Cricket fred

[Puja]

Great win considering the number of issues in the team. Bairstrow is a headache, Root keeps getting out softly, Stokes cant bowl, Crawley gets in and gets out tamely, Ali makes sporadic contributions and Robinson may be crocked.
Just as well Wood and Woakes had strong games and Brook played a key innings yesterday.
Thrilling stuff.

Stokes is a great leader tho, and its covering up quite a lot....and despite all this we should be 2-1 or even 3-0 up against a very good Aussie team.

A big question for the next match is Anderson tbh. That said, as before, our bowlers have done really well; some questionable periods of play tactically (9th wicket stand last match, Marsh (kinda) and Head's innings this time), but the seamers have all done well, even JImmy was relatively economical.

Top order and keeper, no idea, other than Foakes has to keep.

The question with Foakes is whether you drop Bairstow entirely, or if you go back down to a smaller bowling attack again and keep YJB as a batsman. Pope's injury has left the space open, but with Stokes's injuries hampering his bowling, it's asking a lot to go with 3 seamers and a spinner.

It's 10 days till the next test. If Stokes can bowl even in short spells, then bring in Foakes and keep YJB, then work out how on earth you pick 3 from Woakes/Broad/Wood/Anderson/Robinson. If he realistically won't be able to, then drop YJB and get the slightly easier puzzle of 5 pace bowlers into 4 slots.

Puja

[Banquo]

Great win considering the number of issues in the team. Bairstrow is a headache, Root keeps getting out softly, Stokes cant bowl, Crawley gets in and gets out tamely, Ali makes sporadic contributions and Robinson may be crocked.
Just as well Wood and Woakes had strong games and Brook played a key innings yesterday.
Thrilling stuff.

Stokes is a great leader tho, and its covering up quite a lot....and despite all this we should be 2-1 or even 3-0 up against a very good Aussie team.

A big question for the next match is Anderson tbh. That said, as before, our bowlers have done really well; some questionable periods of play tactically (9th wicket stand last match, Marsh (kinda) and Head's innings this time), but the seamers have all done well, even JImmy was relatively economical.

Top order and keeper, no idea, other than Foakes has to keep.

The question with Foakes is whether you drop Bairstow entirely, or if you go back down to a smaller bowling attack again and keep YJB as a batsman. Pope's injury has left the space open, but with Stokes's injuries hampering his bowling, it's asking a lot to go with 3 seamers and a spinner.

It's 10 days till the next test. If Stokes can bowl even in short spells, then bring in Foakes and keep YJB, then work out how on earth you pick 3 from Woakes/Broad/Wood/Anderson/Robinson. If he realistically won't be able to, then drop YJB and get the slightly easier puzzle of 5 pace bowlers into 4 slots.

Puja

I'd think Tongue should also be in the equation, given OT is reputedly quick this season. I reckon tho, they'll just replace Robinson with Anderson.

[Puja]

Stokes is a great leader tho, and its covering up quite a lot....and despite all this we should be 2-1 or even 3-0 up against a very good Aussie team.

A big question for the next match is Anderson tbh. That said, as before, our bowlers have done really well; some questionable periods of play tactically (9th wicket stand last match, Marsh (kinda) and Head's innings this time), but the seamers have all done well, even JImmy was relatively economical.

Top order and keeper, no idea, other than Foakes has to keep.

The question with Foakes is whether you drop Bairstow entirely, or if you go back down to a smaller bowling attack again and keep YJB as a batsman. Pope's injury has left the space open, but with Stokes's injuries hampering his bowling, it's asking a lot to go with 3 seamers and a spinner.

It's 10 days till the next test. If Stokes can bowl even in short spells, then bring in Foakes and keep YJB, then work out how on earth you pick 3 from Woakes/Broad/Wood/Anderson/Robinson. If he realistically won't be able to, then drop YJB and get the slightly easier puzzle of 5 pace bowlers into 4 slots.

Puja

I'd think Tongue should also be in the equation, given OT is reputedly quick this season. I reckon tho, they'll just replace Robinson with Anderson.

Robinson for Anderson does *feel* like the sensible call, but if you look at the stats, Robinson's been our most dangerous bowler over the past 12 months, hasn't he? Agreed on Tongue - it's a very hard call and we're in a fortunate position of picking from strength.

Could come down to horses for courses - if Old Trafford's looking like a dangerous pitch, could be worthwhile going with the 4 seamers and basing our game around taking 20 wickets cheaply, trusting to Bazball big hitting to see us build a total before the wicket-taking balls from Starc/Cummins lance in.

Puja

[Banquo]

The question with Foakes is whether you drop Bairstow entirely, or if you go back down to a smaller bowling attack again and keep YJB as a batsman. Pope's injury has left the space open, but with Stokes's injuries hampering his bowling, it's asking a lot to go with 3 seamers and a spinner.

It's 10 days till the next test. If Stokes can bowl even in short spells, then bring in Foakes and keep YJB, then work out how on earth you pick 3 from Woakes/Broad/Wood/Anderson/Robinson. If he realistically won't be able to, then drop YJB and get the slightly easier puzzle of 5 pace bowlers into 4 slots.

Puja

I'd think Tongue should also be in the equation, given OT is reputedly quick this season. I reckon tho, they'll just replace Robinson with Anderson.

Robinson for Anderson does *feel* like the sensible call, but if you look at the stats, Robinson's been our most dangerous bowler over the past 12 months, hasn't he? Agreed on Tongue - it's a very hard call and we're in a fortunate position of picking from strength.

Could come down to horses for courses - if Old Trafford's looking like a dangerous pitch, could be worthwhile going with the 4 seamers and basing our game around taking 20 wickets cheaply, trusting to Bazball big hitting to see us build a total before the wicket-taking balls from Starc/Cummins lance in.

Puja

Don't trust Robinson's fitness more than anything else. OT reputedly also is good for spin, but then our options aren't compelling there.

[Banquo]

Doubling down on YJB....hope he can stand up to the pressure better this game

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/66163802

[Big D]

International team selection is always tough. Not selecting Foakes instead of Bairstow has been based on blind faith.

The moments Bairstow left that catch to Brooks when it was his and then getting out the way he did should have been the end of debate.

[Banquo]

International team selection is always tough. Not selecting Foakes instead of Bairstow has been based on blind faith.

The moments Bairstow left that catch to Brooks when it was his and then getting out the way he did should have been the end of debate.

TBH its all about Stokes not being fit to bowl, but if you stick Ali at 3, Foakes/Woakes at 7, 8 isn't the end of the world. Ali at 3 tho.....

[Puja]

International team selection is always tough. Not selecting Foakes instead of Bairstow has been based on blind faith.

The moments Bairstow left that catch to Brooks when it was his and then getting out the way he did should have been the end of debate.

TBH its all about Stokes not being fit to bowl, but if you stick Ali at 3, Foakes/Woakes at 7, 8 isn't the end of the world. Ali at 3 tho.....

I'm looking at Ali at 3 as basically being like a night watchman. If he scores well, then great, if not, then he's not a big wicket to've lost and he's enabled Root and Brooks to stay at 4 and 5 where they're more productive.

Puja

[Puja]

Moeen at 3 and Anderson in for Robinson confirmed. Good decisions, especially Jimmy coming back on his home ground.

Puja

[Banquo]

Moeen at 3 and Anderson in for Robinson confirmed. Good decisions, especially Jimmy coming back on his home ground.

Puja

Bad decision keeping the non keeping keeper tho.

[fivepointer]

Moeen at 3 fills me with dread. Bairstow keeping and harebrained batting likewise. Anderson returning was to be expected, though i'm not sure he is the bowler he was. Maybe all 3 will have good games. Here's hoping.

[Puja]

Moeen at 3 and Anderson in for Robinson confirmed. Good decisions, especially Jimmy coming back on his home ground.

Puja

Bad decision keeping the non keeping keeper tho.

I am resigned to him being retained all series. They are showing faith - it worked for Crawley (for certain values of worked, although I don't necessarily mind an opener who continuously and consistently gets between 20 and 45 - rather that than one that gets four 0-10s and then gets a 150 every so often. At least Crawley can be relied upon to last long enough to take some shine off the ball for the middle order), so they'll keep trying with Bairstow.

Puja

[Banquo]

Moeen at 3 and Anderson in for Robinson confirmed. Good decisions, especially Jimmy coming back on his home ground.

Puja

Bad decision keeping the non keeping keeper tho.

I am resigned to him being retained all series. They are showing faith - it worked for Crawley (for certain values of worked, although I don't necessarily mind an opener who continuously and consistently gets between 20 and 45 - rather that than one that gets four 0-10s and then gets a 150 every so often. At least Crawley can be relied upon to last long enough to take some shine off the ball for the middle order), so they'll keep trying with Bairstow.

Puja

The issue with Bairstow is that he’s literally cost at least one test…..and is in severe run debt and we have a demonstrably better option.

[Puja]

Bad decision keeping the non keeping keeper tho.

I am resigned to him being retained all series. They are showing faith - it worked for Crawley (for certain values of worked, although I don't necessarily mind an opener who continuously and consistently gets between 20 and 45 - rather that than one that gets four 0-10s and then gets a 150 every so often. At least Crawley can be relied upon to last long enough to take some shine off the ball for the middle order), so they'll keep trying with Bairstow.

Puja

The issue with Bairstow is that he’s literally cost at least one test…..and is in severe run debt and we have a demonstrably better option.

Yup.

[Banquo]

Moeen at 3 fills me with dread. Bairstow keeping and harebrained batting likewise. Anderson returning was to be expected, though i'm not sure he is the bowler he was. Maybe all 3 will have good games. Here's hoping.

At least Jimmy is probably able to deliver a lot of overs at a low ish economy rate. Moeen has to attack from 3, he’s not good enough to just survive.

[Stom]

Bad decision keeping the non keeping keeper tho.

I am resigned to him being retained all series. They are showing faith - it worked for Crawley (for certain values of worked, although I don't necessarily mind an opener who continuously and consistently gets between 20 and 45 - rather that than one that gets four 0-10s and then gets a 150 every so often. At least Crawley can be relied upon to last long enough to take some shine off the ball for the middle order), so they'll keep trying with Bairstow.

Puja

The issue with Bairstow is that he’s literally cost at least one test…..and is in severe run debt and we have a demonstrably better option.

I agree with this.

Also, and I don't get overlooking this...Bairstow is a pretty damn good outfielder. If he was a specialist batsman, he'd be a shoe in considering his work in the field.

[Banquo]

I am resigned to him being retained all series. They are showing faith - it worked for Crawley (for certain values of worked, although I don't necessarily mind an opener who continuously and consistently gets between 20 and 45 - rather that than one that gets four 0-10s and then gets a 150 every so often. At least Crawley can be relied upon to last long enough to take some shine off the ball for the middle order), so they'll keep trying with Bairstow.

Puja

The issue with Bairstow is that he’s literally cost at least one test…..and is in severe run debt and we have a demonstrably better option.

I agree with this.

Also, and I don't get overlooking this...Bairstow is a pretty damn good outfielder. If he was a specialist batsman, he'd be a shoe in considering his work in the field.

Suspect that might not be quite as good as pre leg break, but yes, probably.

[Banquo]

good start but odd early bowling changes has let oz off the hook. Wood not quite on it and we are shipping runs

[Banquo]

and yjb shipped 8 byes and looks utterly at sea behind the stumps

The ball was swinging, and we've wasted it.

[Banquo]

warner gone, but Wood was badly positioned and should have caught Smith first ball

[Banquo]

anderson has bowled v well, Broad not really on it

[Banquo]

bowled poorly, wasted after warner went

[Puja]

I'd call yesterday a par day, neither good nor bad in the general scheme of things. Get the last two wickets done in the first half hour and for under 20 runs, it's a solid first innings. If Australia hold on for a chunk of the morning, it's a disaster (whether they score or not - time is not our friend).

Decent catch by Bairstow, but he's got a lot of redeeming to work in and, frankly, we already knew he can pull off the occasional stunner - it's the nuts and bolts keeping, especially up at the stumps, that worries.

Puja

[Banquo]

I'd call yesterday a par day, neither good nor bad in the general scheme of things. Get the last two wickets done in the first half hour and for under 20 runs, it's a solid first innings. If Australia hold on for a chunk of the morning, it's a disaster (whether they score or not - time is not our friend).

Decent catch by Bairstow, but he's got a lot of redeeming to work in and, frankly, we already knew he can pull off the occasional stunner - it's the nuts and bolts keeping, especially up at the stumps, that worries.

Puja

Yeah I went a bit early, good sessions in the round and it was a good catch- made to look better with shit footwork forcing the spectacular save tbf.

If they add 40 we've not done enough.

[Puja]

Should've been all out for 300, only for the last wicket to be called back for another no ball. Our third wicket lost to nb this series - shocking for something that's eminently fixable.

Puja