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[Bats_Entertainment]

People are so fickle! But I might have mentioned this before? 

Personally, I hope playing two spinners becomes the norm again.

A specialist no. 8 bat or a fifth seamer? No, no, no!

[edge]

Can't think why on earth we'd need a fifth seamer, or what use a specialist no8 bat will do! I'd say back in England, if Mo stays at 5 then we keep Rashid in.

[petehosk]

With Anderson, Broad plus Stokes and Woakes, I can't see why that wouldn't be enough.
But if it is a wicket that is unlikely to take spin well, even in day 4 and 5, then I think there could be a real case for playing Ali and Root as spinners and having Buttler in at 8?

[Bats_Entertainment]

With Anderson, Broad plus Stokes and Woakes, I can't see why that wouldn't be enough.
But if it is a wicket that is unlikely to take spin well, even in day 4 and 5, then I think there could be a real case for playing Ali and Root as spinners and having Buttler in at 8?

I'd rather them play a specialist keeper - something they could also do if Bairstow batted in the top five (no. 4, instead of Duckett, for now?)

But Bairstow's keeping seems to have improved somewhat?

People sniggered when I suggested Ali could bat at five.

[Seniorplayer]

Based on this the current
match Anderson to replace Woakes  also if the experts are correct the second test wicket will spin

[jamielsn15]

Bairstow has had a record year with the bat. I don't see why you'd change that, especially as his keeping is improving. Buttler hasn't kept in red ball cricket for months,mor longer, and struggled against Nathan lyon. Keep YJB behind the sticks...

[GoodLeave]

Based on this the current
match Anderson to replace Woakes  also if the experts are correct the second test wicket will spin

Knew it! 

Can't believe we've got too many players. Would Australia like some?

[Ams4287]

Based on this the current
match Anderson to replace Woakes  also if the experts are correct the second test wicket will spin

Tough workload with so much cricket prior to Christmas. Can see the same again for the 2nd test then Anderson in for the 3rd rotating with Woakes / Broad. We've just got to an age Stokes's workload! Must admit that the bowling / control has been very impressive - I'd have loved to see a fit and firing Wood available bowling some serious pace (reverse swing). With Ali batting at 5 Rashid can stake a claim for a spot in the long term if he can maintain the control showed over the last couple of days (home and away).

First time I've seen Hamed bat today, and he's 19 years old - really!?

[ppccopener]

Knew it! 

Can't believe we've got too many players. Would Australia like some?

Haha!! Whatever we do for the second test we cant drop a seamer because jimmy is just coming back and they wont overwork stokes.

If jimmy comes back woakes might drop out.
 

[Bats_Entertainment]

Bairstow has had a record year with the bat. I don't see why you'd change that, especially as his keeping is improving. Buttler hasn't kept in red ball cricket for months,mor longer, and struggled against Nathan lyon. Keep YJB behind the sticks...

I was thinking Ben Foakes more than Jos Buttler. But it's not something I feel strongly about. I find it difficult to criticize anything *cough* 'YJB'.

[alexhilly1492]

Surprised no one is mentioning ball, bowled well in the Odis and has the pace to trouble

[dcullen8]

He will likely get a game at some point, hes just not above the other seamers in the pecking order, yet.

[Bats_Entertainment]

Without wishing to display too much Surrey favouritism, I'm still hoping Mark Footitt gets a cap at some point. I would be harsh on him to have got so close, and then not. He looked properly rapid at the back end of last season. But he's getting on a bit...

[ppccopener]

The test side is strong now there is quality outside the 11 we have.
Footitt has been unlucky with injuries at his peak..but you could say plunkett also could of played more tests.
If Anderson's career is cut a bit short theres a spot..but England want Wood to be fully fit..not sure he will but hope he does.he has real pace

[WalkingWicket37]

All these names being mentioned shows the strength and depth England potentially have at their disposal.
Don't look at the names in the side or squad, look at those not on the Tour, it's a healthy position to be in and a lovely problem to have...