The Cricket Thread 2013

[eastie]

I appreciate Brennan is the better batsman out the two but Finn is the better bowler in my opinion as should be selected on that basis - we have the batting firepower and need to be able to bowl the Aussies out - Finn, Anderson and broad with swann as spinner will be the attack for me.

[paul_e]

I appreciate Brennan is the better batsman out the two but Finn is the better bowler in my opinion as should be selected on that basis - we have the batting firepower and need to be able to bowl the Aussies out - Finn, Anderson and broad with swann as spinner will be the attack for me.

I don't disagree in the slightest, as I've said, my question is whether Bresnan's batting is sufficient to have him as a fifth bowler with the expectation he can score enough to make up for the lack of a genuine middle order batsman.  Given the form/experience of the options I think I'd fall on the side of starting Bres.  A Batting average of 31 and a bowling average of 32 is fine for a middle order allrounder and his economy (2.96 apparently) with the ball is good as well, particularly with the older ball.

Root gone lbw in the warm up game, looked to have started well alongside Cook as well.

[eastie]

I think I'd be happier with bopara at 6 and strengthen the batting options - depending on the pitch - certainly between bopara and bresman for that last position for me.

Bairstow, Morgan and Compton haven't cut the mustard when given their chance and its interesting to see who flower goes for.

[PaulWinch again]

Australia are cruising at 150-0 against the Pears, which is a worry.

[PaulWinch again]

I think I'd be happier with bopara at 6 and strengthen the batting options - depending on the pitch - certainly between bopara and bresman for that last position for me.

Bairstow, Morgan and Compton haven't cut the mustard when given their chance and its interesting to see who flower goes for.

Bit harsh on Bairstow, he played one Test in NZ when he hadn't played any cricket for months and then he did well in the last series.

[Dave Cooper please]

Australia are cruising at 150-0 against the Pears, which is a worry.

Not really, Wusster are shite.

[Villan For Life]

Australia are cruising at 150-0 against the Pears, which is a worry.

Not really, Wusster are shite.

Totally agree - they are an average division 2 side with an average bowling attack.

[PaulWinch again]

Well you could argue the same of Essex, although two bowlers were very impressive for them. Mills and Craddock look great prospects.

[eastie]

I wouldn't hang your hat on these 2 friendlies - once we get down to the nitty gritty we will smash those Aussies

[Dave Cooper please]

Exactly, it's like getting all worked up if Villa lose to Wycombe or Crewe, it'll mean absolutely nothing when the season starts.

[Chris Jameson]

Bairstow, Morgan and Compton haven't cut the mustard when given their chance and its interesting to see who flower goes for.

Blimey, how many chances has Bairstow had?

[eastie]

Tough luck on Bresnan as his 1st century will now not count in the record books with the game being downgraded from 1st class status due to the Essex injury list - England have had to let them use 2 of our  bowlers as they had 3 schoolboys in the field - all a bit of a farce.

[eastie]

Bairstow, Morgan and Compton haven't cut the mustard when given their chance and its interesting to see who flower goes for.

Blimey, how many chances has Bairstow had?

Fair comment , maybe I should have said havent proven themselves yet at this level.

I'm sure you would welcome him back to Yorkshire in your title chase chris

[taylorsworkrate]

It has to be Finn ahead of Bresnan for me.

Bresnan is a steady cricketer, not going to let you down. Finn has the ability to rip through any top order.

[PaulWinch again]

It has to be Finn ahead of Bresnan for me.

Bresnan is a steady cricketer, not going to let you down. Finn has the ability to rip through any top order.

Exactly