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[edge]

Also  what Cook didn't have was a world class all rounder

I'm not even going there on a certain player, but if Ben Stokes isn't a world class all-rounder then I don't know who is!

[Manormanic]

I think the big difference between 2005 and the current vintage is that the 2005 attack had all bases covered - you had three guys pushing 90mph, a genuine swing bowler and a good containing spinner.  The seamers were a good mix of methods - bounce, reverse swing etc.  In contrast, England now have Anderson and Broad - both excellent bowlers but requiring some help from conditions - and in many cases a near identikit clone.  There is no extreme pace, nor is there much in the way of bounce.

[Seniorplayer]

I'm not even going there on a certain player, but if Ben Stokes isn't a world class all-rounder then I don't know who is!

I think Ben will be but up to  now  has he been consistent

[Seniorplayer]

I think the big difference between 2005 and the current vintage is that the 2005 attack had all bases covered - you had three guys pushing 90mph, a genuine swing bowler and a good containing spinner.  The seamers were a good mix of methods - bounce, reverse swing etc.  In contrast, England now have Anderson and Broad - both excellent bowlers but requiring some help from conditions - and in many cases a near identikit clone.  There is no extreme pace, nor is there much in the way of bounce.

Yes fingers crossed for a fit Mark Wood

[Manormanic]

Yes fingers crossed for a fit Mark Wood

Aye, that would make a massive difference.  As would Matt Fisher having an injury free breakthrough season.

[Stuey]

I think the big difference between 2005 and the current vintage is that the 2005 attack had all bases covered - you had three guys pushing 90mph, a genuine swing bowler and a good containing spinner.

All hail the 'King of Spain'

[WalkingWicket37]

Also  what Cook didn't have was a world class all rounder

He had 2, Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes... 

[adb club cricketer]

I feel his batting will be much better now...definitely what eng needs from him at the moment..

[Manormanic]

All hail the 'King of Spain'

Giles was never a special bowler, but he put the ball where he planned to better than 95% of the time, and he was therefore the right spinner for that side.  Lets face it, for all we might argue Ali vs Rashid (vs anyone else currently within the selectorial eyeline really) the fact is, if Giles was 28 and playing now, he would walk into the side. 

[Stuey]

if Giles was 28 and playing now, he would walk into the side.

Absolutely!

[Dan W]

As good a batsman as he is bad as a captain.

Hope he resurfaces as the (Aussie killing) run machine we all know and love.

[Dan W]

He had 2, Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes... 

The Hoddle and Waddle of cricket 

[skip1973]

Giles was never a special bowler, but he put the ball where he planned to better than 95% of the time, and he was therefore the right spinner for that side.  Lets face it, for all we might argue Ali vs Rashid (vs anyone else currently within the selectorial eyeline really) the fact is, if Giles was 28 and playing now, he would walk into the side.

That will do me, Lyon gets called a clubby and wouldn't make the England side, yet a guy with 140 test wickets at 40 would.

[Over Gully]

Cook was a poor tactical captain IMO. Had little feel for a game and seemed to be overly reliant on what the coaches told him. Still a fine batsman but as a skipper he was pretty ordinary. Joe Root will be a far more attacking option, probably along similar lines to Michael Vaughan, who I rated very highly.

[WalkingWicket37]

The Hoddle and Waddle of cricket 

We just need to get Foakes in behind the sticks now!

"In comes Woakes, he bowls, it's hit into the on side. That's well fielded by Stokes, who gets a quick return in and that's an excellent take by Foakes"