The Cricket Thread 2013

[Villan For Life]

So another victory is in the bag.

A quick question to the regular posters on this thread, who would you select now? Finn or Bresnan?

I'm one of the Bresnan fans on here. I think his performance in the Lords test has seen him move well ahead of Finn in the pecking order. He batted intelligently in the second innings at a time when a couple of more wickets would have seen the Aussies claw their way back into the game. His bowling was economical and he picked up a couple of wickets in each innings. A satisfactory performance.

Now then Finn fans, what next for your man?

[PaulWinch again]

Bresnan's batting was certainly useful, but it depends what Old Trafford's pitch is like. It's normally great for fast bowlers and if Finn has some form by then, I think he'd be more effective.

[taylorsworkrate]

I still think Finn is the better bowler. As I've said before, Bresnan will never let you down, but Finn has the genuine ability to rip through quality top orders as shown by the game against SA last summer. I did believe Bresnan was right to come in as Finn was low on confidence.

I think Finn could have bowled well at Lords given there was more bounce, and will be more effective than Bresnan at Old Trafford.

[Villan For Life]

I think there's a chance we could play 2 spinners at Old Trafford. The pitch traditionally offers turn up there and judging by reports the rotation of the square has increased its spin-friendly nature.

I can see Tredwell or Keedy coming in.

[PaulWinch again]

I don't think there's any chance of two spinners, especially now that Root has proved a useful option. We'll play the normal 4 bowlers and there's plenty in Old Trafford for seamers. Finn is the better bowler than Bresnan if he's on form, but it will depend on what he looks like when we get to Old Trafford.

[paul_e]

Far more important is where a 'dangerous' length lies.  At lords the dangerous length was fuller than normal so Bresnan was far better suited to the pitch.  On a pitch more suited to shorter stuff Finn is the clear choice for the extra pace, Bresnan isn't really quick enough to bounce people out.

That said as it stands they've had 1 match each in the series, Bresnan providing 4 wickets at a good rate and a very important batting pertnership should see him in 'possession' of the spot for the time being.  It's really only a question if the pitch is very quick and bouncy as it would be harsh to drop Bresnan unless the conditions are massively against him.

As for a 2nd spinner I'd be very surprised if that happened, Root looks very useful so I suspect we're more likely to see him have longer spells than anything else.  I'd love them to find a way to get Monty in because he's a very handy bowler but the rest of his game is so weak that we can't afford to carry him.

[Meanwood Villa]

Finn's too erratic, there is potential there but he has too many bad games. Bresnan did everything that was asked of him last test so it would be incredibly harsh to drop him.

[Dr Butler]

T.Bresnan also chipped in with some runs.....

[PaulWinch again]

If Finn gets back to his best he should play, if not then Bresnan as it stands.

[cdbearsfan]

I'd pick neither. Go with ten players, give the Aussies a chance.

[KevinGage]

So another victory is in the bag.

A quick question to the regular posters on this thread, who would you select now? Finn or Bresnan?

I'm one of the Bresnan fans on here. I think his performance in the Lords test has seen him move well ahead of Finn in the pecking order. He batted intelligently in the second innings at a time when a couple of more wickets would have seen the Aussies claw their way back into the game. His bowling was economical and he picked up a couple of wickets in each innings. A satisfactory performance.

Now then Finn fans, what next for your man?

I'd have kept Finn for the second test.  His home ground and his phenomenal record there etc.  The ideal opportunity to play himself into a bit of form. 

But now that they've made the change, I don't see how they can go back. Barring injury.  That said, if Bairstow continues to look a bit suspect in the middle order, there might be an argument for playing both Bresnan and Finn. 

[Monty]

It was a good performance from Bresnan all-round, and his greater experience probably merits him keeping his place. Finn needs to go back to Middlesex and learn his trade - just because he's so tall he doesn't need to bang it in so much (he should watch some Joel Garner videos) - and take some wickets as well to get his confidence back up. He's more talented than Bresnan, but at the moment he's less reliable.

[taylorsworkrate]

I think that's a bit harsh on Bairstow KG.

He's looked fine so far, scoring 37, 60 odd then getting out for 20 basically trying to smash every ball.

[paul_e]

I think that's a bit harsh on Bairstow KG.

He's looked fine so far, scoring 37, 60 odd then getting out for 20 basically trying to smash every ball.

He was dropped very early on in that 60 though.  The biggest issue is that he just never looks settled unless he's swinging at everything.

[LeeB]

I'd pick neither. Go with ten players, give the Aussies a chance.

You could make everyone play with their wrong hand and we'd still have too much for these ass-clowns.