WI tour of England, July 8-28

[Durhamfootman]

(still can't believe that one of Jimmy's that was overruled was really going over the top !)

2 of the WI reversals surprised me too. One I thought was probably going down leg and another way over the top, yet both were predicted to hit full ball, then that one from Anderson which looked dead as a dodo until DRS stepped in. I can understand why Campbell wanted to to refer everything.

[sussexpob]

(still can't believe that one of Jimmy's that was overruled was really going over the top !)

2 of the WI reversals surprised me too. One I thought was probably going down leg and another way over the top, yet both were predicted to hit full ball, then that one from Anderson which looked dead as a dodo until DRS stepped in. I can understand why Campbell wanted to to refer everything.

In the umpires defence, when you see Sheffield United put a ball 2 yards past the line in a football match a couple of weeks ago and hawkeye not give it, it does make you wonder about how great the tech is. Every now and then it throws up duds, certainly the ball Alfie referenced raised an eyebrow

[sussexpob]

And why are we playing Wood over Broad? I understand the desire to develop some fast men for when we go to the subcontinent/Australia, but this was overcast Southampton on a skiddy wicket. Seems tailor made for Broad. I don't know how a guy who has nearly 500 test wickets, average 28 (26 at home) and has bowled some of the greatest spells in recent England history still seems to need to fight for his place in perfect conditions for him.

I think at this present point the most debatable call is the need for a spinner. People keep saying that the Rose Bowl is a spinning track thats slow, but we might be comparing a midsummer track thats been worn down and exposed to sunlight for a few months, and what is essentially right now a start of season deck that should have some life in it still. Hove used to be a similar deck situated in the same geographical area, 2 months into the season it would dry out and slow and be good for the spinners, but it took a lot of cricket to turn it into that.

It seems important because in 2019 when the CC was played exclusively at the extremes of the season when the weather was cooler and damper, what did Hampshire spinners do? Dawson is a test capped spinner who took 10 wickets all season at a very poor 55. Mason Crane is a test match capped spinner who averaged over 100. Their opening bat took a 5 for in a game vs Surrey with part time spin, which in doing so was pretty much accounted for nearly double the spin wickets all season, but the young bright hope for Surrey in the same match nearly went at 6 an over and got pounded in the second innings.

Interestingly West Indies dropped the spinner and were happy for Roston Chase to fulfil the roll if needed, maybe Broad would have been a sounder pick than Bess. At the moment it certainly looks a pitch where accurate pace bowling will do the job, get it in the right areas and the ball will do enough to beat the bat. Maybe England got caught up in a legacy of a venue that might not play out at the moment. Moeen ripped India apart on a spinning deck here in 2018, but that was in mid summer after the pitch had dried out.

If the pitch does dry out or offer spin, which at the moment doesnt seem that likely, then Denly is a back up. Maybe Dom Bess will now have a Murali at the Oval 1998 type match and shut me up, but without the benefit of hindsight I think he might be far more redundant in the field than another selection in the pace attack might have been

[sussexpob]

I guess in a summer where rotation will definitely factor into the equation, the dropping of Broad shouldnt mean a great deal; but considering his recent form one cant help but feel him not playing on this surface has some significance as to how the coaching and selection staff view his future in the team. Again that seems a little crazy to me, if anything Broad has many years of fading in pace after long tours and endless summers, with a huge layoff in lockdown you'd expect him to be as fresh as hes been for years and champing at the bit. May as well use him while you still have him, and in conditions that suit him.

But England seem to adore Mark Wood, whos had about two good test matches in 6 years, and who must be at most 3 innings away from getting injured for another season.

Maybe some favouritism there between Durham captain and Durham bowler???? Certainly if their social media output is anything to go by, the captain for this game and Woodie are best of friends.

[sussexpob]

Brathwaite has been one lucky boy

[sussexpob]

Wood bowling 4 short balls an over, not what is required

[Arthur Crabtree]

If Broad should be in the side, he should be good enough to replace Archer or Wood. I'd pick a spinner (I don't think I'd ever pick five pace bowlers) but it probably shouldn't be Bess. So often we see the spinner come on and clean up in helpful seam bowling conditions.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Hope scoring as quickly as he does in ODIs.

On the highlights commentary last night a commentator was saying Hope is a great ODI player because he averages 52. But omitted that he usually scores at a SR of about 60. I bet playing for the WI he plays a lot of associate teams too.

[sussexpob]

Wood continues to bowl too short. Although each batsman has made a hash of trying to take one on. Pace is very good, but he needs to pitch it up and get the batsman playing. He got one right in the channel and Shai Hope went for a very uncharacteristic mow.... but another over of 4 shorter balls, and he needs hoicking off

[Arthur Crabtree]

In ODIs Hope's played Australia once. Though he has played India a lot.

Top seven sides, 47 ODIs at 38.8, SR 73.
Everyone else, 31 ODIs at 75.6, SR 76.

[sussexpob]

In ODIs Hope's played Australia once. Though he has played India a lot.

Top seven sides, 47 ODIs at 38.8, SR 73.
Everyone else, 31 ODIs at 75.6, SR 76.

I think I have shelled him to death on this issue, but yeah..... a guy with a strike rate like that can average 150, and all they would be doing it winning the opposition more games than their team

[sussexpob]

Stokes seen enough of Wood too, Archer on quickly

[sussexpob]

If Broad should be in the side, he should be good enough to replace Archer or Wood. I'd pick a spinner (I don't think I'd ever pick five pace bowlers) but it probably shouldn't be Bess. So often we see the spinner come on and clean up in helpful seam bowling conditions.

Bess on now. Radar are bit all over the place in that over, but one gripped a little, so if he can get the ball in the right areas he might find some assistance

[yuppie]

(still can't believe that one of Jimmy's that was overruled was really going over the top !)

2 of the WI reversals surprised me too. One I thought was probably going down leg and another way over the top, yet both were predicted to hit full ball, then that one from Anderson which looked dead as a dodo until DRS stepped in. I can understand why Campbell wanted to to refer everything.

It just that being an Enlgish supporter your used to getting all the decisions. So it a surprise to see them given against England




Im outta here

[alfie]

Another lbw ...

Reviewed of course. Might be a no ball anyway ?

Saves arguments