I do not think that even Ben Stokes would have made that much of a difference to the eventual outcome of the first test. England need to believe they can match the Aussies for the rest of the series, I feel a large part lies in the heads of the English batters.
It's one series and only one match in. England are a good side that have lost a few players playing another good side in their own backyard. Whilst it is possible/probable that they will lose the series, the players should play their hearts out and remember they will still be a good side when they come home. No one thing can be the end of the world....unless you are Everton of course.
I think Stokes would have made a difference. He’s more of a “proper” batsman than Moeen Ali and with him at 6, Bairstow at 7, Moeen at 8 and Woakes at 9 I think we’d have had a much better chance to convert that first innings 240-odd for 4 into a really big score.
While you make sense in promoting Crane, I feel that the selectors will either keep Moeen as a batter, or bring in Balance at number 6.
It will add variety to the attack. If he plays, Root will have to harness him very well as the Aussie batters will try to hammer him out of the attack. On Aussie wickets I do not think England's pace attack is that threatening to the Aussies. The danger could be from a spinner if he is able to apply turn. I do not know if Crane was there as a junior player at the time when Warne was with Hampshire but if so, let's hope any lessons learnt pay dividends.
Why a touring side would bother to do this I don’t know but England have named a 12 man squad for the match and Crane isn’t part of it so he won’t be playing.
As a foreigner, the fact that an international-level sport is played in V-neck, cable-knit vests and sweaters will never cease to be the strangest part of cricket.
England need some quick wickets or this is in danger of heading towards Nasser Hussain at Brisbane territory.
That tea is a break and not a mid-afternoon hazard is a disappointment. He's approaching a century, but can he fend off spin while stirring in a second sugar!?
Poor day in the end. Can't justify choosing to bowl first when you duly go and only take four wickets, one of which was a run-out. Yet again, another important session first up tomorrow.
