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[19reading87]

A thought - will the first test v SA be the first England test side to not contain a 2005 Ashes winner since that series?

I think you're right!

[joeljonno]

A thought - will the first test v SA be the first England test side to not contain a 2005 Ashes winner since that series?

Did Anderson get a winners medal? He was in the "squad" I think.


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[edge]

Did Anderson get a winners medal? He was in the "squad" I think.


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Was 12th man a lot but never played

[ScottParko]

They picked Brigadier Block instead of Jimmy to replace Jones for the final test!

[sanredrose]

Ballance seriously! Am I watching a different player to the selectors?

I still can't forget how Ballance was flinching to balls on off-stump from Boult in NZ vs ENG, lords test match. He was pretty much scared of facing NZ bowlers. How did the selectors think he would fare better against Steyn/Morkel/Philander @ SA (esp Durban!) ??

[edge]

I still can't forget how Ballance was flinching to balls on off-stump from Boult in NZ vs ENG, lords test match. He was pretty much scared of facing NZ bowlers. How did the selectors think he would fare better against Steyn/Morkel/Philander @ SA (esp Durban!) ??

Scared? He didn't play them well, but he certainly wasn't scared.

[Seniorplayer]

Compton and Cook then Ballance would provide  a solid platform for Root etc

[Buzz]

Compton and Cook then Ballance would provide  a solid platform for Root etc

That is the worst possible combination in my book.

You need to have an attacking opening bat and a multi dimensional number 3.
It staggers me Root doesn't do the job of 3.
It would make a big difference.

As for an opening bat. I have my fingers crossed Hales will work out, but have a few concerns about his play against genuine pace.
Compton will get picked however, most likely at 3.
As for Ballance, he needs to sort his technique out. I wouldn't be picking him, I have to admit I am not a huge Ballance fan.
Given we know that the order will be
Cook, Hales, Compton, Roooot, Taylor, Stokes, Bairstow, Ali, Broad, Anderson and another quick, likely to be footitt. The only thing we can to is keep our fingers crossed.

[ppccopener]

I still can't forget how Ballance was flinching to balls on off-stump from Boult in NZ vs ENG, lords test match. He was pretty much scared of facing NZ bowlers. How did the selectors think he would fare better against Steyn/Morkel/Philander @ SA (esp Durban!) ??

I think your barking up the wrong tree.technical fault-yes..scared? Um def not
Ballance is and will be a very good player for England.

[Seniorplayer]

That is the worst possible combination in my book.

You need to have an attacking opening bat and a multi dimensional number 3.
It staggers me Root doesn't do the job of 3.
It would make a big difference.

As for an opening bat. I have my fingers crossed Hales will work out, but have a few concerns about his play against genuine pace.
Compton will get picked however, most likely at 3.
As for Ballance, he needs to sort his technique out. I wouldn't be picking him, I have to admit I am not a huge Ballance fan.
Given we know that the order will be
Cook, Hales, Compton, Roooot, Taylor, Stokes, Bairstow, Ali, Broad, Anderson and another quick, likely to be footitt. The only thing we can to is keep our fingers crossed.

England have tried attacking opening bats and a multi dimensional players at 3 and it hasn't worked to many times 3 down for less than 40 a solid base paves the way for the  shot makers they shouldnt have to bat on the 1st morning of a test after all  test matches should last 5 days so you need  players who can bat all day and then some more.

[wdeans92]

Until England get a long term partner for Cook (Jason Roy) id continue to bat Root below three, England still quite criminal to throw an early wicket away and in some cases it would make Root an opener batting him at three.

[Buzz]

England have tried attacking opening bats and a multi dimensional players at 3 and it hasn't worked to many times 3 down for less than 40 a solid base paves the way for the  shot makers they shouldnt have to bat on the 1st morning of a test after all  test matches should last 5 days so you need  players who can bat all day and then some more.

When?

Trescothic was the last aggressive opening bat with Vaughan at three. Otherwise since Strauss we have seen little or nothing other than block the crap out of it batting from the top three which has put massive pressure on the rest of the order.

Carberry was picked to add some urgency, but ended up fire fighting an inspired Aussie team.

The opening batsmen must put the opposition under pressure, not allow the opposition bowlers to just bowl with no fear.

[edge]

Absolutely agree! Cook/Hales/Compton could be an excellent top three if Hales and Compton settle nicely into the team, Hales isn't gonna come off 100% of the time we'll be off to a  great start and Compton is certainly capable of digging in if there's an early wicket or playing more aggressively if there's been a big opening stand.
Question marks over Bairstow and Ali, but the rest of the probable first test lineup definitely has the potential for a very exciting test team. Fingers crossed Footit bowls well, he's certainly looked a class above county level when I've seen him over the past couple of seasons.

[Seniorplayer]

Cook Hales Compton do look an excellent top 3 providing Hales can last against the new ball think he would be better at batting at 3 and let Cook and Compton do what they do best against Steyn and co.

[ppccopener]

we have tried some attacking players at the top recently, so England do know we need a free scoring player to compliment Cook.

Lyth scores freely for Yorkshire, and tried to do the same during the summer but was found out by some quality bowling, but he may come again(I hope so)

So England do know hence Hales to open and Compton I think will def play and slot in at 3. Myself I think Hales is a one day player but at least the bloke deserves a chance in the tests.

If you are going back to Tresco Buzz we were blessed when he opened for us and it's a bit unrealistic to presume we get someone as good as him for a while.

Interestingly Bayliss seems to say different things on different days and is now saying Buttler could be back for the Boxing Day test...which would be very harsh or Bairstow-presuming we only play one of Buttler and Bairstow as Taylor is going to play against SA.Previously Bayliss said Bairstow ''deserves to have a run now'  what a run of one test match?

I reckon Balance will be the reserve and we go Cook,Hales,Compton,root,Taylor.....

someone put on here a while back(might of been edge) does anyone think Bairstow is going to get shafted and Buttler straight back in......