Random Cricket Thread (International Cricket)

[Arthur Crabtree]

Decent. He was hyped a bit, coming from Kent after Knott, but reliable. Not really a good enough bat for international cricket. Question is, is he up to the job of needlessly winding up Kevin Pietersen?

[Arthur Crabtree]

James Whitaker takes over from Miller as chairman of selectors. Didn't know that was happening.

[m@tt]

So after all the talk of getting a big name former player with little to no business experience but know the media well (Strauss, Hussein, Atherton etc) to replace the sensible businessman with a cricketing history, we've gone for a sensible businessman with a cricketing history. Bah, that will never sell any newspapers.

Whilst I know nothing of Downton to say if it's a good decision, his CV looks very appropriate for the job and it's nice to see that England have made a sane appointment whilst still fulfilling their job criteria.

[braveneutral]

So good that he had a whole abbey named after him.

[Arthur Crabtree]

That does fit in with the image of the ECB.

[Arthur Crabtree]

I thought McDermott had been reckoned to do a good job?

[Aidan11]

James Whitaker takes over from Miller as chairman of selectors. Didn't know that was happening.

Just heard this myself. Whittaker spent a lot of time watching Durham as an ordinary selector. Wonder if that will help Onions.

[SaintPowelly]

James Whitaker takes over from Miller as chairman of selectors. Didn't know that was happening.

Just heard this myself. Whittaker spent a lot of time watching Durham as an ordinary selector. Wonder if that will help Onions.

I doubt it, Onions has been in a lot of squads under Miller.

[GarlicJam]

and Craig McDermott comes back into the role of bowling coach for Australia.

[Gingerfinch]

Wisden's All-Time World Test XI was announced today:

Hobbs
Grace
Bradman
Tendulkar
Richards
Sobers
Knott
Akram
Warne
Marshall
Barnes

No idea how Grace got in - had a batting average of 32 over 22 Tests and took just 9 wickets. Also, how is Knott in there ahead of Gilchrist?

Grace was way ahead of his time, but I sorta agree. Knott was a superior keeper, so I'm ok with that.

[Gingerfinch]

Yeah 22 tests is not many. Could have Pollock if they were picking a test XI, given he played 23 tests.

I would have Lara for Viv.

[dan08]

Wisden's All-Time World Test XI was announced today:

Hobbs
Grace
Bradman
Tendulkar
Richards
Sobers
Knott
Akram
Warne
Marshall
Barnes

No idea how Grace got in - had a batting average of 32 over 22 Tests and took just 9 wickets. Also, how is Knott in there ahead of Gilchrist?

[dan08]

Wisden's All-Time World Test XI was announced today:

Hobbs
Grace
Bradman
Tendulkar
Richards
Sobers
Knott
Akram
Warne
Marshall
Barnes

No idea how Grace got in - had a batting average of 32 over 22 Tests and took just 9 wickets. Also, how is Knott in there ahead of Gilchrist?

Grace was way ahead of his time, but I sorta agree. Knott was a superior keeper, so I'm ok with that.

If it was a first-class XI then i can see why Grace would be in as he as a great FC record but it's a Test XI and he did hardly anything in the 22 Tests he played in.

I also think Barnes is a bit lucky to get in - his bowling record is exceptional but half of his wickets came against South Africa when they were really weak.

I think i would have gone with: Hobbs, Hutton, Bradman, Tendulkar, Richards, Sobers, Gilchrist, Imran Khan/McGrath, Akram, Warne, Marshall.

[hopeforthebest]

India have finally stopped being hard to get over the South Africa tour, two tests and three ODIs confirmed.

SA sold their CEO down the river for 30 pieces of BCCI silver.

[Arthur Crabtree]

This isn't what was agreed under the FTP though. It looks like SA have lost out so the SRT Tests can be scheduled. Is this a fair reading? WI don't seem to have helped fairness prevail by agreeing to play these Tests.