didn't SL in their last home series play 4 spinners and 1 seamer(Lakmal and he was captain). So why on earth would we be going in with 3/4 seamers?
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Didn't SL in their last home series play 4 spinners and 1 seamer(Lakmal and he was captain). So why on earth would we be going in with 3/4 seamers?
I’m with this guy.
Anderson & Stokes to open the bowling then wait for reverse.
Denly
Burns
Jennings
Root
Ali
Pope
Stokes
Buttler
Rashid
Leach
Anderson
RH/LH at all times to avoid spinners “settling in”
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I agree no point playing 4 seam bowlers . If you watch the highlights between South Africa and Sri Lanka is all spin . England have to play mo leach and rashid. South Africa went with playing the quick bowlers in Rabada and ngidi and it didn’t work. As they say if cant beat them join them so we do what Sri Lanka do .
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Away from selection for a moment
I was speaking to a few England supporters on the beach this morning and apparently lawyers are already involved regarding the potential ground change for the 2nd Test.
Players have refused to travel 2 hours each way from their new hotel after the previous one was double-booked.
The barmy army have been offered free air conditioned buses or taxis if the ground is moved as their accommodation was booked a while back
All in all a bit of a farce.
On the plus side its 32 degrees in Galle and the rupee is at its lowest for ages due to the recent controversial change of prime minister!
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Hasn’t a cyclone been forecast for the first test ?
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Hasn’t a cyclone been forecast for the first test ?
Jesus is this the worst planned tour ever?
Perhaps if the money grabbers could just hold fire for a minute we could actually go a play in Sri Lanka at a half decent time of year!
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Cyclones probably a bit dramatic. Theres thunder and lightening every afternoon/evening as the pressure builds over the day. Clears the air and then by 7am its 30 degree blue skies again
Ive only had rain during the daytime once in 15 days and that was in Kandy which is halfway into the mountains.
The locals dont fancy their chances of winning regardless of the weather!
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Feel sorry for the fans who’ve flown out to watch this.
Previous SL vs eng series were in December and over the festive period. All down to the ecb I’m afraid - (I know Sri Lana are playing New Zealand over December)
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Isn’t the timing of the tour down to the future tours program so some balms must be with the icc
I can’t imagine the ecb would choose too be there now!
Also a tiny bit of googling from fans would know it’s stormy season so any decision should be educated
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In other news.... Bumble with a hilarious video bomb....
https://twitter.com/LordSkytower/status/1059065248941006848?s=19
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i feel Leach should be including - according to those in the know, he was both beating the bat and also offering control to his captain.
Indispensible out there!
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Live interview with Root just 20 mins ago.... doesn't give anything away! It looks nice and dry there.... NOT!!!
https://twitter.com/SkyCricket/status/1059351451221155840?s=19
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For the first test against one of the weaker test teams to see what Burns Stone etc can do and a team for the SL conditions why not go with:
Burns
Jennings
Denly
Root
Stokes
Buttler w/k
Moeen
Curran
Rasid
Leach
Stone
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Sure
(https://preview.redd.it/xkx1zfd9fhw11.png?width=636&auto=webp&s=6b2320c360e87f74e836a7d65cdd7c36595462cf)
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Sounds like Foakes is getting his debut tomorrow, and therefore we have Stokes, Foakes and Woakes. YES.
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Woakes isn't going to play.
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DON'T STOP ME FROM DREAMING
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They were talking about batting Stokes at 3 as they reckon he has the game for it? He doesn't seem to like batting anywhere but at 6 so not sure that'll happen!
I say get Woakes in at 3! ;) Although I wouldn't be sure that he will be included in the starting XI? Obviously Jimmy and BS as bowlers, but they seemed to be discussing either Curren or Broad as 3rd paceman?
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DON'T STOP ME FROM DREAMING
Would be fun as they are likely to bat in Stokes, Foakes, Woakes order too! :D
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I can't say I am keen on Stokes at 3, but he's proved this year he can play the patience game as well. Personally hope they go with Modern though
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Woakes isn't going to play.
Are you @Seniorplayer in disguise? :D
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Given it seems Foakes is playing, we should be able to make a good stab at the likely side...
Burns
Jennings
Mo
Root
Stokes
Buttler
Foakes
Curran
Rashid
Broad/Leach
Anderson
Personally, I reckon I'd play Leach... and get Stone in for Rashid. Realistically Leach is our best spinner and will bowl pretty much all day if it's ragging, and if Leach/Moeen aren't knocking people over for whatever reason I'd back Stone to make more of an impact than Rashid. Bet that won't happen though!
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Right !! Far too long without a possible team by the time we wake up the water polo, er sorry, test match is on. the guardian who uncannily seem to get most selection right have gone with this...quite why the boy Woakes can't get a gig is a mystery...anyway to my absolute delight two,count em, two specialists are in...back to the good old days about about time too
Burns
Jennings
Moeen(not a number 3 for England anymore than I am)
Roooooooooooot
Stokes
Butler
Foakes(yes!!!)
Curran
Leach
Rashid
Anderson.
If that's the side it looks pretty good to me. From my armchair I think Jennings has had a lot of chances, I hope he gets runs but Denly must of been discussed to open.
Curran looks more of a potential top 6 batter to me and forth seamer, but he does do a bit with the ball in the air and maybe that's why he could be a better option than Woaksey. :)
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Wouldn't be the worst line up i guess.
The actual order would likely be Burns, Jennings, Ali, Root then Buttler amd Stokes (he likes to bat 6!)
Then Foakes, Curran, Rashid, Leach, Jimmy.
So bat down to 9 i guess!
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Curran's playing because the selectors dropped him in the summer and looked like goons when he tore up the next game, and because Woakes' overseas record is less than brilliant. That said, if Woakes got to play more consistently abroad maybe it would be better, but can't blame them for picking a man in form.
104-5, I've woken up and seen Jennings (who got 46 at a good rate) make a mess of cutting a straight one, then Stokes make a mess of a lap round the corner. Sigh. Track doesn't look like it's ragging either.
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To be fair edge with the new ball SL have found a bit of swing, Curran does get it back into the right handers which could be handy...
Jennings had some luck it's all a bit frnetic this morning it seems from the highlights, hard to know what a good score is but we need plenty more that's for sure..
Outfield looks like a ploughed field somewhere in the West Country only there are no sheep,cows,donkeys..
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What was that! Giving wickets away - first session and no bottle whatsoever
Thankfully it might rain
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If Foakes performs, I can see Bairstow coming back into the team at number 3. Not sure if it will be on this tour but when 2/3 spinners aren’t needed I reckon YJB will be 3, Root 4
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whats Rory burns like guys? His record seems good at first class level.
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104-5, I've woken up and seen Jennings (who got 46 at a good rate) make a mess of cutting a straight one, then Stokes make a mess of a lap round the corner. Sigh. Track doesn't look like it's ragging either.
I think i turned on the same time as you Edge, saw the reply of Jennings get out and then Stokes, i literally thought oh here we go same old.... but to be fair Buttler and Foakes have dug in and played well.
After watching the highlights of the morning my thoughts -
1. The pitch hasn't turned as much as thought put will surely get worse
2. The outfield looks very slow and shocking so will bring the scores down
3. Sri Lanka's fielding is awful
4. Jennings was actually lucky to make 26 let alone 46, you can't just score square of the wicket, ultimately it will be your downfall
5. Burns was very unlucky
6. Mo is not a number 3 - but we knew that
7. There is a fine line between 'looking to score' and 'being reckless'
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Buttler out last ball before drinks good sensible fight back with Foakes after England tried to force the scoring only to achieve 5 wickets down before lunch.
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Bring back tms
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The dismissal of Buttler showed the advantage of having a specialist keeper, outstanding take by Dickwella. 100% correct that Foakes was selected.
SL skipper Chandimal pulled up with groin injury
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Err, what was Stokes doing?
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This Foakes fella, with a first class average over 40, looks handy with the willow, who'd have thought it.. What's his glovework like? ;)
Do we think YJB is getting twitchy about his place yet?
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I don't think anything pleases me more right now than Sam launching it.
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This Foakes fella, with a first class average over 40, looks handy with the willow, who'd have thought it.. What's his glovework like? ;)
Do we think YJB is getting twitchy about his place yet?
nearly 50 for Foakes. think he can keep so ive heard. :)
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I don't think anything pleases me more right now than Sam launching it.
Yep Sam aged 20 what a talent.
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This Foakes fella, with a first class average over 40, looks handy with the willow, who'd have thought it.. What's his glovework like? ;)
Do we think YJB is getting twitchy about his place yet?
I can see the periodic Bairstow toys out the pram press conference coming soon!
Really good to see Foakes doing well though, he's been so close to a place in the team for a few years now but was always hard to see how he found his way in. Always a good sign when the new players in a side are performing, something England have missed for a while.
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really really like JB but Faokes being picked has restored my faith in selection a bit. he's a class act and we need him
Moeen for me never a number 3. I would bat Root or Denly 3 long term and bairstow at 4 or 5
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Foakes 50
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I love Sam Curran!
England 6 down with what looks to be a sub-par total on the board, and he comes out hitting bombs!
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Odd looking helmet grill Mendis wearing at short leg looks like it's designed fo deflect the ball from the throat.
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(https://i.imgur.com/GS5BjfJ.png)
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If I wasn't a Surrey/England supporter than Sam would probably trigger many things in me.
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Odd looking helmet grill Mendis wearing at short leg looks like it's designed fo deflect the ball from the throat.
Short leg grille, they've been around a long time!
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/db/Ian_Bell_fielding%2C_2011.jpg)
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Oh, Sam!
What have you done? :(
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Obviously the present series is the immediate focus but I think that the number 3 position is too important - particularly with a new opening partnership - to sacrifice in order to get an extra spin option into the side. England need to identify who they want to bat in that position next summer and given them a run in the side
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They probably will in the West Indies to be fair - but aside from the expediency it is worth pointing out that Ali, for all his struggles against short pitched pace, is one of our most accomplished players of the turning ball.
On the selection front, the next test could become interesting.
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First time listening to Talksport 2 and tbh I actually like it, I love that the Sky guys rotate in the com box.
Not sure Jarad Kimber is up to scratch as a stats man though, seems like he's just constantly googling stuff to say
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Our lower order is our top order
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Our lower order is our top order
Isn't that just how England have played for the last 4 years
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Our lower order is our top order
It's ok when the middle and lower order fires! But if they don't do well, it leave us with a ridiculously poor score for the innings!
We need to get at least 3 batsmen in the top 5/6 batting sensibly and setting up the middle and lower order.
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Well batted Ben Foakes, Essex to the rescue! ;) All he did was keep it simple.
Jennings, Root, Stokes all got out trying to be clever, force the pace, or trying to be too cute.
Hope they can all learn a thing or two from it and do a better job in the second innings.
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Very good score batting first that. The pitch will only get worse from this point
So glad they've picked Foakes and Leach! Although the irony isnt lost that the 'specialist' keeper has excelled with the bat
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great stuff from butler,foakes,rash and curran
we don't know what a good score is...but if we can get to 350 I don't think SL are that clever even thou its their conditions
there was some swing early this morning Anderson and maybe Curran could get it going off straight
anyone else getting over excited we could force a win here? am I getting out of my box?
come on England!!!!!! :)
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great stuff from butler,foakes,rash and curran
we don't know what a good score is...but if we can get to 350 I don't think SL are that clever even thou its their conditions
there was some swing early this morning Anderson and maybe Curran could get it going off straight
anyone else getting over excited we could force a win here? am I getting out of my box?
come on England!!!!!! :)
I think we will win with that 1st innings score yes. Not sure im as excited as you are by it all though :D
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cant help it! we seem to have been waiting ages for this series to come round. :)
the thing is with selection, you have to back yourselves to get runs, and then pick your attacking bowlers, you cant pick a side based on only getting 200 every time
to be fair to Rashid...I don't think he is that good myself...but he needs runs behind him
Leach I think will keep it tight like Panesar did at his best.
Foakes is a great call for this series
it does beg the question thou about JB....his worse case scenario is coming true, he only has his batting to fall back on
personally I think he is best at 4 or 5, not 3...
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So foakes has top scored if he keeps well and gets us a few wickets, bairstow if fit
Who misses out? For me it’s bairstow a bit like the odi side man in possession and all that!
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So foakes has top scored if he keeps well and gets us a few wickets, bairstow if fit
Who misses out? For me it’s bairstow a bit like the odi side man in possession and all that!
Think if he fails 2 innings Bairstow to replace Burns Moeen should revert to 8 and everyone else moves up one.
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Think if he fails 2 innings Bairstow to replace Burns Moeen should revert to 8 and everyone else moves up one.
I wouldn't want you as a selector! Considering dropping Burns after 1 test innings :o
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it's hard school this forum sometimes
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Sorry but from initial look, Burns looks to have a far better quality than Jennings!
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Think if he fails 2 innings Bairstow to replace Burns Moeen should revert to 8 and everyone else moves up one.
You serious?
If so care to explain why you’d drop burns?
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You serious?
If so care to explain why you’d drop burns?
He's mates with Woakes
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Who misses out?
That's a tough one.
I'd say its probably a bowler - we don't exactly need six plus Root and Jennings' part time contributions. If its one of the batsmen/keepers, obviously Root is locked in and Bairstow has been our best player for nearly three years. It wouldn't likely be an opener, unless Jonny was asked to do that for a game or two, so I'd sat either Buttler or, daft as it sounds, Foakes.
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Jonny averages 31 over the last two years and hasn't had a single not out. His keeping has been decent, but no better than you should expect from a test keeper. He's not setting the world on fire in tests (he is in ODI's mind...)
I think he needs a bit of time to re-hone his technique for tests, his white ball improvements have been possible as he has been staying more legside of the ball and keeping his front leg out the way. Unfortunately that has transferred to his test game and means he has been waving the bat away from his eyeline and getting bowled / caught behind far too much to bat any higher than 6, in my book.
Lets not judge Foakes too early (or overstate Buttler's ability) but I don't think Bairstow is doing as well (in Tests) as everyone likes to think.
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That rather evidences a famous quote regarding lies and statistics...
Thing with Jonny is, he spent a lot of time down the order batting with the tail, and plays for the team. You'll see a disproportionate number of dismissals batting with ten and Jack playing big shots...
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Hence my use of opinion on his technique to support the statistical evidence...
All I'm saying is, he's not averaging 50+ and holding every chance & half chance, so it's not like he's absolutely undroppable. If someone comes along who proves he's a better keeper and is good enough to be in the side on batting, then why not give him a shot. Might free Jonny up to become the batsman we all know he's capable of being, which I hope we can all agree is a lot better than he has shown in Tests thus far (a couple of sparking innings aside)
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Have to say that although I am a big fan of Bairstow I do agree with @Rob580 in that he has not made himself undroppable in either facet of his game
I don't entirely buy the giving wicket away with the tail theory either as this has been a characteristic of the lower order batsman for as long as I can remember. Prior still averaged 40 being a lot more aggressive than Bairstow without ever getting a chance in the top 5.
I think YJB really has to decide what his role is and quickly. And then nail that down.
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I think there is a pretty big difference between Priors situation coming in at 350-5 against demoralised bowlers and Bairstows's regular rear guards. That said, I'm not opposed to Foakes keeping and Bairstow batting higher up the order.
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Got a seriously generous match referee allowing stokes to get away with hitting his bat into the playing surface! Don’t think many other sides would’ve got away with that
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I think there is a pretty big difference between Priors situation coming in at 350-5 against demoralised bowlers and Bairstows's regular rear guards. That said, I'm not opposed to Foakes keeping and Bairstow batting higher up the order.
Granted
My point is that he hasn't nailed down a role. Is he a dasher who can score quickly with the tail and take the gloves? Or a top 5 bat capable of scoring daddy tons?
You are probably the best qualified on this forum to form an opinion - what would you do to get the best out of him?
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The history of the game shows very few allrounders have both parts of there game on fire at the same time and modern day batsmen/keepers are in my mind classed as all rounders, flintoff tended to have one better than the other and they switched, stokes the same and even back to Botham.
Personally I know as much as he want to keep his strongest asset is his batting and foakes strongest asset is his keeping, in test match cricket the weakest of both disciplines for me is Butler, although arguable man of the series vs India and has certainly improved since his last stint at test match cricket.
So for me to for YJB in he either replaces Rashid or a butler. England will never drop Stokes
Secondary is depending how he bowls Ali for Denley should be thought about long and hard as personally don’t think there is much between them in the bowling department and Denley has always been a longer format top order bat
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That rather evidences a famous quote regarding lies and statistics...
Thing with Jonny is, he spent a lot of time down the order batting with the tail, and plays for the team. You'll see a disproportionate number of dismissals batting with ten and Jack playing big shots...
I'll go there... Bairstow's played 18 test innings over 11 games in 2018, averaging 26.88. In those 18 innings he's been the 6th or earlier wicket to fall 16 times, the two occasions he batted longer than that both being in the same game in Auckland. Given that the fall of the 6th wicket normally means one of Moeen/Woakes/Curran coming in, he's not even regularly batting with the tail - never mind giving his wicket away because of it. You can see why the question's being asked.
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You are probably the best qualified on this forum to form an opinion - what would you do to get the best out of him?
Thats a tough one to answer - I've been pondering for the last twenty minutes and, accepting that my first reaction* is not going to happen under any conceivable circumstances, even now am not certain of this but...
At the root of the issue seems to me to be that Jonny doesn't feel like he's had a fair shake in the past - whatever anyone here may think, you can see why he may perceive it that way, given how much time he spent as 12th man, thrown in without match prep for ad hoc tests, and constantly the extra wheel in the one day side. He therefore likes the reassurance of having two roles, and has worked incredibly hard to bring his much weaker suit up to a level where this has only been a discussion because of the perception that we need him to bat higher than the gloves allow, and now because we have a "proper" keeper who can hold up his end with the bat.
So, there are a lot of factors here - not least the fact that we have one of the top four a certain pick, and potentially six or seven players who would ideally bat six or seven. His best position for Yorkshire/in first class cricket has been batting at five whilst keeping. That has never really been a feasible bet in international cricket - even Sangakkara was reduced to mortality when he was asked to combine - so the options are combine roles and bat him six or seven, ask him to convert to an opener, or bat him at five (Joe having a sinecure on four). My view? His height means that keeping wicket is going to shorten his career, and Foakes is a definite upgrade with the gloves (and a different type of player in the middle order, which will be valuable going forward), so I would go with a batting only role - and that would be at five long term, with a pitch akin to we want him to be the player KP used to be - play proper innings, but dominate the opposition.
The only problem is who gets dropped!
*if you've read this far and are curious as to the first reaction - it was "give him the captaincy". Obviously not going to happen, but would actually play well with his personality and good understanding of the nuance of the game, lets face it, even if we think Root is improving tactically, the fact is his batting is being affected...
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It's a doozy isn't it!
One of our no.6's really does need to take the bull by the horns and turn themselves into an opener or no.3
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Yep, problem is that we've got three number 5/6s - Stokes, Bairstow and Buttler. So one of them has to be promoted or dropped, and if promoted probably to the top 3 as Root (justifiably) wants 4. Could you drop one of the top 3 to make way? Probably, none of them are all that secure at present even if Burns is obviously likely to get a run to prove himself.
Stokes is probably the best technician of the three and pre-mBargogate had been getting more consistent, but since returning his test form hasn't been great. Plus do you really want to make life harder for your key all-rounder? Hard to see him getting dropped for a specialist batsman.
Buttler's been the best player in the team since returning in the summer, so right now must be pretty secure in his place, even if he would likely be most vulnerable to a run of poor form. If he bats top 3 then Ed Smith really has gone maverick.
Bairstow is the only one of the three with much experience playing as a specialist bat, and could make a claim to having the best overall test record, so would seem the obvious candidate for promotion. On the other hand, his form is lousy and has looked to be developing technical flaws - bowled or caught behind the wicket in every test innings this summer. Would have to be persuaded as has a bit of a record of throwing a wobbly if he doesn't get the spot he wants.
Either way... someone's getting stiffed if Bairstow's fit for the next game - second innings could be vital!
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I think that encapsulates the issue, though I think we're all missing the fact that we're playing six bowlers at the moment - as much as I can see why that might continue in the shorter term, I doubt it is the plan from next Summer on. Either Ali would drop to eight or, more likely, drop out altogether (I suspect given the winter we'll find ourselves enamoured of Leach as the slow bowler).
Still leaves an issue of who bats three mind.
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Burns - deserves a run
Jennings - not good enough
Moeen - lol.. he’s a 7+ who also bowls spin
Root - 4/5, our best bat.. wants 4 so it’s his
Bairstow - one of our best domestic avg and shown he can do it but has developed some bad white ball technical and mental habits. Needs to break them ASAP but IMO, I’d say ‘Johnny lad, you’re my 5 for the ashes and then evaluate after that (needs to avg 40+ )
Stokes - all rounder and wants six
Foakes - can’t knock the lad after today and is the best keeper
Don’t care about bowling but pick the best bowlers.. literally don’t care if they score runs or not
Dropped is buttler but tell him to go score runs and if anyone at 5/6/7 dips below 40 avg in test cricket.. in he comes
Top 3 is our issue as there doesn’t appear to be anything coming though with the right technical or mental attributes. Not a shock given the primacy or white ball. Hammeed was the great hope but he’s literally fallen off a cliff . I’d just tell the counties to produce Some specialist test openers and enusre the structure is there to promote that style of player as much as the white ball dashers
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I think that encapsulates the issue, though I think we're all missing the fact that we're playing six bowlers at the moment - as much as I can see why that might continue in the shorter term, I doubt it is the plan from next Summer on. Either Ali would drop to eight or, more likely, drop out altogether (I suspect given the winter we'll find ourselves enamoured of Leach as the slow bowler).
Still leaves an issue of who bats three mind.
I doubt the three spinners policy will make it to the West Indies, never mind next summer! If Leach goes well one potential way out of the too many batsmen problem is Bairstow in for Rashid, but Bayliss/Root do seem to love maximum bowling options.
One thing to consider if you are YJB... if Jennings has a poor tour his slot will be open, but in that scenario I'd bet good money on Roy making the Windies tour...
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I doubt the three spinners policy will make it to the West Indies, never mind next summer! If Leach goes well one potential way out of the too many batsmen problem is Bairstow in for Rashid, but Bayliss/Root do seem to love maximum bowling options.
One thing to consider if you are YJB... if Jennings has a poor tour his slot will be open, but in that scenario I'd bet good money on Roy making the Windies tour...
Bairstow is quite simply not good enough to open or go 3. Neither is Roy
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Bairstow is quite simply not good enough to open or go 3. Neither is Roy
Reckon you're probably right on Bairstow with his current hanging legside, I'll hold judgement on Roy though and see how it goes if he ever does get a go. His defensive game is pretty solid (when he uses it!), who's to say he can't make the mental shift to test batting.
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Reckon you're probably right on Bairstow with his current hanging legside, I'll hold judgement on Roy though and see how it goes if he ever does get a go. His defensive game is pretty solid (when he uses it!), who's to say he can't make the mental shift to test batting.
The fact he isn’t doing it at county level suggests it. White ball form is irrelevant to test cricket
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I heard a really interesting stat about Bairstow today on the Cricket Social....
He has only ever scored his test 100's when England batted 1st ie. Before he has had to keep wicket. His highest score in all other innings is something like 80 odd.
I think that really does put a case forward that Bairstow should be playing as a batter only.
For me it is a simple case of conditions. We have a all rounder spin bowler batting at 3, so we can play 3 spinners. That just isn't going to happen anywhere else apart from maybe India. So Bairstow replaces whichever bowler dependent on conditions and then the order adjusts.
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I heard a really interesting stat about Bairstow today on the Cricket Social....
He has only ever scored his test 100's when England batted 1st ie. Before he has had to keep wicket. His highest score in all other innings is something like 80 odd.
I think that really does put a case forward that Bairstow should be playing as a batter only.
For me it is a simple case of conditions. We have a all rounder spin bowler batting at 3, so we can play 3 spinners. That just isn't going to happen anywhere else apart from maybe India. So Bairstow replaces whichever bowler dependent on conditions and then the order adjusts.
But he’s not good enough for 3.. square peg round hole
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But he’s not good enough for 3.. square peg round hole
I didn't say he would be batting 3. I said the batting order adjusts.
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I didn't say he would be batting 3. I said the batting order adjusts.
Roots a 4.. stokes a 6.. who is shuffling where ? You’ll end up with a square peg, round hole
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The fact he isn’t doing it at county level suggests it. White ball form is irrelevant to test cricket
His county record is alright to be fair, especially considering how little of it he's played in the last few years when he's been at his best. Higher first class average (38.4) than most to have come into the England side lately.
Slightly more on topic... anyone seen any news come out about Chandimal's potential injury?
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There are other variables here. One, we're assuming Foakes goes on to bed in (he looked to the manor born but who knows how he will manage against better opportunity). More interesting - temperament wise, he looked suited to the top order...
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England need to make a decision as to who will bat at 3 now Root isn't going to do it (and never should have been coerced by Bayliss into giving it a go in the first place) and the short termist selection off Ali has only made it more difficult to eventually resolve. If Bairstow is to get back into the side it would have to be to bat at 3. If the current players unsure of a place, Foakes probably has the best defence and temperament for the job, but he can't do it and keep and Butler doesn't have the game to bat that high in red ball cricket. Seems to me to be a straight contest between Roy and Bairstow to bat 3 in the Windies
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Ton up Foakes well batted
And Jimmy has prised one out already! Ct Foakes
:)
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Chaps - question please.
I am listening to BBC commentary but there is no real commentary!! They are just gassing away with no commentary on the actual cricket!!
Does anyone know where I can listen to some actual proper live commentary?
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Chaps - question please.
I am listening to BBC commentary but there is no real commentary!! They are just gassing away with no commentary on the actual cricket!!
Does anyone know where I can listen to some actual proper live commentary?
Talksport 2 is the only option in UK, you might need to download an app or it might be on DAB if you're in the right area.
I use the Radioplayer app, its free
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Also the talksport website
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Thanks chaps! Excellent!
BBC was getting on my nerves!
That's much better :D
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Would Bairstow have made that stumping happen?
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Bairstow practising fully on the outfield today fully kitted out in keeping stuff
question
what happens next? :)
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We should just have a Royal Rumble style wrestling match, last man standing gets the gloves!
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Foakes has earned the right to keep his place. Bairstow isn't exactly an outstanding gloveman anyway. Bairstow should essentially be pushed up to open.
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Burns got hit on the head at short leg
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Bairtow is a decent gloveman but he is not the best we have! Foakes is supposed to be that man!
So Bairstow needs to be told that if Foakes is playing, put your toys away as you're not keeping....simple as!
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Burns got hit on the head at short leg
Unusual to get hit on on the back of your neck when you don't turn your body Burns seems okay though.
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Three questions -
1) Roy being discussed as a potential no3 - surely he doesn't bat there for Surrey, I thought he batted about 5 or 6 for them in 4 day games?
2) Bairstow - how long should perceived sulking be tolerated? He's not the best gloveman, but he is potentially a superstar batsman, and the best job he could do for England is to knuckle down and become a top 5 batter.
3) Same for Root - for the good of the test team, could he not suck it up and take posession of the no3 slot? Using the talent we have, surely the best option we have is:
A Opener
B Opener
Root
Bairstow
Buttler
Stokes
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Bairstow's desperation to retain the gloves is clearly an effort to mask the diminishing returns with the bat. Last 21 Tests average of 30 isn't exactly standout
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Bairstow's desperation to retain the gloves is clearly an effort to mask the diminishing returns with the bat. Last 21 Tests average of 30 isn't exactly standout
He's still one of our more reliable players, although I'm still confused by some of his brainfades against India this summer. Don't really want a situation where's he moving up/down the order like Moeen has done all his career
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Foakes is very sharp with the gloves mind, very impressive.
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Would Bairstow have made that stumping happen?
Yes. The keeper had a great view of it before it got to him and the lad was miles down the track and restricted from getting back by his groin injury. Foakes took it very well, but a club keeper would have had enough time to drop it, pick it up and still stump the guy
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Foakes is very sharp with the gloves mind, very impressive.
What I like about Foakes is that he remains exactly as reliable regardless of how far he has to extend, whereas manufactured keepers tend to misjudge where first slip is and tip some round the post.
Not sure how they fit everyone in for this series but longer term, if noone makes a mess of things, how about:
Burns
Butter
Jennings
Root
Bairstow
Stokes
Foakes
Curran S
Leach/Ali/Rashid
Broad/Stone/Roland-Jones
Anderson
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Could we not at least wait until this match has finished before picking the team for the next match?
I'm not surprised to see Ben Foakes doing so well, but am pleased for him nonetheless.
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Could we not at least wait until this match has finished before picking the team for the next match?
I'm not surprised to see Ben Foakes doing so well, but am pleased for him nonetheless.
I wasn't - I was looking at how the available variable can be pieced together longer term.
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Poor Chris Woakes. What's he done to have fallen behind Toby Roland-Jones in the 'long-term variables'?
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Poor Chris Woakes. What's he done to have fallen behind Toby Roland-Jones in the 'long-term variables'?
I think @Seniorplayer must have logged in with @Manormanic's details to post that ;)
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I think @Seniorplayer must have logged in with @Manormanic's details to post that ;)
Haha yes.
But I stick by it. Woakes is a great guy to have around the squad and in the one daters but he is majorly a one trick pony as a test bowler. Away swing at reasonable licks. Roland-Jones has the potential to be a bit better - great areas, metronomic and with a hint of bounce. It's interesting that a Yorkshire side with seven test players in the top eight described him as the best good wicket bowler in England.
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TRJ is great, highly accurate and ultimately as a batsman facing him you know you need to avoid any lapse in concentration. That fear factor alone for the opposition is a great asset I think, even/especially on a good track.
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I'd be surprised if Toby Roland-Jones plays for England again.
I think some people like the sound of their own keyboard.
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I'd be surprised if Toby Roland-Jones plays for England again.
I think some people like the sound of their own keyboard.
Yourself, for example? ;)
Why wouldn't he? Did well when selected, not prohibitively old, well thought of...
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He's 30, he's had a serious injury and other bowlers have moved ahead of him in the pecking order.
I like TRJ. He did well for England. But even fully-fit and in form, I'd never take him over Woakes.
Can we not just enjoy the fact that England are doing well in the Test match?
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More lists! More lists!
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What do we think of burns?
Seems to be playing his way which I like, only seen the highlights so far but looked good until strangled in day one and looked really organised and good footwork at the tbf of today!
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He's 30, he's had a serious injury and other bowlers have moved ahead of him in the pecking order.
I like TRJ. He did well for England. But even fully-fit and in form, I'd never take him over Woakes.
Can we not just enjoy the fact that England are doing well in the Test match?
Of course we can Bats, I was up at 5am over enthusiastic as usual when we do well, inconsolable we we do badly of course
As for the lists....do you not get any fun out of it? I much prefer making a list of the team than discussing whether a clear scuff sheet improves you game more than a fibreglass one. For what's it's worth neither will do
Go on please, Bairstow is available for the second test give us your team
Go on please just once won't ask again :)
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What do we think of burns?
Seems to be playing his way which I like, only seen the highlights so far but looked good until strangled in day one and looked really organised and good footwork at the tbf of today!
Old enough to know his game and a solid FC record behind him, his backlift is all wavy as others players have had. looks to have an appetite for consistent runs.
Very very nimble footwork for an opener
I like him, at test level whilst technique is important it's not the be all and end all
Rumours he has not been picked previously because of technical concerns.
If nothing else it's good we move away from that and deserves both this tour and the next one
I've got my fingers crossed for the lad
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Old enough to know his game and a solid FC record behind him, his backlift is all wavy as others players have had. looks to have an appetite for consistent runs.
Very very nimble footwork for an opener
I like him, at test level whilst technique is important it's not the be all and end all
Rumours he has not been picked previously because of technical concerns.
If nothing else it's good we move away from that and deserves both this tour and the next one
I've got my fingers crossed for the lad
Hope he does get the windies tour! Really wanna see him bat live (I’m going to the St Lucia test)
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Just caught the evening session highlights, wow Foakes made the catch off Moeen look easy. Beautiful glovework.
Dare I say it... Keaton Jennings has looked rather good so far in this test. Good to see him batting so much more positively.
With Burns, don't think the backlift has kept him out of the team - more the plant of the front foot. Hasn't stopped him at county level (although you could argue it contributed to his dismissal first dig) so be interesting to see how he gets on in tests, he's earned his go to be fair.
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Hope he does get the windies tour! Really wanna see him bat live (I’m going to the St Lucia test)
St Lucia is lovely. It will be fabulous.the beer is great and so are the people.
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Of course we can Bats, I was up at 5am over enthusiastic as usual when we do well, inconsolable we we do badly of course
As for the lists....do you not get any fun out of it? I much prefer making a list of the team than discussing whether a clear scuff sheet improves you game more than a fibreglass one. For what's it's worth neither will do
Go on please, Bairstow is available for the second test give us your team
Go on please just once won't ask again :)
Straight (without gloves) Buttler or Bairstow decision for me at this point in time. I'd probably go with Bairstow, and longer term you'd definitely expect him to regain his place.
Unless the pitch dictates we need amother seamer, that's it.
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Not a hope in hell that Jos gets axed. Since his recall, he's averaging 45 and he's also VC. Should SL lose, they'll probably request square turners for the rest of the series, meaning that either Stokes or Curran miss out for Bairstow
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Curran will make way for Bairstow, who will bat 3.
Ali to move to Curran's place in batting order... Maybe.
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Just caught the evening session highlights, wow Foakes made the catch off Moeen look easy. Beautiful glovework.
Dare I say it... Keaton Jennings has looked rather good so far in this test. Good to see him batting so much more positively.
With Burns, don't think the backlift has kept him out of the team - more the plant of the front foot. Hasn't stopped him at county level (although you could argue it contributed to his dismissal first dig) so be interesting to see how he gets on in tests, he's earned his go to be fair.
On Burns dismissal in the first innings, he lined it up wrong, but looked comfortable up until that point. Hopefully he learns from it, and makes a good go of it in the second innings. Jennings looked like he could get out any moment but clung on in there and benefited. He looks a good player when he is a little more aggressive.
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If we are talking batting averages: Sam Curran's is superior to Jos Buttler's. That's on top of his 13 wickets at 23s.
If Buttler's recent form makes him undroppable, then Bairstow waits.
Can't believe I've been roped into this!
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With Burns, don't think the backlift has kept him out of the team - more the plant of the front foot. Hasn't stopped him at county level (although you could argue it contributed to his dismissal first dig) so be interesting to see how he gets on in tests, he's earned his go to be fair.
This has certainly been my observation when I have watched him bat. The stuff with jerking his head at midwicket and his back lift make him looking an ugly player but it is the walking across his stumps and planting in front of off that would concern me. It is the sort of thing you can get away with in the CC but makes him an lbw candidate against better seam bowling on quicker decks
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Where are you guys watching the highlights on?
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Burns has only faced a couple of balls, give him a chance! :D
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Can't believe I've been roped into this!
Relax, you'll get in to it...
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On TRJ - let's see. His action is one that should withstand injury and his skill set is one that will get him noticed.
Burns. His technique has improved over the last two years, in that he transfers his weight forward better
The look tomidwicket is idiosyncratic but actually doesn't really impact on his ability to play the ball.
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Without worrying too much about who might or might not play, I think it’s good that we are having selection headaches now. Competition can only be good for us and my view is you play different players for different conditions, it doesn’t always have to be the same 11.
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I am going to throw one out there.... we win by a lot so why change a winning team? Bairstow doesn't have to play.
On the game. Jennings looks so much better against spin it is actually quite strange for an opener.
Regards Burns technique, as they say... It's not what happens before it's where and when you finish. Who gives a monkeys if it looks strange if he is in a good position when the ball is being delivered etc... we all know about Steve Smith etc...
I would actually say the 'batsman' under most pressure is Mo. I know he is unlikely to actually lose his place in the team but he has wanted to bat higher for ages and is getting the chance and playing awful shots. If he doesn't come good it screws the whole line up etc...
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Amusingly Jennings, they guy most wanted to not tour is holding our top order together.
Sky sports saying that the rumour forms bgalnda camp is, if Mo bowls excessive overs, then buttler goes 3 and mo 6.
Be interesting if that happens in the next game and buttler is successful. Especially as he hasn’t got the gloves .
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Good from these two
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St Lucia is lovely. It will be fabulous.the beer is great and so are the people.
That’s good to hear!, I’m another CBF’er that’s going there
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regards Burns technique, as they say... It's not what happens before it's where and when you finish. Who gives a monkeys if it looks strange if he is in a good position when the ball is being delivered etc... we all know about Steve Smith etc...
It's the opposite of that, despite the media noise about looking to mid on and all that I'd be amazed if anyone cares what his batting looks like. The issue is that he gets himself into a poor position with his front foot at delivery. Can't blame selectors for being a bit wary, but Burns has got enough county runs to get past any of that, if there ever were genuine concerns.
Keaton looking confident, guess this was always on the cards given how well he plays spin but hope there's a lot of sofa selectors chowing down the humble pie for breakfast :D
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Happy for Jennings finally getting a couple of decent innings under his belt, but he's not turned the corner yet. Jennings more than decent against spin but that doesn't detract from how terrible his record is at home
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As people have said, the only position that is obviously lacking in No3 bat.
Ali is certainly showing that he's not a top order batsman! Jennings is looking better against spin than he does against pace!
And too early to tell with Burns yet. So we need to keep the openers as they are for the next Test.
BUT someone definitely needs to think about move Ali down the order and batting someone else at 3. We need Ali to bowl on these wickets though.
So if Bairstow is fit, where do we put him? At 3.....he may be able to do well. But if he comes in at 3, who gets dropped? In theory (and on these wickets) we need as many spinners as we can cram in!!
So logically it needs to therefore be a pace bowler - Stokes is needed for his all-round ability. But there is also an arguement that young Sam bowls well and bats well here.
Either Curran or Anderson surely are the only players you could consider "resting" if Bairstow is to play?
But like others have said, why change a team that has performed well?
But if no changes are made to the starting XI, I really think we need to look at playing someone like Stokes or Buttler at 3 and move Ali down the batting order!
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I'm sure it won't be long before Rory Burns is the fall guy on here.
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England on fire here for all those fans out there this could be a great couple of days to come
im going to throw this out there regarding Bairstow, are we playing TOO MANY spinners?
or is 3 the minimum number we should be going into the matches with?
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I'm sure it won't be long before Rory Burns is the fall guy on here.
Hopefully the selectors will give him a decent run and time to develop
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I'm sure it won't be long before Rory Burns is the fall guy on here.
Even allowing for the fickleness of England fans/CBF members I don't see that one! That said, it did amuse me how quickly the cricketing public went from 'Burns? Who?' to 'it is a travesty that Rory Burns has scored over 1000 county runs for 5 seasons in a row and not been selected' back in the summer, so I suppose it could go the other way.
Reverse sweep couldn't quite get Jennings to the ton this time... I'm glad amateur cricket provides very limited opportunity to be stuck on 98 at tea break!
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I'm sure it won't be long before Rory Burns is the fall guy on here.
possibly some Bats, but there's a whole lot of us wishing him well, he needs this tour and the next one
we don't exactly have many alternatives banging the door down to open the batting.He has to be given a decent runs and most supporters I know anyway think the same
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Jennings shows again why he is Englands opener for the sub continent.
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Oh dear god. This means Jennings is going to get another extended run doesn't it?...
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Well played Keaton
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Jennings does play well away from home. Just wish he could play well in home conditions too!
I mentined Burns months ago, so really hope he gets a long, lon g run! Especially at home where he has proved that he can be incredibly consistent!
Ton for Jennings....has just saved his place for a while. Bairstow is probably disappointed ;)
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From a starting XI point of view, if Bairstow gets a start in the 2nd Test, I would like to see...
Burns
Jennings
Buttler (I believe he can play patiently and has a decent defensive game, so better option than Ali at 3)
Root
Baristow
Stokes (he prefers batting at 6!)
Foakes (Wk!!)
Ali
Rashid
Leach
Anderson/Curran
If wicket is a genuine turner, there is no real point in having 3 seamers. In the first innings the pace men bowled 20 overs out of 68. In the second innings that would likely be even less.
Therefore do we need 3 pace bowlers on these wickets. Plus we could always open with pace at one end and spin at the other. Although I think that the first 10 overs should be pace/swing at both ends as the Kookaburra ball only swings for a dozen overs apparently!
That would surely be the best lineup on current form if Bairstow comes back?
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Jennings might be ideal for our middle order at home - unfortunately that's a rather congested place at the moment!
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Jennings might be ideal for our middle order at home - unfortunately that's a rather congested place at the moment!
Was thinking the same thing - he would like ideal at 5/6 at home, when a mixture of pace and spin would suit him. But who bats at 2 if he doesn't? And we already have Pope waiting in the wings, who I genuinely think would be better than Jennings at 5/6, but as you say, it is already so congested in the middle! In fact, from 6 to 11, we have a lot of quality - they have saved England so much recently too.
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Decent grab that!
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From a starting XI point of view, if Bairstow gets a start in the 2nd Test, I would like to see...
Burns
Jennings
Buttler (I believe he can play patiently and has a decent defensive game, so better option than Ali at 3)
Root
Baristow
Stokes (he prefers batting at 6!)
Foakes (Wk!!)
Ali
Rashid
Leach
Anderson/Curran
If wicket is a genuine turner, there is no real point in having 3 seamers. In the first innings the pace men bowled 20 overs out of 68. In the second innings that would likely be even less.
Therefore do we need 3 pace bowlers on these wickets. Plus we could always open with pace at one end and spin at the other. Although I think that the first 10 overs should be pace/swing at both ends as the Kookaburra ball only swings for a dozen overs apparently!
That would surely be the best lineup on current form if Bairstow comes back?
One specialist seamer? I think Sri Lanka have showed that it isnt the right way to go about it.
I don't think you can class Stokes as a front line bowler nowadays
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we are pumping it into the stands
think its fair to say Faokes is doing his absolute best not to be dropped for the second test :)
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Ouch anyone who's had there thumb pushed back trying to take a catch a full drive off the bat knows that's hurt
De silva
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Think Root needs to work out how to declare properly
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With an eye on the weather and 7 overs left to bat today it's a good declaration.
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Foakes very slick again with the gloves.
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Foakes very slick again with the gloves.
Support county cricket, people! ;)
Will be a straight Buttler/ Bairstow decision for the next Test, unless there is reason to play another seamer (unlikely).
Stokes and Ali could possibly swap positions in the batting order, but I don't think that will happen yet.
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Wouldn't be all that surprised if Bairstow replaces Burns tbh
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I don’t think they’ll drop foakes especially after they dropped Curran after he performed well came back and won man of the series!
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Leach or Rashid will get dropped for the next game so Bairstow doesn't have a tantrum
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It would be a shame - I thought that Rashid bowing leggies, Ali bowling offies and Leach bowling left arm worked well together and covered all options.
But I fear you are right. I suspect they will drop Rashid as normal.
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I agree o like the theee spin options but out of the two I think leach has more threat and control
Although I wouldn’t change bairstow needs to be told to grow up and acccept he’s lost his place!
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I agree o like the theee spin options but out of the two I think leach has more threat and control
Although I wouldn’t change bairstow needs to be told to grow up and acccept he’s lost his place!
well said. terrific player and there will be a role for him for sure, but it might not be immeadiatley
the 'I will bat anywhere mentality' that some of us have had to adopt for our clubs need to come into play.
Bairstow has worked hard on his keeping and is decent, but Foakes has always been thought of as the best. He can bat too, very well.
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I still maintain Buttler is a luxury and I'd have him make way for Bairstow. Tell Root the team needs him at 3. I feel for Mo, moved around all the time and his batting suffers for it. First rule of management, don't ask anyone to do something you wouldn't do yourself. Root at 3...
Burns
Jennings
Root
Bairstow
Mo
Stokes
Foakes
Curran
Rashid
Leach
Anderson
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Foakes showed in the second dig that he can be expansive the perfect combo so far! and his second catch off the edge was excellent too!
i do think if bairstow sorts out his technique and egt it back to where it was 2 summers ago he could bat at 3
which could mean for the ashes we have something like this (dont agree with all of it, Jennings at home for one but he'll get the summer or at least part of it after his ton)
burns
jennings
bairstow
root
stokes
buttler
foakes
ali
leach/curran
broad
anderson
i can see why bairstow is so desperate to play after being messed around with the ODI side and struggling in the test game for so long but he needs to get on with it and force his way back now.
The only reason he got a run in the ODI side was because hales was dropped after Bristol and score 2 hundreds. He got fortunate with the ODI but unfortunate here, you cant always have your cake and eat it!
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Big fan of this 3 spinner attack!
They won't be stupid enough to drop Rashid if we win surely? The attack looks perfectly balanced for these wickets to me.
They definitely won't drop Butler whoever suggested that, isn't he vice captain? And loved by Ed Smith. And our player of the series in the summer
Bairstow isn't in the same ballpark as Foakes when it comes to glovework that much is clear after 3 days! I'm sure the Surrey fans knew that already but its the first I've seen of Foakes other than a bit in the Blast
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They won't drop Buttler I know. I think he's a luxury is all. He can't bat top 4, there are better suited players. We have an abundance of middle order bats who bowl - Stokes, Mo. Bairstow is the better test batsman, without doubt.
Foakes is a better keeper and has proved he can bat at seven. Deserves the series and more. Three spinners are needed and Buttler doesn't bowl. He bats 5-7 and we have the four mentioned above. Thays why, to me, he's a luxury.
Appreciate he was player of the series in the summer. But this is the sub continent. We need flexibility. Play him again when we need four steamers and a spinner...
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Buttler plays spin considerably better than Bairstow
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Foakes showed in the second dig that he can be expansive the perfect combo so far! and his second catch off the edge was excellent too!
i do think if bairstow sorts out his technique and egt it back to where it was 2 summers ago he could bat at 3
which could mean for the ashes we have something like this (dont agree with all of it, Jennings at home for one but he'll get the summer or at least part of it after his ton)
burns
jennings
bairstow
root
stokes
buttler
foakes
ali
leach/curran
broad
anderson
i can see why bairstow is so desperate to play after being messed around with the ODI side and struggling in the test game for so long but he needs to get on with it and force his way back now.
The only reason he got a run in the ODI side was because hales was dropped after Bristol and score 2 hundreds. He got fortunate with the ODI but unfortunate here, you cant always have your cake and eat it!
Wrong! Bairstow replaced Roy for the final match of the champions trophy and was in the side for the Bristol game, it was Roy who got fortunate with the Hales situation
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Wrong! Bairstow replaced Roy for the final match of the champions trophy and was in the side for the Bristol game, it was Roy who got fortunate with the Hales situation
So he did
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They won't drop Buttler I know. I think he's a luxury is all. He can't bat top 4, there are better suited players. We have an abundance of middle order bats who bowl - Stokes, Mo. Bairstow is the better test batsman, without doubt.
Foakes is a better keeper and has proved he can bat at seven. Deserves the series and more. Three spinners are needed and Buttler doesn't bowl. He bats 5-7 and we have the four mentioned above. Thays why, to me, he's a luxury.
Appreciate he was player of the series in the summer. But this is the sub continent. We need flexibility. Play him again when we need four steamers and a spinner...
Are you sure? If Buttler is a luxury, then Bairstow is also a luxury. Neither of them 'can' bat in the top 4, both usually bat in the middle order, neither bowl. Since when did being a specialist make you a luxury?! Graham Thorpe, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, AB De Villiers... who'd pick them, they were all a waste of a selection at 5 :o
On the other hand, let's say you're right - both are specialist batsmen and we 'need' too many bowlers. Take a read of this table and then explain why Buttler, our second-highest scorer this year/top of the averages/vice-captain, is for the chop?
(https://i.postimg.cc/XY2DRX03/Untitled.png)
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It might be that - for the next two games - England have to say to Bairstow "look mate, its not forever". Long term, one of the bowlers goes, but pragmatically they are all playing a role here and the one that England absolutely must not do is sacrifice the chance to find out whether Burns is a long term option.
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It might be that - for the next two games - England have to say to Bairstow "look mate, its not forever". Long term, one of the bowlers goes, but pragmatically they are all playing a role here and the one that England absolutely must not do is sacrifice the chance to find out whether Burns is a long term option.
Think this is the most realistic option, the specialist batsmen have all earned their place ahead of Bairstow next game and the all-rounders/bowlers are all doing a job at the moment. Should the pitches change they could drop Rashid but seems unlikely at present. Can't see Jonny taking it well though!
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It might be that - for the next two games - England have to say to Bairstow "look mate, its not forever". Long term, one of the bowlers goes, but pragmatically they are all playing a role here and the one that England absolutely must not do is sacrifice the chance to find out whether Burns is a long term option.
This
If this team wins then they all deserve to survive and those who missed out await people to fail or conditions change. Jennings won’t last once they leave the SC as he’s already shown he isn’t capable so a few runs vs SL will just buy him more games to fail (sadly less time for England before the ashes) and more likely to ‘he did well in SL’ or ‘he avg x over the last 10 games’...
Still, pleased for the lad as whatever it’s always nice to score runs. Just can’t get all hyped up like some
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It should be noted that not a single one of you (/us) was pushing for Ben Foakes inclusion before now. :o
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It should be noted that not a single one of you (/us) was pushing for Ben Foakes inclusion before now. :o
Let’s see if he’s consistent first before declaring either way shall we...
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Let’s see if he’s consistent first before declaring either way shall we...
That guy just scored 100 on debut and is keeping like Jesus himself (if he were a keeper)... He's not going anywhere! :D
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That guy just scored 100 on debut and is keeping like Jesus himself (if he were a keeper)... He's not going anywhere! :D
Did I say he was ? Or are you just suddenly declaring another messiah ?
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It should be noted that not a single one of you (/us) was pushing for Ben Foakes inclusion before now. :o
Hate to be smug but at least I had him in my squad...
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The side for this game looked a bowler heavy and a batsman light but given the next game is being played at a ground that offers more to the seamers, I can't see that a bowler could be left out. Foakes should keep his place which leaves Bairstow competing as a specialist batsman and the only person he could displace on form is Burns which would be very harsh at this point and would require Bairstow to bat in the top 3.
Not sure why Butler's place would be at risk. The game must have moved on since I started watching it if a middle order batsman averaging over 40 for the year is now considered to be a luxury.
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I rate Buttler. But the selectors seem to want players who can do a bit of more than one thing. That's all. I actually don't care who bats between him and Bairstow, but it has to only be one of them.
Everyone's jumped on that but does any one agree Root should bat three? If not I'll get my coat...
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If root bats 3 it means the bus load of middle order players we have are easier to fit into the batting order.
The great team man Moeen has been chucked under the bus by Root and Bayliss, there's no way he has the technique or temperament to bat higher than 6/7/8...
He's very effective down the order when the bowlers are not so fresh.
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I think it should be Root's call. If he wants to bat at 4 then that's where he should bat. As our best batsman, the last thing we need is to push him into a role he isn't happy with.
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Nah. Root's the captain and best batsman, if he wants to bat 4 he bats 4! 4 is where your best bat usually resides in England anyway.
Root averages 51 at 4 with more than twice as many tons from a similar number of innings, compared to averaging 40 at 3.
Say Root moves to three. Who is the genius bloke we've got lined up to replace him and average 50+ at four? Oh...
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I watched Root get 250 batting 3 he didn't seem any different to batting 4 during that test.
He is our best batsman by miles for sure, over the last couple of years we have needed our middle order players to get the runs and they have done time and again.
So the middle is our engine room, someone has to take one for the team.
Moving a player from 7 or 8 to 3 is too much. Where he bats in second division county cricket of a poor standard is irrelevant.
On this tour in this match Sri Lanka played one seamer, the rest was spin, what's the difference for a top order player in 3 or 4?
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If you rationalise it, there is little difference between the top order positions. You can be down to come at 3 or even 4 and end up facing a ball before the number 2 gets to face a ball. But there are plenty of number 3s who wouldn't want to open.
The point is that has been pressured into batting at 3 for a time but simply doesn't want to bat there and his record shows that he doesn't perform as well there as he does in his chosen position at 4.
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I thought Vince or Deny would end up being the number 3, but that would mean losing a player...
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Have woken up and SL are 86-2 and look a lot better than 1st innings however once again I have to question what Root is doing with the field. We have a massive score on the board and he has boundary riders everywhere and only 2 men around the bat, 1 at slip and 1 in front.
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Just watching the cricket on Super Sport in SA. Sky sports is terrible in comparison. I couldn’t comment on the other thread because of the bickering. England have done really well here.
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THE NUT
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THE NUTTTTTTTTTTTTT
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MO
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COME ON LADS!!!!!!!
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Might have a new entrant for the village thread! Rashid bowling with his trousers tucked in his socks.
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Oh no, it's still going...
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Suffice to say this is going to be an absolutely massive win
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Why do I want root to bring foakes on for an over... he’d probably get a wicket!
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Hearth run out!!
England win
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brilliant away win for us they are like gold dust
its a winning side now but will refrain from posting the team for the second test :)
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Great to see Leach and Foakes really taking their chance.
I don't think Mo should be batting at 3, especially if he is having to bowl a lot of overs. I would personally move Buttler up to 3, if he's there as an out-an-out batsman he shouldn't be at 6. The way he played against India proves he can dig in when required and we have plenty of firepower in the middle / lower order.
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Did Foakes really not give away any byes? Awesome!
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Did Foakes really not give away any byes? Awesome!
blimey, that's impressive if correct...
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153 Overs, no byes.
Awesome.
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England's first test win on that ground.
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brilliant away win for us they are like gold dust
its a winning side now but will refrain from posting the team for the second test :)
Second test one change only stone or Broad to play instead of Leach.
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Second test one change only stone or Broad to play instead of Leach.
have you mis-typed there Al?
youre leaving out Leach from the next game?
any thinking behind that?
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have you mis-typed there Al?
youre leaving out Leach from the next game?
any thinking behind that?
He meant to write Woakes instead of Stone or Broad :( :( :(
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If a spinner was to miss out it would be Rashid whom was rubbish. Leach offered control whereas Rashid only looks a test bowler to tail enders
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have you mis-typed there Al?
youre leaving out Leach from the next game?
any thinking behind that?
Yes second test more of a balanced side on
A more seamer friendly wicket 2 seamers plus Moeen to bowl off spin Rashid to bowl leg spin orthodox spin not needed also both are better batters than Leach
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If a spinner was to miss out it would be Rashid whom was rubbish. Leach offered control whereas Rashid only looks a test bowler to tail enders
No doubt he goes for a few but gets wickets.
only a bowler for tailenders bit harsh ask Kholi about that magic ball.
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No doubt he goes for a few but gets wickets.
only a bowler for tailenders bit harsh ask Kholi about that magic ball.
Leach got more wickets than Rashid!!!!
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I hate to open this up again, but I've just read that Bayliss is saying that Ali may drop down the order and all three keepers could play.
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I hate to open this up again, but I've just read that Bayliss is saying that Ali may drop down the order and all three keepers could play.
Assuming it’s not wet the wicket will be a Bunsen. Curran out as englsnd will need spin. SL are way to crap to not produce a Bunsen
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Assuming it’s not wet the wicket will be a Bunsen. Curran out as englsnd will need spin. SL are way to crap to not produce a Bunsen
Pundits are saying the wicket is normally more seamer freindly
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Whatever they do, please don't drop Burns.
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Whatever they do, please don't drop Burns.
Surely not ? Got to give him a run of 10 innings at least (with account taken for who it’s agaisnt )
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Surely not ? Got to give him a run of 10 innings at least (with account taken for who it’s agaisnt )
We've made the same mistake repetitively for the last seven years - bring someone in, give them five minutes, cast them aside. The fact that only Jennings of the double figures of openers have been recalled is worrying. So, yes, I worry that the selectors will get this wrong again and go "ah, he did nowt much, he can wait till the Windies". He needs to be told he will play everything to the second Ashes test to give him confidence and reassurance. If that means Bairstow rests two tests, much as I think we're wasting one of our two best players, its the right thing to do.
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Pundits are saying the wicket is normally more seamer freindly
More seamer friendly than Galle yes. But we aren't talking Headingley in April
The same attack should be picked, 3 seamers is plenty!
For me, and this is where England have messed up several times to my memory, when picking an attack in an away Test you should see what the hosts do and try and replicate it. England in this case have the luxury of Stokes and Ali as all rounders and so are able to have an even better balance and variety to their bowling attack than Sri Lanka!
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I hate to open this up again, but I've just read that Bayliss is saying that Ali may drop down the order and all three keepers could play.
I believe this is what you are referring to....
Sri Lanka v England: Moeen Ali to move down batting order - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/46162267 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/46162267)
I also draw you to this..... in which Root says 'i don't think we can leave Ben Foakes out".
Joe Root: England captain says he has tough job to pick second-Test XI - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/46153517 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/46153517)
The way I see it Root has 3 options -
1. Don't change a winning team and Bairstow doesn't play
2. Drop Curran move Mo down to 8 and Bairstow comes in.
3. Drop a spinner (likely Rashid) move Mo down to 8, Curran to 9, and Bairstow comes in.
Personally I favour number 1. Don't change a winning team. Bairstow waits his turn etc...
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We've made the same mistake repetitively for the last seven years - bring someone in, give them five minutes, cast them aside. The fact that only Jennings of the double figures of openers have been recalled is worrying. So, yes, I worry that the selectors will get this wrong again and go "ah, he did nowt much, he can wait till the Windies". He needs to be told he will play everything to the second Ashes test to give him confidence and reassurance. If that means Bairstow rests two tests, much as I think we're wasting one of our two best players, its the right thing to do.
I’d give him this tour and next at the bare min. I would expect high returns from WI and having seem this SL side is expect high returns from this tour too. Avg sub 40 can’t be tolerated agaisnt such teams (plus, it should be consistency not one monster innings).
Always look deeper than the bare stats
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Interested to see who bats 3 in scenarios 2 & 3
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Could drop Rashid for Denly, who would bat 3 and bowl leggies, then you can bring Bairstow in for Curran or leave it at that.
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Could drop Rashid for Denly, who would bat 3 and bowl leggies, then you can bring Bairstow in for Curran or leave it at that.
They could if they were idiots. Why would you want to severely weaken a bowling attack that was perfectly balanced in the last Test?
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I don't think they would, but it would solve the 3 problem. Obviously Rashid is the better spinner.
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I don't think they would, but it would solve the 3 problem. Obviously Rashid is the better spinner.
Denly doesn’t solve any problem as he is totally unproven too..
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Could drop Rashid for Denly, who would bat 3 and bowl leggies, then you can bring Bairstow in for Curran or leave it at that.
And bat who at 8 and 9, Ali and Buttler?
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Either don’t change a winning team. Or Rashid or Curran out for JB at 3.
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The more I look at the squad, the more optimistic I am. Say it quietly, but we have the makings of a great test side here...
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The more I look at the squad, the more optimistic I am. Say it quietly, but we have the makings of a great test side here...
Umm, we don’t have anyone that looks like a 1/2/3 and once Anderson and broad go I’d you really think curran is going to be as good ?? He’s an all rounder bits and pieces bowler so in reality is competing with stokes for the all rounder spot. So, where is the next Anderson/broad class coming from ??
What you mean to say is that we have a 4/5/6 and possibly a good wk/bat. We don’t really have any bowling coming brought to claim all looks rosy and we still have no top order... we do however have many 5/6/7 bats so could easily rotate there and not lose much/anything
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It's the classic thing on here. People go from one extreme to the other.
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The question might be if we Had too many bowlers at Galle....
Root will want options away from home and rightly so, but was the team top heavy bowling wise? We actually has 6 proper bowlers
If Bairstow is to come in its probably for a bowler.
Personally I think my team would be unchanged for now, Bairstow will come back for sure soon enough.
Root seems to use Rashid to clean out the tail, he wants control(leach) and then thinks the tailenders at clueless against Rash
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Umm, we don’t have anyone that looks like a 1/2/3 and once Anderson and broad go I’d you really think curran is going to be as good ?? He’s an all rounder bits and pieces bowler so in reality is competing with stokes for the all rounder spot. So, where is the next Anderson/broad class coming from ??
What you mean to say is that we have a 4/5/6 and possibly a good wk/bat. We don’t really have any bowling coming brought to claim all looks rosy and we still have no top order... we do however have many 5/6/7 bats so could easily rotate there and not lose much/anything
We have a good enough roster of players to be a very good test side. It will take a while, but in two or three years with how these players will develop, so yes, I do think we have a rosy future at test level. Please don't suppose that you know what I mean to say, because you really don't. I'm not saying that one test victory in Galle suddenly means we have instant world beaters- not at all. I do think, however, that with more experience at the international level, we'll have a strong enough side to compete against nearly everybody (perhaps not India/Australia away). My view is more nuanced than what you presuppose. Rome wasn't built in a day, and nor will this England side be- but there is something in the players we have now moving forward. Lastly, I've never said Curran is going to be good as Anderson and Broad- and he isn't my frontline pick for a seamer. You've inferred one hell of a lot from two sentences.
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The question might be if we Had too many bowlers at Galle....
Root will want options away from home and rightly so, but was the team top heavy bowling wise? We actually has 6 proper bowlers
If Bairstow is to come in its probably for a bowler.
Personally I think my team would be unchanged for now, Bairstow will come back for sure soon enough.
Root seems to use Rashid to clean out the tail, he wants control(leach) and then thinks the tailenders at clueless against Rash
[/quote
I agree with you. I wouldn't change the side after this match, and Bairstow will be back soon enough as you say- you don't make the ICC Test Team of the Year (2016) for just being ginger! 'In 2016, Bairstow set a new record for the most dismissals (70) by a wicket-keeper in a calendar year.[1] In the same year, Bairstow also set a record for most runs in Test matches by a wicket-keeper in a single year. By scoring 1,470 runs in Tests in the year, Bairstow almost doubled the previous record of 777 for England wicket-keepers set by Matt Prior in 2012, and comprehensively surpassed the former record for any Test country of 1,045 runs, held by former Zimbabwe wicket-keeper Andy Flower'.
YJB will be back, and I can't wait to see him at his best again! :) His Waca ton was awesome.
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of a great test side here...
Great means something to rival WI/Aus sides... if you’d said ‘to capture world no:1 in this era’ then sure.. given the state of world cricket I can agree that this bunch of players could indeed become world no:1..
Never ever a great side though, not in a million years
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Bef we conclude England have the making of a great test side It needs to be decided who's in it.
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Chandimal out for the hosts and Akila been reported for suspect action
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Pope leaving to play for the Lions in Pakistan, to get some game time before the WI series. Fair play that their not just going to make him sit around carrying the drinks.
'Pope to join up with Lions squad'
http://www.skysports.com/share/11551253 (http://www.skysports.com/share/11551253)
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Makes sense so he is playing some cricket, they rate him so could be long term with Pope providing he does not have a horror run like Hameed
Denly and Bairstow options in the batting too. Bayliff saying today Butler or Stokes to bat 3 with Mo moving back down.
That's fine but that would be a change in batting line up not in players.i think at the moment Bairstow only plays if one of the spinners is left out...and that would be tough because Root wants bowling options.
I think England are preparing to be unchanged with one batting swap. a team that has won an away test perhaps deserves that.
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Aggers reporting England unchanged
Stokes to bat 3
Mo to bat 6
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papers have Butler at 3 with Mo moving down
either way Foakes confirmed to play
that's got to be right surely
Bairstow will miss out for now
and what about Broad? no space !!
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They seemed to be thinking of exchanging Rashid for Broad if damp conditions continued.
But evidently the weather has dried out and they suspect it will be dry and a turner. If that's the case, I reckon they will not play an additional seamer.
And I heard Buttler will bat at 3 too.
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It's already been announced - unchanged, Stokes 3 Ali 6.
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Correct call - well done selectors
The way Root explained Bairstows absence read like he's a 9 year old boy whose feelings get hurt if he's left out of the school team.
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Liking it. :)
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Good team selection, but I feel a bit sorry for Moeen. Got to be more value in giving him a good go at 3 than sticking Stokes there for two games.
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On a side note, this means Stokes fights back in his little-publicised battle with Moeen to bat in every spot from 1-11 for England. Assuming he does actually bat 3, he'll have walked out everywhere from 3-11 in tests. Moeen has batted in every spot from 1-9... who will get there and complete the set first?!
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I reckon Mo will be happy that he is given the opportunity to bat in mid order! He is not a number 3 and as he has hit some great knocks down the order, I suspect he will be more confident there?
So we need to either bat Stokes there and see if he can adapt his game to be more patient? (no optimistic but he has been trainingthis week to bat that way, so who knows)
And if Stokes doesn't bat well there, then surely the next option will be to get Clarke/Vince/Gubbins/etc/etc long term? So a "proper" opener/top order batsman to bed in?
I can understand that it is not easy to do now, as England are trying to get the opening pair settled and bedded in. And also because we have to play extra spinners in these conditions.
But once we are back in greener fields, then it would surely be the next step?
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Given that Moeen has batted pretty much his entire county career at 3 you'd imagine he'd be fairly comfortable with the spot! Also it's in his interest to bat there - outside the subcontinent Stokes is going to bowl too many overs to bat 3 (last home test he bowled more overs than Curran and only 3 less than Broad), he has the technical game to do it but this is a short term fix only. Long term, we'll need a 3 for all conditions. Moeen's a candidate for that, even if you're unconvinced how good he'd be. If he doesn't bat 3, where is he getting in when we go back to picking one spinner?
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I genuinely hope that Mo does flourish batting at 3, because it would give us a fantiastic option to play Leach all the time and still have Mo and Root who can bowl spin!
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Correct decision made by the selectors..... will be interesting how Bairstow takes it.
In SL news Akila Dananjaya is going to play despite being reported for a suspect bowling action in the 1st test.
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Given that Moeen has batted pretty much his entire county career at 3 you'd imagine he'd be fairly comfortable with the spot! Also it's in his interest to bat there - outside the subcontinent Stokes is going to bowl too many overs to bat 3 (last home test he bowled more overs than Curran and only 3 less than Broad), he has the technical game to do it but this is a short term fix only. Long term, we'll need a 3 for all conditions. Moeen's a candidate for that, even if you're unconvinced how good he'd be. If he doesn't bat 3, where is he getting in when we go back to picking one spinner?
and therein lies the problem
however Mr Edge, it does not become any problem whatsoever if youre view is if we are only picking one spinner, Moeen is the best in that position
im not saying he is, but he has just gone past 150 wickets for England which is no mean achievement
some of the ex players on the telly believe the best spinner we have is Moeen
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I genuinely hope that Mo does flourish batting at 3, because it would give us a fantiastic option to play Leach all the time and still have Mo and Root who can bowl spin!
Exactly, would be handy. But that's gone now, Moeen won't be seen at 3 again after getting binned off down the order one test into a tour.
I think if we only pick one spinner it has to be Leach.
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Exactly, would be handy. But that's gone now, Moeen won't be seen at 3 again after getting binned off down the order one test into a tour.
I think if we only pick one spinner it has to be Leach.
Leach (or Rashid), plus Mo at 6, surely? Broad comes in for Rashid (or Leach) in more seamer-friendly conditions.
Battle for no.5 between Buttler and Bairstow, as I suggested earlier.
Bairstow might also be considered a contender for an opener's spot longer tterm. A top 3 with Bairstow and Stokes in? Wow!
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And let's not forget Chris Woakes...
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Leach (or Rashid), plus Mo at 6, surely? Broad comes in for Rashid (or Leach) in more seamer-friendly conditions.
Battle for no.5 between Buttler and Bairstow, as I suggested earlier.
Bairstow might also be considered a contender for an opener's spot longer tterm. A top 3 with Bairstow and Stokes in? Wow!
That would only work if Stokes bats 3, which was my point really - hard to see him making a sustained success of batting 3 while also bowling 30 overs a game.
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Good call by the selectors here
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i actually think stokes at 3 works (even long term),
he's clearly worked hard on his technique and shown he can dig in and battle it out in the last few games and if he continues then if were 1-1 early thats ok
hes also got that flair and aggression if were 200-1 when he comes in to go form ball one.
give him time but if burns scores runs and stokes does at three we could be looking at our ashes top 4 already
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i actually think stokes at 3 works (even long term),
he's clearly worked hard on his technique and shown he can dig in and battle it out in the last few games and if he continues then if were 1-1 early thats ok
hes also got that flair and aggression if were 200-1 when he comes in to go form ball one.
give him time but if burns scores runs and stokes does at three we could be looking at our ashes top 4 already
Tought ask to go in a 1st drop if you've just bowled 20 overs though.
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i agree however its been done before (someone mentioned kallis)
i do think we need a proper number three but theres no reason stokes cant be successful at it, besides if we have a decent set of openers he should get a decent break between batting and bowling.
it can be said now if he bats at 6 hits an unbeaten ton then has to bowl a few overs he wont be as effective with the ball
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if were 200-1
Some ifs are bigger than others
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'Kallis used to do it' is hardly a convincing argument given he's about the only bloke who's ever managed it! Also Kallis mostly didn't bat 3, or bowl as much as Stokes, and usually had the luxury of batting behind an obdurate top 3. The average opening stand for England since Strauss retired is a little over 12 overs.
You could say that, but then you'd be ignoring the fact that Stokes is usually the 4th seamer and so can if necessary have a good rest before he bowls. He's a good batsman, it'll do for now, but can't see it going for much longer.
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The way Root explained Bairstows absence read like he's a 9 year old boy whose feelings get hurt if he's left out of the school team.
Actually I thought it was quite sensitively done. Whilst it is probably the correct call, you can sort of see things from Bairstow's point of view - no one seriously doubts he is in our top two batsmen, he has worked incredibly hard on his keeping, and will doubtless be flashing back to three years of playing an ODI, succeeding, then being told that Hales (or whoever) is coming back because he is the man in possession, and wondering where the consistency is. So, it was good not to hear "like it or lump it" or something similar.
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Tought ask to go in a 1st drop if you've just bowled 20 overs though.
It may be - he is primarily an old ball reverse swing fourth seamer, so will do the bulk of his bowling later in the innings.
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It may be - he is primarily an old ball reverse swing fourth seamer, so will do the bulk of his bowling later in the innings.
It's tough on Bairstow but it is the right call. We do have a lot of bowlers in the team, as captain Root wants options, that's understandable away from home so you kind of get that....
Bairstow will be back soon enough, he's def top 6 best in the Country. Hard to know what England will do long term regarding the keeping position, is this a real change now to a specialist or just for this tour?
I think Stokes to 3 myself is a sign of things to come, perhaps he won't be bowling that much in the future and England want him as more of a batsman going forward. He may also have some injury problems or niggles.
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I think it just suits for now as we're playing the extra bowler to accomodate 3 spinners and being SL he won't bowl much anyway.
Oncve we're back to 4 seamers and a spinner he'll be back down the order.
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Keeping position...tbh I think that does Foakes' batting a bit of a disservice. In a team full of dashers, he is a natural accumulator.
On Stokes at 3 long term, the big issue for me would be three consecutive left handers.
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I don't see any sign of Stokes bowling workload being reduced! Maybe on these pitches and rightly so, but back in England he'll be queueing up to get the ball.
For me having Stokes at 6 provides the luxury genuine all rounder that many sides crave. It is also the position where we should see the best of him - taking the game to the opposition. That South Africa knock was one of the best I've seen. Please don't turn him into a boring accumulator because all our other 3s are rubbish!
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I don't see any sign of Stokes bowling workload being reduced! Maybe on these pitches and rightly so, but back in England he'll be queueing up to get the ball.
For me having Stokes at 6 provides the luxury genuine all rounder that many sides crave. It is also the position where we should see the best of him - taking the game to the opposition. That South Africa knock was one of the best I've seen. Please don't turn him into a boring accumulator because all our other 3s are rubbish!
Boring but in tests it’s what is required from your top 3. That’s the beauty of the formst, roles for all style of batsmen
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I don't see why Bairstow has an grievances about being dropped tbh. Foakes is considerably a better gloveman, hence why Bairstow grabbed the gloves back off Buttler after his finger injury. Secondly Bairstow is averaging 30 with the bat in the last 2 years. Hardly the numbers of 'the two best batsman in the side'. Bairstow is currently firmly behind Buttler in the pecking order, forget about dislodging Foakes.
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Well, Dilruwan's ragged two past the outside edge in only the second over of the game... good toss to win!
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Turning quite a long way already
89-4, good score from here? 250?
We will need the three spinners!!
Akila bowling and there seems to be a definite straightening but whether it’s illegal is anyone’s guess
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First innings runs vital just like the last test the pitch will only turn more
Hugely impressed with Butler since he came back, seems to have a good team attitude unaffected where he bats and comfortable with his own game
And he plays a lovely sweep shot!
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Boring but in tests it’s what is required from your top 3. That’s the beauty of the formst, roles for all style of batsmen
Obviously
Stokes should be unleashed at 5 or 6 to do what he does best and take teams apart. Not used to do the donkey work at 3
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Not sure why Buttler didn't talk to Foakes about that one
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Eurgh
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this is the sort of wicket that did for South Africa and Australia.
will be interesting to see how we bowl and SL get on with it.
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Massive toss to win. Is that 7 in a row for root in tests?
230 looks like a good score already.
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Massive toss to win. Is that 7 in a row for root in tests?
230 looks like a good score already.
IF England can get to 230/250, I suspect that would be a competitive score if the ball is turning already.
Just hope the wicket stays lively and deteriorates! ;) Although these are the kind of wickets that Sri Lanka are more used to batting and bowling on.
Home advantage in these conditions will at least make life intertesting.
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Rashid out for 32 trapped LBW on the back foot.
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God I love it when Sam goes down the track
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Curran showing batting with Anderson he has an excellent cricket brain
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Curran with match winning runs again. well above par now
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Strong Surrey, Strong England. Love you, Sam.
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Strong Surrey, Strong England. Love you, Sam.
This kind of thing is bad enough normally but when you've got Gareth Batty preaching the Surrey gospel on the radio as well... give it a rest ;)
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This Curran lad is half decent
Get him in at number 3
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Sam shows he has the temperament for 3 also with 64 top scorer for England this. Innings.
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NUT
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Sam shows he has the temperament for 3 also with 64 top scorer for England this. Innings.
def impressive so far. Seems to read the situation well for a youngster and he is doing a Chris Woakes type job down the order. At present justifying why England rate him so highly.
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IF England can get to 230/250, I suspect that would be a competitive score if the ball is turning already.
Just hope the wicket stays lively and deteriorates! ;) Although these are the kind of wickets that Sri Lanka are more used to batting and bowling on.
Home advantage in these conditions will at least make life intertesting.
if there is luck with the toss, which we have had so far, batting first is the only option, this pitch only predicted to last about half an hour so runs on the board are gold dust.
the top may bust open tomorrow and its then you see, just like the old days, the value of quality behind the stumps
im not a keeper having only done it once is a game when the regular keeper turned up smashed but its wonderful to see a top class keeper
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https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjK7ZnG9NPeAhUBNOwKHaraCusQFjAAegQIABAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.littlehamptongazette.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fcarlo-takes-keeping-honours-1-1129188&usg=AOvVaw3zewsTkv2uwR14wHDZpnH6 (https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjK7ZnG9NPeAhUBNOwKHaraCusQFjAAegQIABAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.littlehamptongazette.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fcarlo-takes-keeping-honours-1-1129188&usg=AOvVaw3zewsTkv2uwR14wHDZpnH6)
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Can we calm down about Sam Curran please.
The lad has undoubtedly got serious talent, but is he really the answer at number 3? If he's flourishing down the order why change it, let him continue as he is as he's doing a fine job, no need to throw him into an unfamiliar position and risk ruining him this early in his career.
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Can we calm down about Sam Curran please.
The lad has undoubtedly got serious talent, but is he really the answer at number 3? If he's flourishing down the order why change it, let him continue as he is as he's doing a fine job, no need to throw him into an unfamiliar position and risk ruining him this early in his career.
Yep, easy to imagine him ending up higher up the order than 8 in years to come but he's not even got a first class ton yet - just enjoy him bashing it about for now! Remember how excited we all got about Broad's batting..?
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Can we calm down about Sam Curran please.
The lad has undoubtedly got serious talent, but is he really the answer at number 3? If he's flourishing down the order why change it, let him continue as he is as he's doing a fine job, no need to throw him into an unfamiliar position and risk ruining him this early in his career.
My comment was, of course, not serious
He is making himself a pretty important member of the team though
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My comment was, of course, not serious
He is making himself a pretty important member of the team though
he is keeping Woakes out of the side. I think for that reason we need to be going nuts about a potential Lara/wasim akram cross :)
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Turning quite a long way already
89-4, good score from here? 250?
We will need the three spinners!!
Akila bowling and there seems to be a definite straightening but whether it’s illegal is anyone’s guess
id have taken 250 when buttler went!
285 massive plus with the wicket doing planty
if ti breaks up tomorrow we could be in bother second innings and i reckon we need at least 100 run lead going into the third innings of the game to make it safe.
If Sri Lanka can get close then we could easily lose this game, another good couple of sessions tomorrow and its as good as over i reckon
really enjoying seeing us not just compete but actually be on top in an away series for all but a couple of sessions!
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anyone else catch the pce with Thorpe this morning early on the 2001 win and playing spin
superb stuff one of my favourite players who could play genuine pace and came up with a plan in Pakistan and Lanka
its superb stuff do watch if you can
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What a talented bunch of young players! Foakes, Curran et-al...
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anyone else catch the pce with Thorpe this morning early on the 2001 win and playing spin
superb stuff one of my favourite players who could play genuine pace and came up with a plan in Pakistan and Lanka
its superb stuff do watch if you can
yeah it was excellent, loved seeing how he adapted following the loss in galle and starting to look hit hit back over murali's head.
it looks like he's brought that into the one day side and maybe he should replace ramps as test batting coach!
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indeed.
actually back -in-the-day he was on his own playing spin for us, Gooch of course was superb but that was few years before Thorpe. If I remember correct Thorpe played one inning getting a ton virtually with singles and the odd 2....
proving how he could adapt in the sub continent. Like a lot of players now he played off the back foot back then....
in complete contrast to that skill, he also gave it back too the Aussies and was never intimidated
all in all...a lot to like about his batting for us :)
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Reckon that will be on demand? Would love to see that, Thorpe was my favorite player as a lad. I had the full Bubble gear in homage
It was either Sri Lanka or Pakistan where he was scratching the practice tracks up on a length with his spikes to replicate match conditions.
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Thorpe was a very thoughtful player, loved it when a plan came together. Great strategist with regards to his batting. Loved watching him bat, and of course that Kook gear always looked great.
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I used to love Thorpe til he screwed his clubmate Alex Tudor over for his only ever chance at a test ton. That was pretty low
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Brilliant run out from Stokes we needed that
Good morning for SL thou
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And a brilliant catch!
Stokes in the game!
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I used to love Thorpe til he screwed his clubmate Alex Tudor over for his only ever chance at a test ton. That was pretty low
It was a test match not a benefit game. Get on with it
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Some big turn here from Rashid! Good to see an English leg spinner ripping it
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Roooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooot
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Criminal from rashid bowling short balls with it turning so much - cutting into this lead now
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Leach should become the lead spinner in all conditions going forward. Really good bowler
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Leach should become the lead spinner in all conditions going forward. Really good bowler
I agree, Leach could become one of England’s best spinners and with age on his side it’s an exciting prospect.
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Extremely poor from england allowing sri lanka to get a lead. On a pitch turning square why would they bowl curran - give the new ball to a spinner.
Think the spin quality from both sides has been rubbish, on a wicket like this the likes of india and pakistan would've knocked both sides over for under 150
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Yet another opener for England!
This time jack leach
Keaton Jennings hiding behind a night watchman! Poor!
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Yet another opener for England!
This time jack leach
Keaton Jennings hiding behind a night watchman! Poor!
Not really, this way they have protected Burns and Jennings, 1 over was bowled and Burns has taken 1 so far this tour. So, by sending Leach out it makes all is Ok for tomorrow. I think it was a good move.
Also, Jennings was at short leg for hours! He might have been shattered
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Nothing to gain from sending one of the normal openers out to face, perfectly sensible decision and Burns/Jennings can get a good night's rest in before batting. Job well done Jack Leach (have to say I'd have been tempted to try and bomb the last ball out of the ground!)
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Not really, this way they have protected Burns and Jennings, 1 over was bowled and Burns has taken 1 so far this tour. So, by sending Leach out it makes all is Ok for tomorrow. I think it was a good move.
Also, Jennings was at short leg for hours! He might have been shattered
I’m thinking more for the morning, we’ve seen how wicket fall in clusters I just think that a nightwatchmen gives them more chance of an early wicket and get their tails up
If it’s jennjngs and burns walking out then it’s much tougher for Sri Lanka than burns and leach
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I’m thinking more for the morning, we’ve seen how wicket fall in clusters I just think that a nightwatchmen gives them more chance of an early wicket and get their tails up
If it’s jennjngs and burns walking out then it’s much tougher for Sri Lanka than burns and leach
Or they can't even get the NW out and get mega frustrated, can work both ways. Understand it'll split option but if the openers wanted a NW then it makes sense to have one.
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this is set up for the nightwatchman to hit a big score and boost himself up the order for the next test
well who would rule it out?
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Leach to get 150* tomorrow and become England's new number 3! :( :( :( :o :o :o :o
No joking aside, that was 1 of the only occasions that i fully advocate a nightwatchman. There was only 1 over left, the nightwatchman was only ever going to face. There was absolutely nothing to gain from both openers going out there. Imagine if Jennings/Burns had got one with their name on it and we had gone in overnight 0-1!!
Leach is a batter fully capable of hanging around for a while and scoring a few and if he gets out early then so be it, it's just like we are starting over.
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I like Leach a lot..he lands it so consistent on that left armers line
but seriously we don't want to be too far behind on first innings
I think...if we can we need a 200 lead and hopefully the pitch explodes when we bowl
great game this one
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Two shocking reviews!
England in a spot of bother here too
Burns and stokes gone in quick succession
100-4
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Two shocking reviews!
England in a spot of bother here too
Burns and stokes gone in quick succession
100-4
Same from Sri Lanka, they have lost all their reviews too.
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Yep! With burns wicket and stokes and the sl review in between it was a shocking 4 balls of test cricket
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I've just switched on and the first ball I've seen has rolled across the ground!
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What does everyone think we need as a lead to win this??
Other thing I keep on thinking is... how good would have Herath been on this wicket for SL right now!!
EDIT- going to add I am really enjoying Brad Hogg's (I think it's him) commentry on Sky
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What does everyone think we need as a lead to win this??
Other thing I keep on thinking is... how good would have Herath been on this wicket for SL right now!!
EDIT- going to add I am really enjoying Brad Hogg's (I think it's him) commentry on Sky
200 is competitive
I'm not a fan of Hogg, he is just seeming to state the obvious. Expect a little bit more insight or intelligence from an ex pro
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200 lead would be good
Great to see burns getting runs he played well and butler continues to bat smart for us
I think the selectors need a pat on the back there
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Personally feel a lead of 250 is needed
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4 more overs to go in this ODI, hopefully a big finish :D
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No reviews left when Ali could've used one
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Has a side ever lost all 10 wickets sweeping before?
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Serious knock by Root here!
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Rooty you absolute beauty!
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Just seen someone tweet in to the bbc feed asking if this counts as a hundred for root at 3 as there was a night watchman! Inventive but it may do!
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7/7 for the sweep
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Curran gone nooo!
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Another 40/50 runs would be fab! Doesn't sound like the wicket is easy to get yourself in on though :(
A lead of 280-300 would ensure that SL have to really bat well on a tough wicket.
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Just seen someone tweet in to the bbc feed asking if this counts as a hundred for root at 3 as there was a night watchman! Inventive but it may do!
:)
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And Rashid has to go and mess it up
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And Rashid has to go and mess it up
Not really, that's shambolic umpiring. Clear inside edge.
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Not really, that's shambolic umpiring. Clear inside edge.
Shouldn't have wasted the reviews. Simple. They are for howlers
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Not really, that's shambolic umpiring. Clear inside edge.
Oops, I made the comment before I saw the replay showing he'd hit it :(
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Jimmy's whipped the V sticker of the back of his Slaz, looks decent! Time for Foakes to give it some humpty I think.
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This is excellent from Foakes
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I don't know why no one else has posted this im getting a bit over excitable here
WE HAVE ENOUGH TO WIN !!! :) :) :)
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We still need to bowl well!
Although 270+ will be a tough ask!
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How good is Foakes! Root class, happy to see him back scoring runs.
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How good is Foakes! Root class, happy to see him back scoring runs.
wonder is anyone thinks having a high class keeper improves our team like I think it does, must give confidence to the bowlers
Bairstow I think will be back soon enough but only as a batsman
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How on Earth do you fit Bairstow back in the team, though?
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Bairstow will have to bat in the top 3, at the expense of a spinner, probably in the windies. Broad or Woakes then comes in for one of the other spinners when back in England.
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How on Earth do you fit Bairstow back in the team, though?
They could think about leaving Anderson out but I very much doubt that. But there could be an argument that he hasn’t bowled many overs so would it merit bringing in another batsman and going with Curran and stokes as your seamers along with three spinners
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They could think about leaving Anderson out but I very much doubt that. But there could be an argument that he hasn’t bowled many overs so would it merit bringing in another batsman and going with Curran and stokes as your seamers along with three spinners
I know everyone suddnely loves curran but are you suggesting he’s better than Anderson ? To fit Bairstow in you lose an all rounder.
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I know everyone suddnely loves curran but are you suggesting he’s better than Anderson ? To fit Bairstow in you lose an all rounder.
I think it’s more resting Jimmy for the ashes summer
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Dunno why people are obsessed with Anderson and 'rest'
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Bairstow will have to bat in the top 3, at the expense of a spinner, probably in the windies. Broad or Woakes then comes in for one of the other spinners when back in England.
Wouldn't it be great, though, if two spinners and a proper keeper was the default selection policy?
And if everyone would stop talking about 'first' and 'second' spinners.
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wonder is anyone thinks having a high class keeper improves our team like I think it does, must give confidence to the bowlers
Bairstow I think will be back soon enough but only as a batsman
I agree and it’s about time. Chris Read should have played more tests. We really have this mentality that our keeper needs to be a Gilchrist style aggressive counter attacking batter when it’s been obvious our middle order has missed a collingwood esq player. Think foakes could be a missing piece. Bairstow will have to force his way in on batting merit which means he might have to wait a while.
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I can remember when test cricket was all about dig in. Bag long. Grind them runs out.
Today I saw in the space of 6 balls.
Buttler reverse sweep and get out(normally say rash shot, commentators just said it was his go to shot)
Root reverse sweep two balls later(no “lost a wicket let’s make sure we don’t lose another here)
Moeen get off the mark with a sweep to cow for 6!!
Test cricket us seriously changed!!
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I can remember when test cricket was all about dig in. Bag long. Grind them runs out.
Today I saw in the space of 6 balls.
Buttler reverse sweep and get out(normally say rash shot, commentators just said it was his go to shot)
Root reverse sweep two balls later(no “lost a wicket let’s make sure we don’t lose another here)
Moeen get off the mark with a sweep to cow for 6!!
Test cricket us seriously changed!!
It has, but the likes of Elgar who are willing to play a stoic innings still reap the benefits of their endeavors, that's why it's such a great game and format. There's something glorious in watching a batsman leave the ball confidently to frustrate a bowler.
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It has, but the likes of Elgar who are willing to play a stoic innings still reap the benefits of their endeavors, that's why it's such a great game and format. There's something glorious in watching a batsman leave the ball confidently to frustrate a bowler.
That said - South Africa have been absolutely hammered on their recent tours of Sri Lanka and India. So that approch didn’t work
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I can remember when test cricket was all about dig in. Bag long. Grind them runs out.
Today I saw in the space of 6 balls.
Buttler reverse sweep and get out(normally say rash shot, commentators just said it was his go to shot)
Root reverse sweep two balls later(no “lost a wicket let’s make sure we don’t lose another here)
Moeen get off the mark with a sweep to cow for 6!!
Test cricket us seriously changed!!
On the radio earlier, they said that the reverse sweep was played a total of 27 times in all tests in 2006.
2018 and it’s upwards of 250 times
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That said - South Africa have been absolutely hammered on their recent tours of Sri Lanka and India. So that approch didn’t work
Englsnd haven’t played on a sandpit yet, two very friendly wickets to tour on
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Englsnd haven’t played on a sandpit yet, two very friendly wickets to tour on
I agree, Not on the same level as the South African series which I watched a bit of
Each day of Barmy Army drinking is worth a lot of money to these Sri Lankan grounds. What a Brit is willing to spend on a beer at cricket is probably around half a days wage to the locals.
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I agree, Not on the same level as the South African series which I watched a bit of
Each day of Barmy Army drinking is worth a lot of money to these Sri Lankan grounds. What a Brit is willing to spend on a beer at cricket is probably around half a days wage to the locals.
You mean in one visit to the bar?
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THE NUT
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Rashid has got to be taken off here he is leaking too many runs from long hops.
Squeaky bum time in this one but we need to be much tighter.
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Rashid has been awful!
Root left him on way too long!
A sharp barrage from stokes right about now would be good
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Ali going at 4s too.
Spinners offering no control
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I think the Sri Lankans may just chase this down.
The 300 is always going to be competitive, but if Sri Lanka bat well enough to chase it down and keep their heads, then you just have to say "Well batted chaps!"
It's not over yet as 2 quick wickets could change everything. But I just sense this could make it 1-1.
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With Matthews gone... gonna be a nail-biter. Edit - just as you post, another gone.
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Well - whatever the result, this has been how Test cricket should be most of the time :D
Still not over yet!!
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EL NUTTO
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It's Mo again with the crucial wicket of Matthews.
him and leach have been the best on show on either side.
I don't know if Ali is a batsman who bowls a bit, our number 1 spinner or a keeper he gets wickets and that is all that matters
:)
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Rashid more economical This innings than mo and leach.
Still gets abuse on here for being awful and leaking runs...............
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Rashid more economical This innings than mo and leach.
Still gets abuse on here for being awful and leaking runs...............
Safe to say none of them have performed well enough rather than picking out one individual
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We're great. Oh, hold on, maybe we"re not.
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Safe to say none of them have performed well enough rather than picking out one individual
Around 05.10 tomorrow we are going to win an away series in Sri Lanka with a game to spare
I would argue that all 3 have been good enough. In fact I would genuinely say that the whole 11 has contributed something important to at least 1 game
Stop moaning
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Safe to say none of them have performed well enough rather than picking out one individual
Have we been watching the same game?
All 3 spinners have been great, Leach and Ali especially.
I really do wonder what people expect of our players sometimes. These first 2 tests have been fabulous entertainment all round and both teams could have won either one. What more do people want - every single player and the team to be the best in history, to never make a mistake or have an off day. Jesus.
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Don't believe this series has been a proper test of England's new guys.
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Have we been watching the same game?
All 3 spinners have been great, Leach and Ali especially.
I really do wonder what people expect of our players sometimes. These first 2 tests have been fabulous entertainment all round and both teams could have won either one. What more do people want - every single player and the team to be the best in history, to never make a mistake or have an off day. Jesus.
Great ??
Rashids multiple full tosses and half trackers
Ali and leach not showing the ability to create pressure through dot balls.
They’ve done a job sure but hardly worthy of over hyping. Of course, if you’ve only watched highlights then you probably tbf wouldn’t have seen it so would think they’ve bowled Worldie
Still, it’s been an enjoyable test regardless to whether you believe this side is destined for greatness or not.
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Don't believe this series has been a proper test of England's new guys.
Possibly but I think it’s good that they get a couple of series under there belts against some or the lesser Quality sides away from home to start to learn about test cricket and fit into the squad etc before being thrown in the deeper end. After all we know how they play etc in England.
Think Burns has done well so far, shame he ran himself out 1st innings, Leach looks good as well so far. Still room for improvement I agree but none the less solid, confident starts especially if we, as I expect win the test series 3-0
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Possibly but I think it’s good that they get a couple of series under there belts against some or the lesser Quality sides away from home to start to learn about test cricket and fit into the squad etc before being thrown in the deeper end. After all we know how they play etc in England.
Think Burns has done well so far, shame he ran himself out 1st innings, Leach looks good as well so far. Still room for improvement I agree but none the less solid, confident starts especially if we, as I expect win the test series 3-0
Agree about blooding players vs weaker oppos is the best strategy. However, people seem to go overboard and start declaring they are suddenly great after a few games
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Great ??
Rashids multiple full tosses and half trackers
Ali and leach not showing the ability to create pressure through dot balls.
They’ve done a job sure but hardly worthy of over hyping. Of course, if you’ve only watched highlights then you probably tbf wouldn’t have seen it so would think they’ve bowled Worldie
Still, it’s been an enjoyable test regardless to whether you believe this side is destined for greatness or not.
One person used the word Great, probably not meaning it in its true sense, and you are losing your mind over it
I'm fairly certain most England supporters on this forum know they are a long way from the finished article but are pleased that they are doing well in foreign conditions. And are happy when we win!
You on the other hand - when we lose whiteball cricket is to blame. When we win abroad its still not good enough
Really quite a strange old fish. Do you smile at Christmas?
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Yeah whoever used the term great I think was more on future potential, we know what he meant. An overseas series win these days is pretty rare, we are good at home like most countries, not so good away. A superb India side came here in the summer and we still won comfortably in the end...
So if we do win tommorow it's a fantastic achievement for a newish side but SL are not as strong as they were..we are still,however,battling conditions, the pitches and the heat....so yes excellent from us
Spinners wise I don't see it like some on here, leach and Ali have been good, Moeen leaks runs but generally get wickets, Leach is a bit like Panesar...right on the money pretty consistent to give Root control.
Rashid is good but Root seems to use him just to clean out the tail...I'm not sure that's enough but they are bowling as a unit.
More generally regarding the comments, most on here know their cricket, different opinions of course but that's the nature of the ameteur game and the forum reflects that
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One of the worst Sri Lanka line ups ever. Wouldn’t get carried away with this one.
Rain expected tomorrow - could be an interesting 15-20 overs
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We did it!! leach and Ali wrap up the win :)
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I think the selectors did well to pick a team with the correct balance in Asia.
And a good day for the County Championship when the leading English batsman, keeper and spinner from the last season or 2 have all come into the team and been big contributors. Hopefully all are here to stay
Be nice to avoid defeat in the final Test, build some momentum going into the Windies and then really go hard at the convicts next summer
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Talk of resting Anderson for the third and stone coming in according to Sky which makes sense.
That leaves Bairstow out till the West Indies tour where we would play one less spinner maybe even thou their pitches have spun in recent years.
There's a door ajar for a number 3 long term, YJB needs to forget what's gone before and walk thru that door.
3 might be a bit high but.......
It would be far better for Root to bat 3 and swap with Bairstow coming in 4 but that won't happen, Root wants 4 like Pieterson always did
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Talk of resting Anderson for the third and stone coming in according to Sky which makes sense.
That leaves Bairstow out till the West Indies tour where we would play one less spinner maybe even thou their pitches have spun in recent years.
There's a door ajar for a number 3 long term, YJB needs to forget what's gone before and walk thru that door.
3 might be a bit high but.......
It would be far better for Root to bat 3 and swap with Bairstow coming in 4 but that won't happen, Root wants 4 like Pieterson always did
Would be good to see Stone get a run out for sure
Nice paid holiday for Stuart Broad. Caribbean next, not a bad life. He deserves it for going right through Australia at Trent Bridge that time
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Also talk that Curran is not fit to bowl so he he might not play in the 3rd test
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This is a better win than the first game because the conditions were that much more alien, and Sri Lanka actually turned up. Be interesting to see what they do for the last game - I suspect Stone will come in for Curran if the rumours about his fitness are true.
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How terrible that the spinners weren't doing their job. ;)
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I’d rather have a functioning team over great players. Enjoy England winning away.
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19 Sri Lankan wickets falling to spin this test.
Safe to say none of them have performed well enough? Yeah ok :)
Love watching spinners in tandem, especially leggies/left arm at one end and offies at the other. Both edges of the bat come into play and the over rates are good.
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Was just thinking if Curran is injured, do we have a realistic chance of finally seeing Stokes, Foakes, Woakes in the same team! :D :D :D
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Was just thinking if Curran is injured, do we have a realistic chance of finally seeing Stokes, Foakes, Woakes in the same team! :D :D :D
Cue the barmy army singing the okey kokey ad nauseam... Woah the Stokesy Foaksey Woaksey
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19 Sri Lankan wickets falling to spin this test.
Love watching spinners in tandem, especially leggies/left arm at one end and offies at the other. Both edges of the bat come into play and the over rates are good.
With a top class keeper behind the stumps? Me too!
All we need now is to stop the nonsense first/ second spinner talk!
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With a top class keeper behind the stumps? Me too!
Foakes was faultless with the gloves in both matches. It's a real skill to make keeping wicket look that easy. He's got some pair of hands that lad.
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Foakes was faultless with the gloves in both matches. It's a real skill to make keeping wicket look that easy. He's got some pair of hands that lad.
To my eye he looks more natural than the other two behind the sticks... Like wicket-keeping was what he was born to do. He's just so, so good.
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Broad to play
Anderson rested
Curran a doubt
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Bairstow still sulking over losing the gloves. Getting a bit embarrassing
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Bairstow still sulking over losing the gloves. Getting a bit embarrassing
Interesting, not how it seems here?
https://es.pn/2PJqAjN (https://es.pn/2PJqAjN)
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Ollie stone tipped to play if Curran unfit.
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Team announced-
Bairstow for Curran and will bat at 3
Broad for Anderson
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Team announced-
Bairstow for Curran and will bat at 3
Broad for Anderson
Like bairstow at three assume foakes keeps the gloves!
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I like Bairstow, but can't help but feel it's another sacrificial lamb at #3
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More of a problem is who gets demoted to 8?
Ali, as he's had a poor series? Pretty big drop in 3 tests from no 3!
Foakes? Well batted mate, you've saved us a few times. Oh, by the way, you're batting 8.
Can't imagine they'd dare putting Stokes there, and Buttler has been one of our best players for a while now.
Bit of a square peg for a round hole, replacing Curran with Bairstow.
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Bairstow's press statements have been utterly embrassing recently. He has turned into a caricature of Geoffrey Boycott reciting his own stats at any given opportunity. The fact is that his batting has been no better than the likes of Vince, Stonemam or Malan over the last 2 years and he is very lucky that England have decided to change the balance of a winning side just to accomadate him.
Right decision to rest Anderson but he and Broad would have been much better sitting out this tour on preparation for next summer. The seamers have been redundant out here. The only one who could have made a difference is Stone with his extra pace and it looks like he won't get a go
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Bairstow's press statements have been utterly embrassing recently. He has turned into a caricature of Geoffrey Boycott reciting his own stats at any given opportunity. The fact is that his batting has been no better than the likes of Vince, Stonemam or Malan over the last 2 years and he is very lucky that England have decided to change the balance of a winning side just to accomadate him.
Right decision to rest Anderson but he and Broad would have been much better sitting out this tour on preparation for next summer. The seamers have been redundant out here. The only one who could have made a difference is Stone with his extra pace and it looks like he won't get a go
I know what you mean, I don't like players quoting their averages at club level let alone internationals
However press reports Bairstow and broad have been excellent while not playing, in reality most of us don't think stokes or Ali are number three's. I think stokes myself has to bat in that number 6 spot where he can be devastating.
It looks like 3 or nothing for Bairstow ....I think we should stick with Foakes foe windies and beyond
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The fact is that his batting has been no better than the likes of Vince, Stonemam or Malan over the last 2 years and he is very lucky that England have decided to change the balance of a winning side just to accomadate him.
You must be watching a completely different player to the one I see against the 3 you've mentioned
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You must be watching a completely different player to the one I see against the 3 you've mentioned
In tests?
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Bairstow's press statements have been utterly embrassing recently. He has turned into a caricature of Geoffrey Boycott reciting his own stats at any given opportunity. The fact is that his batting has been no better than the likes of Vince, Stonemam or Malan over the last 2 years and he is very lucky that England have decided to change the balance of a winning side just to accomadate him.
Right decision to rest Anderson but he and Broad would have been much better sitting out this tour on preparation for next summer. The seamers have been redundant out here. The only one who could have made a difference is Stone with his extra pace and it looks like he won't get a go
Also felt it was pointless taking Anderson and Broad on this tour they should have rested ready for the Aussies.
Also why take Stone and with England series winners not play him.
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Also felt it was pointless taking Anderson and Broad on this tour they should have rested ready for the Aussies.
Also why take Stone and with England series winners not play him.
Didn't you want Leach dropped for the 2nd Test?
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Didn't you want Leach dropped for the 2nd Test?
Always prefer to see a balanced side
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Looks as though it'll be something like...
Burns
Jennings
Bairstow
Root
Buttler
Stokes
Foakes
Ali
Rashid
Broad
Leach
I guess Sam only bowled 4 overs in the second Test due to a niggle, so can see why they think we only need 2 pace bowlers.
Series already won so nice to see us giving others a crack. I would have been tempted to play Stone for his pace, but Broad has been patient so I can see why!
Buttler has already commented that the standard of Foakes glovework has been a real wake-up call! There have been a few conflicting reports, but I hope Bairstow shares that attitude as Foakes has looked every inch a World class keeper so far. Whoever bats at 8 will probably feel they are batting too far down the order. But with that line-up, we do bat very deep. Although Curran does offer some class in the lower order and will miss Jimmy's sweeping!! :D
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According to sky it’ll be foakes at 8 which would be daft!
I’d also bat broad at 11!
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According to sky it’ll be foakes at 8 which would be daft!
I’d also bat broad at 11!
number 11 all day long in that line up
have to say, it looks good. I would swap bairstow and root but that's been done to death
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More of a problem is who gets demoted to 8?
Ali, as he's had a poor series? Pretty big drop in 3 tests from no 3!
A poor series?
If you're just talking about with the bat then yes, but that's only because he's been shoehorned into a slot he isn't suited for.
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On a bouncing track with 90mph bowlers, I would bat Broad no higher than 11 too. But I suspect that they may bat him at 10 over Leach.
I know he hasn't been great lately but SB still averages aroud 20 with the bat in Tests with a ton and plenty of 50s. So I still reckon they'll give him 10, unless Leach has to bat as night watchman!
And Foakes at 8 is crazy. Keeper needs to bat at 7. Ali bowls and he is normally happy to bat wherever they put him - plus I bet he hits some runs down the order.
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A poor series?
If you're just talking about with the bat then yes, but that's only because he's been shoehorned into a slot he isn't suited for.
absolutely. I think myself he is a number 8..a very good one indeed
hopeless to compare any stats on Ali batting 3 it's just not fair at all
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You must be watching a completely different player to the one I see against the 3 you've mentioned
Bairstow averaged 34 in 2017 and 26 in 2018 across 37 innings in total. That certainly isn't a record that would justify a batsman retaining a place in the side in my opinion and I think, worse than that, is the way that he has been getting out bowled or nicking off staying leg side of the ball in a manner Stuart Broad would be embarrassed by. The uncertainty over other positions in the batting order seems to have allowed Bairstow's poor run over an extended 2-year period to sneak under the radar.
He had an exceptional 2016 - as he is more than happy to tell everyone - but this is the only year when his form with the bat was good enough to retain a place in a test team as a batsman. He clearly has talent but one very good year out of seven so far as a test cricketer isn't going to make you an automatic pick in a good side.
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absolutely. I think myself he is a number 8..a very good one indeed
hopeless to compare any stats on Ali batting 3 it's just not fair at all
Ali is a number 8 at test level that said England probably have done him a favour letting him bat at 3 in this series and open previously before he faced Starc and co in 2019 with a new Duke ball
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Ali is a number 8 at test level that said England probably have done him a favour letting him bat at 3 in this series and open previously before he faced Starc and co in 2019 with a new Duke ball
Stats suggest he's a number 7, Averages over 4o there I think, far more than at 8.
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Stats suggest he's a number 7, Averages over 4o there I think, far more than at 8.
Ok - stats again. If you are going with stats then Foakes averages over 75 in Tests ;) So surely you can't bat Foakes below 7 if you're going with stats?
But even going first class batting, Ali is 37 and Foakes is 41. So who to bat where?
Surely just bat Foakes at 7? I know this leaves Ali at 8 and 7 would be better, but what can you do!?
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Ok - stats again. If you are going with stats then Foakes averages over 75 in Tests ;) So surely you can't bat Foakes below 7 if you're going with stats?
But even going first class batting, Ali is 37 and Foakes is 41. So who to bat where?
Surely just bat Foakes at 7? I know this leaves Ali at 8 and 7 would be better, but what can you do!?
Wasn’t arguing for that, just against the point that Ali is a test number 8 when he has a great record at 7 (and an even better one at 4 ;))
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Wasn’t arguing for that, just against the point that Ali is a test number 8 when he has a great record at 7 (and an even better one at 4 ;))
I don't disagree at all fella! It's actually a nice problem to have.....
Can't see Root being moved from 4 either. If he did then Root at 3, Ali at 4, then one hell of a middle order of Bairstow, Stokes, Foakes, Buttler, Curran, etc!
I just hope that Bairstow does well at 3 as that would help resolve that position for the moment! We need a settled top order.
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Why does a keeper have to bat at 7?
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If anyone is to be demoted to number 8, it's clearly Moeen as he averages 23 in overseas matches. In fact the only time he's remotely looked a batsman in overseas conditions was the last tour of India
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Why does a keeper have to bat at 7?
Happy for him to bat higher!
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A poor series?
If you're just talking about with the bat then yes, but that's only because he's been shoehorned into a slot he isn't suited for.
With the bat, obviously, given we're talking about the batting order.
Agreed he's not a 3, but to have that swift a fall over 3 tests (Batting 3, to 6, to 8) will surely wreak havoc with the seemingly delicate state our self proclaimed second spinner finds himself in.
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Why do we have to have spinners nominated 'first' and 'second'? For whose benefit is it, and what does it achieve?
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Bairstow averaged 34 in 2017 and 26 in 2018 across 37 innings in total. That certainly isn't a record that would justify a batsman retaining a place in the side
So, the fact that three tests ago he was ranked #6 batsman in the world rankings?
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With the bat, obviously, given we're talking about the batting order.
Agreed he's not a 3, but to have that swift a fall over 3 tests (Batting 3, to 6, to 8) will surely wreak havoc with the seemingly delicate state our self proclaimed second spinner finds himself in.
He was never a number 3! So number 4 is where Root wants to bat and therefore that is a no go!
5 is Buttler and he has been excellent there so let him do his thing. Stokes seems to be nailed into 6! Foakes has made an unbelievable start batting at 7.
So where would you suggest Ali bats?
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So, the fact that three tests ago he was ranked #6 batsman in the world rankings?
Shows you how much use the world rankings are doesn't it! Bit sad that Bairstow had to bring that up really.
I don't understand the confusion over batting order... Burns Jennings Bairstow Root Stokes Buttler Foakes Ali, bet all the money you like on that. I'd have picked Woakes mind...
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Shows you how much use the world rankings are doesn't it! Bit sad that Bairstow had to bring that up really.
Wasn't aware he had - I picked it up from the paper today!
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2 (good) spinners now needed in the Windies, so a top-bollox keeper also needed, so Foakes is da man!
Bairstow should be in the XI, but he now needs to reinvent himself to fit in.
Interesting times - fitting about 13 bodies into 11 spaces!
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Who do you favour in the spin off Cat? Misty eyed for the left armer harking back to the days of Phil Edmunds, who, like yourself, was not adverse to the odd surprise bouncer to show slow does not mean soft...
Or is Rashid your man with something different ?
Two into three for me is Leach and Ali....I like the balance but you would lose Rashids runs down the order...is that a consideration picking 2?
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Two into three for me is Leach and Ali....I like the balance but you would lose Rashids runs down the order...is that a consideration picking 2?
No, pick the best 2 bowlers. I agree with you Ali & Leach. I'd take Rashid on tour as the sub spinner though. Neither of the lions spinners really covered themselves in glory in the most recent match
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My Windies side would be:
Burns
Bairstow
Jennings
Root
Butler
Stokes
Foakes
Ali
Curran
Leach
Anderson
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My Windies side would be:
Burns
Bairstow
Jennings
Root
Butler
Stokes
Foakes
Ali
Curran
Leach
Anderson
Swap Buttler and Bairstow and I reckon you're about there. An underrated thing in these slow conditions is that Jennings bowls very functional dobbers, and could bowl 5 to 8 overs a day if needed
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Good rebuild by Bairstow and Root after 2 early wickets
I just watched the last 40 minutes before lunch. Sweeps galore! I don't remember England sweeping as often as in this series ever before. Good tactics!
Both Sri Lankas reviews gone before lunch aswell. Dickwella not helping Lakmal with his histrionics behind the stumps
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Bairstow predictably getting a few now he's got a point to prove, if I was Joe Root I'd be tempted to wind him up more often! Does look like he's been in the nets too, technique much tighter than it was in the home summer.
I think Keaton has taken the Ali Cook big knock or nothing approach a bit too much to heart....
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Awful shot from Root, but how on Earth was that not a no ball?
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Awful shot from Root, but how on Earth was that not a no ball?
Can't quite believe Root did that. We were going at nearly 4s anyway.
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That Bairstow is a bit rubbish isn't he... ;)
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well done Jonny, keep going son, barring injury theres probably only one spot available and hes got to take it
if he does hit 100 anyone fancy the Nasser one day celebration giving all sorts to anyone in the vicinity
we all remember that right? :)
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I'm glad the commentator said about over appealing!
Bairstow may have got a feather on a leg-side shot but as SL have been appealing wildly every time the ball has been missed, it wasn't considered!
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Think we might (hopefully) get a little bit of that day in Cape Town
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well done Jonny, keep going son, barring injury theres probably only one spot available and hes got to take it
if he does hit 100 anyone fancy the Nasser one day celebration giving all sorts to anyone in the vicinity
we all remember that right? :)
Yep turn your back to your team mates on the dressing room balcony and tap your shirt number with your bat.
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50 up for stokes! :)
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Is there any way we can keep Bairstow with a chip on his shoulder? Seems to be proving a point
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D O G G O
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I think bairstow is happy with that!
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I’m not classing that as a happy celebration! Lots of anger. That bat and helmet slam!!
Well batted though dude.
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Well done Bairstow his face tells a story
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Yeah I now realise sarcasm doesn’t really work over text!
Glad to see him score runs but, ironically, he may have just cost him self the gloves and given himself the number 3 spot for a while!
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Stokes caught at slip for 57.
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The intense awkwardness of the England balcony during that celebration was excellent 😂
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an angry man
(https://i.postimg.cc/t43Np806/bairstow.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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oh my days it is a Nasser celebration
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Have now England found there number 3 bat
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Bairstow out 110 forgetting the emotion passion anger or whatever we are calling it wonder what was he thinking when he raised both arms and looked up at the sky
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Bairstow out 110 forgetting the emotion passion anger or whatever we are calling it wonder what was he thinking when he raised both arms and looked up at the sky
Maybe wishing that he was a better keeper? ;)
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He isnt a long term No 3 for me. Yes he has scored a century but against a poor Sri Lankan side lets be honest.
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dropping Ali on 0 could cost SL.
Buttler out for 16.
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Suspect we're at a pretty strong risk of a below par score here...
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Great that he's scored a ton, but will only be able to tell long term after a few more Tests in different conditions!
Jennings is the same. He has done enough to prove he can bat against spin, but that is not the full story. Jennings has looked a little uncomfortable against pace and seam! And as an opener in most conditions, that is not a good thing! So Jennings has done enough for the moment. Bairstow has done the same. Both long term? Time will tell.
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an angry man
(https://i.postimg.cc/t43Np806/bairstow.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
I think this may be his normal colouring.
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Mo saved by a no ball??
Already been out down twice and a successful review if he does!
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Called fair delivery benefit it bowler looked mighty close and on the line to me!
This is going to be a long review
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Inside edge?
Yes!
Mo saved again!!!
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Interesting listening to Aggers on the Cricket Social - he was saying about Bairstow's celebration that it was anger about his injury and he has told Aggers that he felt really angry about getting a career threatening injury playing football warming up which is needless, and that he has told the management he won't be playing football again - hence why he is being referee in the football warm up - even though he is fit.
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He isnt a long term No 3 for me. Yes he has scored a century but against a poor Sri Lankan side lets be honest.
He is certainly a more natural five. But then, are we using the same "poor side" rationale and asking whether Foakes will perform with the bat against better/quicker bowling?
Point is, for the tests in the West Indies, they need the best keeper, which is certainly Foakes, and therefore the only real selection issue is whether they want two or three spinners - if they want three, then Buttler suddenly looks vulnerable. Back in England, all sorts of variables come into play.
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Bairstow still sounding lemon on interview on Sky sports even after scoring a hundred..
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Interesting listening to Aggers on the Cricket Social - he was saying about Bairstow's celebration that it was anger about his injury and he has told Aggers that he felt really angry about getting a career threatening injury playing football warming up which is needless, and that he has told the management he won't be playing football again - hence why he is being referee in the football warm up - even though he is fit.
hmmmm... I like Bairstow but this des not really read very well. you could get injured doing pretty much anything, didn't Broad get crocked getting off the sofa, or was that Butch with a girl ontop of him?
I would like JB to say to the media Foakes is class and I will take the batting spot and bat anywhere the team needs me with or without keeping gloves because there is competition for places
he is a very good player but rumours of him being 'difficult' may well be true
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hmmmm... I like Bairstow but this des not really read very well. you could get injured doing pretty much anything, didn't Broad get crocked getting off the sofa, or was that Butch with a girl ontop of him?
I would like JB to say to the media Foakes is class and I will take the batting spot and bat anywhere the team needs me with or without keeping gloves because there is competition for places
he is a very good player but rumours of him being 'difficult' may well be true
Interesting perspective, because I didn't get that from his interview at all - I fear you might be looking for issues that are not there, because all of the media reports have been that he and Broad have been exemplary off the field on this tour. I thought Bairstow's interview was engaging and honest and his comments fair and balanced rather than the usual media-trained platitudes. Also nice that he mentioned Chris Allinson, who passed away recently.
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Does it matter though?
People often moan about sports stars just parroting what their PR team tells them to, without a hint of authenticity. You can virtually predict what a captain will say in a press conference after a game.
So there has been this cry for authenticity, for personality, for 'difference', and yet here we have a pugnacious YJB and those same people don't seem to like the reality.
I like this passionate YJB. He cares deeply, and that to me is important as an England supporter.
Not referring to forumites here at all.
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Does it matter though?
People often moan about sports stars just parroting what their PR team tells them to, without a hint of authenticity. You can virtually predict what a captain will say in a press conference after a game.
So there has been this cry for authenticity, for personality, for 'difference', and yet here we have a pugnacious YJB and those same people don't seem to like the reality.
I like this passionate YJB. He cares deeply, and that to me is important as an England supporter.
Not referring to forumites here at all.
good point indeed, there are different ways to read players comments as a lot of us do, totally agree the interviews these days are monotonous, Root probably is the worst looking as if he reads from an autocue
I think myself I would of like to have seen a bit more public support from Bairstow towards Foakes
If you read or see any interviews with Jos Butler he seems to be comfortable in himself and strikes me as not being fussed what he does or where he bats.
Bairstow has worked incredibly hard on his keeping, but that's no guarantee of a place im afraid. lots of the England side work as hard as each other
but passion...yes absolutely you want to se it from the players.
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I think it says a lot about English cricket that we have all these alrounders. Three (4 if you count Burns) is bonkers.
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I think it says a lot about English cricket that we have all these alrounders. Three (4 if you count Burns) is bonkers.
Doesn’t pope keep too (when he’s with the squad anyway)
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Doesn’t pope keep too (when he’s with the squad anyway)
he does and he is good. However getting another keeper batsman in the side id like to see just to check its not impossible!
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The Bairstow post-day interview with Bumble and Ward - link below -
https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12123/11561117/englands-jonny-bairstow-hits-back-at-critics-after-feeling-castigated (https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12123/11561117/englands-jonny-bairstow-hits-back-at-critics-after-feeling-castigated)
Personally i can see both sides to this, i think you read into it what you will.
I believe he definitely comes across as if the world has done him wrong and maybe i have missed this 'castigation' he has got?
And he keeps on saying that he got left out when he didn't do much wrong...... no he got injured and a bloke came in and did brilliantly.
One things for sure he has batted excellently today! and i just hope he carries on doing well at 3 and things start to settle down a bit.
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Watching that, he comes across as having a massive chip on his shoulder, it was almost embarrassing
I suppose this generation tend to big themselves up, and feel they are justified a position
Bumble looked as if he was holding himself back.
Modern sportsmen? Dunno, maybe I’m getting old,,,personally think they are all a bunch of tools
Oh I go to the gym etc, ive earned it etc
Humbug humbug humbug
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Doff my imaginary cap to Bairstow first century batting in the top order and that to after returning from injury. I get he's angry at losing the gloves but that's tough luck. What I have an issue is with when he says my form has been really good the last two years, I'm not sure averaging 31 is considered "good form". Bayliss and/or Root needs to tell him Foakes is the top dog now and continually saying he wants the gloves back isn't gonna happen.
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Doff my imaginary cap to Bairstow first century batting in the top order and that to after returning from injury. I get he's angry at losing the gloves but that's tough luck. What I have an issue is with when he says my form has been really good the last two years, I'm not sure averaging 31 is considered "good form". Bayliss and/or Root needs to tell him Foakes is the top dog now and continually saying he wants the gloves back isn't gonna happen.
I suspect in form he was referring to his overall game - and his keeping has indeed been surprising in its quality the last year or so. Even his batting form he has something of an argument - he was awful the last three tests against India but before that good, and ranked six in the world. As I said at the time, the decision to leave him alone out was the right one, but that doesn't mean he is expected to endorse it.
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As far as I can see, the only castigation Bairstow has got is for the embarrassing things that come out of his mouth every time he gets out in front of a microphone so this unhinged response is unlikely to put any of that to bed.
It's a shame that he has taken the shine off what was a very good innings under pressure. Ultimately, whether he makes a success at 3 will depend on whether he can improve his weakness against quality seam bowling but he was excellent inn these conditions today against spin
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I suspect in form he was referring to his overall game - and his keeping has indeed been surprising in its quality the last year or so. Even his batting form he has something of an argument - he was awful the last three tests against India but before that good, and ranked six in the world. As I said at the time, the decision to leave him alone out was the right one, but that doesn't mean he is expected to endorse it.
Hmmm.perhaps there is a bit too the team policy of playing football, I guess you don't have to join in its hard to imagine the situation if you say 'sorry I'm not playing in case I get injured'
He seems to have issue with not automatically regaining his place. I'm sorry...really really like YB but you have to take the rough with the smooth regardless of how much you are putting in.
The difficult situation of someone coming in and doing well is awkward..you have done nothing wrong and miss out.with competition for places, and it's about time we have that in the test side, I don't see how someone who has done well can be dropped.
In our club cricket, if I was injured, which I have been, once I'm fit I get my place back..that is pretty normal stuff.
I wonder if you took a general view on this forum, how many would think at the top level you should indeed get your place back, and the player coming in is just 'filling in'
I think modern day sport the thinking is different than a few years back, so things have changed.
Alternatively if for arguments sake Anderson was injured in a home series, Woakes came in and got a ten for, would he be dropped so Anderson could return on the basis Jimmy is a class above Woakes?
It's a bit of a can of worms isn't it? :)
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I suspect the answer is it depends on who the player is. If Root or Anderson picked up an injury you would expect them to come straight back in. But if your form hasn't been great over a period of time, the can be no feeling of entitlement to simply walk back in
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Bob Taylor, Stuey MacGill and Ray Clemenceau were all unlucky to be at the tops of their games at the same time as some other bloke, and their careers were still pretty good.
Jonny’s got all sorts going for him at the moment with the bat and gloves and a bright future. His passion is commendable however, ultimately he needs to fulfill the role that is best for the team and revel in the fact that he is playing the highest level he can.
Foakes or Buttler could trip up at any time - so l hope he can be a bit ‘glass half full ‘!
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He seems to have issue with not automatically regaining his place. I'm sorry...really really like YB but you have to take the rough with the smooth regardless of how much you are putting in.
Again, I stress I though it was the right decision to leave him out. But, you can see it from his point of view - for three years he was in Ben Foakes position with the one day side, and every time he came in and did well, he was left out again as soon as the "incumbent" was back. You can't blame someone in that situation for feeling aggrieved when the same logic doesn't apply to him.
Alternatively if for arguments sake Anderson was injured in a home series, Woakes came in and got a ten for, would he be dropped so Anderson could return on the basis Jimmy is a class above Woakes?
Yes, undoubtedly.
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Bob Taylor, Stuey MacGill and Ray Clemenceau were all unlucky to be at the tops of their games at the same time as some other bloke, and their careers were still pretty good.
Stuart Law got one test, Darren Lehmann 20 (and most of them after his prime), Sylvester Clarke 5...
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It’s England .. not a club . It’s not an affront that your mate Joe hasn’t picked you. You are you are chosen to represent your country . Anderson isn’t being rested . He’s dropped . Any other other way and it’s mates and a sense of entitlement no matter how many wickets you have.
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Think he needs to take a leaf out of someone like Sanga's book; he was pushed to give up the gloves and look how that worked out for him. He is a good keeper, I won't deny that, but Foakes is so, so, so much better; can train all he likes but the sooner he stops throwing his toys out of the pram the better.
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I’m a big Bairstow fan, love his style of batting and how he has improved his game.
Nevertheless I think he needs to take the chip off his shoulder and concentrate on his game, I think it will make him a far better player if he does. He comes across quite petulant on the interview as if he’s a child that has had his toys removed.
He’s a grown man that gets paid very well to play a sport we all love. It’s good that he’s used all the negativity as fuel to get a ton but keep it under wraps at the interview! Only giving the papers stuff to feed on by saying what he did.
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One thing i didn't like about Bairstow's celebration was throwing his helmet on the ground. Your crest is on the helmet, I'm all for passion but don't throw the crest on the ground.
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Stop whining people!
This is awesome and just like club cricket! We all have that guy in the side that hasn’t done much in years, gets dropped down the order. Finally gets a few runs and then Won’t stop telling you for years after that he should never have been dropped.
Think that’s me in our side......
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I think those of us who watch Surrey knew that once Foakes was in, it would be in for keeps. It was just a case of when it would happen, rather than if.
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Set the alarm to watch the cricket this morning.
3 of the softest dismissals you can imagine. Disappointed, we should be looking at 350 minimum.
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Root dropping an absolute dolly
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Root dropping an absolute dolly
A chance yes but not sure it was a dolly. Broad is bowling wheels and the slips are a lot closer than they would do normally.
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Well that's the second one down off broad who is boiling heat is bowling his nuts off
Very very hard for the bowlers and hats off to broad his pace is up
Not good enough in the slips by a long way I'm afraid
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There are better slip fielders in the side than root, but still he continues to position himself there
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There are better slip fielders in the side than root, but still he continues to position himself there
I'm not sure there are to be fair, not at first anyway. Definite problem with selecting Broad as your only seamer is that noone likes taking catches off him! I can see Jennings getting a bowl in this innings...
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We need Jennings at short leg :). He is quite superb
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Phenomenal catch from Foakes. That's the standard now.
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And another blinder from Jennings; man is a freak.
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I think those of us who watch Surrey knew that once Foakes was in, it would be in for keeps. It was just a case of when it would happen, rather than if.
I think we've long known he was top quality as a glove man. Question will be how his batting holds up against top quality pace during the Ashes and in South Africa.
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And another blinder from Jennings; man is a freak.
Yep for a tall man he gets low down also has fast reactions.
Rashid getting plenty of revs on the ball shows his importance to England also under bowled by Root his series.
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Foakes wearing Butlers pads with the kook logo taped over?
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Foakes just took one to the little finger. Which looked battered(probably previous injuries all keepers hands are battered)
I’d love England to give the gloves to Buttler if he has to go off, just to see bairstow a face......
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Foakes just took one to the little finger. Which looked battered(probably previous injuries all keepers hands are battered)
I’d love England to give the gloves to Buttler if he has to go off, just to see bairstow a face......
This!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂
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Foakes finger hurting probably should go off and give Bairstow the gloves
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Foakes just took one to the little finger. Which looked battered(probably previous injuries all keepers hands are battered)
I’d love England to give the gloves to Buttler if he has to go off, just to see bairstow a face......
The comment should be deleted due to its combustible nature. can you imagine the post match interview? :)
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Anything but Foakes behind the gloves is now considered a hate crime.
Stokes is such a good asset to have
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Got up, checked the score - 170-1
Pottered about doing some odd jobs, now sat waiting during my son's trumpet lesson. Check the score again 222-8 ?!?
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9 down now!
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That run out off a misfield, ahahahahaha
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Rashid and stokes have changed this game with Foakes taking everything behind :)
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I think we've long known he was top quality as a glove man. Question will be how his batting holds up against top quality pace during the Ashes and in South Africa.
He'll be fine.
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Adil 'the luxury we don't need' Rashid changing the game for England
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Great spells by Rash and Stokes! What a turn around
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I think these threads are terrible. But I feel strangely compelled to look at them.
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Adil 'the luxury we don't need' Rashid changing the game for England
There a bit more pace and bounce and turn this innings but yes credit where it's due he bowled really well today.
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The cricket world breathes a sigh of relief.
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He'll be fine.
I hope so. He'll need to adapt his technique I think.
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No highlights on YouTube as of yet really am contemplating calling sky to see what they can offer for just the cricket channel
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Yep for a tall man he gets low down also has fast reactions.
Rashid getting plenty of revs on the ball shows his importance to England also under bowled by Root his series.
I agree, Rashid has looked very dangerous but hasn't had as many overs as he probably deserved to have. Still, it is a long time since an England captain has had 3 spinners, all of whom are genuine wicket taking options, to turn to
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No highlights on YouTube as of yet really am contemplating calling sky to see what they can offer for just the cricket channel
Just get iptv chris, £50 a year including movies, ppv etc..
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As a leggie, simply awesome to see an England leg spinner take 5 in a test. Inspiring.
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Interesting stats looking at this series. So far.
Lots still believe rashid hasn’t bowled well this series. Root doesn’t trust him blah blah.
Leach has 14 at 22.3
Ali has 14 at 24
Rashid 12 at 22.08.
Rashid has actually bowled 34 overs less than leach This series.
And with the better strike rate of the 3(rash 40. Ali 42, leach 48). He could have had a lot more had root given him a bigger part to play.
Or are we still as a forum saying Rashid isn’t good enough? And all 3 spinners haven’t really done that well(remember an avg under 30 is meant to be world class and all 3 spinners are in an away series here.......)
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No highlights on YouTube as of yet really am contemplating calling sky to see what they can offer for just the cricket channel
Sky post a 3/4 min highlights of the days play here https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/cricket (https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/cricket)
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Rashid is great at some things but would struggle as a sole front line spinner - even as a luxury player last Summer he slipped in and out of games. But if we feel we can afford two...
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Interesting stats looking at this series. So far.
Lots still believe rashid hasn’t bowled well this series. Root doesn’t trust him blah blah.
Leach has 14 at 22.3
Ali has 14 at 24
Rashid 12 at 22.08.
Rashid has actually bowled 34 overs less than leach This series.
And with the better strike rate of the 3(rash 40. Ali 42, leach 48). He could have had a lot more had root given him a bigger part to play.
Or are we still as a forum saying Rashid isn’t good enough? And all 3 spinners haven’t really done that well(remember an avg under 30 is meant to be world class and all 3 spinners are in an away series here.......)
I think there has been a very conscience effort to use each spinner for a specific role to start with. Then if that doesn't work, then change it up.
Leach has been used as a containing spinner and has bowled from the start to stem run flow.
Rashid has been used to bowl aggressively to take wickets and at the lower order to clean up.
Mo is probably a mixture of both.
I actually think Root has done a pretty good job mixing up 3 spinners because that's difficult giving them all overs and knowing who to bowl when on a turning pitch etc...
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I hope so. He'll need to adapt his technique I think.
Have you thought about offering your services?
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Just watched the highlights. Jennings looks so natural in short! Goes with the shots but manages to keep his eyes on the ball - brilliant
Rory Burns will be absolutely chuffed Jennings has made that spot his own :D
Interesting stats looking at this series. So far.
Lots still believe rashid hasn’t bowled well this series. Root doesn’t trust him blah blah.
Leach has 14 at 22.3
Ali has 14 at 24
Rashid 12 at 22.08.
Rashid has actually bowled 34 overs less than leach This series.
And with the better strike rate of the 3(rash 40. Ali 42, leach 48). He could have had a lot more had root given him a bigger part to play.
Or are we still as a forum saying Rashid isn’t good enough? And all 3 spinners haven’t really done that well(remember an avg under 30 is meant to be world class and all 3 spinners are in an away series here.......)
Are you telling me that we don't need 5 seamers in Asia? I'm not convinced
Happy for Rashid and another feather in the cap of Ed Smith.
Interesting how we used to pigeon-hole successful Test players into the one day sides - Cook, Trott etc. Now we are taking very successful limited overs players - Butler, Rashid - who have proved themselves in pressure situations in big matches and asking them to adapt their skill set for the longer format. Roy is obviously one they want to try next with his inclusion in the Lions Red ball matches.
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Have you thought about offering your services?
haha, not sure I'm the man to coach someone OUT of a leg side shovel... ;)
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Just get iptv chris, £50 a year including movies, ppv etc..
More info please on how to get IPTV?
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Foakes just took one to the little finger. Which looked battered(probably previous injuries all keepers hands are battered)
I’d love England to give the gloves to Buttler if he has to go off, just to see bairstow a face......
Johnny will burst a vein if that happened. I really used to like his spirit but lately I feel he has turned into me first instead of team first guy.
He needs to learn from Butler (openly admits his keeping is below par compared to Foakes and happy to just play), Foakes (had no issues being replaced in the team if the gloves were given back to Johnny after an outstanding game) and Ali (the ultimate team men, who gets taken advantaged off his flexibility).
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Was I the only one who noticed Foakes had an extra guard on the offending pinkie finger, as well as wearing what can only be Jos Buttlers lads for the latter part of the day. (Nerd Alert)
Would suggest he’s had that issue a while so probability of him being alright is high, I guess the only thing is if it’s doubtful management might pull him just because of the fact they have options. Can’t see him being keen to do that tho!
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Johnny will burst a vein if that happened. I really used to like his spirit but lately I feel he has turned into me first instead of team first guy.
He needs to learn from Butler (openly admits his keeping is below par compared to Foakes and happy to just play), Foakes (had no issues being replaced in the team if the gloves were given back to Johnny after an outstanding game) and Ali (the ultimate team men, who gets taken advantaged off his flexibility).
Foakes is the best gloveman in county cricket and as been for a while but is he the best keeper batsman can he score runs like Bairstow in all conditions around the world.
As for Moeen excellent team man who said he wanted a shot at 3.
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England second innings . 230 all out SL need 327 to win
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Another good performance by us helped by some unfathomable no balls from the spinners. I get the medium pacers overstepping as they strain for extra pace, spinners....I just don't get it.
Foakes again with a handy knock and Butler played really well.
Kit watch- Leach with retro M and H design aka Micheal Bevan 90's style. looks a beautiful bat. Warm cuddly memories of hours spent outside the sports shop looking in after school.
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Sri Lanka in danger of completely capitulating here!
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M O E E N
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Great from Stokes, but that's shocking from Mathews
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In stark contrast to the Bairstow interview Jos comes over incredibly humble & relaxed.
He gave real insight into his game and at least someone watches the cricket classics on sky!!!
Also that M&H kit almost makes me want to remortgage the house and drive to Taunton with the proceeds.
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Kit watch- Leach with retro M and H design aka Micheal Bevan 90's style. looks a beautiful bat. Warm cuddly memories of hours spent outside the sports shop looking in after school.
Some of us will remember Mark Lathwell. That would be its last outing in England colours.
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Some of us will remember Mark Lathwell. That would be its last outing in England colours.
Did Kieswetter ever use one? I know I saw him in a County game do so.
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Compton used one after GN but just before he was dropped.
Lathwall was a gifted player perhaps the modern game was not for him. But gifted he was. Probably ran up all sorts of records in the West Country and does some coaching I think.
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Did Kieswetter ever use one? I know I saw him in a County game do so.
Yes
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Compton used one after GN but just before he was dropped.
Lathwall was a gifted player perhaps the modern game was not for him. But gifted he was. Probably ran up all sorts of records in the West Country and does some coaching I think.
Compton did - but not one of the natty heritage models If I recall?
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Did Kieswetter ever use one? I know I saw him in a County game do so.
Caddick outlasted Lathwell with the classic M&H
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I'm up at 4.30 on my first day off for 10 days. The dogs happy, he knows he'll be getting a walk at the Lunch break
Some big spin from the first few overs
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THE NUT
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NUTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
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Has an outfielder ever got man of the match while his batting has been poor in a game??
Jennings deserves it this game!!
Also 4th innings mo has rocked up.
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Brilliant review, that
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To be quite honest Mo has bowled some absolute filth today but has a good chance of ending up with a 5fer!
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Has an outfielder ever got man of the match while his batting has been poor in a game??
Jennings deserves it this game!!
Also 4th innings mo has rocked up.
I know there is some luck involved at short leg but some of these catches are outstanding. do we keep him in for his fielding?
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WHITEWASH
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England win by 42 runs also 100 wickets in the series fall to spin.
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Compton used one after GN but just before he was dropped.
Lathwall was a gifted player perhaps the modern game was not for him. But gifted he was. Probably ran up all sorts of records in the West Country and does some coaching I think.
I meant the particular (now) retro stickets.
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Well played, England.
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whatever you might think of the strength of the Sri Lankan team, winning 3-0 away from home is pretty impressive in the modern game, and it is impressive that everyone contributed to one extent or another.
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whatever you might think of the strength of the Sri Lankan team, winning 3-0 away from home is pretty impressive in the modern game, and it is impressive that everyone contributed to one extent or another.
absolutely
we won in India 2-1 and in Karachi in the days, then back in SL way back in the 90's
this is up there with our best performances.
I think myself a specialist keeper has shown what difference it can make to the team, Stokes has been brilliant and all 3 spinners have contributed, Rashid in the first innings here.
also Root has had his best series skippering by a long way.
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Really enjoyable test series that was! Might have been a whitewash in the end but the games were well-contested, thought the pitches were good and the matches mostly played at a pretty good pace.
Lots of England players came out heavily in credit, looking forward to the Windies series!
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bailiff confirmed Foakes will be keeping that tour. got to be the way forward.
the openers were ok I thought. maybe more time needed to settle down as far as Burns goes.
woakes did not get a game either on this tour
wood
curran
Anderson
denly
pope
all waiting to get in. :)
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bailiff confirmed Foakes will be keeping that tour. got to be the way forward.
the openers were ok I thought. maybe more time needed to settle down as far as Burns goes.
woakes did not get a game either on this tour
wood
curran
Anderson
denly
pope
all waiting to get in. :)
add stone to that too
bess looked good when he played for england, he might also get some game time and taunterabad assuming leach is picked for the summer
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I reckon there is actually noone who has come out in debit - even the quicks did what they could in the circumstances.
The idea of a specialist keeper is obviously a good one when they are going to spend so much time up to the stumps - personally, unless Foakes struggles with the bat I'd have one anyway as the true specialist is worth 15 runs an innings (and there is no point knackering Jonny's knees unneccessarily). You'd assume one of the spinners makes way for a second opening bowler for two Tests in the West Indies, with probabaly only one spinner needed in the other. Interesting to see what the pecking order is amongst the three...for me, it has to be Ali and Rashid that are the either/or as neither of them is quite accurate enough to tie down an end when that is required.
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You can only beat what's in front of you (a pathetically weak Sri Lankan team).
For once, they actually got the team selection vaguely correct. Three front-line spinners. A few years ago we'd have gone in with Ali + a part-time roller like the totally useless Dawson and got absolutely pumped.
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strategy too - they had worked out how they were going to score runs and where they could apply pressure.
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You can only beat what's in front of you (a pathetically weak Sri Lankan team).
For once, they actually got the team selection vaguely correct. Three front-line spinners. A few years ago we'd have gone in with Ali + a part-time roller like the totally useless Dawson and got absolutely pumped.
you have a point but rather than concentrate on the opposition, in their own conditions,own pitches and with the wickets in their favour...or so we thought.....let's give a lot of credit to this team for winning 3-0
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Doubt West Indies will be any stiffer a test
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Doubt West Indies will be any stiffer a test
The last time England toured the Windies, newly elected ECB Chairman Colin Graves called them 'mediocre'
Remember how that panned out?
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Won't be surprised if we beat the Windies by an innings in all three Tests tbh. Their bowling is good Roach, Gabriel and Holder a fantastic trio. But their batting is awful.
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Won't be surprised if we beat the Windies by an innings in all three Tests tbh. Their bowling is good Roach, Gabriel and Holder a fantastic trio. But their batting is awful.
we usually get one caning over there, so it will be a good test to see how we are progressing.