Fourth Test, SA v England. Centurion, Jan 22-26

[m@tt]

I hope footitt comes in for Finn. Woakes bowled ok from what I read on here, but why not have a look at someone who could potentially replace Anderson, when he hangs up his boots?

Woakes would seem the natural replacement for Anderson as an opening bowler who can swing it, though that is a lazy stereotype on both players. Footitt would seem more of a like for like replacement for Finn, a strike bowler who could go for runs but should take wickets.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Woakes has been my long term pick to replace Anderson eventually. But I'd like to see him come in for Finn for the next Test- he bowled well in Durban. Next in line should play- I don't really like handing out speculative debuts.If Anderson has been playing injured, there's not much point him taking the field in Centurion. But if fit, he deserves another cap.

[bigfluffylemon]

Woakes has been my long term pick to replace Anderson eventually. But I'd like to see him come in for Finn for the next Test- he bowled well in Durban. Next in line should play- I don't really like handing out speculative debuts.If Anderson has been playing injured, there's not much point him taking the field in Centurion. But if fit, he deserves another cap.

I just don't see it in Woakes. Perhaps I'm being harsh, but I've seen him bowl a couple of times and never really rated him. England will have Broad, Finn and Wood as right arm medium fast for a while, they don't need a fourth. I'd rather they look at either developing a leftie or someone who can actually bowl at 90mph (or both)

[Arthur Crabtree]

Woakes looks a better bowler than Footitt to me, with more control; just my opinion. He's younger and a batter as well, and can bowl up to 90mph- he had the batters hopping a bit in Durban). It'll be more interesting to see Footitt, but I think England should work with the player in hand until they're sure he's not going to make it. I reckon they'll pick Woakes and Footitt will only play if there's an injury/workload issue elsewhere.

[Arthur Crabtree]

So Footitt will play and take a bagful of wickets...

[mikesiva]

"de Kock will undergo a final fitness test on Wednesday to asses whether he is able to return as wicketkeeper at Centurion. South Africa have also confirmed that Dale Steyn will not play and released Stiaan van Zyl from the 17-man squad announced on Tuesday - increasing the likelihood that 33-year-old Lions opener Stephen Cook will make his Test debut."

http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-afric ... 63565.html

[dan08]

Rossouw released so Cook will debut.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Cricinfo predicts Cook, de Kock, Piedt in for SA. Presume Viljoen will make way. They suggest Woakes will play.

Viljoen's wholehearted low impact is reminding me of an Indian bowler who similarly struggled for wickets in England... who was that?

[Arthur Crabtree]

Pankaj Singh.

[Durhamfootman]

I'd be amazed if Woakes didn't play... he is pretty much the next cab off the rank.

I'd rather they tried Footitt though. I'd love to see England develop a left hander

[Arthur Crabtree]

Anyone want Jordan in?

He is out there.

[Durhamfootman]

not for me

[Arthur Crabtree]

There seems to be a lot of rain forecast over the next few days.

[Aidan11]

Not a fan of Jordan.

Great drinks-carrying skills though.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Stat alert. Cook goes past Gavaskar to be the most capped opener ever, tomorrow. Steely has already opened more than anyone else though, in terms of innings.