Yes, as bad of form the Aussies are in, we’ve qualified for the semi’s. Really not too fussed how we end up in this shortened format of the game, we certainly don’t want to peak until the start of the Ashes.
England bring in Vince to replace Roy. Not sure this is the right choice - I'd have given the place to Billings, who's a white ball specialist and dynamite in the field.
I have very little interest in this tournament but have posted the tables, for the benefit of the other members…….. Oz, Poms & Kiwis, all on 8 points.
The English run rate should make them strong favourites to win this, though losing Roy is a blow. Just in time for us to get our hopes up in an entirely irrelevant way for the main event, the Ashes, which I still think we will need help from the weather to perhaps draw one game in.
England are doing very well considering the absentees from their squad. Winning it, I suspect, is going to be tough, but anything can happen in such a short format. Any of the last 4 have a fair chance of winning imo, with Pakistan favourites.
Going to depend on what sort of wickets they prepare, slow wickets and we often struggle. If they prepare quicker wickets then we have the upper hand especially if Buttler fires !
Probably going with Bairstow opening and Billings further down the order. Vince clearly just there as cover.
Yes, I just realised that when they announced Vince as Roy's replacement it was as a squad replacement. Hopefully Billings will come into the team, but they may choose to bring in a bowler, dependent on conditions.
Roy's replacement will definitely be a batter, it should be Billings but don't rule out Vince. He has alot of fervent supporters within the England camp, and has opened the batting for his county in shorter formats. Personally I'd move Bairstow up, he isn't in great form but we've all seen what he can do when opening with Roy in the 50 over format. His power hitting could be key in the first Power Play if he gers in. Yes the toss is important but the type of wicket is more important in my eyes, we have really struggled on slower wickets in the past especially against the likes of New Zealand or Pakistan. I just can't see us not outscoring them if its a pacey wicket especially if Buttler turns it on. Bowling will be key and Wodd has to stop banging it in half way down, its just not the way to go on these wickets. Hoping for a high scoring game and an England victory. Come on
My preference would be Billings - as much for his fielding excellence as his batting - but don't rule out a bowling all-rounder, Curran or Willey, coming in if the pitch appears batter-friendly. I'd favour Malan over Bairstow to replace Roy as opener.
Have you seen Malan in this tournament ? He's hardly managed to hit it off the square most of the time, been struggling big time. You really need a power player upfront and its not his forte. Git to be Bairstow or possibly Ali in my book.
Have you seen Malan's T20I World rating? He's ranked number two, having started the year at number one. You and others fall into the trap of thinking he's slow because he doesn't come out blasting, but he accelerates through his innings. Ideal as an opener, I reckon.
