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General Cricket => World Cricket => England => Topic started by: billyb on May 29, 2022, 05:14:22 AM
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As May turns into June, we have our first opportunity to see England under their new Captain Fantastic, Ben Stokes. The best test side on earth, New Zealand's Black Caps, threaten to give a side desperately short of confidence, runs, or wickets a serious hiding.
Yet in Stokes and McCullum we trust, and as the new era gets underway, I am excited to see new players get their chance. Harry Brook and Ben Compton are lighting the county championship on fire, with Malan, Haines, and Lees not far behind. England's best batsmen of the year so far, Jonny Bairstow, somehow finds his place under scrutiny yet again. Meanwhile, Ollie Pope, Zak Crawley, and Dan Lawrence have not found form, and are rather lucky to be in the squad.
Bowling is more complicated. The legendary Anderson and Broad make their much-needed return, but every other seam/fast bowler in the country is apparently recovering on a spinal board. Meanwhile, Matt Parkinson finds himself to be apparently unpickable despite being England's most promising spinner by a hundred miles.
They will try, of course, but England and Stokes know that they are unlikely to win this series. Instead, this is the pioneering foray of a New-Zealand-led England team at a crossroads. Can they arrest the decline of the side, and forge a new path of recovery? Or are England destined to fall further into ignominy? Are Brook & Compton the second comings of Jesus Christ himself? Will Stokes manage his own workload effectively? Is there a bowler left in England? Which brand has the best new range? Will Parkinson get a game?
There is plenty to play for as the Stokes-McCullum era begins. Fingers crossed!
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The slightly surprising rumour is Moeen has reversed his decision to stop playing test cricket. Clearly unhappy under Root and Cook but is about to make himself available.
If true, does it give us options at number 8 or just spell the end for Leach and maybe Parkinson…unless we tour the subcontinent.
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Really hope they don't go back to Moeen, great servant to English cricket but time to let the next generation have their chance.
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The slightly surprising rumour is Moeen has reversed his decision to stop playing test cricket. Clearly unhappy under Root and Cook but is about to make himself available.
If true, does it give us options at number 8 or just spell the end for Leach and maybe Parkinson…unless we tour the subcontinent.
Of for God’s sake Moeen! Time to move on!
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Ollie Pope has been in good form. Dan Lawrence is not in the squad.
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Picking Moeen would send out a terrible message.
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Excellent win from the FCC XI
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Why isn't Ben Compton in the squad?
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Why isn't Ben Compton in the squad?
Because until this season his highest score in first-class cricket in this country was 20? Having a good first few weeks at a new county (having been released by another) shouldn't really make you a candidate for an England place. That he is even being mentioned shows how desperate we are, and how neglected the domestic first-class game has become?
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* Although I'll admit I hadn't seen he'd scored a hundred in tbe warm-up game. :(
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I disagree. He's scored 878!!! runs this season + the hundred against NZ, and he's the leading scorer in the county championship. That's world-class form. If Brook is in the squad, so should Compton. If it was like 400/500 runs I'd agree, but 878? Those are insane numbers!
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All Compton can do is keep up the run scoring. Up until Christmas he was playing second team cricket, you need a body of work to get selected.
That Harry Brook isn't going to debut at Lords is bonkers though.
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George Dobell suggesting Craig Overton will be picked over Stuart Broad...not sure that’s the right move
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And Brook missing out...SMH
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It's a bit worrying that so many people know just how good Brook and Parkinson are.
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Not much of a red ball reset is it.
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I could well be wrong but I get the sense we will be moving towards getting one day specialists in the team. Hearing a bit in the press about the brand of cricket we want to play-same stuff Root said a couple of years back.
With the upcoming test we have missed an opportunity to have a look at Harry Brook, he is in form and worth a try.
Butler back in to keep before late summer I think.
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After a brief wave of positivity I am already concerned.
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I hear Rikki Clarke's in good form.
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Butler back in to keep before late summer I think.
I fear McCullum will want Buttler involved.
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Too many pessimists in this chat. Give them a decent crack under McCullum and Stokes playing the way they want them to play. How much worse could it possibly get for your red ball side anyway? You needed a change and change is always hard to accept at first. I'm very excited to see what happens over the next 12 months.
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Butler has been red hot in the IPL, but we have been here before with different formats.
McCullum seems to be keen for players to play their natural game. I think we should have a specialist keeper who can bat well-Foakes.
But having watched Butler in Tests he definatley tried to bat test match style. Maybe he gets a free role in the new set up.
As a few of us have said thou, runs on flat decks in the IPL are not the same as the moving red ball in England.
For me not much has changed, it’s very very difficult to slap quality bowlers around in our conditions.
Players who can are very rare.
Of course the opposite view is you can get another bowler into the team, or batsman.
I think Foakes is a better test match batsman than Butler and Jos had quite a few matches.
But we will see I guess
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Haven't we tried the "free role" thing with Buttler already?
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Too many pessimists in this chat. Give them a decent crack under McCullum and Stokes playing the way they want them to play. How much worse could it possibly get for your red ball side anyway? You needed a change and change is always hard to accept at first. I'm very excited to see what happens over the next 12 months.
Yes you’re right! We have to get behind the team and give them a chance!
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Personally I am excited too and hasnt McCullum said he wont turn us back into a bunch of sloggers but encourage players to play their way and to their strengths?
I see this as the start to a potential return to a winning test team and can't wait
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So the side is in, and there is no Harry Brook. Potts debuts. The new era begins. Trying not to be skeptical.
Crawley
Lees
Pope
Root
Bairstow
Stokes
Foakes
Potts
Leach
Broad
Anderson
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Too many pessimists in this chat. Give them a decent crack under McCullum and Stokes playing the way they want them to play. How much worse could it possibly get for your red ball side anyway? You needed a change and change is always hard to accept at first. I'm very excited to see what happens over the next 12 months.
Totally agree. Reset doesn’t mean you pick a different 11 - still need to pick the best available players.
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Never drop Anderson ever again
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This is easy right?
Brilliant from Potts!
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So Parkinson gets a game after all!
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Potts reminds me an awful lot of Scott Boland. Maybe a few mph short on speed, but compact, accurate and harrying the stumps.
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Awful kit, the collar and lack of buttons is the worst part me for....also it's stark white. 🤮
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Agree re the kit, but like the filet- but not for £60 thanks!Why don’t we get a traditional jumper like the other sides, like NZ and Aus?Crawley is a frustrating case.
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Have very much enjoyed watching this today, we are playing well!
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Someone explain to me why, aside from playing for the right county, Pope got the nod over Brook?
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Someone explain to me why, aside from playing for the right county, Pope got the nod over Brook?
Would rather Brook was left out than played out of position mind. They've destroyed Pope by messing him around in different positions and roles.
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Would rather Brook was left out than played out of position mind. They've destroyed Pope by messing him around in different positions and roles.
Yes, and there is an argument that Foakes was luckier than Pope for the Surrey old boys. But at least Brooks has batted in the top 3, is in the form of anyone's life and has not already been found out at Test level. Pope looked like getting out most every ball.
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Pope is just average. There’s been no improvement since that only test hundred he scored.
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NZ for a 1st innings lead?
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This is carnage. Never seen anything like it.
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Sweet mother of God
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Have very much enjoyed watching this today, we are playing well!
Nevermind. Not enjoying it as much anymore, shouldn't have said anything!
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Same old crap
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Well, Harry Brook must be sitting there thinking that this is making him look like a legend!
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We missed a chance to play Brook here, bang in form and Pope has all the talent in the world but is not a number 3 and has had twice as many chances as Lawrence who is actually fit-maybe too late to make this squad.
I’m sure this will not be a popular view but with the current availability of batsmen to England from the Counties Root should bat 3.
You then don’t have to bash square pegs in round holes in the order.
And yes I know his record at 4 is outstanding.
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Yup - so nobody's driving the bus (or nobody with a brain is driving the bus!)
I don't often agree with Vaughan, but he's absolutely right - promising county batters were looking at this side, and the only slot free was No.3 - why wasn't Pope et al banging on their coaches door, demanding to bat no3 rather than scoring easy runs at 5 or 6?
NZ are a good side, with a good attack, so this was always possible - but there are plenty of openers / no3's in the frame - people who are used to batting in that position, have we really given ourselves a chance to get runs early in our innings?
Crawley's not looking so bad at the mo, and I'm sorry, but I remain unconvinced by Lees.
Most importantly, we had sooooooooooo much time, so more than a little blame must lie at the door of Stokes / Root / Bairstow, to fail to recognise that grinding out a slow 25 would've put us in a good position tonight.
Out test batting just makes me so angry at the moment.
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In fairness it was obviously a bowling day. Not that it excuses the frailties of our batting. But if anybody can tell me this didnt make more sense, I'm all ears...
Lees
Crawley
Malan
Root
Brook
Stokes
Bairstow
Potts
Leach
Broad
Anderson
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Or Root at 3 and Foakes in at 7 (I know there's a lot of love for Foakes on the forum)
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I'm not so much annoyed that Brook didn't play as that Bairstow did.
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Lawrence who is actually fit-maybe too late to make this squad.
Actually not fit. Was fit when squad was announced, but was coming back from an injury and had no form. Then had a recurrence.
I don't understand why people think coming in at 59-2 (not improbable) would be so much better than coming in at 59-1.
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In fairness it was obviously a bowling day. Not that it excuses the frailties of our batting. But if anybody can tell me this didnt make more sense, I'm all ears...
Lees
Crawley
Malan
Root
Brook
Stokes
Bairstow
Potts
Leach
Broad
Anderson
Pope is regarded as the best young batsman in the country, and Foakes the best wicketkeeper.
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Foakes hype seems totally unjustified. Totally average batsman.
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Didn't think it would take long. Watch it go exactly the same way with Brook and Parkinson. :D
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Foakes hype seems totally unjustified. Totally average batsman.
Think the hypes is about his keeping, like the catch to get Kane.
Was a poor shot, no denying that.
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And another excellent grab that may not otherwise have been taken 😉
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Foakes has taken to very similar catches diving forward and made it look routine and maybe that’s why we don’t notice so much.
I’m a fan I think he is the best keeper I’ve seen since Russell
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Potts also highlighting the stupidity of not selecting more in-form CC players on a regular basis.
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Foakes has taken to very similar catches diving forward and made it look routine and maybe that’s why we don’t notice so much.
I’m a fan I think he is the best keeper I’ve seen since Russell
They made a point on commentary before the 2nd Williamson catch that he is similar to Russell how he takes the ball very low.
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Batting seems much easier after the ball gets to 30-35 overs. Just got to try and dig in.
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Yes especially in England. There is still movement but the ball is a bit softer and bowlers get a bit more tired.
But you have to be good enough to survive the moving ball and have the temperament to match.
Don’t want to be negative about the new style reset but I’m not sure we have the quality.
New Zealand are showing us how it’s done today. I think we have Pope out of position and that is a very tough ask indeed. He’s a bit lucky to be picked but is never a number 3 and that is a key position in tests.
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England’s bowling attack is pretty disappointing. Anderson is down on pace in the second dig, but understandability as he’s like 50 years old(joking).
Broad has been poor after all the begging for a recall.
Stokes bowling absolute pies
And there seems no real confidence in Parkinson
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So the side is in, and there is no Harry Brook. Potts debuts. The new era begins. Trying not to be skeptical.
Crawley
Lees
Pope
Root
Bairstow
Stokes
Foakes
Potts
Leach
Broad
Anderson
Sorry, late to the party but why isn't Leach playing? I thought he did well in WI.
Edit: I cannot read. Seems Parkinson is concussion substitute.
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He was but injured in the field-concussion and you are allowed a replacement so Parkinson was the sub
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How did Parkinson do?
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How did Parkinson do?
Didn't look threatening.
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Sorry, late to the party but why isn't Leach playing? I thought he did well in WI.
Edit: I cannot read. Seems Parkinson is concussion substitute.
Typical CBF! Leach plays: why isn't Parkinson playing? Parkinson plays: why isn't Leach playing?
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Typical CBF! Leach plays: why isn't Parkinson playing? Parkinson plays: why isn't Leach playing?
I think he’s simply asking why Leach wasn’t playing originally then saw Parkinson was a sub, that’s all.
You may have the wrong end of the stick
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I think he’s simply asking why Leach wasn’t playing originally then saw Parkinson was a sub, that’s all.
You may have the wrong end of the stick
No, was tongue in cheek.
But Leach was playing originally. (Possibly because he did okay in the West Indies.)
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Parkinson looked fairly poor. Bowling so slowly that Blundell was happy to basically run at him. Then he bowled a little short and the Kiwis milked him.
Obviously there’s probably debut nerves. But unless you suddenly start playing on Indian type sandpits, I don’t see him being a viable option in England.
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Still expecting England to lose this. Bowlers once again getting us back into a position...
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Crawley out once again caught in the cordon. He just doesn’t learn.
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Awful shot from Pope, his back leg moves so far forward it makes him look really uncomfortable.
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I don’t think Pope has enough to bat 3 in temperament or technique.
In some ways it’s not his fault, he is out of position.
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Hopeless once again
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Bairstow, as specialist batsman, must have one of the highest % of bowled dismissals
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This England side is so depressing.
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This is poor. I dunno about any reset whatever has been discussed it must be a least try to stay in the game. Getting bowled all over the shop is a bad sign.
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No idea what Stokes is playing at
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Until Root and Stokes are there, Eng have chance.
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NZ really haven't given them much to score off
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NZ really haven't given them much to score off
I wouldn't be worried about that as time/overs remaining isn't a factor here. As long as they are there even if scoring at snail's pace is fine. Mind it is not a big target.
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Big tree Jamieson is a bit decent
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Putting the curse of death on this --- shaping up for a good finish.
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61 with 5 in hand. Nice little Sunday morning competition. Lots of rain overnight but should be settled by start of play.
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Excellent from Root and that’s a good mini knock from Foakes. Absorbed some pressure and kept Root company.
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Was really impressed at Foakes pulling out of the hook with a few balls to go. There was a time England would have been 6 down. Only a small thing but a good sign 🤞
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Would so much rather have Ben Foakes batting in this kind of situation than Jos Buttler.
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Would so much rather have Ben Foakes batting in this kind of situation than Jos Buttler.
Absolutely. Foakes is a battler.
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Root looks a million years younger without the burden of captaincy as well. Didn't realise he'd never scored a ton in a fourth innings either.
Reckon if that CdG ball wasn't a noey we'd be losing today
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Excited and nervous about what I will wake up to.
A glorious Root 100 & victory?
A horrific collapse and Parkinson riding off into the sunset of county cricket?
Lyon dropping the key run-out? Oh wait, wrong down-under team. :D
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How important is counterattacking? I agree that its important to be able to hold your end and play the gritty knock but I felt like the pressure Stokes put back on New Zealand has been key to the chase so far though he did ride his luck with being bowled of a no-ball.
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Certainly set up for a great finish.
The pessimist in me says that we have a very long tail and 1 more wicket and it's trouble plus its going to be ideal bowling conditions this morning.
But must be positive!!! And Root and Foakes are going to knock this off, as it's only 60 left, the balls already 65 overs old and worse case Broad and Potts are worth at least 30 between them. Easy!!
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How much can Potts bat? Obviously better than the other 3 bowlers but is he going to be able to get himself in? Especially with quite a lot of nerves if it comes down to him needing to stay out there/score runs to win the game.
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While Foakes is with Root I don’t think Joe will be distracted. I guess with the tail anything could happen batting last.
Broad is complete hit or miss could slap 20 or be out first ball
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We don't deserve Joe Root
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Truly impressive from Root and Foakes. The knock from Stokes yesterday helped set the tone. A very impressive achievement.
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He is just so good, hoping that he keeps this up now that he doesn't have the burden of captaincy. Also very impressed with how Foakes played the situation superbly, Buttler would have hit 2 fours in a row then got out and left Root with the tail.
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Yes totally agree with the above. stokes will be aggressive and not intimidated by the match situation. At the same time you need intelligent batsmen who can absorb pressure over 5 days.
So you need both types. I really do think that number 3 spot is to protect our middle order going forward.
Not 100 per cent sure who that is but an out of position player is not the answer.
An improved Sibley with more scoring areas may be a possibility in that one two three position.
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Lees, Sibley, Bohannon would be my shout, with Compton in consideration if he maintains form.
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Amazing result!
Foakes knows how to bat properly. Root is a genius. On we go!
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Certainly set up for a great finish.
The pessimist in me says that we have a very long tail and 1 more wicket and it's trouble plus its going to be ideal bowling conditions this morning.
But must be positive!!! And Root and Foakes are going to knock this off, as it's only 60 left, the balls already 65 overs old and worse case Broad and Potts are worth at least 30 between them. Easy!!
Always be positive! Root is the Goat and Foakes a proper batter.
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If Root is a definite 4, then our biggest issues are 3 & 5. Pope and Bairstow aren't good enough for 3, so one or both should go. Personally I'd have Brooks at 5. After that it's find a solid no.3 - Hain, Bohannon, Abell or move Crawley to 3 and find another opener.
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Radical solution but... one of the issues Foakes faces at 7 ahead of 10, 10, jack and jack is that he is an accumulator rather than an aggressive player.
He bats up the order for Surrey (admittedly only 5) but could he perhaps do a job at 3 or 4? That would help so many of our other best options fit in more naturally.
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Radical solution but... one of the issues Foakes faces at 7 ahead of 10, 10, jack and jack is that he is an accumulator rather than an aggressive player.
He bats up the order for Surrey (admittedly only 5) but could he perhaps do a job at 3 or 4? That would help so many of our other best options fit in more naturally.
Only Sanga and Stewart have played more than 10 test innings batting at 3 and keeping, so there must be a good reason for that.
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Not sure about that, did you see his shot in the first innings? We tried this with Bairstow and it just doesn't work.
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If Root is a definite 4, then our biggest issues are 3 & 5. Pope and Bairstow aren't good enough for 3, so one or both should go. Personally I'd have Brooks at 5. After that it's find a solid no.3 - Hain, Bohannon, Abell or move Crawley to 3 and find another opener.
I think Bairstow at 5 is fine. He has shown he can score runs there. He has just got back from the IPL and both dismissals were showing his white ball mode still.
As for Pope, we have to give him a chance at 3 and give him a proper run. Personally I don't think he is up to it. But we aren't going to know if we just yank him out.
I am more concerned about Crawley becoming the new James Vince, sides already worked out that if you hang outside off long enough sooner or later he will nick one.
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Bairstow at five, if he actually plays some red ball cricket, is okay. But statistically and stylistically he has done his best work at six and seven. If we had lots of great top order options, I might be tempted to say, well, Foakes' keeping has not stepped up to Test level as well a it should have...but a) he played his best test knock today and b) has shown a gumption our other top order candidates have seemed to lack.
Anyway, just a thought.
More important...Pope needs to score some runs in the next test, or I think he needs to spend 2-3 seasons in the Championship earning another shot. He just doesn't look like scoring a run at this level, and as Buzz has said, there are real technical issues in his game.
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It was noticeable Lees stopped moving across to off and stood stiller in the second innings and only 20 runs but looked better.
Pope does not look comfortable and 3 is too high. It’s a tough ask when you do not bat there for your County.
Bairstow, Lawrence and Pope could all be more suited to 5 so that spot is crowded. And there’s Bohannon too potentially.
I think England to make us stronger need a third opener at 3, alternatively look at the best number 3 available in the Championship.
I don’t know who that is so myself I would look at Sibley or Bohannon with Crawley and Lees to get three positions.
I think they are backing the right player in Crawley but he has to get tighter outside off. He is young I expect he will benefit from others around him and the coaches.
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I think Root could end up as the 2nd highest test run scorer of all time. I don't think Tendulkar's record will ever be broken, but another 3000 runs from Root in the rest of his career seems feasible to me. What do you think?
How *great* is Joe Root?
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He is the best batsman for us since Gooch and KP and up there with Cook.
The only thing I would say is KP Gooch and Cook scored runs in Australia against genuine pace and he needs to do that.
But yes, way out as our best batsman currently,no one else is even close
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I think Bairstow at 5 is fine. He has shown he can score runs there.
Bairstow at 5: 25 tests, 38 knocks, average a shade under 27 with no tons. Not even a small sample size! If he's in the team it should really be where he's best - as a keeper/bat at 7. Brook very unlucky not to play this game I think, hopefully he's not lost the good form if he does play later in the summer.
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He is the best batsman for us since Gooch and KP and up there with Cook.
The only thing I would say is KP Gooch and Cook scored runs in Australia against genuine pace and he needs to do that.
But yes, way out as our best batsman currently,no one else is even close
Actually Root averages significantly more than Gooch in Australia.
And didnt have the fortune to play against Hilfenhaus, Bollinger, Siddle, Doherty et al that KP did. Im sure his average would be at least 5 higher if he had a tour against them rather than Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood.
Better than both. And less of a knob.
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Actually Root averages significantly more than Gooch in Australia.
And didnt have the fortune to play against Hilfenhaus, Bollinger, Siddle, Doherty et al that KP did. Im sure his average would be at least 5 higher if he had a tour against them rather than Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood.
Better than both. And less of a knob.
Def agree Root is a very likeable individual as well as a fabulous player
Gooch did of course play against a full strength West Indies, his 121 at Headingley remains one of the best innings I’ve seen.
KP was a match winner and up there with our best-like him or hate him he won us matches
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Looks like both teams either read the pitch wrong or expected their batting to last longer when they picked a specialist spinner each. Highly unlikely for a spinner to be effective in early English conditions. This is where a spin all rounder would have come handy.
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I think Root could end up as the 2nd highest test run scorer of all time. I don't think Tendulkar's record will ever be broken, but another 3000 runs from Root in the rest of his career seems feasible to me. What do you think?
How *great* is Joe Root?
Very possible, look at the batsman above him and their career lengths. All of them are roughly 16+ years, Root has a few years left in him especially no longer being the captain. You could also look to extend his test career by removing him from the T20/ODI sides, although he is an excellent ODI batter.
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Looks like both teams either read the pitch wrong or expected their batting to last longer when they picked a specialist spinner each. Highly unlikely for a spinner to be effective in early English conditions. This is where a spin all rounder would have come handy.
It's why having Moeen was so good, they talked about this on commentary and you're right. Someone like Moeen or Dawson is a better fit than a genuine spinner/number 11 like Parkinson.
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It was noticeable Lees stopped moving across to off and stood stiller in thhe second innings
He stood still in both innings. Just in different positions.
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"They could pick the best no.3 in the championship."
:D
Anyone would have thought it was the representative team of English cricket!
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Wonder if there will be any changes for the next test, or any thoughts of strengthening the tail?
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If the press is correct Moeen has been sounded out to return.
If the idea is strengthening the tail.
Whatever we think of playing the best spinner he got us runs at number 8.
And there is an argument to say he is our best spinner
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If the press is correct Moeen has been sounded out to return.
If the idea is strengthening the tail.
Whatever we think of playing the best spinner he got us runs at number 8.
And there is an argument to say he is our best spinner
Worse economy rate and average than Leach, I'd struggle to argue that Ali deserves his spot as a bowler.
Does give you more with the bat but do we really want to go back to the bits-and-pieces player selection strategy?
If England want to strengthen their tail I'd suggest working with the strongest bowlers to improve their batting. Both Lyon and Leach are great examples of how improvements can be made with coaching and the drive to do it.
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https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricket/article-10890233/England-spinner-Adil-Rashid-insists-not-closed-door-returning-Test-fold.html (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricket/article-10890233/England-spinner-Adil-Rashid-insists-not-closed-door-returning-Test-fold.html)
Eh? - Has McCullum 'reached out' to everyone? Is John Emburey still game?
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Look at Moeen's strike rate - especially in England. You need 20 wickets.
When he's playing with the England seamers who cares if he potentially goes at 4s? He's the closest thing to a fit x-factor bowler England have in the current situation.
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Will Pope stay in the side? Brook at 3 would be a bit harsh, right?
(As in a tough first gig)
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It’s a new position for Pope, they have to give him the whole series to prove himself I think.
Good to hear in the press Stokes praising Foakes role in the test match after Key has been talking up Butler still as a five day option.
You have to back the players selected.
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england have a massive issue at number 3, and have for years. Root is our best batter by miles but we are piling pressure on him by him having to go in at 20-2 every innings.
Lee's doesnt look to have improved the opening spot but isnt any worse that Burns so i would give him a run in the side to see if he can find his groove in test cricket. I would move Crawley to 3 and bring Sibley back in, much prefer the idea of us batting longer in the top 3 and putting miles in the bowlers legs. Nobody complained when cook and trott ground bowlers into the ground, not saying we have anywhere near that quality but its a 5 day match lets make the most of it
The high run scorers in the championship cannot be ignored in favour of giving their mates another game. Potts coming in on the back of form is the best example, so why not give brook or compton a chance? Crawley looks like he needs a lot of time in the middle and possibly Kent is the place for him to get that, cant see Rob Key dropping him any time soon.
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Pope will play the series at 3, I hope he succeeds there but have strong doubts.
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Yeah it's a crap call but once you've thrown Pope in there he has to be given the series at least. I like the idea of three openers up top as the only county batsman at 3 putting their hand up seems to be Bracey, but we've struggled enough finding two, never mind three...
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agree Pope must be given time to bat at 3, unless he decided he didnt want it. id rather him than YJB in the middle order and a proper number 3 long term as Pope is well worth his place but another player being forced into a role he's not even done at county level.
Was really hoping Baz and stokes would tear up the old way and start putting pegs in the right holes, heres hoping this first series is just them settling in
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No Williamson, Wagner not playing, no frontline spinner
Glad we're having a bowl
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Not the first time Crawley's tried to be the hero
Jesus Christ that is bad
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Root should be taking that, seemed to wobble late but I feel like we may regret that.
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Absolute dolly
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Suffice to say that this has been a poor day
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Another drop, for God's sake
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Don't worry, we'll have Moeen Ali soon.
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The only plus point I can see here is our batters will be under scoreboard pressure so we can see how they cope with it, especially someone like Pope who is a bit lucky to be in the team.
Root is not always going to get runs, at some point someone else in the top 6 must get a hundred
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Pope is almost a perfect replica of a young Ian Bell. Bell was poor during the 2005 Ashes, but came good in the end!
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He is similar in style but needs to do a great deal I think to be up there compared to Bell.
It’s a quick outfield and short boundaries he does have a great opportunity to make a telling score this time.
Lees is looking better as he goes on and although Crawley was caught behind again that was a decent ball from Boult.
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I think he has Bell's potential but he's by no means the finished article, of course! He has so much to learn.
I haven't really noticed Lees much, which is probably a sign of promise as an England opener... Not setting the world alight, but being quietly effective so far?
Oh wait, he has a high score of 31...
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Pope is almost a perfect replica of a young Ian Bell. Bell was poor during the 2005 Ashes, but came good in the end!
Personally I have never seen the comparison between Bell and Pope.
Bell was five years into his test career before he had a year averaging below 40 (and an average of 37 in the current squad would make you the team's second best batsman.
(https://i.postimg.cc/13j6zP0N/Screenshot-20220523-000619-Samsung-Internet.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Xr9X2RzV)
Pope is 25 games and 5 years into a test career that so far has yielded an average of 28. If Pope had been around in the same era as Bell he would be no where near the test set up
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Look at that 2011 average! He was amazing that year. :o
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The Ian Bell comparisons are stylistic, and are accurate to my eye.
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It's really weird how I had absolutely no faith in Bairstow, you just knew he was going to get out.
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Is this a breakthrough innings for Pope or easy runs on a pitch with no more danger than Sunday tea with the vicker?
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Well, let's give him the benefit of the doubt. He was missed a time or twobut it cant be easy coming in in the second over about fouur million runs behind. And he does look to have done a bit of technical work; straighter lines and back and through wrists.
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I'd rather he did the thing a batsman should do of making hay on a flat one rather than getting out. Crucially he cashed in after being dropped multiple times
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If this match was in the Sub-continent there would be a lot of criticism of the road like pitch. Let's hope it starts to deteriorate days 4 and 5.
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It’s not like teams haven’t been creating chances- some pretty ordinary catching from both sides this test.
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Yes about 8 have gone down it would be much more advanced in the game if they had been taken.
Not much swing thou it used to go round corners at Trent bridge not so much now.
With the lightning outfield and short boundaries it must be the best batting wicket we have now, you would hope there is some turn today out there
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yet again im not shocked that YJB got out early, his performances only seem to come when hes been dropped and has something to prove. if he wasnt out between bat and pad every innings it would be less irritating to watch but theres no confidence in him. its got to be time that we moved on from constant failures and bloated ego, there are players scoring runs week in week out that need to be given a chance.
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While I feel a bit for Bairstow coming into a series like this undercooked, surely this is the time to give Brook his shot.
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Moronic from Potts. Doesn't seem to have much awareness with the bat
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Surely if you're in that situation you just keep running and sacrifice yourself?
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Well that was quick! England could have been in a very commanding position here but now have given a small lead to NZ.
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What brilliant fielding from Pope and Stokes, one handed pickup on one of the rough bumpy side pitches and a very impressive no-look runout from Stokes.
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Great fielding that and a couple of given away wickets will make an interesting day tommorow.
Pitch might just be doing a bit more now thou so both teams have a chance
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Getting them out to this mildly average short stuff is kind of funny
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Crawley needs binning off. Same old dismissal
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Oh my word Jonny
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I wonder if Bairstow has an account here...every time ppl trash him on this forum, he seems to response with a knock :D
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I wonder if Bairstow has an account here...every time ppl trash him on this forum, he seems to response with a knock :D
Reverse-jinx never fails!
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yet again im not shocked that YJB got out early, his performances only seem to come when hes been dropped and has something to prove. if he wasnt out between bat and pad every innings it would be less irritating to watch but theres no confidence in him. its got to be time that we moved on from constant failures and bloated ego, there are players scoring runs week in week out that need to be given a chance.
This aged well
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I'm not so much annoyed that Brook didn't play as that Bairstow did.
Fool! :o
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About time this forum put some respect on Bairstow's name. 3 hundreds in 2022.
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Jesus Christ Ben that is massive
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Truly bizarre how we are producing world-class results against the best test side on earth. I'm going to enjoy this honeymoon while it lasts! 😍
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So many criticizing Bairstow after 1st innings failure, but if you see the ball he got, no one would have survived that, maybe they might have missed it completely if lucky or got out the amount of in swing and bounce it got. 4th innings century at 147 S.R. and when the team needed him most to win, not even in a drawn game. The guy is special, he needs to be given a log rope, not have to worry whether he ll be selected series by series.
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Dear Mr Bairstow,
Sorry.
Regards,
Most members of CBF
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Please note, i wasn't one of them. Some test match that!
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Bairstow will get the credit and rightly so but I’m looking at a bit more positivity at the start from Lees as a big plus.
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This series proved McCullum is the guy Eng needed, doesn't matter past experience as coach. Laidback and positive approach is what works almost everywhere.. Ind chance to win test series in Eng for first time is now gone :D
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So many criticizing Bairstow after 1st innings failure, but if you see the ball he got, no one would have survived that, maybe they might have missed it completely if lucky or got out the amount of in swing and bounce it got. 4th innings century at 147 S.R. and when the team needed him most to win, not even in a drawn game. The guy is special, he needs to be given a log rope, not have to worry whether he ll be selected series by series.
In terms of the first sentence the same can be said of Crawley not a lot really he could do to the two balls he got this test both great delivers early on from one of the best bowlers in the world
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Have not seen the second innings yet but first innings he did well to get a nick on that.
I think England will give Crawley more time to come good. Opening unless we recall Burns or maybe Sibley I cannot see an obvious replacement.
Crawley may well benefit from the attacking style it’s clear we want to play.
I’m not convinced myself but he is young and they will give him every chance I think
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Please note, i wasn't one of them. Some test match that!
I 'dropped' him for going to the IPL. I've always been pretty supportive of him in terms of ability. I shouldn't have worried about his preparation?
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I've never really understood the stick tbh. A game of opinions, but if he's not one of the top 6 batters in our line up, then I'm really missing something.
This approach won't always work, but it wasn't half good to watch today!
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You can't deny that he lost his way somewhat. Perhaps this was related to the scrutiny he came under with the gloves? But I've always thought the ability must still be there.
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* I still think England players should, wherever possible, be playing domestic first-class cricket when not required by England.
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About time this forum put some respect on Bairstow's name. 3 hundreds in 2022.
I find the grief that goes his way difficult to understand. In a side that has struggled for form, he has been one of the better performers.
He seems to me to be a player who will fit the type of character that the new England management set up are looking for
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Train strikes have put my Day 3 tickets at Headingley to bed.
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Train strikes have put my Day 3 tickets at Headingley to bed.
Travel on the Friday?
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What an outstanding game of Test cricket. Day 5, chasing 300, wickets falling and 6's raining down.
That was a flat track but NZ were rolled in their second innings so big ups to the England bowlers getting you into a winning position.
Win or lose McCullum would have been fine with they way you batted and would've said the same to the media. That's the difference now. Playing positively, always trying to get a result and win or lose the message will be the same from McCullum. England will be at the top of the test rankings in the next year if they keep playing like this.
Great to watch.
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Travel on the Friday?
And then do what? £200 a night hotel until Sunday? No chance.
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What an amazing Test Match - I thought the game was going to end up being a draw early on Day 4 but fair play to both teams - massive credit to England - its going to be one hell of a ride under the new regime
Question is what do they do with Crawley - I reckon they'll stick with him for the final test -
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They are backing potential my guess is under the new management a chance to improve.
He has got the shots and all round game.
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But not the discipline or defensive technique to bat time at the moment. Crawley will get the last Test for sure but IMO he should be allowed to go back to county cricket and work on his game, with support from the England setup about exactly what he needs to work on and how.
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And then do what? £200 a night hotel until Sunday? No chance.
Not somewhere cheaper? A fellow forumite might even put you up?
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Its amazing the difference a change of management has made - there is a freshness and purpose about England that the last 18 months of the Root era really lacked. And refreshingly few selection issues - well, given that we are down to more or less our last three fast bowlers - to worry about. Just Crawley and Leach really. Crawley will get at least the next test - the fact is, he is Key's mate and quite aside from that there is something to admire about his ability once set that will mean that McCullum particularly will want to give him a lot of rope. Leach is the one that would worry me - he didn't seem to be able to hold up an end, but neither was he really presenting anything you'd term a wicket taking threat. His saving grace might be the lack of an alternative - Stokes clearly doesn't rate Parkinson.
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Agree with all thats said about Crawley - he has the potential Xfactor as an opener that plays positive cricket, he needs a steady ship at the other end though. The challenge is if the way he keeps getting out starts to mentally affect him negatively.
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I nearly went yesterday. Decided to save myself the train-fare. Regret it!
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There is an alternative available now for England. I think myself Leach is the better bowler but Mo Ali has reversed his test retirement decision and indicated he wants to play.
A guess his free flowing batting would be encouraged under this new management, and our tail starting at 8 is a bit too soon.
It may be an option going forward
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I'm very much expecting it to happen now. I wonder if he would bat ahead of Foakes?
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Called up Yorkshire's ticket office and they had no sympathy with regards to not being able to go cause of the strikes next week. Bit disappointing to be honest.
Not sure if against the rules but if anyone fancies taking a pair off my hands at face value (£65 each) let me know...
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Called up Yorkshire's ticket office and they had no sympathy with regards to not being able to go cause of the strikes next week. Bit disappointing to be honest.
Not sure if against the rules but if anyone fancies taking a pair off my hands at face value (£65 each) let me know...
Sent PM
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Sent PM
Strange, doesn't seem like PMs are working as I've also sent you one that isn't in my Sent Items?!
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I've also noticed the like button isn't appearing, anyone else have this issue?
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Sent PM
Have also sent you an email (I think)
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Called up Yorkshire's ticket office and they had no sympathy with regards to not being able to go cause of the strikes next week. Bit disappointing to be honest.
Not sure if against the rules but if anyone fancies taking a pair off my hands at face value (£65 each) let me know...
Which days, stands, price etc?
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Which days, stands, price etc?
PM'd!
Well, I think I have
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Jamie Overton now in the squad for the 3rd test, not too surprised. Been excellent for us at Surrey this year as a point of difference bowler
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Does Moeen still have what it takes to bowl spin at the test level?
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I like that selection. Jamie has long looked the more suited bowler to test cricket of the brothers. You would assume one or both of Anderson and Broad might miss out?
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Yes now the series is won. Think Jamie has more pace than his brother who looks a bit ordinary to me.
Woakes coming back from injury so we could make a change.
Pace wise I’m not sure either brother outpaces Potts, he looked quite brisk and certainly has the physique for it
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Jamie Overton is much quicker than Potts. The TV was saying Potts was low to mid 80s; Overton gets up to and above 90mph.
I've made the point before, but it's perhaps a little worrying that the journey from county 2s to international cricket can be such a short one. Either that, or we should be applauding county cricket's strength in depth?
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I like that selection. Jamie has long looked the more suited bowler to test cricket of the brothers. You would assume one or both of Anderson and Broad might miss out?
Yes, I wonder why Somerset couldn't see it when they were loaning him out to Northants.
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Yes, I wonder why Somerset couldn't see it when they were loaning him out to Northants.
In fairness, i suspect Somerset have a different view of the respective merits of "producing international cricketers" and "actually winning something" than the likes of Yorkshire and Surrey, and in county cricket, on an often tactically prepared deck at Taunton, you can see why Craig's ability to wear a groove in the deck in the high 70s might be preferable. But he has nothing to scare a decent bat on a good deck. Jamie does - seen him a couple of times this season, he still sprays the odd one, but the good stuff is really good and as a fourth seamer (Stokes being pushed up to bowl a fuller length, Im guessing) he will do good.
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Yes, I wonder why Somerset couldn't see it when they were loaning him out to Northants.
Tbf to Somerset his injury record was poor at that time of his career, looking like he's sorted those issues out now. He's a great lower order biffer too.
Guessing Stokes won't bowl much or at all based on how badly he was limping at the end?
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Sorry, a little off topic - is there no Radio or TV coverage of the Netherlands ODI's?
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Sorry, a little off topic - is there no Radio or TV coverage of the Netherlands ODI's?
ECB is streaming for free via their website.
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on sky sports as well
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New ODI kit looks very much like Scotland's kit.
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No comments on us breaking the world record today? Salt, Buttler, Malan? Ali? :(
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No comments on us breaking the world record today? Salt, Buttler, Malan? Ali? :(
Salt looks ready to step into Roy's shoes before too long.
Buttler, I think we've all run out of superlatives.
Ali, tidy as you'd expect without anything spectacular about it.
Malan, strange one. Good knock, rotated the strike, hit a few sweet shots. But I just can't see how he'd get anywhere near the side when Bairstow, Root and Stokes are available. Bairstow and Stokes far more destructive, Root a far better accumulator and a better option with the ball.
Livingstone, you have to think they find a way to get him in the side. Freakish.
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Would have sailed past 500 if someone had managed to run Malan out to stop him chewing up balls batting for his average
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Ah this does come up with Malan, seen as selfish and not a particularly nice bloke either allegedly-not that should make any difference.
I’ve only seen 10 mins highlights but all I would say is Butler made everyone else look slow, he is that good.
Malan may end up being one of those players just too old to invest in for Tests and on the bench with so many good one day players he’s not first choice in 50 overs.
Good player that he is.
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I don't think two England teams should play simultaneously. But I don't expect anyone on here to agree with me. :(
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I don't think two England teams should play simultaneously. But I don't expect anyone on here to agree with me. :(
If it was against a top tier opposition, I'd maybe be more inclined to agree. But England - down maybe three first choice players - versus Netherlands?
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I’ve only seen 10 mins highlights but all I would say is Butler made everyone else look slow, he is that good.
To be fair it was made easier for him coming in at 230 or so for 2.
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If it was against a top tier opposition, I'd maybe be more inclined to agree. But England - down maybe three first choice players - versus Netherlands?
Not really a concern about England would win easily or not. Rather the devaluation of the cap.
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More CBF posts should start "I've only seen 10 minutes highlights but..." ;)
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Not really a concern about England would win easily or not. Rather the devaluation of the cap.
So should the caps from the Covid affected games not count? Or caps during an injury crisis or as part of a squad rotation?
Or should caps against associate nations not count? Associate nations like Scotland and the Netherlands who have beaten full strength England sides in the not too distant past...
Don't agree at all that it is devaluing the cap.
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None of the the circumstances you mention are anything like the same, though I don't particularly like rotation.
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Two England teams are playing at once! It's just wrong!
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Please someone agree with me!
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Please someone agree with me!
What about?
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What about?
Two England teams playing series simultaneously feeling a bit wrong.
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Two England teams playing series simultaneously feeling a bit wrong.
Oh, you hadnt mentioned it!
I don't mind if they want to do it but i think there ought to be a rule, no more than the players per county between the combined squads!
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Oh, you hadnt mentioned it!
I don't mind if they want to do it but i think there ought to be a rule, no more than the players per county between the combined squads!
I had!
Your idea would make it even more artificial.
The ECB and Sky are trying to sneak this in to maximise revenue.
It was mentioned during the last Test that New Zealand play something like half as many matches as England do.
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I had!
Your idea would make it even more artificial.
The ECB and Sky are trying to sneak this in to maximise revenue.
It was mentioned during the last Test that New Zealand play something like half as many matches as England do.
It’s part of the ICC World Cup Qualification Super league so they had to play it sometime. It was due a year ago but postponed because of covid restrictions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICC_Cricket_World_Cup_Super_League
I think all nations bar India, England and Oz lose money every test match they play.
The politics of the ICC and the fixture lists are a joke, but commerce seems to rule.
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Don’t see what the fuss is about, some of the fixtures will clash it hasn’t happened very often to my memory.
The fixture list is packed for England, the players also play franchise cricket.
It’s a bit of the same argument players should not miss Championship cricket to play in the IPL. Like it or loathe it the players must be given the chance to play in it.
You could make a reasoned argument the IPL and big bash etc has fast tracked those that play in our one day team and innings like we saw from Bairstow would just not be possible without it.
There has to be some give in the schedule so games could overlap in future
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Don't think there is a fuss. It's only me that's mentioned it.
:o
At least someone has acknowleged that the fixture list is increasingly about money.
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And COVID restrictions
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I really don't see the issue with it being played at the same time. The 2 sides are virtually completely different now, different coaches, only really Bairstow, Stokes and Root playing ODI and Tests. And Bairstow's replacement got a 100, Stokes wouldn't of played focusing on the new role and Root possibly rested as its a T20i world cup year not ODI world cup year.
Plus adding in the proper exposure it give an associate nation is always good for the game.
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That might be the first time I've seen that happen, ever. Jesus Christ!
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Stat padding for Leach, that wicket! :D :D :D :D
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Seen a lot of cricket never seen that. I knew it would be out thou off the other player.
However off the umpire as the commentators originally thought I don’t know.
But I expect some on here do know.
I guess dead ball if it hits the umps and a fielder catches it
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Seen a lot of cricket never seen that. I knew it would be out thou off the other player.
However off the umpire as the commentators originally thought I don’t know.
But I expect some on here do know.
I guess dead ball if it hits the umps and a fielder catches it
No, out.
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Just seen Sanga in the curry house. Atherton and Doull also.
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No, out.
Yep, only a dead ball if the ball sticks in the umpire's clothing.
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Yep, only a dead ball if the ball sticks in the umpire's clothing.
Or if umpire dies. Oh...no... that's a dead umpire.
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Catching has been awful again
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The non-review of Mitchell yesterday proving costly. You'd think with how they've struggled to get him this series they'd have rolled the dice. Still, they haven't really gotten away from us and still in the game.
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Fairplay to Leach for getting that 5 for.
That's a ridiculous delivery from Boult to get Lees!
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Awful from Crawley.
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Yep. Lees had no chance, Pope played a good ball badly but Zac... He looks shot.
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This was always gonna happen. Live by the sword and all that...
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All well and good if you're in a positive position on a docile pitch but was this really the game to try and smash their way out of trouble?
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With the benefit of hindsight, I guess the answer is yes.
It is very early days, but the change in mentality from the negativity under Silverwood to the positive approach now couldn't be any clearer. The test team has finally started playing with the freedom and the clarity that the white ball team has
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I wouldn't say Overton or Bairstow tried to smash their way out of it. They put away the bad balls but they were pretty solid in defence as well.
Brilliant innings by both but I don't know if I'd consider it justifies Stokes trying to come down and whack it into the stands early doors.
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Not sure why they keep picking this Bairstow fella 😆
Watching it at the time I thought it was a bit crazy to go that hard. Bairstow and Overton played fairly sensible really, just hit the bad ball and had a bit of luck too. It's so difficult to go that hard when it's hooping though, as it was when Stokes was charging. Looks like this is the way they're going tho, so fasten your seatbelts!
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Scoring at better than 5 an over in a test match on an afternoon when the ball was moving around and England were 55-6 is fairly extraordinary. What is clear about the mentality is that they will try to put pressure back on the opposition rather than prod around, building pressure on themselves and waiting to be picked off. It won't always work, but I think it is going to make for some great cricket
I always felt with Silverwood that he thought he was going to lose but wanted to drag games out onto the 4th / 5th day to avoid embarrassment. No way could I see this sort of come back under his leadership.
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That young Jonny Bairstow will never make a test cricketer, will he ;)
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Is this also the right environment to give one another look in for Buttler? Not in place of Foakes who has done great but as a pure batsman and see what he can do under Baz. Scary to think Eng will unleash new way of playing tests - similar to odi team evolution where they make 300/400s for fun, will we see test team making 600s/700s in future? Going by Bairstow's comments, it might not be far off ..
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Is this also the right environment to give one another look in for Buttler? Not in place of Foakes who has done great but as a pure batsman and see what he can do under Baz. Scary to think Eng will unleash new way of playing tests - similar to odi team evolution where they make 300/400s for fun, will we see test team making 600s/700s in future? Going by Bairstow's comments, it might not be far off ..
No just no butler shouldn’t be anywhere near a test team. Need to find another opener and try Crawley at 3 or in place of him and give Pope a year at 3 to really see. We don’t need another middle order batter be we certainly don’t ever want to replace Foakes.
Just my view of course
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No just no butler shouldn’t be anywhere near a test team. Need to find another opener and try Crawley at 3 or in place of him and give Pope a year at 3 to really see. We don’t need another middle order batter be we certainly don’t ever want to replace Foakes.
Just my view of course
Can see where you are coming from and quite understandably so, but same could have been said of Bairstow as well until Baz came in and turned everything on its head. Definitely not in place of Foakes, but I get the feeling Butler under Baz will be like another Bairstow evolution. We aren't selectors but if any of current crop doesn't deliver after sufficient chances, Butler may be worth giving one last chance, as a batsman only of course under Baz. And to think that Butler is a better batsman than Bairstow, just never fit in to the traditional/defensive mindset of previous coaches..
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You heard it here first fellas.
Buttler will definitely be back in the test side under McCullum (He loves him). Livingstone will also play soon. You'll be scratching your heads as to who will miss out but Baz wont care too much for specialist openers etc he'll just put the best guys who'll bat this new way in there.
JB is going to bat like this from now on and that wouldn't change wherever you put him in the lineup, Stokes the same.
I reckon the Aussie side are sitting down preparing for the next Ashes and thinking what the hell are they going to do. England have always been so predictable but now no one knows what's going to happen which is McCullum to a tee.
If you're still sitting there thinking there wont be some crazy selections and plans under the new regime you've got your head in the sand. I love it and I'd imagine there are quite a few new fans that have popped up over the last month.
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No just no butler shouldn’t be anywhere near a test team. Need to find another opener and try Crawley at 3 or in place of him and give Pope a year at 3 to really see. We don’t need another middle order batter be we certainly don’t ever want to replace Foakes.
Just my view of course
I might be only one but I haven't seen that much about Foakes' keeping that's made much of a difference. A few errors behind the stumps. Batting has been decent however
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I might be only one but I haven't seen that much about Foakes' keeping that's made much of a difference. A few errors behind the stumps. Batting has been decent however
Me neither. In the West Indies his keeping was very ropey and this summer he has been putting down the sort of chances that Butler was castigated for. His batting average remains below 30 as well.
With Root, Bairstow and Stokes at 4, 5 and 6 I can't see Butler playing unless it is in the place of Foakes. Butler strikes me as someone who could really thrive in this new team environment but I can't see a chance before the end of the summer
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Can we not just leave Buttler to be an absolute all time white ball great? If Foakes can't cut it long term there are plenty of excellent keeper-bats in the County Championship with superior red ball batting records to Jos.
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Can we not just leave Buttler to be an absolute all time white ball great? If Foakes can't cut it long term there are plenty of excellent keeper-bats in the County Championship with superior red ball batting records to Jos.
What if Buttler goes like JB has?
A lot of the English fans called for JB to be sacked and now because he can play freely he's established himself. Imagine Jos having that confidence in Tests. I think you're crazy not to try him again under Stokes and McCullum.
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Well batted Jonny, he has done it again and kept us in the game.
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I wouldn’t change Foakes because I think he is valuable to us especially with an eye on sub continent tours coming up, but I think England will recall Butler in place of Foakes sometime this summer sadly.
We have had a good start under the new management and Stokes and McCullum seem true to their word-attacking cricket.
It can create a great environment for those attacking minded players.
I’m far more interested how the top 3 develop as that has been our achillies heel. Positive batting yes but there must be a balance if the improvement is too last.
Crawley has had a poor run but does have the talent, he needs the best of our coaching. Lees I think will be ok, he has the shots and can bat time.
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Some real misunderstandings of the issues here.
Firstly with Bairstow, the only thing that will have happened is that McCullum will have reassured him that he is a guaranteed pick. The issue isn't liberating him or anything like it - it is simply that he has been horrendously messed about by the Test management over the last six years - keeper, 5 bat, keeper, three bat, out of the side, six bat etc etc. And at every stage having it made clear that despite all of the evidence that he is both a better test batsman and better test keeper than Goldenballs, Goldenballs will get first pick of the opportunities at every stage. He has made four tons in his last seven tests, played two of the best knocks any of us have seen back to back, and there are still a lot of people on here who would drop him if he got bowled through the gate against India next week.
Will Buttler come back? I wouldn't rule it out, but I don't think it is the certainty some people do. He will have the captaincy of the white ball sides by the end of the Summer and that is probably enough.
Now Foakes. Yes, statistically he has dropped a lot of chances. But the fact is, most keepers would not have got a glove to many of them - he isn't missing straightforward chances like, say, Buttler did, he is getting a hand on massive legside stretches and the like. Yes, the one he took out of Root's hands on the second morning was a misjudgement, but again he did everything right - his foot movement was exemplary, he had the confidence to go for the chance, the ball just moved away from him slightly.
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Agree with a lot of the above, Bairstow at 3 and the same batsman at 6 are almost different players. He has holes in his defence which get exposed, and is very much an eye batsman without a lot of footwork.
But since India away when he started to play better he has been in great form and yes a regular slot suiting a more aggressive game def is working. He actually played well pre the new management about 18 months back.
Getting shoved up and down the order was also mentioned by Moeen recently and whatever you think of Mo as a Teat player that cannot be easy. In recent times Mo and Bairstow have been the ones to shuffle in the order.
Jonny is playing well now and his outfielding is superb, the catch he took off Leach was fantastic.
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All this talking of Bairstow, and rightly so, another great innings of course but no one has mentioned how good Overton was! Without him we are still behind NZ. No matter how good Bairstow is.
It will be interesting what happens with the bowlers when Jimmy is fit, because undoubtedly with have a massive tail with Potts at 8, but he is bowling superb.
Crawley is in a mess at the moment and needs a score. Champo is back so if someone gets a score to put some pressure on that gets interesting.
On Buttler,.... there is no way in the world that Mott wants his best player and new captain to be (when Morgan finally doesn't get in the team) playing test cricket.
The only thing that changes the keeping position is if Foakes injury is really bad, then I think it is actually an opportunity for Brook to play.
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I think Overton has been very impressive in this test, with bat and with ball - he looks in all ways like a better version of his brother. I fancy he will play against India - Anderson may not be fit and if he is, I wonder if there will be a rest for Broad ahead of the South Africa series. You are of course right that having a long tail does little for England, but I think there is a solid argument just on bowling grounds.
Crawley...difficult isn't it? He's Key's mate, we can all see that he has potential but technically he looks shot. Its a shame that our next cab, Brook, has not opened since he was 18-19 really - but I note that Ben Compton is spending the next four days at the Oval....
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I’ve been away for awhile but seems like England are getting better at Test cricket again…
Anyway Ben Foakes has covid, as does Indian captain Rohit Sharma…
Bloody covid.
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Sanga very keen on the idea of Buttler opening the batting.
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Sanga very keen on the idea of Buttler opening the batting.
Wouldn't be any worse than Crawley but that's not a ringing endorsement. Compton, Haines or Sibley for me.
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Vaughan punting the same idea on TMS. I suppose he needs to get some stuff in before he gets taken off air again from part of the Yorkshire enquiry.
Crawley has the shots but personally I would like to see Sibley again with a different management system in place.
Zac may benefit from more County cricket to develop
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The problem is that Crawley definitely fits the brand of cricket they want to play. Just doesn't seem switched on at the moment. That runout was kind of brilliant from Williamson and Boult, but at the same time he absolutely stuffed him
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Also that shot for six from Root was absolutely sensational. What on Earth!
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Shout out to Ollie Pope for going a long way to proving himself in this series.
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Shout out to Ollie Pope for going a long way to proving himself in this series.
And for proving everyone on here wrong.
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And for proving everyone on here wrong.
More than happy to be proved wrong about Pope! And he can still improve too! Quite exciting really
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Shout out to Ollie Pope for going a long way to proving himself in this series.
Have to be honest, I thought he was lucky to be given the chance (I think he only survived because Root doesn't want to bat three) but he has done a lot to grab it - there have been a couple of concerning dismissals, but he has also batted with more authority and a less chaotic tempo - which is an odd thing to say in the era of Bazball - than he did previously. More important, it looks like he is working hard to correct some of the technical flaws which had crept in to his game.
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Watched at Trent Bridge and Pope looked very awkward for the first hour or so, but absolutely superb once he got in. Definitely added to the impression that getting started is his biggest problem in tests vs county cricket, with any luck that will improve with runs and confidence.
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I think a lot of us said Pope is a bit lucky to be picked but never doubted he has the talent.
Looks to be playing straighter I saw one the full face of the bat came thru on the shot.
Might also have benefitted from the new injection of management positivity.
The less aggressive players interest me far more, Leach has been our best for a while but is clearly backed to the hilt and that’s worked too.
Stokes seems to have a more natural feel for it, 3-0 against NZ is not a score line I thought would happen, if fact I had us down to lose
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Watching Ben Compton for the first time. Seems he's a proper front foot pointing at the bowler merchant!
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You heard it here first fellas.
Buttler will definitely be back in the test side under McCullum (He loves him). Livingstone will also play soon. You'll be scratching your heads as to who will miss out but Baz wont care too much for specialist openers etc he'll just put the best guys who'll bat this new way in there.
JB is going to bat like this from now on and that wouldn't change wherever you put him in the lineup, Stokes the same.
I reckon the Aussie side are sitting down preparing for the next Ashes and thinking what the hell are they going to do. England have always been so predictable but now no one knows what's going to happen which is McCullum to a tee.
If you're still sitting there thinking there wont be some crazy selections and plans under the new regime you've got your head in the sand. I love it and I'd imagine there are quite a few new fans that have popped up over the last month.
Called it. Livingstone in Red ball cricket