The Cricket Thread 2013

[paul_e]

Micky Arthur to be sacked a couple of weeks before the Ashes? odd decision by Australia.

I actually think this is bad news, the squad seemed to really dislike him, I think there was a bit of a rift we could've exploited, they'll all be behind a new guy now.

[PaulWinch again]

Quite possibly, let's hope it doesn't make too much difference.

[DrGonzo]

It sounds like Darren Lehman is to be announced as at least temporar coach.  An excellent player and a bit of a hard man, just what the Aussie dressing room needs.  I don't think 3 weeks will be enough time for him to instigate any wholesale changes to the coaching structure, but he may well be able to tighten disciplne and quiet the dressing room rows.  What a shame.  We'll still beat them 5-0 as long as the weather doesn't intervene.

[eastie]

Arthur's sacking is good for Australia and not so good for us - however we are far better than them and will comfortably beat them in the ashes - their best hope of avoiding a whitewash is rain.

[PaulWinch again]

Sounds like Compton isn't going to make the Ashes, left out of warm up game with Root opening.

[eastie]

Sounds like Compton isn't going to make the Ashes, left out of warm up game with Root opening.

Probably a good move with kp returning for the ashes- root is a natural opener and seems confident and assured.

[olaftab]

Quite possibly, let's hope it doesn't make too much difference.

I really don't think it will make much of a difference. Well ok may be 4-1 instead of 5-0!

[cdbearsfan]

Arthur's sacking is good for Australia and not so good for us - however we are far better than them and will comfortably beat them in the ashes - their best hope of avoiding a whitewash is rain.

England always seem to throw in one shite performance per series. Rain/bad light will ruin at least one match. England will win the series three-one.

[Steve R]

Sounds like Compton isn't going to make the Ashes, left out of warm up game with Root opening.

Boyd Rankin is included in the England 14.

[PaulWinch again]

I think that is purely experience, there's no way he'd be anywhere near starting. Does anyone know how Tremlett is getting on?

[Dante Lavelli]

Sounds like Compton isn't going to make the Ashes, left out of warm up game with Root opening.

Probably a good move with kp returning for the ashes- root is a natural opener and seems confident and assured.

I think that is purely experience, there's no way he'd be anywhere near starting. Does anyone know how Tremlett is getting on?

He's struggled against the new ball in his test innings so far which must be a concern.
Hopefully that's just a slip in concentration thing rather than a technical flaw i.e. something that will be addressed when he's conciously aware that he is opening.

My housemate is physio at Surrey and he is likely to play again at the top level whereas a few months ago he thought

[PaulWinch again]

The Aussie seam attack of Siddle, Faulkner, Starc and Pattinson looks strong.

[Chris Jameson]

It sounds like Darren Lehman is to be announced as at least temporar coach.  An excellent player and a bit of a hard man, just what the Aussie dressing room needs. 

I used to love watching him at Yorkshire and he was forever encouraging the younger players. You used to see him sat before he went into bat with his feet up having a fag and then he'd stroll out and make it all look effortless. I was hoping he's return as coach one day but Jason Gillespie is doing a brilliant job

[eastie]

The Aussie seam attack of Siddle, Faulkner, Starc and Pattinson looks strong.

Powder puff!

[PaulWinch again]

Pattinson, Siddle and Faulkner are certainly not powder puff. Pattinson will be world class.