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[Mr_Orange]

I've not seen. Link, please?

Ballance to skipper. Jennings and Robson to open

https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/422692

[six and out]

They really are looking at everyone aren't they.

It's good that they are though.

I do find it strange that Hameed isn't getting another go - maybe his time is up?

Stoneman and Foakes, not available as on Surrey duty in RL Cup.

[mattdawson]

Appears Hameed injured again.... Butler opening the batting for lancs.

Not been his year thus far

[northernboy1987]

Appears Hameed injured again.... Butler opening the batting for lancs.

Not been his year thus far

Everybody ready for the "Buttler to open with Cook" rumors?

[edge]

Ball awaiting scan results too, likelihood of a new face in the test attack gets stronger still.

[mattdawson]

Appears Hameed injured again.... Butler opening the batting for lancs.

Not been his year thus far

maybe not.... hes come in at 3

[northernboy1987]

Think the Proteas are sweating yet watching Cook pile up the runs?

[edge]

maybe not.... hes come in at 3

Split webbing I think, odd that he dropped down one spot though.

[alexhilly1492]

Nick Browne and ali cook to open for England?

[ppccopener]

Wonder how many of us have Hameed in the first test. Tricky one this one, presuming he is fit, looks the part technically and temperament, highly rated by all the respected journos, commentators....

No form whatsoever so far this season...

England want to back him long term, but is it fair going into a test series with no form at all?

Personally I find this very difficult, thankfully I'm not a selector, but from what I see this lad is the real deal and long term replacement for Cook.

Some of the Somerset fans may remember Mark Lathwall....

I'm not saying these two players are the same but highly rated and a genuine test player are not the same things.

If I was picking the team I think I would let him get runs for lancs, someone else gets a chance thou to claim a place

 

[Seniorplayer]

First test Woakes and  Stokes doubtful Broad has a heel problem  and  has had a scan. Jimmys fit and firing.

[ppccopener]

First test Woakes and  Stokes doubtful Broad has a heel problem  and  has had a scan. Jimmys fit and firing.

Ah...but you know what that will mean.... And for a lot of us fans worried he won't last...

Wood in, genuine pace. Probably the quickest bowler we have had in the test arena since Harmison was at his peak

[Seniorplayer]

Ah...but you know what that will mean.... And for a lot of us fans worried he won't last...

Wood in, genuine pace. Probably the quickest bowler we have had in the test arena since Harmison was at his peak

 Mark Wood even though injury prone always gives 100 percent and can win you matches.
Yes of course Jimmy could break down but Also think if they thought Jimmy wasn't fit enough for  the full five days they wouldn't risk him

[FattusCattus]

Ball has had a scan too.

Could go with a bowling line up of - Ali, TRJ, T Currant, Wood, Anderson.

.....and no Finn.

[LcWoodward]

Would you not look at the other Curran as well as a possible replacement for Woakes?