alfie wrote:Probably shouldn't get carried away with Moeen at five ...he's batted there in four matches altogether for a fifty in Chittagong , a century in Rajkot , and five scores of 0-14. Bit of a small sample. And batting in Australia is a rather different animal.
Plus at six he has a distinctly poor record ; while seven seems his best spot - based on past stats. I wouldn't be opposed to batting him at six despite the aforementioned record , in the presumed absence of Stokes ; but I think he is likely to bat seven after YJB...I do not think they will be looking to play six bats as it might place too much pressure on the two older fast bowlers if backup is limited to Woakes and Moeen plus a few overs from Root and Malan.
As to the first warm up I'd rate it as pretty satisfactory. All the bats except the two certainties got good time at the crease ; and the bowlers all had a decent workout. Not bothered that one or two of them struggled : after a significant lay off it would have been remarkable if they had all hit their lengths and rhythm right from the off. It appears Anderson at least settled quite quickly and Ball probably impressed more than the other seamers ; but it is what happens in the two four day games that will give a more serious idea of where everyone stands. In an ideal world there would be three such warm up games as I'd imagine they'd like to give the competing pace bowlers time for a bit of a "bowl off" for places ; but as it is the choice may have to be made early to get the probable Test side together : so perhaps Cook Stoneman Vince Root Malan. Ballance Bairstow Woakes Broad Anderson Ball this week and Moeen coming in for the next game for whatever batsman is discarded. If Jimmy has another good workout this week there might be an option to rest him and give Overton a shot for that match...I am assuming they aren't going to bother using Crane at this stage of the tour.
Hope the weather allows full time in these matches.
2nd warm-up - Overton and Crane to miss out?
3rd warm-up - two in will be Ali and Finn, Ali because he will play the 1st Test. Finn needs match practice and may surprise everyone and be the 4 seamer in the Tests.
By now it would have been decided between Ballance and Malan. Malan has the important 3rd slip position in his favour.
It really depends on the 2nd match which seamer they leave out. Doubt it will be Broad or Woakes. I am going for Ball. Anderson will have not bowled enough overs. Will Overton get another match? I don't think no 9,10,11 will get many runs v Starc, Hazelwood and Cummins. It might even be Ball and Anderson left out.