Ashes, Third Test, Edgbaston, July 29-Aug 2

[ianp1970]

England could get away with just having to replace Anderson, but I have a sneaky feeling they might drop a bombshell before TB.

Intriguing

[ntini77]

Is Middlesex's James Harris not in consideration for a call-up?

He's enjoyed a fine domestic season and can contribute with the bat, too.

[yorker_129-7]

IMO Jordan wouldn't have got a test cap if he batted like Anderson or Finn.

Jordan gets a lot of stick but worth pointing out he was the leading wicket taker in the first division of the CC in 2013, that has to count for something. I don't think he's the best bowler for "English" conditions, but I would certainly consider him for Australia or the sub-continent as a skiddier bowler.

[alfie]

Jordan was definitely picked because he could bat a bit. Your third seamer, if you're playing four or two spinners, should be picked on bowling only. Batting is a bonus.

But , like most things in cricket , it isn't an absolute , is it ?

When Ashley Giles was spinner and number eight , England could live with a last three of Hoggard Harmison and Jones. But when Monty Panesar took over the spin position it started to look like six out all out...

I agree bowling should be the more important consideration . Generally you'll find at least one of the three bowlers you want has a bit of batting ability anyway. But it is too sweeping to say batting should play no part in selection , at the margins. Having Moeen and Broad at 8/9 on Thursday arguably decided this Test match : how would it have gone with , say , Plunkett and Tredwell in those spots ?

It is a bit like slip fielding , in a way. You can't pick your batting lineup for their catching - but one of the reasons England under Flower did so well was having Strauss Swann Collingwood , and originally Flintoff , in the cordon. This consideration may influence Lyth's chances of holding his spot...

[alfie]

this will be England's first victory in the third test of an Ashes series since Headingley 81.

They were due

[alfie]

England win... never in doubt despite some unbelieveable negativity earlier this morning on this board....

Negativity ? On CMS ?

In truth I suspect some of it is down to people being unwilling to express hope and expectation for fear of hexing the team...they do have some previous

I know I am often too nervous to post much on here when England are on top , so I can understand others being a bit keen to look on the black side...

Agree it wasn't really in serious doubt since the second session on Thursday. And in fact you don't lose very often after bowling your opponents out for 136 first up. But "not often" isn't quite the same as never ; so the inevitability of a result often looks more clear cut in retrospect.

[alfie]

England could get away with just having to replace Anderson, but I have a sneaky feeling they might drop a bombshell before TB.

Intriguing

Indeed . What does the footman know that we don't ?

[pompeymeowth]

England could get away with just having to replace Anderson, but I have a sneaky feeling they might drop a bombshell before TB.

Intriguing

Indeed . What does the footman know that we don't ?

What's happening with the Buttler?

[Aidan11]

When do they pick the squad for the next test?

[rich1uk]

England could get away with just having to replace Anderson, but I have a sneaky feeling they might drop a bombshell before TB.

Intriguing

Indeed . What does the footman know that we don't ?

that's really a question we should probably avoid

[Aidan11]

Just found out.


Squad announced at noon today.

[Durhamfootman]

England could get away with just having to replace Anderson, but I have a sneaky feeling they might drop a bombshell before TB.

Intriguing

Indeed . What does the footman know that we don't ?

that's really a question we should probably avoid

I just have a feeling that there will be one change apart from Anderson. I don't who, and I don't know who for, but I feel it. This doesn't seeml like the safety first, always the same faces England of the Flower years. Things are happening and I'm sure that county players all around the country are feeling it too.

[rich1uk]

if there is going to be an unexpected addition I think it could be overton

he has already been around the setup and whilst not taking as many wickets as rushworth he has taken them at a slightly better average, hes played quite a few games less, and he's doing it with taunton as his home ground

[SaintPowelly]

Hoping for Footit, don't expect it though.

[hopeforthebest]

Hoping for Footit, don't expect it though.

I'm for Rushworth. Wood is the most likely choice but his average of near 40 coupled with a 62 S/R concerns me. He's taken wickets but one every ten overs means a lot of runs on the board before he strikes.