alfie wrote:but wouldn't it have made more sense to select a reserve opener who might also bat three rather than three natural number fives - none of which inspire huge confidence in any case ?
that was my first thought when I saw the squad
alfie wrote:but wouldn't it have made more sense to select a reserve opener who might also bat three rather than three natural number fives - none of which inspire huge confidence in any case ?
Arthur Crabtree wrote:sussexpob wrote:Im getting a bet on 5-0. In the simplest terms, this squad looks pretty appalling.
It does seem to be a muddle.
Not going to be 5-0 though.
Arthur Crabtree wrote:Both those tours were era ending cock ups from the start, but England were playing very strong Aussie teams. Neither team is as strong this time. The Aussies are clearly favourites.
Admittedly, I didn't see the other two whitewashes coming.
bigfluffylemon wrote:Arthur Crabtree wrote:sussexpob wrote:Im getting a bet on 5-0. In the simplest terms, this squad looks pretty appalling.
It does seem to be a muddle.
Not going to be 5-0 though.
I'll take that bet, AC, if Stokes is out too. An attack of Broad, Anderson, Woakes and Moeen is too one-dimensional against the Aussie batsmen on flat pitches, and we know the batting woes with no fewer than three dodgy places (four if Stokes is out).
The teams send in 2006 and 2013 were much stronger and more settled on paper, and beforehand were predicted to be competitive. Team 2013 for the first test: Cook, Carberry, Trott, KP, Bell, Root, Prior, Broad, Swann, Tremlett, Anderson. Only Carbs was not a proven test performer (although Root now is much better than Root then), we had more variety in attack including a top-class spinner, and they still got smashed.
sussexpob wrote:
What happens if Stoneman and Malan get taken apart?
Andy Flower wrote:This is going to test my coaching expertise. This is the worst case I've ever seen.
Mark Nicholas wrote:Thoughts on Vince were documented in this column a week ago. His record does not deserve selection but he has the game for Australia, the pitches and the players. He will need to discipline those pretty cover drives off front and back foot and think more about straight drives and cut shots. There is a stealth to extra bounce. You think you are in position to play a shot but suddenly it is too late and the ball is flying from the edge of your bat towards the laughing hyenas behind the wicket. Vince can do something special if he finds a little vinegar to go with the honey.
Andy Flower wrote:This is going to test my coaching expertise. This is the worst case I've ever seen.
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