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[patriotscreen]

After getting so many runs so far in the tests against NZ, and Broad seemingly struggling to get in on the action is it just me who is thinking that Finn will be replacing Broad as no.8 and knocking Broad down to 9? Finn looks so much more composed that Broad and it doesn't seem like it's just a one off either, Finn genuinely looks quite comfortable batting higher up the order.

[Colesy]

At the moment, possibly. With all respect it is NZ though and can't see him being as composed against a SA or Aus. Let's not forget Broad's got 169 and other 50s beforehand

[tushar sehgal]

At the moment, possibly. With all respect it is NZ though and can't see him being as composed against a SA or Aus. Let's not forget Broad's got 169 and other 50s beforehand

Past glories account for nothing if you have not performed for a significant amount of time....e.g. Sehwag, has a great record but not done anything in a while now...sometime dropping someone is actually good for their career even though they might not think that at the time..


also to add Broad and Finn are both playing against NZ, and if its easy to score runs you would expect Board to outscore Finn and take more wickets as well...

[patriotscreen]

This is true Colesy but when I watched Broad bat last night he didn't even seem particularly interested in hanging around. Was swinging from the first delivery and in test cricket you can't really get away with that. I know NZ should be a walk over compared to the likes of SA or Aus but they have certainly helped make Finn look very good.

[Leddster138]

At the moment, possibly. With all respect it is NZ though and can't see him being as composed against a SA or Aus. Let's not forget Broad's got 169 and other 50s beforehand

I think he either bats 8 or isn't in the side to be honest as there a lot of good bowlers (arguably better) that could back at 9+ for England. Whilst Broad has a lot of potential, I think the game he got the 169 in should be wiped from the records because of the controversy surrounding it. Broad needs to start contributing with the bat rather than swashbuckling away at number 8 and relying on a score he got 2 and a half years ago to keep him in the teams bowling allrounder spot.

[cricketbadger]

Broads batting has just got worse and worse, hit a nice drive for 4. Ball before that he was almost castled, and then looked uncomfortable with a bit of short stuff, I think he could have done better with the ball he nicked

I dont think he should be in the side, unless his bowling improves, he has the potential obviously

[patriotscreen]

I think he is more of a one day player. Certainly bats like one anyway and his bowling has been dismal for quite a while. Fair enough he has had some injuries but he just hasn't been consistent enough for test match level cricket. I'm not sure he has the patience for it.

[Howzat]

No way, Finn is terrible with the bat and had one good knock... hes been Middlesex's number 11 for years!

[cricketbadger]

No way, Finn is terrible with the bat and had one good knock... hes been Middlesex's number 11 for years!

wouldnt go as far as terrible, he looks pretty strong in defence
and calm and composed, been putting away the bad balls aswell

[patriotscreen]

No way, Finn is terrible with the bat and had one good knock... hes been Middlesex's number 11 for years!

20, 24, 56 in his last 3 innings vs Broad's 6, 10, 14. I don't think it's coincidental either. Leaving Middlesex out of it as I am on about Test match cricket, I think the England tail should be Swann, Finn, Broad, Anderson, Panesar so whoever you leave out from that you just keep the rest in order. Last night Broad should have been bowled straight away but nicked it over the top of the stumps and he is just not consistent.

[procricket]

Broad is miles and miles better thn Finn with the bat.

But you can't pick either for just there batting there just a added bonus.

Anybody suggesting Finn is better than broad with the bat either don't know anything about cricket or are blind

[DiscoStu]

I'm happy for Broad to work on his bowling (which is definitely picking up) than his batting. The commentators pondered something last night that I think may be true, he comes in after Prior who averages 45 and bats in a very free manner. That means Broad is either batting with him or coming in after him and thinks he can score in a similar manner. I honestly think that if you asked him to grind it out a bit more and only go after the bad balls then he would be an ideal no. 8, that is someone who can pile on the runs or hold up an end if needed.

[uknsaunders]

bring back the king of spain....

[DiscoStu]

And Beefy or Freddie. Need a good all-rounder at 6.

[uknsaunders]

as dave says Broad is a miles better bat than Finn. Is he better than Swanny though...

I propose a flexible batting order. If we are struggling, send Finn at 8 to block it out for weeks. If the oppo, like me, where bored stiff in Dunedin, then they will lose the will to live. At this key moment, Finn gets out and Broad/Swanny come in and smack it to all parts. Finn could even bat 4 and stiffen the top 3 with there carefree ways. Too many shots boys, tighten it up like Finny! He would also protect KP and his bad knee, Bell from playing another poor shot and the rabbit in headlights tail number six batsman Root/Bairstow/Patel/Bopara .

All hail Finn!

Can he bowl?