The Ashes 5th Test. The Oval. August 20-24.

[Making_Splinters]

Just had a quick look, Cook is averaging 50 this year. Found that a little suprising to be honest.

Aside from Cook and Root, none of the line up average over 40.

Stokes is also England's third highest run scorer this year with an average of 39.

[yorker_129-7]

I agree there are a couple of question marks over selections

We have one opener who hasnt been on form for two and a half years, and one who has scored 1 x 50 in 11 innings.... both openers form leave question marks for the immediate future.

The number three, Bell, is under fire and a double failure here might be the end for him.

The number five, Bairstow, averages under 30 in near 20 tests, and a double failure for him might (but probably not) end his second test run abruptly.

The number 6 isnt a full time bat.

The number 7 is averaging 13 in this series and hasnt convinced many people he is a great gloveman

The number 8 spinning all rounder has taken 9 wickets at 50 in the series and is a major doubt as he has to lead the attack in Asia next series.

The number 10, Wood, has not brilliant in his test career so far and probably wont play in Asia in place of a second spinner.

The number 11 is currently injured. His replacement spent two years out the team on the basis that he was, as the selector and coach said, "unpickable".

More than a couple of question marks.

Possibly a touch harsh on Cook there, he was dire a year ago but he's clearly improved over the course of the summer. Plus of course Stokes isn't a full-time bat, he's an all-rounder. Not since Botham have England had an all-rounder who could realistically get picked for either discipline, not even Flintoff was good enough as a batsman to get picked purely on that basis. Finn has also improved and now appears to be on the right track, there was a time when Anderson was in the sort of position Finn was in in 2013/14.

Agreed on the rest, a lot of them have points to prove. If Bairstow has a good test with the bat and Buttler struggles then the keeper selection in the UAE could become a whole lot more fascinating.

[from_the_stands]

Siddle is in, I think.

[sussexpob]

Just had a quick look, Cook is averaging 50 this year. Found that a little suprising to be honest.

Aside from Cook and Root, none of the line up average over 40.

Stokes is also England's third highest run scorer this year with an average of 39.

Cook averages 29 in the Ashes series, I read on the preview to this test.

Plus of course Stokes isn't a full-time bat, he's an all-rounder. Not since Botham have England had an all-rounder who could realistically get picked for either discipline, not even Flintoff was good enough as a batsman to get picked purely on that basis.

He is taking the place of a full time bat, and not scoring full time bat runs.... and averaging over 40 a wicket comfortably = question mark

[sussexpob]

Is it the approach of the Norwegian winter that makes you so cheerful.

I have to go to Karasjok in January, already looking forward to freezing to death in permanent darkness.

[Making_Splinters]

Just had a quick look, Cook is averaging 50 this year. Found that a little suprising to be honest.

Aside from Cook and Root, none of the line up average over 40.

Stokes is also England's third highest run scorer this year with an average of 39.

Cook averages 29 in the Ashes series, I read on the preview to this test.

31 according to Cricinfo. That said aside from Root, it's been a grim series for England with the bat.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Cook's record flatlined at around a 30 average over a couple of years, making runs as dropped catches allowed, and looking dreadful. He's more convincing now, but if he doesn't make runs over the rest of the year, the tons against WI and NZ are going to look like a brief inevitable spike in otherwise flat trend.

[sussexpob]

Cook's record flatlined at around a 30 average over a couple of years, making runs as dropped catches allowed, and looking dreadful. He's more convincing now, but if he doesn't make runs over the rest of the year, the tons against WI and NZ are going to look like a brief inevitable spike in otherwise flat trend.

One thing he really needs to cut out is that wild cut shot to the spinners. Ive lost count how many times in recent times that has got him out.

Encouraging news is that he played brilliantly on England last significant tour of Asia.

[Arthur Crabtree]

If Stokes averages 40 with the bat, and remains a viable bowling option (even at around 40 per wicket) he'll be one of the key players in the side.

[yorker_129-7]

England win toss, bowl first.

How long will they have to bat before lunch?

[yorker_129-7]

Plus of course Stokes isn't a full-time bat, he's an all-rounder. Not since Botham have England had an all-rounder who could realistically get picked for either discipline, not even Flintoff was good enough as a batsman to get picked purely on that basis.

He is taking the place of a full time bat, and not scoring full time bat runs.... and averaging over 40 a wicket comfortably = question mark

Bloody hell pob, at least give the guy a chance to establish himself first. Are you suggesting we go back to a 1990s style selection policy where if a player doesn't perform in a couple of games we discard them for good?

[hopeforthebest]

It never rains but it pours for poor old Clarke.

[Arthur Crabtree]

The Marsh bros do swap. Sid in for Haze. England unchanged.

[Making_Splinters]

Wouldn't mind seeing Rogers make some runs in his final Test.

[Arthur Crabtree]

At least the Aussies know that if they can get runs today, Lyon will get some help later on.