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[Big Mac]

I'd cut the kid some slack because bowling at lefties is a ballache

[Big Mac]

First couple of overs were pretty ropey but Crane's settling into a nice groove now, he's not as bad as I feared.

[northernboy1987]

I didn't have chance to watch any footage today, how did Crane go?

[Number4]

He went pretty well actually... A couple of shaky overs but overall we went ok... got some good turn

[Big Mac]

I didn't have chance to watch any footage today, how did Crane go?

I didn't watch the final session but he looked alright to me.

Took an over or two to settle into a rhythm but he wasn't bad, only day two so it wasn't turning miles (Didn't see the final session though, only listened to it on TMS and it seemed like both spinners were getting it to do a bit then) but he didn't bowl too much rubbish which was heartening. Bowled a couple of googlies which didn't do much but whatever, it's day two and my first impression was that he's not a Mushtaq Ahmed type bowler who will rely on the googly as a big weapon anyway.

Action looks quite like Stuart MacGill which makes sense, they worked together when Crane was playing grade cricket I think?

[northernboy1987]

I didn't watch the final session but he looked alright to me.

Took an over or two to settle into a rhythm but he wasn't bad, only day two so it wasn't turning miles (Didn't see the final session though, only listened to it on TMS and it seemed like both spinners were getting it to do a bit then) but he didn't bowl too much rubbish which was heartening. Bowled a couple of googlies which didn't do much but whatever, it's day two and my first impression was that he's not a Mushtaq Ahmed type bowler who will rely on the googly as a big weapon anyway.

Action looks quite like Stuart MacGill which makes sense, they worked together when Crane was playing grade cricket I think?

Yeah he deffo worked with MacGill you're right.

Ahh well that's heartening, not too many leggies outside of Warne do much of a job in the first innings anyways so I suppose it'll be the last innings we should judge him on.

[Big Mac]

Yeah he deffo worked with MacGill you're right.

Ahh well that's heartening, not too many leggies outside of Warne do much of a job in the first innings anyways so I suppose it'll be the last innings we should judge him on.

Yeah, I read some of the articles about yesterdays/this morning's play and they are certainly more enthusiastic than I felt but I guess that's just the same thing that happens to every young debutant. You start viewing things through the lens of what might be in the future more than what actually happened today and it's easy to get carried away by potential.

The big thing was that he was fairly consistent, which is the toughest thing for wrist spinners, and the Aussie batsmen showed him a decent amount of respect.

I'm with you in that I want to see him bowling on day four but I don't know if the batsmen can get their act together and actually give them anything to defend.

[northernboy1987]

Yeah, I read some of the articles about yesterdays/this morning's play and they are certainly more enthusiastic than I felt but I guess that's just the same thing that happens to every young debutant. You start viewing things through the lens of what might be in the future more than what actually happened today and it's easy to get carried away by potential.

The big thing was that he was fairly consistent, which is the toughest thing for wrist spinners, and the Aussie batsmen showed him a decent amount of respect.

I'm with you in that I want to see him bowling on day four but I don't know if the batsmen can get their act together and actually give them anything to defend.

Yeah, we'll have to take some first innings wickets first!

[Big Mac]

Keep an eye out for Warne walking over to the England players as they're warming up before the morning session tomorrow so the cameras get a few shots of him chatting to Mason Crane, which will quickly followed by him heaping praise upon him while he commentates and then trying to take some credit if Crane picks up a few wickets.

[northernboy1987]

Keep an eye out for Warne walking over to the England players as they're warming up before the morning session tomorrow so the cameras get a few shots of him chatting to Mason Crane, which will quickly followed by him heaping praise upon him while he commentates and then trying to take some credit if Crane picks up a few wickets.

That is exactly what will happen he heaps praise on any leggie regardless of if they're any good!

[Mister Le Chiffre]

Mediocre Moeen pathetic again.

[LateBloomer]

Mediocre Moeen pathetic again.

Geriatric Gerry dull and predictable

[Big Mac]

Mediocre Moeen pathetic again.

[FattusCattus]

http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21965707/cosmetic-changes-mask-england-deep-structural-flaws

Interesting and thought-provoking article by George here - I think I agree with a lot of it.

I still can't get away from a nagging suspicion about Bayliss (still giving the players too much autonomy and encouraging an over-positive approach to everything)

I also can't see much changing until our top players play less cricket, but more intensive matches. Perhaps the 3 division model would work, most of the test hopefuls may be in the top 2 divisions and would be playing 10 championship games.

Shorten a one-day or T20 comp and get some championship cricket back into the hot days, harder pitches and summer holidays - give something for spinners and bouncy quicks to work with.

The other idea I had was the scrap the county 2nd XI championship and select players for 5 or 6 regional teams (South west, South east, Midlands, North etc), encourage sharp competiton for places with the best up and comers playing the best.

Finally, lower basic salaries and add in more incentive based payments for numbers of runs and wickets, that may concentrate a few minds to perform at their utmost abilities (the same could be said for the central contracts)

[Davehugh]

Just a thought in regards to the make up of the England side. What about picking a more defensive minded no3 like India have in Pujara. One of our most successful periods recently we had with Trott taking the shine off for the more expansive shot makers. Could go if and when runs return for Hameed..

Cook
Hameed- could maybe swap to three only trying to break up the two lefties
Stonemen
Root
Malan
Stokes- when available
Bairstow
Woakes
(Insert spinner of choice)
Broad
Anderson

If Moeen regains some form and confidence he could slot in ahead of Woakes which means we bat to 9. Still the lack of 'pace' but yet to see a viable option for the current team.