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[wasted_talent]

I think that looks good. Although tempted to play S. Patel perhaps... Pakistan always been suspect against left arm spinners.

[Centurion]

I would drop bell and buttler,  move Ali down to somewhere into the middle order and then bring hales in to open and Taylor in at 3 bairstow dropping down to 7 therefore
Cook
Hales
Taylor
Root
Ali
Stokes
Bairstow
Rashid
Broad
Wood
Anderson
Still keeps the two spin options but brings in a more dynamic batsmen to open and at number 3 as well as adding more balance to the side in my opinion as buttler is completely out of form and just needs to go and score some runs in a t20 comp or such


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Exactly my thoughts

[smilley792]

I'd have same side but Bairstow at 5 and Ali at 7.


It's the side I've wanted since before test 1 started!

[tom line]

I'd have same side but Bairstow at 5 and Ali at 7.


It's the side I've wanted since before test 1 started!

Either/or as long as Ali is in the middle order as he is no test opener. IMO


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[ProCricketer1982]

From the very limited talent England have...

Cook
Hales
Taylor
Root
Bell
Stokes
Bairstow
Rashid
Broad
Wood
Anderson

That's 12, I'd be looking to lose a seamer as we don't need 4. If we really do, then bye bye bell . Ali just isn't good enough St bowling let alone batting or test cricket. Leave him for the slap and tickle stuff

[brokenbat]

Samit Patel is surely no worse than Ali...especially given Pakistan's terrible record against left arm spin. Why not replace Ali with Patel? Taylor replaces Buttler...and Ian Bell gets asked to open. Hales will struggle against this attack and on these pitches.

[smilley792]

Can I ask why hales will struggle on this pitch against that attack?


People keep saying it and it baffles me.

[edge]

Can I ask why hales will struggle on this pitch against that attack?


People keep saying it and it baffles me.

It must be because of all the runs he's scored in international t20s in Asia... Oh wait that doesnt make sense. Give the lad a go.

[ScottParko]

I would drop bell and buttler,  move Ali down to somewhere into the middle order and then bring hales in to open and Taylor in at 3 bairstow dropping down to 7 therefore
Cook
Hales
Taylor
Root
Ali
Stokes
Bairstow
Rashid
Broad
Wood
Anderson
Still keeps the two spin options but brings in a more dynamic batsmen to open and at number 3 as well as adding more balance to the side in my opinion as buttler is completely out of form and just needs to go and score some runs in a t20 comp or such


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Almost what I would do. I'd have JB MA BS at 5/6/7, with Ali splitting up the two strawberry blonde lads to hopefully bring some solidness in between those two who have struggled a bit.

[tom line]

Almost what I would do. I'd have JB MA BS at 5/6/7, with Ali splitting up the two strawberry blonde lads to hopefully bring some solidness in between those two who have struggled a bit.

As I said to smilley. I'm not too fussed on the order as long as those players are there and Ali isn't opening. I don't really mind on the order below 4 in general as long as the players are there



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[edge]

Almost what I would do. I'd have JB MA BS at 5/6/7, with Ali splitting up the two strawberry blonde lads to hopefully bring some solidness in between those two who have struggled a bit.

Ali? Solidness? *facepalm*

[brokenbat]

Can I ask why hales will struggle on this pitch against that attack?


People keep saying it and it baffles me.

He's a great talent, but hasn't really dominated the stats, has he? First class average below 40, ODI avg below 30, and didn't really shoot the lights out in the one warm up game that he played (supposedly that pitch was flatter than Abu Dhabi).
Secondly, you're pitting him against reverse swing and top quality spin - bit unfair to him.

[brokenbat]

surely, Warne is just "sledging" ?

https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/659689214662066176

[smilley792]

Mark wood ruled out of the third test.


That mean Plunkett straight in? Or play Patel and have 3 spin options?


Or if bell stays at 3, bring hales in for wood, and Ali down to 8 in the batting and root to bowl more?(probably not great on the root thing with his back)

[Aussie In England]

Fat lad Botham been hitting the sauce big time...
http://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12351/10048348/englands-adil-rashid-can-spook-pakistan-on-turning-pitch-in-sharjah

Rashid has been buffet. I don't know what variation Rashid will use to spook Pakistan. Long hops or full pitch?