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[Gingerbusiness]

Why does a WK dictate who your spin bowler is?!

If it was, why wasn't Monty first choice because he was playing with Prior at Sussex...

Simon Kerrigan does the one thing that all good off spinners are told not to do - Stops at the crease with minimal follow through... Limits overspin and top spin.

[Bulldog Cricket]

It might be, but, with the current system, how does a player ever get experience of captaincy?

Why do you need to be a captain in county cricket to be captain of an international side ?

Certainly since international central contracts I can't think of a international captain who was also captain of their county/state etc side.

[Gingerbusiness]

Why do you need to be a captain in county cricket to be captain of an international side ?

Certainly since international central contracts I can't think of a international captain who was also captain of their county/state etc side.

Someone should design the cricketing equivalent of the Hazard Perception driving test - For captains.

Though don't let the tailend take it or they will keep clicking on the bowler!!!

[ItsJustCricket]

Captaincy is a separate skill.  A good batsmen isn't necessarily a good captain, even if he does have natural leadership skills (unlike Cook).  I like the idea of an experienced county captain coming in to the setup, ideally someone who was knocking on the door anyway, like Chopra...

[Bats_Entertainment]

Why do you need to be a captain in county cricket to be captain of an international side ?

Certainly since international central contracts I can't think of a international captain who was also captain of their county/state etc side.

You need some experience in some form of cricket.

[Bats_Entertainment]

Simon Kerrigan does the one thing that all good off spinners are told not to do - Stops at the crease with minimal follow through... Limits overspin and top spin.

I've seen him turn it. Sadly, I've also seen him land it in the wrong half...

[Bulldog Cricket]

Captaincy is a separate skill.  A good batsmen isn't necessarily a good captain, even if he does have natural leadership skills (unlike Cook).  I like the idea of an experienced county captain coming in to the setup, ideally someone who was knocking on the door anyway, like Chopra...

Not a good idea and can't think of another example of a player making their international debut as a captain and being successful.  If you are making your debut you want to be concentrating on your skills and doing well for the team.

[Bulldog Cricket]

You need some experience in some form of cricket.

Do you have an example of someone ?

[smilley792]

Surely someone from the youthful part of the England squad has captained one of the juniors sides? U19s? U21s? For experience

[Buzz]

Ali Cook does have excellent leadership skills. that is different to being a natural reader of the game. both he and strauss are methodical captains, as Stewart and gooch were. there is nothing wrong with that.

to say they aren't natural leaders misses the point.

bell has frequently captained his county and the lions. cook captained the lions too.

they have experience. they are the best we have.

we need to recognise that the pressure they are under is intense. I am staggered there haven't been more on field riffs between the eng team.

[procricket]

I've seen him turn it. Sadly, I've also seen him land it in the wrong half...

I hit him for a 4 once he got me out 2 balls later!!!!!

[Bulldog Cricket]

Ali Cook does have excellent leadership skills. that is different to being a natural reader of the game. both he and strauss are methodical captains, as Stewart and gooch were. there is nothing wrong with that.

to say they aren't natural leaders misses the point.

bell has frequently captained his county and the lions. cook captained the lions too.

they have experience. they are the best we have.

we need to recognise that the pressure they are under is intense. I am staggered there haven't been more on field riffs between the eng team.

Agree with that Buzz. If they do change the captain it will be to someone from withing the current team. I think Cook is a good captain who will get better. He leads by example by scoring shed loads of runs (except this series) is calm, carries no baggage, appears to have no ego and will only get better. Needs to learn how to call the toss though as this is vitally important in cricket. More so than in any other sport.

[FattusCattus]

If that is the case K-Dog, how come most of the media - both English and Aussie - have criticised him for being overly defensive, slow to react and lacking in innovation.

I've heard that from a variety of different characters from Warne to Botham to Atherton and in the press since the last series.

Is it possible he needs to evolve a little quicker?

[Boydie]

If that is the case K-Dog, how come most of the media - both English and Aussie - have criticised him for being overly defensive, slow to react and lacking in innovation.

I've heard that from a variety of different characters from Warne to Botham to Atherton and in the press since the last series.

Is it possible he needs to evolve a little quicker?

These were the same criticisms being levelled by the same people at Cook when England were winning.  Cook's style of captaincy, and Strauss' was the same, is never going to be popular, especially with the Warnes and Bothams of this world who believe (rightly or wrongly) that they know best.  Until now, Cook's captaincy was effective and I'm sure it will be again.

[compstallcc]

I don't think Cook is an exceptional captain however this is his first major fail and his weakness' as a captain have been exposed. You cant really said he's been backed up by his team mates either. If he fails again there is reason for concern however let him rebuild with a new team and see how it goes. If carberry doesnt get 100 in the last test i doubt we will see him in a test shirt again im afraid. I hope trott returns and i think he will, i also think prior needs maybe half a season in the county championship and he will find his former self. I'm not really bothered about the last test and i don't think it will show much of anyone on how they perform.  If i were a selector this would be my team for a while and try and build on it.

A.Cook (C)
J.Root
J.Trott (presuming he feels that he is fine to be playing test cricket again)
KP
I.Bell (VC)
S.Davies (WK)
B.Stokes
C.Woakes
S.Broad
J.Anderson (replaced when time is right)
S.Kerrigan

Back up for: (Dependent on form)
Openers - V.Chopra/S.Robson/M.Carberry/N.Compton
Middle order - G.Ballance/J.Taylor/M.Ali
Wicket keepers - M.Prior/J.Buttler/P.Mustard
All rounders(ish) - S.Borthwick/C.Jordan/R.Bopara
Pace - S.Meaker/G.Onions/S.Finn
Spin - S.Borthwick/M.Panasar

Get the back up players playing as much cricket as possible

Just my opinion for what its worth