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[leatherseat]

Lots happening in the current round of matches, despite Essex having secured the 1st division title. Lots of wickets falling

Essex all out for 76 - now following on (too much celebrating?)
Rory Kleinveldt has just taken 9-65 to give Northants a lead of 40 odd over Notts
19 year old Kiran Carlson has just scored 191 for Glam v Gloucs.

Must get back to work...

[northernboy1987]

It's all been happening, Middlesex were 89/7 yesterday with 4 out of their top 5 having played Test cricket within the past few years, had to rely on the bowlers to get them to a decent score.

[petehosk]

From an prospective England Ashes Test squad point of view.....

Stoneman hit a half century so no harm there!
Westley was out early in his first innings - is on 10 and still batting but needs to get a big one and show form today!
Malan only managed 12 in his first innings and has just gone into bat in 2nd innings
Hameed managed 3 in his 1st inning so he may need to hit a few runs in his second innings as well!
Balance managed a 28 in his match so needs to push on if he gets a 2nd innings.

So only Stoneman hit any runs which is worrying, as this is their last chance to impress before the Ashes squad is announced!

[Woodyspin]

I must disagree Pete. I think the selectors know these wickets will produce a result. All the work over the summer has been noted, as Jimmy was saying yesterday they have a few weeks off, then back to training and they fly out end of October. The selectors have an idea of their squad already there will be 2/3 that are fighting for a pair of tickets i reckon.

And judging by selections in the past i wont be expecting any really bold decisions?

[Bats_Entertainment]

It's too cold.

[Neon Cricket]

And judging by selections in the past i wont be expecting any really bold decisions?

About the only surprise I could expect would be someone along the lines of Mason Crane/Jamie Porter. Realistically they aren't going to do this though as it's already been said they won't be taking anyone 'untested'

Expect the usual disappointing selections (Ballance/Rashid etc)

[Woodyspin]

Notoriously selectors have picked one 'untested' player. Then again untested doesnt really define alot. If it was uncapped then that makes it more interesting. But Crane was with the squad and bowled at our batsman so is that testing?

[Neon Cricket]

I'd presume Crane would pass the 'untested' test being as they've had a chance to look at him already. What would be surprising is if it's someone who's yet to be in one of the 3 Eng squads (Test/ODI/T20).

There's plenty that deserve a shot off the back of their Domestic and Eng Lions performances, but the Ashes are the last place to be testing out new blood!

[Woodyspin]

Yeah unless they back track to someone like Robson who has experience and is a much better batsman now than he was before...

You never know

[leatherseat]

Yeah unless they back track to someone like Robson who has experience and is a much better batsman now than he was before...

You never know

Robson would be an interesting call. As he was brought up on Oz, his game would suit the wickets over there. Perhaps given the reluctance of Root to go up to number 3 and Westley not doing himself justice, Robson may be the experienced wild card to bolster the top three.

[petehosk]

Robson would be an interesting call. As he was brought up on Oz, his game would suit the wickets over there. Perhaps given the reluctance of Root to go up to number 3 and Westley not doing himself justice, Robson may be the experienced wild card to bolster the top three.

With the absence of any other suitable Number 3, it wouldn't be the worst call to be fair!

[golders]

I'm not convinced by either Westley or Malan-i'd bat Hales at 5- but there aren't exactly guys banging the door down to get a place on the plane-which is slightly worrying!

[Ams4287]

For me Roooot has to bat at 3 (although he clearly doesn't want to), Bairstow (minus the gloves which is harsh but a necessary evil) at 4 and then Hales at 5. With Stokes at 6, keeper / batsmen at 7 and Ali at 8 it'd be entertaining

[Manormanic]

For me Roooot has to bat at 3 (although he clearly doesn't want to), Bairstow (minus the gloves which is harsh but a necessary evil) at 4 and then Hales at 5. With Stokes at 6, keeper / batsmen at 7 and Ali at 8 it'd be entertaining

A variation on that.  Malan for me is  reasonable bet - has the temperament and a good back foot game.  So:

Cook
Stoneman
Malan
Root
Stokes
Bairstow
Hales
Ali
Woakes/Roland-Jones
Broad/Roland-Jones
Anderson

[Bats_Entertainment]

Another championship thread becomes a thread about the make up of the Test team!