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[northernboy1987]

Why does everyone say move Jennings, why not move Cook? Having Hameed and Jennings at the top of the order might be a better bet.

Doesn't make sense to move the guy who has 11,000 runs at 1/2 surely?

[six and out]

Doesn't make sense to move the guy who has 11,000 runs at 1/2 surely?

I think it really depends on how long Cook wants to play for and do the England management really think that Hameed/Jennings will be the long term opening partnership.

If so then i can see merit in moving Cook to 3 and starting early on the new long term England opening pair.

[northernboy1987]

I think it really depends on how long Cook wants to play for and do the England management really think that Hameed/Jennings will be the long term opening partnership.

If so then i can see merit in moving Cook to 3 and starting early on the new long term England opening pair.

Cook's only 32 though, he could feasibly play another 30+ Tests if he's hungry enough.

[alexhilly1492]

Cook's only 32 though, he could feasibly play another 30+ Tests if he's hungry enough.

He's also batted at 3 before and has success for me the other two are out openers also moving a clearly strained cook to 3 might just take some pressure off him

[Buzz]

England's problem is a lack of runs from the top 4. There is been mix and match at the top for ages with cook. What if cook is the issue?
My view is that the team would benefit from starting afresh at the top and having a more heavyweight middle order.
Jennings
Hameed
Cook
Root
Bairstow
Stokes
Moeen
Woakes

[northernboy1987]

He's also batted at 3 before and has success for me the other two are out openers also moving a clearly strained cook to 3 might just take some pressure off him

I understand what you're saying but 12 innings at 3 vs 240 innings at 1/2 is a bit different surely? But who knows, maybe 3 would give him a new lease of life? I suspect the ECB will probably let Cook call his own shots regarding the whole situation, it will be interesting to see how he feels before the SA series.

[InternalTraining]

More mental fatigue than anything else, at this level they all can play cricket. All was needed was block for 3 sessions and it was a drawn match! Kohli and co didn't let up on pressure and the difference ultimately came down to leadership - yes, Kohli!

I think Cook's done. It time for a New England Test captain. Root is not the man. He and Cook should focus on runs and records. My pick would be Benji - a fiery character when given responsibility will shine like Kohli. Test cricket has changed in last few years, drawn matches are a rarity and teams need fiery, aggressive captains to fight and win.

Also, England should separate the Test crew from ODI and T-20. All-rounders like Benji are an exception. Test should be treated as a different discipline all together. Haseeb in Test team. Duckett ODI. Bairstow Test. Billings, Butler ODI/T-20. Broad and  Anderson have seen their prime and it is time to start experimenting with substitutes. ECB system has enough talent to fill the spots and then develop and groom the players.

[alexhilly1492]

More mental fatigue than anything else, at this level they all can play cricket. All was needed was block for 3 sessions and it was a drawn match! Kohli and co didn't let up on pressure and the difference ultimately came down to leadership - yes, Kohli!

I think Cook's done. It time for a New England Test captain. Root is not the man. He and Cook should focus on runs and records. My pick would be Benji - a fiery character when given responsibility will shine like Kohli. Test cricket has changed in last few years, drawn matches are a rarity and teams need fiery, aggressive captains to fight and win.

Also, England should separate the Test crew from ODI and T-20. All-rounders like Benji are an exception. Test should be treated as a different discipline all together. Haseeb in Test team. Duckett ODI. Bairstow Test. Billings, Butler ODI/T-20. Broad and  Anderson have seen their prime and it is time to start experimenting with substitutes. ECB system has enough talent to fill the spots and then develop and groom the players.

agree with everything except the test skipper and buttlers position as the mor ei think about it id love to see buttler as captain and batsmen only in tests and captain and keeper in odi/t20

He did a really good job in banlgadesh and when it mattered (during the almost fights) really showed an aggressive and competitive side!

[InternalTraining]

@alexhilly1492 , Jos Butler was my second choice as the Test captain after Benji.  Only reason I hesitate is his batting in Test cricket hasn't been great. Maybe he needs some time and opportunity. Benji can bat in Test.

I agree with your thoughts.

[brokenbat]

Keep the same team and Captain. Just schedule a ridiculous number of successive home series like the BCCI

[InternalTraining]

^ LOL

[alexhilly1492]

@alexhilly1492 , Jos Butler was my second choice as the Test captain after Benji.  Only reason I hesitate is his batting in Test cricket hasn't been great. Maybe he needs some time and opportunity. Benji can bat in Test.

I agree with your thoughts.

Yeah I just think this series buttler showed some adaptability and a run in the side will be best for him! Would love to see stokes as v/c and have a captaincy team of buttler stokes with support from root

[Calzehbhoy]

I think people are forgetting Cook left a few days old baby to come to India for this tour.

I don't know about anybody else but my mind wouldn't be 100% on work if I had to do that!!

[Alvaro]

Cook averaged 24 in Aus, 23 in S Africa, 22 in Bangladesh & in India lower than Root, Bairstow, Jennings, Hameed, Ali, Buttler and Stokes.

[cricketbadger]

Has to carry on. Needs to lead this new ish young side through the next English summer at least, if he wants it enough. Needs some rest first and to settle down for a while