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[edge]

This is terrible news. Depends a lot on whether Stokes bowls I think. A rogue option like Rehan might be fine if Stokes is bowling, Dawson probably the best bet if not.

Moeen sounds like a backward step, he's not going to be able to do the same job as Leach when it comes to number of overs and his batting dropped off badly a while ago now.

[edge]

Leach and Crawley are the two players backed by Stokes who have turned out very modest records under his captaincy. A front line spinner averaging  38 under the current captain who bats 11 and is an weak fielder wouldn't on be a huge loss.  But it reflects how bare the cupboard currently is.

Moeen coming back for one series would be the best option at this point

Leach is the leading wicket taker and most used bowler under Stokes, I'd maybe reassess how modest that record is. 3rd highest test wicket taker in the world for 2022.

[Buzz]

You sort if wonder if this will force Stokes' hand to move Himself to open and play Jacks and Curran, similar to how they had Pope keep in Pakistan, however they won't drop YJB.

[Kulli]

Given the noises being made i think Mo is plan A, I'd guess B maybe involves 4 seamers and Root.

[19reading87]

You sort if wonder if this will force Stokes' hand to move Himself to open and play Jacks and Curran, similar to how they had Pope keep in Pakistan, however they won't drop YJB.

Surely you can�t go into the Ashes with an opener who hasn�t opened before??

[Warneymonster]

sam curran is a great shout if root can bowl the spinners overs, i just doubt his ability to keep it tight enough to build pressure. hes got a golden arm, and i suppose he turns it more than leach so would work in the right conditions - we might be in trouble against lyon in those conditons though

[Bats_Entertainment]

Given the noises being made i think Mo is plan A, I'd guess B maybe involves 4 seamers and Root.

I read that England hadn't won an Ashes Test without a specialist spinner since 2001.

[Bats_Entertainment]

Ali's record against Australia is terrible, with bat and ball.

[Alvaro]

I read that England hadn't won an Ashes Test without a specialist spinner since 2001.

How many Ashes Tests have they played without a specialist spinner since 2001?

[Bats_Entertainment]

How many Ashes Tests have they played without a specialist spinner since 2001?

Dunno. Don't shoot the messenger.

[SD]

Leach is the leading wicket taker and most used bowler under Stokes, I'd maybe reassess how modest that record is. 3rd highest test wicket taker in the world for 2022.

Crawley averaging 28 with the bat and Leach averaging 38 with the ball under Stokes are modest records whoever our particular favourites may be

[Alvaro]

Dunno. Don't shoot the messenger.

It was a genuine question. The only one that springs to mind is Headingley in 2009.

[Bats_Entertainment]

It was a genuine question. The only one that springs to mind is Headingley in 2009.

No, it's a fair point.

Also, at what point did Moeen Ali become a specialist spinner? If ever?

[Whispering Death]

Surely you can�t go into the Ashes with an opener who hasn�t opened before??

I'm more worried about the face Stokes has barely batted! He'll still come charging down the track first ball to Cummins....

[golders]

Moeen is having a deep think about whether he fancies this Ashes call up. Be funny if he says yes only for them to go with four seamers and he has to carry the drinks.