The Cricket Thread

[fishhhandaricecake]

As much as Foakes should be in the team I can’t see them changing it.

Agree on both .
Don’t like to be negative but JB is kind of letting the team down really and we can’t be sentimental if we want to win the next two tests but also agree with you that they likely won’t change it and JB will carry on, if so then I hope he steps up a few levels as he looks like a pub cricketer playing with pros at times.

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

Brooks came of age with that vital innings

Also can’t decide Woakes or Wood for man of the test, both phenomenal.

And hopefully next test Roots head is screwed back on as he looks low
on confidence and rhythm and ideally JB get dropped or finds some better form.

Also I know they are kind of forced into it with the injury to Lyon but Todd Murphy kind of cost Australia big time really, he gave away a ton of runs in the first test and then 2nd test they didn’t have any confidence to use him so tired out their main bowlers and he can’t bat so he was a bit of a wasted space really.

Final point absolutely loved Cairy dropping that catch that he should’ve left for Boeland muppet.

Best series since 2005 for me especially if we get it back to 2-2… not much sport beats test cricket especially eng vs Australia in the Ashes when it’s so close and up and down like this.

 

[Monkeyman]

As much as Foakes should be in the team I can’t see them changing it.

Think you’re right and it won’t change, but the issue for me is Bairstow got all his runs last summer at #5 with Foakes also in the team as the keeper. Now because Brook did so well at 5 in the winter we’ve dropped Foakes to get both him and Bairstow in the team, but we’ve sacrificed a world class keeper and have a very different Bairstow as a batsmen, so we’ve got the worst of both worlds right now.

 

[jimbo]

Think you’re right and it won’t change, but the issue for me is Bairstow got all his runs last summer at #5 with Foakes also in the team as the keeper. Now because Brook did so well at 5 in the winter we’ve dropped Foakes to get both him and Bairstow in the team, but we’ve sacrificed a world class keeper and have a very different Bairstow as a batsmen, so we’ve got the worst of both worlds right now.

I was going to say the same - on TMS they were talking about Bairstow’s most recent spell of runs (and it was a very good spell) coming when he wasn’t also keeping wicket.

We seem to manage bringing bowlers in and out of the side, so they ought to be able to find a way with the other specialist fielding position as well.

With Pope out there’s a big gap at 3 - and no obvious candidate to step into it so hopefully they figure out a way to get Foakes in. Not holding my breath it will happen, but just about everyone in the world can see that it needs to.

 

[Impspur1]

Maybe an option is to push JB to 3 with Foakes coming in. potentially harder newer ball coming onto the bat a bit quicker, less time for him to think and I think he’s much better on instinct

 

[dimiSpur]

Three close, riveting Test matches so far.

Neither side is playing really well in my opinion. England had the best of the big moments in this Test. But arguably, the Aussies did an England in their 3rd innings. Smith and Marnus threw their wickets away in poor, uncharacteristic fashion. That was the difference. 250 was (just about) a very chaseable score, even though England didn't chase it particularly well. Brook and Woakes aside, everyone else really disappointed me.

I digress at this point to put across a potentially unpopular opinion. Joe Root will go down as England's best ever batsman, that is beyond question. However, I ask, is he a big moment player? I can't seem to remember any really crucial moment in which he's stood up. Obviously he's made countless hundreds in some important matches, with heavy pressure. And he's done it almost all over the world. But has he ever done even what Brooky did yesterday and shepherd us home for a big, big win in an all or nothing Test? I know it's harsh, but whenever we have a run chase like this, he seems to be in the sheds. And he almost always gets a start too, which is even more frustrating. Just a thought going forward.

Back to the Ashes, I'm super happy England won (obviously). I really wanted this series to stay alive and 2 dead rubber tests would have been a disservice to the incredible spectacle the first three have been.

Do I think England can complete a comeback? No, I don't. I just think the Aussies are better and that it's highly unlikely they'll throw away another two tests. It would therefore take two monumental performances from England to win both, and I don't think we have it in us. I would add that whilst Cummins is currently the best fast bowler on the planet, that I don't think he's a particularly good captain. He seems to be too reactive and hardly ever proactive. He seems intent on waiting for England to make a mistake rather than inducing one. He's also seemed way to scared of Stokes and has almost given up way too early in getting him out!

Having said that I can't see a comeback, we had a much better balance about us in the 3rd Test with Woakes and Wood. I'm sure Jimmy would have been more effective at Headingley than we saw in either of the first two, but huge credit to Woakes who bowled beautifully I felt. Obviously his contribution with the bat was also hugely important too.

Going into the 4th Test, I can't see Robinson being selected, even if declared fit. Therefore it's a toss up between Jimmy and Tongue for the last spot. Depends on the type of pitch we'll have. If it's unlikely to seam or swing, then you'd think Tongue is the best option. The team must not be selected on sentiment.

I'd also persist with Moeen at 3. He's been useless with the bat so far. I think batting at three might focus his mind a little more as he's got the technique for the position, of that I am sure. I wouldn't move Root, purely because then you'd end up with another debate as to who comes in at 4! So just fill Pope's position with Moeen and hope he can stick around for a bit.

 

[theShiznit]

Not sure on changes, Foakes for Bairstow would on paper make us look weaker batting (if no other batsmen come in) But Jonnie is keeping poorly and not getting runs.

Maybe Anderson for Robinson at his home track and especially if there are doubts about Ollie. Wouldn't want to leave us a bowler light with Wood and Woakes taking the load again.
You have to play Broad in this test even if it's just because he's a personal Warner taker.

The other quandary is what to do with positions 3-4-5, I personally will never understand why Root can't get his head around doing it, as lets face it most of his career for England has seen him come in in the first few overs whether batting 3, 4 or even 5

It seems as though Mo may have to just take it on the chin (literally) to keep Root and Brook happy.

 

[Trix]

Another question is do we bring Anderson back into the side, and if so for who? I'd leave the bowling attack as is personally but I can't see Stokes not playing Jimmy in what could be his last ever test match on his home ground.

 

[jurgen11]

Another question is do we bring Anderson back into the side, and if so for who? I'd leave the bowling attack as is personally but I can't see Stokes not playing Jimmy in what could be his last ever test match on his home ground.

he has to play strongest side and unfortunately that does not include Anderson. Sentimentality has to take a back seat

 

[Trix]

he has to play strongest side and unfortunately that does not include Anderson. Sentimentality has to take a back seat

I think he'll play regardless, with Robinson making way.

 

[dimiSpur]

I think he'll play regardless, with Robinson making way.

I agree that Robinson will make way. I wouldn't risk playing him with his fitness history, despite the 9 day break. That leaves a choice between Jimmy and Tongue. Depends on the type of pitch and expected conditions. Arguably, you have Woakes who has the potential swing covered. Tongue has had success against Smith, he's as fast as the Aussie quicks and on a traditionally bouncy pitch, you'd want pace. That way you're not too over reliant on Wood bowling 30 overs in the game too.

 

[Trix]

I agree that Robinson will make way. I wouldn't risk playing him with his fitness history, despite the 9 day break. That leaves a choice between Jimmy and Tongue. Depends on the type of pitch and expected conditions. Arguably, you have Woakes who has the potential swing covered. Tongue has had success against Smith, he's as fast as the Aussie quicks and on a traditionally bouncy pitch, you'd want pace. That way you're not too over reliant on Wood bowling 30 overs in the game too.

On the other hand no one knows the Old Trafford conditions and pitch like Jimmy Anderson.

 

[ljinko888]

Anderson will play. He can get stuck into them on a pitch that has movement and carry in it for the seamers plus I expect it'll be his final test on his home turf. There's a match scheduled against Sri Lanka there next summer but I don't see him playing in twelve months time.

 

[Timbo Tottenham]

I think he'll play regardless, with Robinson making way.

This is what I was going to say and I actually think that Jimmy was our most consistent/accurate bowler in our first two tests (for line and length, rather than short ball, which he just won't be up to anymore on a consistent basis at his age), without actually picking up the wickets. Hopefully they're preparing a track to his strengths.

 

[teddy_sheringham_125]

Jimmy will definitely come back, and it would have to be for Robinson. Personally, I'd also be bringing Foakes in for Bairstow (I know it won't happen). I love Johnny, but the fact is that he's not on form with either the bat or the gloves post-injury, and he needs more time to come back. Foakes could easily average higher than Johnny has with the bat so far, and he would also have taken several of the catches that went down.

 

[Cel]

On the other hand no one knows the Old Trafford conditions and pitch like Jimmy Anderson.

Also - it's his last home ashes, there's no way they are going to stop him bowling from the 'Jimmy Anderson' end. Be interesting what happens in the 5th test if it's 2 all though

 

[funkycoldmedina]

Is it still not morning in Oz yet? Worried that our Aussie fans alarms haven't gone off yet

 

[funkycoldmedina]

Personally I think Foakes is a better option at 3. Tighter defence and leaves well. If we're shoehorning someone in to that spot, and let's face it we are, then he's got the better credentials

 

[dimiSpur]

On the other hand no one knows the Old Trafford conditions and pitch like Jimmy Anderson.

One would hope, however, that being the home side, we may have some ITK (wink wink) knowledge of how it may play. I'm sure the groundsman (or groundsthem if Sam Smith is around) could let someone at the ECB know whether its a pitch which might suit Jimmy.

I am a big Jimmy fan. I believe it to be a privilege whenever I see him bowl. Everything about him is just high class. However at 41, if it's to be a flatter than usual pitch with little lateral movement, it may be time to pass the torch on to the younger, faster, fitter bowler.

Having said that, I'd love for there to be a bit in the pitch and for Jimmy to shut up all doubters, take 5-fer and have us all wishing he was 35 again.

 

[dvdhopeful]

Is it still not morning in Oz yet? Worried that our Aussie fans alarms haven't gone off yet

It's so quiet, it's so quiet over there! Shhhhhhh (I'm enjoying this, leave me alone).