Pakistan v England 2nd Test, Dubai, Oct 22-26

[backfootpunch]

they surely have to bring in taylor too and move moeen down the order

how they will go about that i dont know, i would be surprised if bell was dropped considering he has outperformed everyone other than cook and bell

taylor has to play though

[shankycricket]

Disgraceful if Taylor doesn't play, either for Bell or Buttler.

[Gingerfinch]

Taylor may as well give up if he doesn't get picked.

[hopeforthebest]

Disgraceful if Taylor doesn't play, either for Bell or Buttler.

We English don't listen to advice from Aussies.

[Aidan11]

Bell might have one more test in him.

I also think he may retire at the end of the series. Jump before pushed.

[hopeforthebest]

The moment the selectors, in their infinite wisdom, chose to take an untried Hales and Moeen as the opener options this problem was created. They should have chosen an opener such as Compton or Carberry who have some gravitas and experience.

[KipperJohn]

Bell might have one more test in him.

I also think he may retire at the end of the series. Jump before pushed.

Even if Bell was dropped that doesn't mean the end of his Test career by any means. He's only 33. The issue is whether he can do a '2009' - which will be more difficult for him now. Listening to Farbrace, who talks a lot of sense IMHO and is close to the players, it didn't sound to me as though Bell was for the chop. Still, I won't lose any sleep over it.

I agree that Taylor should be picked for the final test - probably the only change and the question is for whom.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Curious that over the past two years, Buttler, Bell and Stokes all average exactly 30. Obviously that's the whole career of two of them.

I think it gives some insight to look at the batters who flank the player under discussion in the averages. In this period, Braddin is a place above (then Dhoni, and the unfortunate Sam Robson), and Holder a place below. One of these is a bowler, and the other three retired or dropped.

[sussexpob]

You mean the same Hales, whose ODI average, a format which is considered to be his superior format is 10 less than Stokes' Test average? I really don't get the Hales love. His FC average isn't much higher to that of Stokes. He doesn't have any second string to his bow (not even fielding, he is a poor fielder too). No international credentials apart from one good year of slogging in T20Is, has looked hopelessly out of his depth in the 50 overs format and he is supposed to be a vastly superior batsman than a bloke who has got Test hundreds against Johnson, Harris, Southee, Boult etc?

Stokes hasnt averaged more than 35 in a FC year for 4 years. His English seasons in this time are.....

2012 - 29
2013 - 31
2014 -22
2015 - 35

Hales maintains a 50 average over two seasons, which in current county conditions is comparatively very high. He might not be the answer, but he has shown sustained improvement in 4 day cricket, and is a standout player at the moment in an area that England really need a player to step up. He has done enough in FC to get a chance, and has proved over a sustained multi year period he can be a top batting performer.

Stokes is always talked up as having this brilliant potential, but his FC average is dropping, his test average has dropped this year, and if Hales is out of his depth as a ODI batsman then Stokes average of 20 and only 2 x 50 in 34 matches is, well, is at least worse in comparison.

Mark Ramprakash scored hundreds against Ian Bishop, Ambrose, Walsh, Warne, McGrath, Gillespie and Lee.... he was still terrible.

[ianp1970]

Lots of people (on all formats) nominating different players who should:

a. come into the side: Hales, Taylor, Patel, Jordan
b. change roles: Moeen, Bell, Bairstow
c. get dropped: Mooen, Bell, Bairstow, Stokes, Buttler, Rashid, Broad, Wood

Looks like moulding the side to play 4 seamers with 2 spinners has come back the selectors on the behind, and with no practice matches in between the tests then anyone brought into the team for the final test is on a hiding to nothing.

[Durhamfootman]

Pakistan got help with the light whereas we didn't. Not much you can do about that.

score faster

[Arthur Crabtree]

Bowl your overs in the day...

[Arthur Crabtree]

Lots of people (on all formats) nominating different players who should:

a. come into the side: Hales, Taylor, Patel, Jordan
b. change roles: Moeen, Bell, Bairstow
c. get dropped: Mooen, Bell, Bairstow, Stokes, Buttler, Rashid, Broad, Wood

Looks like moulding the side to play 4 seamers with 2 spinners has come back the selectors on the behind, and with no practice matches in between the tests then anyone brought into the team for the final test is on a hiding to nothing.

Pakistan have shown a little discomfort under the short ball. Which must make Plunkett a possible to come in?

Is Wood going to struggle to play three Tests with his injury?

At lunch on TMS, Selvey suggested playing five seamers, so it might be he's been told by the ECB to prep that...

[Durhamfootman]

don't blame the light for your own failings

[Durhamfootman]

be in control of your own destiny.... don't waft about and blame bad luck

be purposeful