The Cricket Thread 2013

[PaulWinch again]

In this sort of scenario there isn't a batsman you'd want more than Trotty.

[Villan For Life]

I think it's very important that Cook learns about being more ruthless.

I think that Cook is by nature a conservative Captain, as was Strauss before him. Cook is still relatively inexperienced as a Captain and a ruthless streak is something that may develop with experience.

If you compare the leadership of Michael Vaughan to that of Strauss or Cook then Vaughan always seemed to be a captain that could make something happen and thought nothing of making a bold move in the field; think of the silly mid on/short mid on to Matthew Hayden in the 2005 Ashes. Strauss/Cook by nature are not like that and arguably they have a better set of players than Vaughan had at his disposal.

The Ashes will be a huge test for Cook and I reckon he will thrive on the back of a good series win and the tone of his captaincy will change for the better.

[Villan For Life]

Great win and a place in the final against either India or Sri Lanka

[paul_e]

Great performance from Trott, did exactly what you expect from him.  Good from Root until he got a bit eager and gave his wicket away, but then it was a nice little cameo from Morgan, he play 2-3 lovely shots in there which will have him feeling a bit better about himself, if he can build on that and put in a performance in the final it will help massively.

[LionVilla]

Any ball scratching out there today?

[PaulWinch again]

Trott in that scenario is perfect, all he needs to do is be a bit more dominant when we're setting a total and he'd be perfect. One of the most pleasing things(other than winning!) was Buttler's work behind the stumps. If he can build on that, he can be a great keeper.

[paul_e]

Trott in that scenario is perfect, all he needs to do is be a bit more dominant when we're setting a total and he'd be perfect. One of the most pleasing things(other than winning!) was Buttler's work behind the stumps. If he can build on that, he can be a great keeper.

The catch for the 9th was an absolute beauty, great reactions to get over to it.

[The Left Side]

well done England

[tomd2103]

Trott in that scenario is perfect, all he needs to do is be a bit more dominant when we're setting a total and he'd be perfect. One of the most pleasing things(other than winning!) was Buttler's work behind the stumps. If he can build on that, he can be a great keeper.

Not sure he is ever going to be that player Paul.  Trotty pretty much scores at a rate of a run a ball, so he's perfect to anchor the innings.  What we really need is KP to get back to form as he is the kind of player who can take the game away from teams in the middle overs.  Although he's captain, Cook really isn't offering too much at the moment in ODIs and really should be replaced at opener by Trott when / if KP comes back. 

Agree about Buttler.

[PaulWinch again]

I think Cook is offering more than Bell to be honest.

[PaulWinch again]

Interesting KP named in 20/20 squad against NZ.

[Villan For Life]

Interesting KP named in 20/20 squad against NZ.

He'll play in the second T20 match only if he comes unscathed through the 4 day game for Surrey against Yorks which starts today.

If you look at the squad, only KP, if he comes through has any realistic chance of being in the squad for the Ashes 1st test. Is it a good move to rest them or should they keep playing? We've been caught cold in many 1st tests after a prolonged lay off for senior players.

[Astral Weeks]

Bloody hell, I've heard some long national anthems in my time, but that Sri Lankan one puts them all in the shade. It goes on for ever!

[PaulWinch again]

It always amazes me that Jimmy's bowling average at Test level is 30, but I guess a lot of that is down to his early career. He needs to get it down a bit.

[PaulWinch again]

The pitch in Cardiff looks impossible.