So if we rated the team from their performances this series, what would it look like?
Burns: I don't think you could ask for more from the opener. Often ungainly and streaky, but he is scoring runs at the top (hallelujah)! 184 runs in 2 tests, AVG 61.3. 9/10
Sibley: A disappointing start to his England career, but showed he has potential, especially in his first innings of the series. There is time now to work on a couple of things before South Africa. 4/10.
Denly: A little underwhelming at times but still our best option at 3. Occupies the crease for long periods when he gets in. Horrible drop. 6/10
Root: Rescued himself from a desperately poor series as captain with a mighty 226 in the 2nd test. Continues to mismanage Archer in particular. People need to separate Root the Captain from Root the batsman... Fantastic to have him back in form. 7/10
Stokes: Another good series, averaging 48.3 and bowling pretty well at times despite looking sore. 7.5/10
Crawley: Faced 6 balls. Can't rate him on that- will he get another dig in SA? N/A
Pope: Showed what he can do with the bat at last, and should have had a 100 but was unselfish for the team. Looks class. Hope he learns a lot from this series! Why on earth did he keep though? 7/10
Curran: Still don't know what to make of him. England's top wicket taker, but still seems unconvincing and I don't know why. Is he too slow? Not consistent enough? Either way, a solid series really. 7.5/10
Woakes: One test, 4 wickets. Probably England's best seamer behind Broad but clearly isn't flavour of the month. 7.5/10
Archer: Bowled a whopping 82 overs, more than any other England bowler. His magic just wasn't there this series, was it? Looked flat and exhausted at times, bowling well below pace. A learning experience for the young man. Not sure you should be using your thoroughbred to do a shire horse's work. 5/10
Broad: Very economical, didn't take enough wickets but is an important presence on the field. He really can't bat any more though, can he? Anderson might actually be better... 6.5/10
Buttler: 1 test, 43 runs... Better behind the sticks than Pope at least. Still not sure he is the team's long term future. 6.5/10
Leach: 2 wickets and gastroenteritis. We'll need him badly in SA. Not quite Graeme Swann but probably the best we have, and seems well liked in the team. 6/10
Selectors/Management: 3/10. Managed to write 11 names down on a piece of paper, which is to be applauded. Maybe next series we will let them advance to using crayons. Not quite ready for felt tips.
Ultimately- not enough runs, not enough wickets. Poor pitches perhaps but New Zealand a much better side right now. They found a way of taking wickets & provided an education in test cricket. Good luck to them.
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Topic: England tour of New Zealand 2019/20 (Read 62932 times)