Archer will be fit for the 2nd test so he is a must. Agree that Moeen must be dropped and probably Denly too. Bairstow is really out of knick but I'd be careful not to just completely change the team so I would go: Anderson --> Archer Moeen --> Leach Denly --> Curran* *Appreciate this is odd but I dont think we have many options with the bat and Curran would probably score more or less the same as any replacement as well as offer another bowling option.
I’m not sure if we have 11 players all of whom have the necessary level of concentration and sense of purpose to beat the Aussies. Having watched some of the action today, it felt embarrassing at times,again! As a country we always underestimate their strengths as a unit, and forget how constantly fragile our batsmen are, it’s been that way far too long on my view.
Aus win by 251 runs. Dreadful from England, especially after Day 1. Woakes needs to bat higher up the order.
England´s line up is suited to one day cricket. England need a decent number 4, 5 and 6. Front-line specialist batsmen. The problem is where to put Stokes and Woakes. No higher than 8 for me. A specialist pace bowler is needed for Anderson - I threw a suggestion out earlier but don´t know if you saw it. Some people are throwing Archer´s name around. But he can only bowl in short stints. So a fifth bowler is needed leaving England yet again with two or three all-rounders, and a specialist batsman short. And England need that spinner. Oh well, things can only get better. and I hope Ed Smith has better luck next time.
Looking at English batters’ first-class averages this season, suggests that Sam Northeast and Dominic Sibley should both get a call. Both have made big hundreds at county level, both average over 60 from 15+ innings. Aneurin Donald surely has to be on the list too, and as you say, possibly Dawid Malan could return. As far as Archer is concerned, his fitness has to be managed, but he is just about the only option available if we want a 90 mph bowler. If Anderson, Broad and Woakes are all fit then how about this: Burns Roy Root Northeast Sibley Stokes Foakes (w) Woakes Broad Archer Anderson No specialist spinner, but Sibley bowls leggies, and Root should bowl more than he does.
All about mentality for me, the Aussies are just more mentally equipped for tough Test Match Cricket. England should really have finished this in four days.
Shhh. not Sam Northeast, Chilcs...he is having an average season at best... There are a few Zummerzet players worth consideration though, they are not Championship contenders for nothing... Long term I can see Tom Banton getting involved at some point this Summer.
When it comes to cricket, I always put the national team first, which is why I would rather see Leach in for Moeen if we do play a spinner. You can’t argue with the batting averages though!
Malan for Denly or Buttler (don't mind which). S Curran for Moeen. And assuming that Jimmy won't play, Archer or a spinner for him. Can't go overboard, so two tactical changes and one enforced change. Over time I wouldn't be against Sibley coming into open, with Roy dropping down. But having gone with Roy to open, two tests is too early to move him. And I don't see why we'd pick Sibley to play any position other than opener. It's a shame that Lancs don't pick Parkinson more in red ball cricket (another side who pretty much go all-out-seam in red ball cricket...). For me he's the stand-out English white ball spinner, but it's very difficult to get a feel yet for how good he is in red ball cricket. Not an option.
The key word in your post is....... if!! So many applications of that short word can be used for this pathetic display!
Given that Kent's victory against us has led to them escaping with Sussex, it's a blow for us that Gloucs have taken two points from them. But the Bristol wicket does very much work for Gloucs. On the flip side though, Essex have failed to also join us on 7 points after thier tanking from Somerset. Five sides playing for two places? Four sides playing for one place?
It will be an interesting run in. One of the teams we don't play twice is winless Glamorgan but we still have our 1 game to play against them. On the other hand the other team we don't play twice is Middlesex who are really strong this year.
Does that really indicate that he is worth a test call up? I dont think so. If England pick him, I do feel the Aussies will feast on him very quickly.
County before country for me every time. I take great pride having lived in Hampshire. In the 80s I was always a Windies fan because of Greenidge, Roberts and Marshall. In football it is club before country every time apart from, when Steve Williams played for England.
No. But it shows he’s in good nick. You wouldn’t pick Archer? I know you have some different ideas, Ides, but that one is truly bonkers. He’s our most aggressive, attacking bowler.
I am prepared to be shot down in flames. I would go with either Overton or Potter, two players who have helped to propel their counties to the top of the Championship. How much red ball cricket has Archer ever played? I feel he woul bowl fast but in his excitement would over pitch, or send down a lot of deliveries not on target, thus an easy four runs for Oz batsmen
Couldn’t disagree more. The most exciting bowling talent available to England for years. He has magic, and we need magic just to get Smith out. He has to play. Yes, he’ll make mistakes, and he’ll learn from them. But not to play him is Branfoot style management!
