They do but we've got cover for them all in Bresnan, Onions and I believe Tremlett is on the way back. Ok, they aren't as good as the first choice three but we're ok. Panesar is an able sub for Swann too. Better than anything the Aussies have, they're trying to fast track some Pakistani who's been there about three weeks and is completely untested at this level.
I want a MUCH better batting display from the top 6 in the second test, we bat like that against the Aussies and its gonna be a long tough Ashes series. If we can get our top 6 into some form, then I can't see anything other than a comfortable series win! The bowlers are on fire and I think Swann will have more of a say come the summer months when the pitches are harder and faster!
Obviously we want a better display from the top 5/6. I'm really not sure about Compton. His technique looks dodgy to say the least. Question marks against Bairstow as well, but Root looks a great prospect.
Agreed, I've not warmed to Compton, I'd give Andrew Gale from Yorkshire a go, he scores at a good rate. No surprise that since Compton's introduction our run rate as been well below the modern day norm of 3+ runs an over! Root is quality, a long term fixture! Bairstow is decent but IMHO he should be behind Eion Morgan who himself is behind KP. I'd like to see a top six of: Cook Gale Trott KP Bell Root We'd still have: Prior Broard Swann Finn can hold a bat and Jimmy is handy enough for a number 11, that's good batting depth!
Sounds like KP could struggle to be ready, or at least match ready. This definitely changes the complexion of things. I'd be worried with three youngsters in the top six so would be inclined to go back to Morgan rather than have Bairstow. Don't agree on ditching Compton either. They won't anyway but he's done ok so far, even though he might get found out. He's still a better bet than someone completely new. Pietersen in the side and we win the series comfortably, without him there's the real possibility of losing a couple due to a major innings collapse.
I saw that too Ruff. Not good and I'd genuinely replace Bairstow with Morgan. Did you see the gap between bat and pad when Compton was bowled in the second innings? Poor technique for an opening bat.
Yeah, it's that really I was alluding to when I mentioned it further up the thread. It was not good. Stil, better to do it now and iron out the flaws than it be there during the Ashes, they'll work on it. If KP is in the Bairstow won't be so fingers crossed on that. I think he's a good prospect for definite but not at the same time as the other two bed in.
new zealands a good time to iron this stuff out but schoolboy errors don't help. i dunno who's best myself but would offer the suggestion that morgan's a limited over fellow, no test and the only reason mccullum is in new zealand test side is there's no-one else.
Don't know about the political situation within the Kiwi's team but if fit I'd always play Vettori and Guptil! I'd like to see Morgan given another chance, however he needs to sort out play against top quality spin. Also, he's dangerous when coming in with the score on 340-4 but he's been found out more often than not when the score is 98-4, if he can sort his temperament out, he'd be a bloody good addition to our Middle order!
Yeah,Vettori has been out since last July with an Achilles tendon injury. On a turning wicket he can be very tricky,lots of experience.
Vettori is a bloody great bowler, no doubt. Will give us problems. Can bat a bit too, did wonder why he wasn't in in the first place and he'd apparently retired from test cricket due to injury but as he's coming over for the limited over stuff obviously thinks he can eak out one more test.
