Ashes 2013/14

[Villan For Life]

The team selection for the last test will be interesting. Cook said in his press conference that there could be 3 debutants. This would presumably be Balance, Borthwick and Rankin in for Carberry, Bresnan and Panesar.

I like the idea of bringing in fresh blood when there is nothing left to play for but that old cliché, pride.

[eastie]

The team selection for the last test will be interesting. Cook said in his press conference that there could be 3 debutants. This would presumably be Balance, Borthwick and Rankin in for Carberry, Bresnan and Panesar.

I like the idea of bringing in fresh blood when there is nothing left to play for but that old cliché, pride.

I'd expect ballance , borthwick and rankin to play too, hopefully Bell at 3 and  lets see how we get on - will be an interesting test match .

[paul_e]

Borthwick looks pretty certain to play as Monty isn't likely to be fit.

I can understand Rankin playing as well (Broad has to play but Jimmy hasn't bowled well and Bres hasn't provided the batting at in the tail that he's there for, I can see a case to drop both and call up Finn as well).

I'm not sure with Ballance, with the team as it stands 5 would be his obvious position, which means Bell dropping out (unlikely) or moving up to 3.  If you move Bell up do you drop Root (he's the weakest of the batsmen from the last test on current form) or move him up and drop Carberry (which would be harsh in my opinion but probably makes sense long term).  Personally I'd go for 'resting' Root.

[eastie]

@MichaelVaughan: Hearing 3 debuts for England tomorrow and what looks like a lively pitch... Going to be a very interesting week at the SCG..!!!!!!

@MichaelVaughan: My team would be... Cook,Root,Bell,KP,Balance,Borthwick,Stokes,Bairstow,Broad,Finn and Anderson....  #Ashes...

[Villan For Life]

Fuck the Ashes, when is the H+V team doing a tour of somewhere like Somerset?

I was rather hoping we would take in Barbados or somewhere warmer

I think we need to get some practice in first. I suggest we start in the Rose Villa tavern and take it from there.

[eastie]

Fuck the Ashes, when is the H+V team doing a tour of somewhere like Somerset?

I was rather hoping we would take in Barbados or somewhere warmer

I think we need to get some practice in first. I suggest we start in the Rose Villa tavern and take it from there.

I suggest the Barbados Hilton and take it from there .

[PaulWinch again]

I'd like to see Finn involved as I think we need to build a bowling unit around him. My concern is around Bairstow at wicketkeeper, I really don't understand why he's jumped the queue.

[eastie]

I'd like to see Finn involved as I think we need to build a bowling unit around him. My concern is around Bairstow at wicketkeeper, I really don't understand why he's jumped the queue.

I think Bairstow will get  this last test and that's about it - not a good enough keeper for me .

[paul_e]

Buttler should be the long term option behind the stumps, he's a far better keeper, the downside has been that he got pigeon-holed as a T20 finisher with the bat but his technique is a lot better than he's given credit for and I think he was very unlucky not to go on the tour as the backup.

I like that team Vaughan has put up, harsh on Carberry and it's a bit rough to take Rankin and not play him but it would show a clear intention to bed in some younger players for the long-term good.

[eastie]

Buttler should be the long term option behind the stumps, he's a far better keeper, the downside has been that he got pigeon-holed as a T20 finisher with the bat but his technique is a lot better than he's given credit for and I think he was very unlucky not to go on the tour as the backup.

I like that team Vaughan has put up, harsh on Carberry and it's a bit rough to take Rankin and not play him but it would show a clear intention to bed in some younger players for the long-term good.

Agreed, buttler is the best option for the summer - carberry has done ok but no better than Compton did - we need to plan ahead now.

[PaulWinch again]

How long term is Rankin though? he's 29. I think Finn's a must better option long term.

[eastie]

How long term is Rankin though? he's 29. I think Finn's a must better option long term.

I think Finn will play tonight .

[PaulWinch again]

I think Rankin will.

[eastie]

I think Rankin will.

I wouldn't be adverse to both having a game if it came to it .

[Andy Poole]

Fuck the Ashes, when is the H+V team doing a tour of somewhere like Somerset?

I was rather hoping we would take in Barbados or somewhere warmer

I think we need to get some practice in first. I suggest we start in the Rose Villa tavern and take it from there.

I suggest the Barbados Hilton and take it from there .

Too windy there. Right on the Peninsula, between the Caribbean and Atlantic.

I suggest further up the coast, towards St James and Holetown.

I can bowl a bit.