I dont mind him being given chance. just dont think it was right to do so in an ashes series having been previously playing at 5 for the test team.
One of the main reasons I want Root to be given the chance is that Compton is so obviously not good enough. So, I'd rather both Root and Bairstow get given their chances and if it pays off get the valuable experience they need. So far so good, we won the first and are well on top in the second. If he becomes a liability, then maybe take him out of the firing line but not at the moment. Not worth messing about with the top order as everyone else fits neatly into position.
I know what you are saying but also there is the possibility that if he keeps getting out cheaply it could do more harm than good to his confidence.
Can some one remind me what my prediction for this match was, I can't remember... PS...how many runs ahead do we have to be to make the Aussie's follow on?
They need to get to 162 I think I'm with Sweats on the Root topic. He is a young lad who's just come into test cricket and started brilliantly. It's not about not giving him a chance....he was already getting his chance and playing very well but since his move up the order he's looked a lot more shaky (although in his defence 2 of his outs have been unlucky). Whether Compton is the best bet to open I'm still not sure, I'm pretty sure Trott could open but for me moving Root up for such a big series could damage his confidence. Anyway, all that aside....what a joy to see the Aussies collapsing
Ok, lets leave it at that and see how it turns out shall we? I don't think we'll force the follow on. No point, give the bowlers a rest and put on a big total then just turn them over at the end. May as well bat while the pitch is still ok.
Agreed. A full day's worth of batting tomorrow for England (plus whatever is remaining today) will mean Australia will need 500-odd in two days to win, which is nigh-on impossible.
Exactly that. And, dare I say it, giving the likes of Root and Pietersen good opportunity to score under less pressure.
Root is a class talent (top class in fact) and he will stay as opener now anyway, that is his position so they won't move him back. I'm 99.9% sure he'll come good so hopefully it'll be during this series Good chance for him here as you say with a bit less pressure. Just got away with an absolute dolly as well Let's grind them into dust now. For all those years of pain let's make them suffer
Another 130 would see us comfortably safe. With their batting we probably are now but 400 on that pitch doesn't look likely to me. But just bat on til we are all out, there's still 3 days left so we could bat until Sunday lunch although I think that's very unlikely. More likely it will be all over by then. Time for Mr Bell to show the rest how its done.
utterly fascinating how its another bowler's ashes. It seems no batsman bar bell is in form or at least staying in for any length..... if bell hits another form century the series is ours. I think 400 would be ok but would want more. anderson isn't getting anything out of the pitch but swann will be key. I dunno.... i reckon we'll struggle to get a declaration and wickets will fall.... our top order seem only to be taking the skin off the new ball for bell rather than batting themselves.
I think neither sides batting is anywhere near as strong as previous ashes series ( certainly the Aussies aren't ) but both sides pace attacks are pretty decent. Where we are really better is in having swanny who is much better than agar or smith. I don't think we will see too many high scoring innings above 400 so it will all be down who can come up with the decisive partnership or two and in bell we have the only in-form batsman of either side (probably put the mockers on him now). Clarke is their only real world class batsman they have but it looks like the weight of expectation and the constant failure of everyone around him is getting to him. I also think that Agar,who may turn out to be a decent player, was just a freak innings and is unlikely to be repeated. Certainly doesnt frighten you as a bowler.
It's dependent on a few factors (changes if rain delays etc) but it's usually 200 less than the opposition first innings score....we got 361 so Aussies had to beat 161 to avoid follow on
