Still suffering from a hangover from the WC I think. We walked straight into two four day games, and then straight into the t20s. And with regular rain. Groundsmen's hands very tied. I think this is the third match to be played on this wicket, as a consequence. Another 15 runs - which we largely could have got with smarter batting/running - and I reckon we could defend it. But 128 shouldn't be enough. (Although given that we would have known the pitch was used, you could question why not bring the boundaries in, to try and offset it.)
What an incredible win for Somerset! Set a daunting 204 by Surrey they cruise to an 8 wicket victory with 8 balls to spare! Eddie Byrom hits 54 in 19 balls!
130 was par on that pitch. I don't know if you were there but I was and I was never concerned about Glamorgan chasing it down once Ingram was out.
9 wicket win for Sussex, with 4 overs to spare, over Kent who were previously undefeated. If anyone wants to see Jofra Archer play for free, he is playing for the Sussex 2nd XI, at Blackstone lane, near Henfield from Tuesday, to get some overs in.
Archer is a very good one day bowler but if he is chosen to replace Anderson, I think the Aussies would feast on him. IMO England should go for Leach because at this time of year there is more turn in the pitch, whilst at the same time, Leach can keep the batsmen tied down, so Broad and Woakes can attack from the other end.
It would be pretty difficult to find another Anderson. I think Archer is the best answer around at the moment. It's a flimsy case though to be fair, as his 1st class record is small, partly to his age, but more worryingly, his injury list. I'm glad Sussex took a punt on him though.
I don't think the Aussies would feast on him but his workload does need to be managed. Archer has only just recovered from a side strain - fast bowlers like Archer need to be used carefully - look at Simon Jones. Fast bowlers put a lot of pressure on the body - the shoulder, the back, the knees. Archer is the future for England, if he's not 100% fit he shouldn't play. Archer bowls at over 90mph, whereas Anderson, Broad, Woakes etc bowl low to mid 80's therefore he's more likely to injure himself.
So with Anderson likely to be out and Archer needing recovery, who replaces Anderson? Curran? Overton? Although not a like for like, is there any reason not to pick Leach? He would add variety to the attack as well. I think Broad is capable of quick bursts, but as you said he has to pace himself. Finn was another bowler who bowled 90 mph. What has happened to him?
