Rilee looks a million dollars in white ball, it is perplexing why he doesn't produce often enough in the CC.
I presume it's just a mental thing. But his clear white ball talent is why I'll always support him in red ball cricket as much as possible. Unlike a Weatherley, there is immense talent within Rilee. We just need to somehow get it released in the red ball arena.
The decision to drop him down to 6 did pay off against Somerset last game, albeit on a flat surface. So I wonder if that's the way to go. If not, then there's no harm in opening with him, and just telling him to bat like a white ball game. It's not as if our red ball openers are particularly good anyway.
As I said the other day, you add Northeast, Dawson and Abbott to this XI, and suddenly our team looks a seriously team. As opposed to basically just a top three. Interesting to hear from Abbott earlier that he's 95% fit, and that it's not his injury that's keeping him out here. It was pre-planned to rest him for most of these group games.
I would assume he will play either Wednesday or Friday though so he doesn't sit out for a lengthy period.
Yep, no questioning his immense talent, but he has to end this season with a significantly better average than 19 in the CC, that's my only concern.
I still want another 30 to 40 from this partnership before I can begin to relax that the rest of our guys can help to see us home.
We know that we don't have a middle order. I think Taylor will get one more chance on Wednesday, but that might be it.
