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[Seniorplayer]

Woakes with a test bowling ave of  68 is in the squad.

[SOULMAN1012]

I'll throw Matt Coles into the mix as an all rounder who bats at 8, good pace and height bowls a heavy ball and can hold a bat for sure. Plays Div 2 but took lots of wickets last season and started very well this season as well.

More chance of KP making a come back but that's my shout

[jamielsn15]

Woakes has a ton and a 9-fer in his last two games. He's also at the start of his test career. He's never had a run in the side that selectors like to give newbies. He deserves a go and maybe with stokes having an op and the selectors preference for an all rounder at 6 maybe he'll  get it. If Compton and hales are getting 7 games, he at least deserves that, if stokes is out for the summer...

[FattusCattus]

I used to champion Woakesy, but I do wonder if he will be a bowler who will do ok in England with some assistance - but will be a bit of fodder on flatter Test pitches.

[Seniorplayer]

I think  Woakes having already played 6 tests with a bowling strike rate of 115 should tell the  selectors what they need to know.

[ppccopener]

Nick 'compdog' Compton on BBC admitting his needs runs this week to stay in the side.

Also honest enough to admit he is not entertaining and knows the paying public would rather watch Stokes than him.

Great to see this down to earth attitude from the players themselves.....it cuts thru the self promotion so evident from some pro's who cannot get their head thru the dressing room door-broad/kp/swann etc

But does his value to the side outweigh his style? or has the game moved on...less draws,faster scoring rates etc....

 

[Seniorplayer]

I think all teams when playing proper cricket regardless of the level need a Compton style player.

[FattusCattus]

Only if he can score runs - I wonder if, Ramprakash style - his own intensity stops him scoring at test level.

[ppccopener]

Only if he can score runs - I wonder if, Ramprakash style - his own intensity stops him scoring at test level.

I think you're spot on there Big Cat, technically I think he has the perfect game for a top order player,practises very hard and wants to improve and he knows his role in the side.

at top level it seems those batsmen able to totally relax play the best.

[bk]

I'll throw Matt Coles into the mix as an all rounder who bats at 8, good pace and height bowls a heavy ball and can hold a bat for sure. Plays Div 2 but took lots of wickets last season and started very well this season as well.

More chance of KP making a come back but that's my shout

Not sure if Coles disciplinary issues will hold him back. Very talented but more chance in White Ball cricket methinks. Watched him whack some very quick runs when at Hants and no doubt he could be a match winner.

[northernboy1987]

Cook apparently has confirmed Woakes will bat down at 8 with YJB taking Stokes' place at 6.

[joeljonno]

I think  Woakes having already played 6 tests with a bowling strike rate of 115 should tell the  selectors what they need to know.

Glenn McGrath had a strike rate of 104 after 6 tests.
Brett Lee had one of 34.
Shane Warne was at 90.

I guess it shows that 6 games isn't enough of a sample to whether they are good enough.

[Seniorplayer]

Glenn McGrath had a strike rate of 104 after 6 tests.
Brett Lee had one of 34.
Shane Warne was at 90.

I guess it shows that 6 games isn't enough of a sample to whether they are good enough.

Fair comment but England are looking for  an all rounder and Woakes batting ave isn't that great even with a few not outs.

[rickjames]

Anyone else think Cook is a lunatic for electing to bat first? Surely in those conditions you'd favour having a bowl?

[ppccopener]

looks like both teams would have batted according to BBC.

don't know if the riverside moves about as much as it has before..

either way, if you go out to face the new ball you got to expect it to move around and earn your runs

really hoping Compton shows his class.He's the man for the job...but he needs to chillax and play normally.

a swift shot of something strong might help