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[jonpinson]

I know this is late, but I strongly disagree with that. They outplayed the English and have done so in the past, so it is no real fluke. They have some quality players who can cut it in the English County Championship so are no mugs. Some of the lower-ranked teams can play well, and as Dave said, even teams like SL have come up from associate status to become strong forces. I think there should be more tests and ODIs/T20s between associate nations to see which countries would be best suited to represent them at the WCs, as you wouldn't want too many so as not to drag the groups on for too long - a month for the groups is ridiculous!!

Although the Ireland performance was brilliant and nothing should be taken away from then, do you honestly believe the result was not exceptional? Do you think a series of matches between them over the next 12 months would give anything other than an overwhelming series win to england?

Ireland are the 'best of the rest' by quite some way. Canada and especially Kenya have been dire. I'd like to see the future world cups comprised of the test nations plus 2 associates, who are selected by an ongoing group system, not dissimilar to the way football is set up.

[mattw]

Maybe Ireland should've beaten bangladesh, but the England win was down to one man and a once in a life time innings. I know the English bowling was poor, but that display of batting is very very rarely seen, before he came in England were cruising it.

[procricket]

Although the Ireland performance was brilliant and nothing should be taken away from then, do you honestly believe the result was not exceptional? Do you think a series of matches between them over the next 12 months would give anything other than an overwhelming series win to england?

Ireland are the 'best of the rest' by quite some way. Canada and especially Kenya have been dire. I'd like to see the future world cups comprised of the test nations plus 2 associates, who are selected by an ongoing group system, not dissimilar to the way football is set up.

There not much if at all better than Holland and Afghanistan though are they and Scotland are no mugs either...

[mattw]

Wish I hadn't woke up for this.

[100 not out]

Go back to sleep mate

[mattw]

Ah I don't think I will, I like watching Bopara bat. Will see how it goes..

[mattw]

Prior has failed yet again, England can't keep picking him

[steiner]

Hopefully this world cup sees the end of him as a one day player. Also Yardy, Anderson and Pieterson at least for the time being.

[Tumo]

Hopefully this world cup sees the end of him as a one day player. Also Yardy, Anderson and Pieterson at least for the time being.

Pietersen's been consistent in this WC so far, was averaging 40 before this innings, 30 now. Yards, Jim have to go, as for the keeper? The selectors change it so often that it's just stupid. Get James Taylor, Chris Tremlett/Woakes, and Adil Rashid in. England need a top quality seamer, and a spinner who not just turns the ball, but offers something with the bat and in the field. Leg-spinners take wickets. Look around, Balaji Rao for Canada's taken 6 in 3. For an associate nation! Afridi's taken 14, Tahir's taken 11. England need a PROPER wicket-taking spinner to partner Swann. And not some average county pro like James Tredwell. Not a massive fan of Bopara, but he's clearly come in and done well under pressure. God knows what else they can do.

[steiner]

To be fair an average of 30 over a 4 match sample that includes Ireland and Holland is not good. Even so his average in the last 25 matches or so is just over 20 which says it all.
Agree that those mentioned should be given a chance although Rashid on his bowling alone - can't stand bits and pieces players think you should be picked as a batsman or bowler 1st and foremost then given the chance to work on the other side of your game. I.e. I think England would have been better served using Pieterson, Trott, Bopara and even Bell as genuine batsman who can also bowl rather than messing about with Yardy Wright etc last few years. Monty not being in India is a shocking omission too.

[Tumo]

To be fair an average of 30 over a 4 match sample that includes Ireland and Holland is not good. Even so his average in the last 25 matches or so is just over 20 which says it all.
Agree that those mentioned should be given a chance although Rashid on his bowling alone - can't stand bits and pieces players think you should be picked as a batsman or bowler 1st and foremost then given the chance to work on the other side of your game. I.e. I think England would have been better served using Pieterson, Trott, Bopara and even Bell as genuine batsman who can also bowl rather than messing about with Yardy Wright etc last few years. Monty not being in India is a shocking omission too.

Monty would have been a good pick. Pietersen has been in good form, he looked in quality touch against India for example. No, over the past 20 matches he's not been brilliant, but I'd still have him in my side, unless you can find someone else who has the same sort of charisma/talent as him to bat at 2/3/4. Admittedly, Samit Patel is the perfect fit in this side in place of Yardy. Just a shame he hasn't lost any weight. I'm pretty sure that James Taylor, James Hildreth, Jimmy Adams, or Andrew Gale, all of whom are with the Lions squad, would all fit in well with the main squad. added to the fact that the first 3, and also possibly Andrew Gale (I haven't seen) are extremely talented fielders as well. Would also like to see Woakes and James Harris, also with the Lions, pushing Jimmy for a spot in the next ODI squad, wherever that may be.

[Jeet]

England should be ashamed of gifting Robin Petersen 3 wickets. The guy is a journeyman and shouldn't be playing for SA!

The pitch is a belter and there was nothing in it for the seamers.

[Buzz]

Yardy opening to Amla? does strauss want an early bath? this is "aggressive" or "Inventive" captaincy at its worst

[steiner]

In all honesty I think the real problem is the horrendous schedule they've given themselves over the last 6 months. All the double teapots, mis-fields and having a go at one another in the field is not something I associate at all with Strauss/ Flowers England. Just hope that the tournament does no lasting damage to marale as they look like a group of people who'd benefit from not seeing each other or thinking about cricket for a couple of months.

[steiner]

In spite of the otherwise shocking performance, Smiths hopeless attempt to play Swann is one of the funnier things I've seen in a while!