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[Stuey]

Yasir Shah is awesome.

He's only played 10 tests though, Mendis made the same impact but hasn't lived up to his billing. I'm not saying he's won't be a quality test spinner just that at the moment there is a dearth of top quality spinners across all test sides.

[jamielsn15]

I completely agree with you on the above 100%

but -

1.   But we haven't got a World Class spinner and I think the world knows that. Completely agree, but we can't magic one up from somewhere, so get Ali working with Swann on his game and pick the guy they think is the next best - seems to be Rashid...

2.   How can you get worse than losing 3-0 in a 3 match test series?  (We are always embarrassing overseas.) My pathetic attempt at humour I'm afraid!

3.   I don't think Ali has proven a success at lower order scoring, definitely not what you would expect from an opening batsman and Rashid is unproven.

I think he's better than we've had over the years (I remember the 90s!) and seems to be able to frequently score 30+ and 50s aren't a surprise.  I don't need much more from a number 8

I don't know who our second best (or even best) spinner is - I don;t follow county cricket anywhere near as much as some on the forum do.  I just think this is the way England will go and I can see a logic in it...

[Alvaro]

He's only played 10 tests though, Mendis made the same impact but hasn't lived up to his billing. I'm not saying he's won't be a quality test spinner just that at the moment there is a dearth of top quality spinners across all test sides.

You said that no side has a standout spinner. Shah stands out at the moment because he's getting wickets and bowling awesome leg spin. I don't mind how many tests he's played - it's exciting to see someone who doesn't bowl 4 balls every over or bowl darts at leg stump.

[Stuey]

By a stand out I meant a proven spinner over time

[TangoWhiskey]

They like Ali as much for his lower order runs and counter attacking as they do for his bowling - he will improve.  Don't forget the last time we went to the UAE - absolutely battered and lucky to only lose 3-0 in a three test series...  We need lower order batting, which is another reason why I think Ali and Rashid will be the two.  I think Bayliss will want to take a look at Rashid though, which is why I think he may play at the Oval.

I enjoyed the gag mate, no need to apologise if some chap didn't get it.

[Manormanic]

There are two ways England can go really - either they're happy with Stokes as the third seamer and will bring in Rashid for one of Anderson/Wood/Finn in a more or less straight swap, or they're worried about him and the stresses that might be placed on the big dogs as a result - if that's the case, I can foresee a pragmatic choice, with either Ali or Ansari called in as a makeshift opener. 

[MD2812]

Bring back Samit, heat in UAE he may shed a lb or 2!

[Alvaro]

ansari has done ok this season, but to say he's anywhere near Test standard as a batsman? If Lyth can dominate for two years in the first division and then struggle in the big stuff, sending Zafar out to bat in such unfamiliar conditions is unfair.

[Rob580]

Bring back Samit, heat in UAE he may shed a lb or 2!

Or keel over of heat exhaustion!

[Manormanic]

ansari has done ok this season, but to say he's anywhere near Test standard as a batsman? If Lyth can dominate for two years in the first division and then struggle in the big stuff, sending Zafar out to bat in such unfamiliar conditions is unfair.

Lyth has struggled in one series against a top notch new ball attack - if he is given the chance he'll come good I reckon, though recent history says he had this Summer and this Summer alone.

[Alvaro]

Lyth has struggled in one series against a top notch new ball attack - if he is given the chance he'll come good I reckon, though recent history says he had this Summer and this Summer alone.

As I said in the Buzz's thread - I think that Lyth will/should get more time.

[Cover_Drive]

He's only played 10 tests though, Mendis made the same impact but hasn't lived up to his billing. I'm not saying he's won't be a quality test spinner just that at the moment there is a dearth of top quality spinners across all test sides.

True. But Mendis was mysterious, who once got figured out became very easy for batsman's. While Yasir Shah is a genuine leg spinner.

Shane Warne rates him quite highly. Not sure how and why, I'm not into spinners.