Cricket-Match-Special ... A forum for discussion

Way to easy in the end. 8 losses in row for England in Australia now. Something aint working somewhere. Last time it was leading run scorers fault KP, whos to blame this time?

England lost this match with the second new ball when M Marsh was at the crease. Still had 160 runs in the bank, and they just bowled half volleys, they let the game get away from them so easily. It was not great batting, just generous bowling.

England has to change something, but what. Who can come in a do better? Ali and Broad should be dropped, but who for? Is there a reason why Rashid is not touring? And what is Cooks future?

Is it worth throwing new players into the team with 2 games to go? I know England supporters are not to bothered about what happens now, but surely the goal is to start preparing for the changing of the guard?

As an Aussie, 3 tests into a series, its just so nice to not be talking about the WK position. Well done Tim, you wont get many plaudits, but its great to not have to worry about the keeping position for another 2 tests:)

Rashid isn't good enough for Test cricket.

Comeback players Tim Paine and Mitchell Marsh have cemented their place for entire series.

Cameron need to make couple of good scores though in remaining matches.

No doubt it'll be leading wicket taker Anderson who's the scapegoat this time.

I think Bayliss' time as test coach must be over. I'd keep him for limited overs and separate the coaching of the two squads - let's face it, the personnel in the ODI side are fairly different. But England won't do that.

Arthur Crabtree wrote:Rashid isn't good enough for Test cricket.

I agree, but Ali is not an international spinner either. And if hes not making runs, then he aint much use to the team.

Do you think they would play Crane?

My guess is they'll stick with four pacers, and see Mo as a support bowler/batter, which is what they already do. It works in England, where the pitches are created to help A&B and the overheads will chip in.

I'm not sure they're desperate enough to play Crane, who has little fc experience and doesn't always get a game with his county. Maybe they will be in Sydney.

If Mo isn't fully fit, he shouldn't play though. Apparently he's been playing with an injury. I don't think picking injured bowlers is much of a policy. See also, Broad and Overton.

Even though the Ashes have been lost in three Tests again, this tour hasn't been without its positives. Malan is averaging over 50, Stoneman has resisted. Reports say Overton has bowled promisingly. Last time the whole building came down, not just the edifice.

I still think England have a decent chance in Melbourne.

The squad for NZ will be interesting. I presume any new faces (Broad will be out) will come from the Lions.

Overtons first spell in Perth was good, managed to get better bounce than the other England bowlers. He certainly looked the most dangerous early on.

England need to change something though. Even if just to change the feel of the changing rooms. Nothing to loose, many senior players out of form. Perhaps its time to send a signal like they tried to with KP?

I guess Melbourne and Sydney will suit the English bowlers more than whats come before.

Well, dropping/resting Broad and Cook would do that. Jennings would have to come in from the Lions squad for Cook. Someone is going to replace Overton, let's say a debut for Curran. Which leaves Ball to step in for Broad, or someone from the Lions, probably Wood or Garton.

But, England are not going to drop Cook unless that's what he wants to happen himself.

I suppose changes might occur because the press and public will demand them, but they don't offer much hope. Wood might be interesting.

37 wickets in 3 tests would suggest England need to try something different with the bowling. Anderson and Broad wasted the new ball again in Perth, both times they got it. Anderson 4 wickets came after Australia had amassed over 500 runs. Englands bowling unit is just not working. It should do better at Melbourne

What has happened to Wood? The few test i saw him play he looked dangerous against Australia.

He's having fitness issues again...however i would have taken him anyway

Would they call him in for Melbourne? Overton still might play in Melbourne as well.

Woakes place must also be in question. No point in picking bowlers now for their batting, as at present no one below Bairstow seems to bat better then a true tail ender. So perhaps England would be better served replacing Woakes with Woods?

Congrats to the Aussies - well played and better in all departments.

I’ll leave you guys to do the navel gazing about England