Ashes 2013/14

[PaulWinch again]

If we do opt for two spinners I'd be surprised if Stokes doesn't bat 6, just because it's a lot of pressure on two seamers.

[PaulWinch again]

I see Clarke has named our side again, hilarious.

[eastie]

If we do opt for two spinners I'd be surprised if Stokes doesn't bat 6, just because it's a lot of pressure on two seamers.

Or prior at 6 and Bresnan at 7 ?

[PaulWinch again]

Can't see that happening, Prior is unlikely to be promoted given his current form.

[PaulWinch again]

The only other option is to put Ballance at 6 and bring Panesar in for Tremlett, thus leaving Bresnan out. I can't see that happening, as two seamers is very light.

[paul_e]

If we do opt for two spinners I'd be surprised if Stokes doesn't bat 6, just because it's a lot of pressure on two seamers.

Or prior at 6 and Bresnan at 7 ?

That would be my thinking if we want to fit Monty in we really need an extra bowler because we don't have any part timer who can come in and bowl even medium pacers with any consistency.  This was another value Collingwood provided, he could tie up one end for a few overs here and there, without being smashed out of the ground.

[eastie]

If we do opt for two spinners I'd be surprised if Stokes doesn't bat 6, just because it's a lot of pressure on two seamers.

Or prior at 6 and Bresnan at 7 ?

That would be my thinking if we want to fit Monty in we really need an extra bowler because we don't have any part timer who can come in and bowl even medium pacers with any consistency.  This was another value Collingwood provided, he could tie up one end for a few overs here and there, without being smashed out of the ground.

As we haven't really got an established number 6 and the pitch looks as if it could turn quite a bit and take some swing too I think I would go with Bresnan as the third seamer and 2 spinners - prior may not be the ideal number 6 but with Bresnan at 7 they would hopefully chip in with enough runs .

[PaulWinch again]

I really hope firstly we win the toss and bat and secondly we pile on a massive first innings score of 500+. Then let's see how they cope under pressure.

[taylorsworkrate]

If we do opt for two spinners I'd be surprised if Stokes doesn't bat 6, just because it's a lot of pressure on two seamers.

Or prior at 6 and Bresnan at 7 ?

Prior's woeful form in no way should see him promoted up the order.

[PGW]

According to Beeb Stokes plays

[paul_e]

If we do opt for two spinners I'd be surprised if Stokes doesn't bat 6, just because it's a lot of pressure on two seamers.

Or prior at 6 and Bresnan at 7 ?

Prior's woeful form in no way should see him promoted up the order.

Why not?  He can't really bat any worse and it might cause him to be a little more cautious in his approach, given his low scores have been a direct result of his seemingly eager attitude to giving his wicket away I'm all for anything that makes him bat with a bit more maturity.

[PGW]

Lost the toss - Australia batting

[PGW]

Same team for Aussies

[PGW]

Besides Stokes, Panesar in as well - no Bresnan

[PGW]

Cook, Carberry, Root 3, Pietersen, Bell, Stokes, Prior, Broad, Swann,Anderson & Panesar