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[Big Mac]

Your best batsman bats #3, period. I really don't understand why he doesn't like it.

Nonsense, that's just an Aussie tradition that's been ingrained thanks to Bradman batting at #3 and Chappell constantly banging on about it because he can't think of anything else to add. Repeating it over and over again at the top of their voices doesn't make it true and I tear out what little hair I have left whenever I see the "Best batsman bats at #3" myth .

You can have the best batsman at #3 in Australia where the Kookaburra ball is useless after 10 overs and it never moves off the straight on those roads. In England, with a Dukes ball on greenish wickets, it's a different ball game.

If you look at batsmen who played primarily at one down, Trott was the last quality #3 for England. Who was the last one before him? Ted Dexter? Gower has a great record at #3 but he only played a quarter of his innings there. Wally Hammond has a terrific record at #3 but he batted at #4 more often.

"Your best batsman bats at #3" is not true in England and it never has been. Just because the Aussies say it, doesn't make it true.

[edge]

Look at the current best test batsman in the game. Where do they all bat?

Current?
Eng - 1
In - 4
NZ - 3
Aus - 4
WI - 5
SL - 5
Ban - 1 or 6, not sure who to nominate as best player
SA - 4/5/6/7, wherever they decide to put De Kock on a game by game basis!
Zim - not a scooby

So one out of 8 bats at 3, and he's batted there his whole career anyway. Various of the others have tried 3, scored less runs and reverted back to their previous position in the middle order.

[ppccopener]

I batted at 3 for my team last week and im (No Swearing Please)

Absolutely give it the large one then ' the forum tell me the best player bats 3' haha 

Blimey we are going back finding out where Bradman batted ! I think he batted 3 myself but could well be wrong

Difficult number 3 spot? There is only one man to do the job
Come in you Warwickshire beauty 

[Big Mac]

Absolutely give it the large one then ' the forum tell me the best player bats 3' haha 

Blimey we are going back finding out where Bradman batted ! I think he batted 3 myself but could well be wrong

Difficult number 3 spot? There is only one man to do the job
Come in you Warwickshire beauty

No, the Don was #3. He's the whole reason that myth exists.

[rickjames]

Current?
Eng - 1
In - 4
NZ - 3
Aus - 4
WI - 5
SL - 5
Ban - 1 or 6, not sure who to nominate as best player
SA - 4/5/6/7, wherever they decide to put De Kock on a game by game basis!
Zim - not a scooby

So one out of 8 bats at 3, and he's batted there his whole career anyway. Various of the others have tried 3, scored less runs and reverted back to their previous position in the middle order.

I guess it's opinion, but you obviously don't rate Hashim Amla. And last time I checked, Smith batted 3 in Australia's tour of India. And yes, people can go back to other periods of the game, but right now 3 is definitely where I'd want my best

[Seniorplayer]

Best batsman at 3 only a Good call if you have 2 dependable openers

[edge]

I guess it's opinion, but you obviously don't rate Hashim Amla. And last time I checked, Smith batted 3 in Australia's tour of India. And yes, people can go back to other periods of the game, but right now 3 is definitely where I'd want my best

Amla's a top player, but on the decline - currently the wicket I'd want most is De Kock. Amla also a career 3 in any case. Smith at 3 was an India tour only thing I believe, he's on record saying he prefers 4. Root averages 41 opening, 45 at 3 and 60 at 4 or lower... I wonder why he prefers 4?

More on today's game - I thought WI missed Gabriel badly in the first test, I didn't think it'd make this much difference! Two very good changes to their side today I reckon.

[roco]

I guess it's opinion, but you obviously don't rate Hashim Amla. And last time I checked, Smith batted 3 in Australia's tour of India. And yes, people can go back to other periods of the game, but right now 3 is definitely where I'd want my best

That's what a forum is supposed to be different opinions debating their point which is fine by me and fun to do

If we all agreed life would be boring

[jamielsn15]

Without doubt the number 3 position for England has been affected by the uncertainty above. Trott was an awesome 3, but definitely benefitted from Cook and Strauss, as did Ponting with Hayden and Langer...

[rickjames]

This feels so village

[northernboy1987]

Going well this.

[Seniorplayer]

Root in for not alot on the board again.

Westley not cashing in against a poor West indies. What will starc and Co do to him in aus is what needs to be asked?

Again plays across a  straight  one If he continues to do that in Aus on quick tracks ....

[alexhilly1492]

Again plays across a  straight  one If he continues to do that in Aus on quick tracks ....

at least we have woakes back to save us

[rickjames]

Stokes getting away with one

[rickjames]

And another