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[jamesisapayne]

Sri Lanka win. Outclassed England easily.

England bypass the world cup, you won't be missed.

Yawn.

[FattusCattus]

'Bellend' is one of those great descriptive words, I love it and it should be used more.

Anyway, I guess at least we are under no illusions about England's potential at the World Cup, so any success will come as a pleasant surprise.

This has to be a more pleasant prospect than the inevitability that sides such as South Africa will choke yet again, despite their magnificent talent. That must be tricky for a fan to stomach.

Cheer up Englishers - the only way is up!!

[Gerry SA]

'Bellend' is one of those great descriptive words, I love it and it should be used more.

Anyway, I guess at least we are under no illusions about England's potential at the World Cup, so any success will come as a pleasant surprise.

This has to be a more pleasant prospect than the inevitability that sides such as South Africa will choke yet again, despite their magnificent talent. That must be tricky for a fan to stomach.

Cheer up Englishers - the only way is up!!

Whether the Proteas 'choke' or not, least we all know SA are vastly superior to than rather pathetic English team. #YoureWelcome

[ProCricketer1982]

SA don't have that much talent really once you get past Amla, faf and AB. Bowling wise, once you're past Steyn, mortal and philander there isn't mich else. Can't see past aus dominating tbh. Got good biffers, good batsmen and a top line attack.

[FattusCattus]

I think SA have plenty of talent actually - they lack only the ability or mental strength to win the big ones.

England on the other hand, need a bit of an overhaul - but we'll be back again and spanking the arses of our colonial cousins!

[FattusCattus]

http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-england-2015-16/content/current/story/810121.html


Interesting - is Moores being a realist, or is he hanging Cooky out to dry?

[thegowerwaft]

It's an interesting situation.  There must come a time when Cook thinks to himself - ''I am just not cutting it (at the moment) and have run out of time.  Why force others into an impossible position.  I will move aside and go and get some rest/ think about the longer format.''

I fully appreciate he is the captain and the extra responsibility that comes with that role; however, all the talk of team England... when does the team's need come first and he step aside instead of forcing others to make the decision for him?

[ppccopener]

Cook won't make it to the World Cup as captain or player forget what paul downton says
He must know himself he is not suited to one day cricket and younger players are coming thru
Winning in SL was always going to be a huge ask and in a couple of games we have looked ok
AC has no agenda or self interest like some who has represented us recently and the england management who have put extra pressure on him will have to engineer a way out and let him concentrate on tests....
There's no disgrace and no shame he has done his absolute best but it hasn't worked out
Whether England fans like it or not we are in a transition after some senior players have gone and some others like bell and morgan have not stood up.
Look back over the years we have never been strong in one dayers but at least the team is coming together now
There will be an openers spot for the world cup and that's as good as we are going to get
Root,Taylor,ali-all the guys have come on well

[joeljonno]

Cook is only 31, test captain and "leader" of England.

Anyone who thinks that in his shoes they would step down are not being true to themselves. No way would anyone give that, and the salary, up just because your performances aren't great.

If he does "step down" ever, it will only be to save face rather than being sacked by the ECB.


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[FattusCattus]

He doesn't need to step down from tests, but he really should slip quietly away from ODIs and let another come in.

I love him to death and think he will be England's highest ever test runs scorer.

But let's be honest - he doesn't warrant a place in the ODi side as a player or a captain.

It is time to take a decision to move the team on, we can't play ODis with 10 men.

[ProCricketer1982]

Cook is only 31, test captain and "leader" of England.

Anyone who thinks that in his shoes they would step down are not being true to themselves. No way would anyone give that, and the salary, up just because your performances aren't great.

If he does "step down" ever, it will only be to save face rather than being sacked by the ECB.


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Agreed


Very very very few have the guts to do the right thing if it affects them negatively.

[thegowerwaft]

Sadly fellas, you are almost certainly correct.  Indeed, it is almost certainly academic now anyway - the first match is only a few weeks away and most likely too late to make a significant change now.  The really tricky thing about the whole situation for the poor captain is that even if he did stand down for one day cricket - there are those that would slate him for leaving in an hour of need.  Tough times.

[ppccopener]

You are absolutley right there.
My view as ive said before was the ECB management should of seen this situation coming last summer and dealt with it then
Because a lot of us supporting England did.
Who would of skippered? Morgan probably-not in form either but at least we would of had 11 'natural' one day player
Cook is one of our best ever cricketers,but not in the one day format

[Gerry SA]

He doesn't need to step down from tests, but he really should slip quietly away from ODIs and let another come in.

I love him to death and think he will be England's highest ever test runs scorer.

But let's be honest - he doesn't warrant a place in the ODi side as a player or a captain.

It is time to take a decision to move the team on, we can't play ODis with 10 men.

Cook might bag runs against sides like Bangladesh, but any side that has a good quality fast bowling line has him sorted out. He can't play off the front foot. Harris and Johnson will end his England career next summer.

[joeljonno]

No guarantees for Cook.

http://m.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/30468204?SThisEM


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