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[rickjames]

So we can all agree Anderson is still very much relevant, right?

[ProCricketer1982]

So we can all agree Anderson is still very much relevant, right?

In these conditions when it's hooping

[FattusCattus]

Woakes for Stokes eh?  England seem to really fancy him as he keeps popping up around the squad, however he seems to be rather modest at test match level. I hear they keep talking about the need for an all-rounder to replace like for like, but surely by moving YJB and Mo up a place, there is room for an out and out bowler who bats a bit at no.8?  But who can that be - I'll toss a few crazy names into the mix -

Bresnan
Roland-Jones
Harris
Barker
Curran

I know, I know - some of them are fanciful, but is there a good young England seamer who can hold a bat out there at the mo?

[smilley792]

Willey...... Oh wait.

[SirScottiod]

KP can turn his arm over? Maybe?

[ppccopener]

KP can turn his arm over? Maybe?

For a Monday...that's a very mischevious post......
 
haha

[rickjames]

I'm fine with Woakes if I'm totally honest with you. Big blow to Durham though when ticket sales are already supposedly patchy and you rely on a local lad (yes, shoot me) to get a few more walk up's.

Also if Bairstow is batting the way he is, maybe just let him stay where he is at 7? Hoping Mo kicks on though, feels like an eternity since he last batted well in a test.

[ppccopener]

I'm fine with Woakes if I'm totally honest with you. Big blow to Durham though when ticket sales are already supposedly patchy and you rely on a local lad (yes, shoot me) to get a few more walk up's.

Also if Bairstow is batting the way he is, maybe just let him stay where he is at 7? Hoping Mo kicks on though, feels like an eternity since he last batted well in a test.

I'm glad someone else mentioned that. I was going to post something the other day. I really really like Ali as a player, I do wonder thou how he now fits into the side.

Batting at 8 is half the problem I think, he doesn't seem to like the quick stuff and I don't know where else he would bat.........If I was picking the side I don't think he would get in. I can't see his spin being very effective this summer

[rickjames]

Pretty much, by the time he's in he's often got no real support. He bats at 3 in county, no? Don't see why that's a wild proposition if Compton doesn't do anything of note.

[ppccopener]

Pretty much, by the time he's in he's often got no real support. He bats at 3 in county, no? Don't see why that's a wild proposition if Compton doesn't do anything of note.

yeah you could see a possible opening if England don't stick with Compton, everyone moves up or Ali moves up. We have trial by spin this winter on the sub-continent....but....Unless you can play the quick stuff long term I can't see that being the answer.He does indeed bat 3 for his County and has done for years.

[RageofKlugman]

I'm with you guys, Moeen has always struck me as an odd choice at 8 seeing as he's primarily a batsman who bowls. Rashid would seem like a more natural fit there.

[FattusCattus]

Don't forget Borthwick to bat at 3 (maybe even for the Durham Test) to add a bit of extra spin to the equation).

so for me (baby out with the bathwater and all that):

Borthwick for Compo at 3,

Moeen to 7 and Bairstow to 6

Keith Barker in at 8 for a bit of variety!

[trypewriter]

Don't forget Borthwick to bat at 3 (maybe even for the Durham Test) to add a bit of extra spin to the equation).

so for me (baby out with the bathwater and all that):

Borthwick for Compo at 3,

Moeen to 7 and Bairstow to 6

Keith Barker in at 8 for a bit of variety!

I reckon we could do with a steady old boy that can bowl a bit of in drift and do justice to a good tea... ;-)

[FattusCattus]

My opportunities have been supressed by blinkered selectors!

[Kieron_BT]

Why is Plunkett getting missed out? Never been convinced by Woakes, just seems like a bowling machine with his action.

Averages 21 with the bat and 63 with the ball in test cricket, small window but still...