The Cricket Thread

[MJA]

I would much prefer to see untested players going through the ranks before entering the test arena, particularly when their entrance could be a tour of a sub-continent country where England have probably struggled most in the past

 

[lordofthepies]

I would much prefer to see untested players going through the ranks before entering the test arena, particularly when their entrance could be a tour of a sub-continent country where England have probably struggled most in the past

It worked out alright for Cook. But he's a freak. I think you're right generally, not sure it's fair to throw a kid in to that situation when they've barely managed a year of FC cricket.

 

[Camborne Gills]

Batty? He can fuck right off

May as well go for Tredders, if you are talking about 38 year old Batty FFS

 

[slaphead]

That's not true though, is it? Keaton Jennings and Nick Gubbins are both England-qualified. And 2 of the top 10 are already in the England team. And I assume you're only looking at div 1 as well cos there's loads of young Englishmen with exceptional averages in div 2 too.

Keaton Jennings has played age group cricket for SA so, unless the rules have changed again, can only qualify for England on residency which I believe is 4 years. I'll be honest and say I missed Gubbins, but he is still fairly recent to first class cricket and may not be ready for Tests yet. One for the future though I'd concede. In the CC1 averages I'd say you need to go down to Hildreth for a viable contender but at 31 he's getting on a bit. I didn't look at CC2 purely because the selectors appear to refuse it exists as far a picking for England is concerned.

As I've said, going to the sub-continent without two recognized spinners isn't going to end well, but who do we take? I've seen the calls for Battybut he's far too old and England have to look forward so Rashid would my choice. Is Ansari bowling again now, I've seen Surrey a couple of times this year both times he's played but neither times bowled so I was wondering if Surrey were playing him purely as a batsman, but he looked useful last year before he did his thumb.

 

[lordofthepies]

Keaton Jennings has played age group cricket for SA so, unless the rules have changed again, can only qualify for England on residency which I believe is 4 years. I'll be honest and say I missed Gubbins, but he is still fairly recent to first class cricket and may not be ready for Tests yet. One for the future though I'd concede. In the CC1 averages I'd say you need to go down to Hildreth for a viable contender but at 31 he's getting on a bit. I didn't look at CC2 purely because the selectors appear to refuse it exists as far a picking for England is concerned.

As I've said, going to the sub-continent without two recognized spinners isn't going to end well, but who do we take? I've seen the calls for Battybut he's far too old and England have to look forward so Rashid would my choice. Is Ansari bowling again now, I've seen Surrey a couple of times this year both times he's played but neither times bowled so I was wondering if Surrey were playing him purely as a batsman, but he looked useful last year before he did his thumb.

Jennings qualified a few months ago.

 

[Aber gas]

I'd say you need to go down to Hildreth for a viable contender but at 31 he's getting on a bit.

31 is not getting on a bit. If you're good enough you play imvho. He's proven quality and his ability to rotate the strike against spin would be crucial this winter. I've kinda accepted it's not going to happen for reasons best known to the selectors themselves but he'd be ideal for these tours.

 

[slaphead]

Jennings qualified a few months ago.

Ok cool, I stand corrected.

 

[slaphead]

31 is not getting on a bit. If you're good enough you play imvho. He's proven quality and his ability to rotate the strike against spin would be crucial this winter. I've kinda accepted it's not going to happen for reasons best known to the selectors themselves but he'd be ideal for these tours.

Agree, but the selectors do seem to be shying away from giving players over 30 a go, otherwise I'm sure Batty and/or probably Panesar would be back!

 

[MJA]

I think one of the biggest problems from a selection point of view is that some of those involved in the selection process also have day-to-day jobs with county sides and it appears that because they see players from their own county sides on a regular basis they are automatically putting their names forward ahead of potentially better players from other counties.

I suppose it could be likened to Sam Allardyce taking the England managers job but also remaining as Sunderland manager - chances are Defoe would be picked for every England squad because Big Sam would see him training day in day out

 

[Camborne Gills]

Essex doing far too well at the moment

 

[SeasideKurt]

People said we'd get battered the last time we toured India, people said we'd get battered in South Africa last winter. Neither happened, England will be competitive in India this winter. I don't expect us to beat them like last time but I certainly don't expect us to get battered.

Regarding Buttler, when was the last time he played any red ball cricket? He'll probably go as backup to Bairstow but personally I think other options are worthy of consideration for the test squad given how little cricket Jos has played this season. Billings is by far the better wicket keeper of the two, and probably of the three, but sadly his four day batting isn't really pressing his case. John Simpson is another whose name deserved to be discussed.

For this winter I'd move Ballance up to four in place of Vince and move Ali up to five. Ballance, unlike Vince, clearly has the temperament to play test cricket, his technical issues can be ironed out. Ali is plenty good enough to bat at five and is a decent player of spin. Tom Westley is another worthy of consideration as a middle order batter. Moving Ali to five immediately creates a spot for another spinner whilst allowing the four man pace attack to be retained.

The opening position is a difficult one. Hales has shown some signs that he could eventually develop into a test match opener, although his recent petulance won't have done him any favours, and the continual chopping and changing of recent times can't just continue ad infinitum, so I think the selectors should persevere with him a bit longer yet. Otherwise there are options, Bell-Drummond you have mentioned, Stoneman has been very consistent and the young lad at Lancashire, Hameed, is a real talent.

One thing to potentially note, whenever Vince has toured with the Lions he's done very well on wickets abroad.

 

[Matt_]

It wouldn't surprise me if the selectors were to persevere with Vince this winter, but I think he needs to go away and work on his game. His chances are far from over, as with others the selectors have shown they are prepared to look at a player again after an initial stint in the side.

 

[lordofthepies]

One thing to potentially note, whenever Vince has toured with the Lions he's done very well on wickets abroad.

He's played first class games for the Lions on two tours - he did well in South Africa but averaged 8.75 from 4 innings in Sri Lanka, which is probably more relevant to this winter.

 

[Saddlerrad]

Cook
Hales
Root
Ballance
Bairstow
Stokes
Ali
Woakes
Rashid
Broad
Anderson

I would 100% take Mark Wood too, bowling with pace, has the exact action which should help him reverse the ball.

I'd take Vince, Finn, Wood and Borthwick as part of the squad.

 

[hodge]

I'd pick the same starting side as Saddler, Hales on a last chance winter, if he doesn't perform then it means his replacement gets the chance at home as well.

Wood and Borthwick I'd take Buttler will probably get taken as reserve keeper but I'm not convinced by him at test level, he averages 30 compared to Bairstow's 41 for example. Duckett would be my preferred back up, hopefully shouldn't be needed and gives him experience around the camp.

 

[Matt_]

Hameed is absolutely mega - he's got a huge future. He made his FC class debut less than a year ago though, not sure if it would be wise to even pick him a touring squad at the moment.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...ncashire-yorkshire-championship-match-report?

An impressive list of records broken by the young man today and throughout the season as a whole.

 

[Aber gas]

Sri Lanka absolutely destroying Aussies this morning. Herath all over them again

 

[Aber gas]

As I type. It's all over, Herath finishing with 28 wickets and Sri Lanka white washing Australia. Absolutely fantastic performance and achievement.

 

[hodge]

Somerset in a good position here vs Worcestershire, Worcestershire all out for 210 and we are 98 without loss after 18 overs.

 

[hodge]

Didn't realise you call bowl the over you come back on the field?

 

[hodge]

Impressive performance from Somerset, 9 wicket win with about 13 overs to spare with Mahela scoring a 114* (ish)

oh and...

MJA .... tag

 

[Camborne Gills]

Will be watching the Kent v Yorkshire game in a Truro pub (£1.99 a pint). Will get smashed, as will Kent I expect.

 

[blademan89]

Will be watching the Kent v Yorkshire game in a Truro pub (£1.99 a pint). Will get smashed, as will Kent I expect.

Be very surprised if we don't win were in great form and have root,Bairstow and Ballance back

 

[Bobbin']

That Yorkshire side is just silly.

The wicket of Root is something that should be celebrated and then you see Johnny Bairstow walking to the crease.

 

[blademan89]

That Yorkshire side is just silly.

The wicket of Root is something that should be celebrated and then you see Johnny Bairstow walking to the crease.

Great chance of winning though you lot

 

[blademan89]

That Yorkshire side is just silly.

The wicket of Root is something that should be celebrated and then you see Johnny Bairstow walking to the crease.

6 of the 11 today play for England. Another 2 have previously played for England. Basically we shouldn't be losing not even close infact

 

[Bobbin']

Great chance of winning though you lot

Yeah, definitely giving ourselves a decent chance.

 

[Skinner]

Even score for a one-dayer, should make for an interesting second innings

Watch us collapse now I've said that

 

[Bobbin']

Can see Yorkshire wrapping this up pretty quickly now.

Disappointing.

 

[blademan89]

Can see Yorkshire wrapping this up pretty quickly now.

Disappointing.

These 2 upped it here