Subject to fitness, I would select the same XI for the Oval test. I wouldn't risk Jimmy ahead of a busy winter and would also go all out for a win. Consider what the Aussies would do if they were 3-1 up with a test to play. They'd be going all out for a victory to really ram home their superiority. We should do the same. They're there for the taking and we should look to do to them what they would do to us if they had the chance.
Incidentally I think there's half a chance that if Lyth fails at the Oval our next opener with be Moeen.
Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 08, 2015, 06:22:14 PMIncidentally I think there's half a chance that if Lyth fails at the Oval our next opener with be Moeen.Are you a journalist by any chance because there was one on the Talksport cricket show last night saying exactly that!! He seemed to think that it is being seriously considered, but my concern would be that it would curb Ali's attacking instincts which have been so prominent in this series. His partnerships with Broad at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge were crucial and I think being a bit further down the order has allowed him a bit of freedom.Maybe have him opening in the ODI series with Hales and see how it goes.
Quote from: tomd2103 on August 10, 2015, 11:47:58 PMQuote from: PaulWinch again on August 08, 2015, 06:22:14 PMIncidentally I think there's half a chance that if Lyth fails at the Oval our next opener with be Moeen.Are you a journalist by any chance because there was one on the Talksport cricket show last night saying exactly that!! He seemed to think that it is being seriously considered, but my concern would be that it would curb Ali's attacking instincts which have been so prominent in this series. His partnerships with Broad at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge were crucial and I think being a bit further down the order has allowed him a bit of freedom.Maybe have him opening in the ODI series with Hales and see how it goes.Ha I wish I was a journalist. I can't think of many better jobs than being a cricket journalist. On Ali I guess there is that element of risk, but I think it's worth a try with no obvious alternatives at the moment.
Won it easily. Woakes was superb.
Lost the toss. Worried that means we've lost the game. I like D/L in the longer format but it's too heavily biased in favour of the team batting second in Twenty20.
What a bunch of whinging pussies.http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/the-ashes-2015-pitch-at-the-oval-for-fifth-test-draws-criticisms-from-frustrated-australians/story-fnia3gmj-1227490253295