Print

[stevie]

Has played two series now and was just wondering what the main feel for him was. I think he's the best keeper England have used since Read and he scores handy runs in a gritty worknamlike way.
His keeping has been very good especially to Monty also for a small man he gets across a long way to the leg side i think.

[Johnny]

I think he's done well and it's a good move to keep him as ODI keeper also.

personally I'd drop colly and bat ambrose at 6, with Flintoff at 7 once he's fit

[Stumped7]

I think he has done well, but from what I and other people I know have noticed is that his actual catching technique isn't that good. Notice how close to hisbody he taketheball and the loudcrack you can always hear.

This is the opposite to what Gilchrist, McCullum, Boucher and top keepers do, the catch should almost be like a performance with the arms extending to the ball, with over the top exaggeration, and take the ball in front of the body. This contrary to what ambrose does as he takes the ball in-line with his body.

[stevie]

I thought that he takes it late as well but if it works for him?

I think he's done well and it's a good move to keep him as ODI keeper also.

personally I'd drop colly and bat ambrose at 6, with Flintoff at 7 once he's fit

Agree with keeping him in for the odi's. I don't think he's a good enough batsmen to bat 6. Would drop colly and pick Bopara as he's on fire at the moment. His bowliing is good as well a definate replacement for colly but i think the english selectors will keep faith with him at least untill the second if not third test against the south Africans.

[Danny]

I think England just need to bear(s.i.c?) with him and not drop him after one or two bad innings like with previous keepers. He could be good with some experience in both Test and ODI matches.

[Sameer]

keep him going.
nothing is broken so why fix it?

Battingwise, he may find other teams more difficult to face eg. South Africa with its lethal pace and swing lineup, Steyn, Ntini even Morkel.. but so far he has been great.
Keepingwise, I didnt see any dropped chances either in the recent NZ series.

Bopara, Shah and Flintoff all knocking on the door for a slot.. good times for the selectors? 

[Sambo]

yeah selectors, england, good time, since when? he's the best england keeper since stewart and russell. just keep the young bloke and give him a few years there. he'll do good.

[Howzat]

Shah also had a good innings yesterday surely he deserves  a chance now!?

[maXXed]

You can't drop Collingwood! I am not a fan of Ambrose personally, trying to score through point/gully via cut shots will get him out easily against better bowling attacks.

[stevie]

yeah selectors, england, good time, since when? he's the best england keeper since stewart and russell. just keep the young bloke and give him a few years there. he'll do good.

No he's not Read was as good as Stewart but the english selectors get caught up in keepers who are better batter's than keeper's.

[Sambo]

if he was as good as read at keeping, he is a better batter than read. so i see no reason to pick read over ambrose

[mullethigham]

i think hes goinjg from strength to strength,he has taken well to international cricket

[Original]

I think he has done a tidy job behind the stumps and with the bat

[sammyboy]

I dont think he's done a bad job at all but I would still prefer to see Mustard playing ODIs instead and opening the batting and have Wright down the order

[stevie]

I dont think he's done a bad job at all but I would still prefer to see Mustard playing ODIs instead and opening the batting and have Wright down the order

I've got to agree with that. Mustard actually does it for his county whereas in the the 50 and 40 over compititions Wright bats lower down the order for Sussex.
Saying this though most of Ambrose's succes has come in the one day game but i suspect he bats in the top 5 and he averaged about 60 and batting at 7 or 8 is completely different and i think wright would be better suited there.