Print

[Alvaro]

So, will the Australian juggernaut roll on, all machismo, speed and questionable facial fungus or will the English sacrifice Gary Ballance in order to evoke 2005 and that comfortable 2-run win, thus defending the honour of passive aggressive queuers everywhere across this decrepit isle?

[TangoWhiskey]

I have a sneaky feeling that England will play their way back into a series lead, but I am pretty sure the Aussies are going to win and win well.

[Alvaro]

It's hard to say isn't it?

I would love the job of rolling cricket ball around the outfield during the warmups hoping to 'McGrath' Mutchull Johnson...

[YorkshireSection]

So would you change the team?
Personally I think the batsmen/bowler balance is correct, on paper we bat a long way down, however I can't help agreeing with the pundits in thinking that  England may need to reshuffle the batting order or actually bring in some new faces.

I'd start by putting Root at number 3 and either dropping Balnce or moving him down to 5.
It would also help to start preparing pitches that helped our attack, if not then bowl fuller for starters!

What would you do?

[ppccopener]

well it's too late now but I would bat root and balance where they bat for Yorkshire. positions 1,2 and 3 I consider the same. ie an opener could bat 3 easily,but no further down.

I've just read an old article on line by Andrew gale saying Root did not get a fair crack of the whip opening and he has done that role for Yorkshire since he was 13.

I'ts all a bit ironic if you ask me now Ballance has been dropped and Bell has hung on but now promoted to number 3.

should Lyth and Bell fail in this next match i'm not sure what I would do.I would stick with Lyth a bit longer

But ultimately I think Root should bat 3. If you are a proper batsman(he def is) that's the position he should bat......
Once that position is right the order should be easier to sort out.
I would have Ballance back very quickly and get him working on his technical fault

[biffa]

Stating the obvious bit this is huge game in the series. I'd go as far as to say the first day or even first session could go along way to telling us where the ashes will end up.

England have to do something to stop the aussie momentum from the lords thrashing

[ppccopener]

first up we need Edgbaston to have something in it for our bowlers.
If we get out-gunned that's how it is, it's Test cricket.
Lords was a disaster.
England are at home,it should be our advantage. We expect to have quick bouncy tracks when in Australia.
We would get no favours over there that's for sure

[ch1p]

Huge test match in terms of the series and as mentioned above for both Bell and Lyth.

Lyth I think will be given the whole series, but if Bell under performs again will he be given the boot? and who would replace him? Taylor?

[ppccopener]

Huge test match in terms of the series and as mentioned above for both Bell and Lyth.

Lyth I think will be given the whole series, but if Bell under performs again will he be given the boot? and who would replace him? Taylor?

That's a toughie.start making too many changes and it reeks of panic.
taylor....we dont really know if he has the class-and do you find that out in the middle ofcthe ashes?
If i was a selector i would move root to 3,keep bairstow in and recall ballance-yes really!
The other option no one seems to mention on here is moving ali up,he bats 3 for worcs and has test experience...

[Slogger]

So, will the Australian juggernaut roll on, all machismo, speed and questionable facial fungus

What do u mean by "machismo"? The Aussies aren't macho are they? They're just winners that stand up

[Ayrtek Cricket]

Any CBFers up there on day 1?

Cannot wait for the 6:25-am bus up as the train was daylight robbery for a return to bham!

[YorkshireSection]

Root should be in at 3, he's in the form of his life.
The chopping and changing mid series stinks of England past, we need to be pro active not reactive and that starts with the pitch.
we're  very capable of getting thumped in oz, however we need to play to our strengths and that means pitch prep in our favour, also Broad looked fantastic at Cardiff, I'd say he always does when he gives the ball chance to do a little, his height gives him bounce which should be used as a surprise not his stock ball, pitch it up lad!!! We're not doing ourselves any favours at all.

As for the Aussies, well they got exactly what they wanted at Lords in the way of a drubbing, the manor in which they won will give them a huge boost, Lords really should have been a time where we trod a little harder into their reserve, unfortunately we did the opposite, the first two sessions of the 3rd test are going to pivotal to the series IMHO, we can't let them get on top.

[Seniorplayer]

At Edgebaston England could do worse than playing two spinners.

[ProCricketer1982]

You have a player in form, in a position where he is performing really really well why move him? Moving him could expose him earlier, unsettle him etc.. England certainly can't afford to have his form dip. Better to risk a bell or such player given they can't buy a run anyway

[Seniorplayer]

After the brainless 2nd innings batting at Lords if England can discover what's between there ears and there legs they can certainly beat Australia at Edgebaston.