Recent content by dks

Northeast and Godleman were supposed to be the big names from the current youngsters and both, now with plenty of games under their belts, average under 30 and have been overtaken by Hales and Taylor. Stokes and Root have also popped out of almost nowhere and Wells and Bairstow are also making a...

On form, any batsman will look like they are batting with the maturity of a 30yo but if you cast your mind back a few months, his place in the side was possibly the most vulnerable of our top 6. He had only passed 50 once in the previous 10 innings and there were obvious (and some Sky...

I disagree that County level is not a good preparation for our test players. When you look at the recent successes in selection, Swann, Sidebottom, Prior, Trott, Tremlett and Bresnan all had a long period in the county game before breaking into the test side (bar the odd appearance hear and...

I saw that 'stimulating debate' excuse too. If someone spouts random thoughts and half baked theorys, it is not a debate no matter how many times they repeat it in response to being told they are talking nonsense. Anyone using it is putting themselves on the same level as racists...

I agree that I would have given Swann a rest due to the injury, but we shouldn't throw caps around like confetti. Unlike the Windies, OZ and India, our future can already be fairly well mapped out. We have more good young batsmen than you can shake a stick at (though imo all need to develop a...

Aye. Monty is top wicket taker in division 1 of the CC and bowling beautifully (many said he would struggle in the top division). The move to Sussex has really improved him as a bowler and he would walk into almost any test side except ours.

Ramps and Hick yes, and if it is 10+ tests I'd complete the middle order with Bopara. Gower had and Ashes win as skipper and also was not blessed with the best of bowling attacks for a lot of his time as captain, which he could do little about. No way he would make a worst XI. Giles would make...

There is rain forecast for the Birmingham area for the last day. Probably not enough to wash out the whole day but it makes sense to give ourselves plenty of time to get them out.

The last time I saw something as bad as this from a supposedly good test side was us in the 06/07 Ashes. Unfit, dreadful fielding, no motivation and even less leadership. Can anyone think of something that links these two teams?

Aye, though it can be variable as to how quickly it gets up. Loved the complaints that the highlights weren't there and the match hadn't even started. Utter numpties.

None of the lbw appeals I saw were anywhere near being out, though. I certainly wouldn't have given them and would even have been ashamed to appeal for some (though knowing me, I probably would have). Anyway, a great day's play. Hopefully we will bat sensibly on day 2 then go to town. 600+ is...

Bopara may go big but plays far too many shots in the air early in his innings for a test batsman imo. If Morgan was setting the world alight it might be worth the risk but atm it makes the 5/6 part of the lineup look rather soft. I do prefer the 6 bat/keepe/4 bowl lineup but if the choice is...

It was a toss up between Trott and Stewart for me and AJ got the nod. I'd like to see a few more tests under Trott's belt before selecting him for an all-time list. I could ask how you overlook Greig, have Botham at 5 (at least 1 place too high) and pick Flintoff at all, but opinion is what...

Again going with my watching 'lifetime' (from early 70s) and going with the current England preference of 4 bowlers. Boycott Gooch AJ Stewart Gower Pietersen Greig (c) Prior (+) Botham Snow Willis Underwood For a touring party of 16 I'd add Thorpe, Bell, Swann, Hendrick, Lever