The Cricket Thread 2017

[tomd2103]

The reality is that our batting simply hasn't  got enough. We've scored over 300 once and you're never winning games last like that. We have a lot of work to do to avoid a whitewash.

Agree Paul, though collapses have happened on a pretty regular basis for some time now.  I do think more recent instances may be down to the fact that three of the top order are not really up to the required standard, but the set up as a whole just don't seem to be interested when the going gets difficult.  There just seems to be an attitude of "oh well, we've lost this one, let's just get it over and done with and move on to the next one". 

The ironic thing is, after years of struggling in ODI cricket, we now have a very settled and strong batting line up in those formats of the game.   

[PaulWinch again]

I think more worrying is Cook's form. His 2017 average is inflated by that double hundred he got against the Windies. Other than that I barely remember him getting a 50. So you've got 3 new guys, all of whom are doing ok at times without getting big scores. Then you have Cook whose getting nothing and Root who is struggling to make significant scores. That's all of the top 5 who don't really look like getting a century and being the foundation of an innings, which is a huge problem.

[tomd2103]

I think more worrying is Cook's form. His 2017 average is inflated by that double hundred he got against the Windies. Other than that I barely remember him getting a 50. So you've got 3 new guys, all of whom are doing ok at times without getting big scores. Then you have Cook whose getting nothing and Root who is struggling to make significant scores. That's all of the top 5 who don't really look like getting a century and being the foundation of an innings, which is a huge problem.

Agree with all of that Paul and to top it all off there is no Stokes in this series either. 

[tony scott]

Overall squad not good enough, we need to make changes but who it makes taking an untried leg spinner baffling.

[olaftab]

Yes batting is a big issue. Perth is going to be difficult.

[tomd2103]

Ali seems to be bearing the brunt of the criticism in the media today,, but at the same time people admitting that playing Crane would be a huge call at this point. 

[olaftab]

Moeen is or should be at his prime but has had two awful test matches when we expected him to deliver where it matters most in Australia do I am not surprised he is taking the flak. In my mind the biggest culprits are Cook, Root, Ali and Bairstow.

[Villan For Life]

Moeen is or should be at his prime but has had two awful test matches when we expected him to deliver where it matters most in Australia do I am not surprised he is taking the flak. In my mind the biggest culprits are Cook, Root, Ali and Bairstow.

Ironic that 3 of the 4 held us together last summer though isn't it? I'd add Broad to your list too, he's been poor with the ball.

[PaulWinch again]

To be fair Ali is injured, he shouldn't be bowling at all until his finger has heeled. It's not his fault that they've selected a second spinner who they clearly have no intention of using.

He got out to a poor shot in the 2nd innings, but it's not like he hadn't at least tried to dig in. When Mo is fully fit he is one of our most important players.

[Risso]

Cook is the biggest culprit by far.

[paul_e]

Culprit is a bit harsh because it suggests that there's some intent to it.  He's in an odd place with his batting, much like Bell was towards the end of his England career, where he's not got any fundamenal problem that is being targeted and he looks well capable of getting big scores still but it's just not working and it's probably driving him mad.

[UK Redsox]

Not quite sure why Mo is playing in the two-dayer.

[PaulWinch again]

Yeah I didn't really understand that.

[Villan For Life]

Culprit is a bit harsh because it suggests that there's some intent to it.  He's in an odd place with his batting, much like Bell was towards the end of his England career, where he's not got any fundamenal problem that is being targeted and he looks well capable of getting big scores still but it's just not working and it's probably driving him mad.

I always thought that with Bell he'd lost the hunger and was going through the motions. I suspect the same is happening to Cook.

[Gareth]

Not quite sure why Mo is playing in the two-dayer.

Think it’s to try and get some time with the bat....surely he won’t bowl unless his wound has healed fully. 

If Leach takes wickets and looks a threat he should be added to squad for next test in case Mo can’t bowl still as it seems they won’t use Crane