The Cricket Thread 2014

[PaulWinch again]

I find it bizarre that we've climbed to third in the Test rankings after losing our last 5 Test matches heavily.

[Villan For Life]

I find it bizarre that we've climbed to third in the Test rankings after losing our last 5 Test matches heavily.

I think the rankings are updated after all series in a specific period rather than after individual tests.

After England went to the top of the ratings in 2011, we lost the next series yet were still at the top of the rankings.

[bertlambshank]

Good news on Gooch going,time for Thorpe to step up.

[paul_e]

Gooch had to go, our batting has gone backwards since he joined the coaching team.

I think we need to review the bowling and fielding coaching as well.  The bowlers are great in the right conditions but we need to work on doing stuff when it's not going their way, only Broad offers anything in batting conditions at the minute.

[PaulWinch again]

I'd give Saker a chance to redeem himself, as up to the Ashes tour he'd done alright. Gooch had failed from the moment he joined the side. The most exciting appointment is Farbrace, it's a real coup getting him.

[paul_e]

I'd give Saker a chance to redeem himself, as up to the Ashes tour he'd done alright. Gooch had failed from the moment he joined the side. The most exciting appointment is Farbrace, it's a real coup getting him.

I agree that's why I said review, in a 'look at what they're doing well and what needs to improve' way.

[Simon Ward]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/27177518

Maybe Gooch should give Wirral CC thirds a few batting lessons!

[Villan For Life]

Squad named:

Meet the new guard, same as the old guard

[PaulWinch again]

I'm glad they didn't recall Finn yet, he has done really well for Middlesex and needs to keep that up. I'm surprised Woakes is in, but glad to see Ali, Jordan retained and interesting to see if Gurney plays.

[Villan For Life]

I'm glad they didn't recall Finn yet, he has done really well for Middlesex and needs to keep that up. I'm surprised Woakes is in, but glad to see Ali, Jordan retained and interesting to see if Gurney plays.

I'd like to have seen a few more interesting selections. Is Anderson really the future of one day Cricket in this country?

As it stands there were more new selectors in the meeting room than new players in the squad.

[PGW]

KP's struggles continue in IPL out for a first ball duck today b Sharma

[PaulWinch again]

So the new management of England starts today, it'll be interesting to see if there's any indication of a change in strategy.

[Simon Ward]

So the new management of England starts today, it'll be interesting to see if there's any indication of a change in strategy.

Ideally you wouldn't want a rained off game in Aberdeen!

[PaulWinch again]

Well yes.

[PaulWinch again]

Jordan's lower order hitting is great.