The International Cricket Thread 2018

[thick_mike]

Another great advert for the Test Match format

[Villan For Life]

It’s been a fantastic series & a great advert for test cricket. It could have gone either way but
We Won!

[tomd2103]

Good win today and a good series win against the number one ranked side in the world.  I think what has been learnt is that no matter how poorly we do in other countries, we have a potent attack in home conditions and we don't need to change too much. 

Broad and Anderson are excellent in home conditions, Woakes and Curran are a real threat when the ball is swinging and can add valuable runs, Stokes is capable of bowling magic spells and Moeen Ali causes real problems on home pitches.  Butler has made some good contributions this summer and there are a few options who could keep and bat 7, so 6-11 looks in good shape and well balanced for the Ashes next summer.  Depending on how Broad and Anderson are going to be used in the build up to next summer, the only real change I would look to make over the winter is perhaps sacrifice Curran or Woakes for another spinner and have a 6-11 of something like Stokes, Buttler, Ali, Rashid, Broad and Anderson.  You could also rest either Anderson and Broad, play Curran or Woakes and have a look at another spinner like Leach.  Plenty of options there.

The top of the order is another story though and this good series win shouldn't paper over the massive cracks that have been apparent for some time.  I think Root should go back to four as it is clear he is more comfortable there and his runs are vital.  Bairstow has't had a great series,but is a quality batsman and is suited to the five position.  That leaves the top three - I think a frank discussion needs to be had with Cook to see if he wants to continue as he is a pale shadow of himself and has been for sometime.  Jennings has had another poor series really, but has probably done just about enough in the second innings of this game to play at the Oval.

I would bat Jennings at three at the Oval, as I think it presents a great chance to look at an opener with the series being in the bag and the pressure off a bit.  I would go for Burns seeing as it is his home ground, but reckon the only change will be Vince batting at 3 with Rashid dropping out further down the order.

[Risso]

Cook announces his retirement after the fifth test.  I suppose that at least guarantees that he'll play in that.

[PaulWinch again]

Congratulations on a great career Chef. Even with his periods of struggle, his record is incredible given that he was an opener.

[cdbearsfan]

It's time he stood down, but what a player he was on his day. At least he gets to go out as part of a series-winning team.

England need two new openers.

[cdbearsfan]

Oh, and Essex are probably favourites for next year's Championship, now!

[tomd2103]

Not surprising news as he has looked mentally shot at times this series.  Can't help but think that the struggle to find a suitable partner for him since Strauss left the scene has weighed a bit on him, but he has been a mainstay of the side for years.  Hope he can add at least one more ton for the road at the Oval.       

[Risso]

He said "there's nothing left in the tank" and to me it looks like that's been the case for a while.  Bit of an indictment of English cricket that we can't produce a single decent opening batsmen for the test arena any more.  We've got enough players from 5-11 to almost put two teams out.  A bit like Villa and right backs.

[Steve67]

Top order really needs some work doesn't it?  Root at 4, Bairstow at 5, Stokes, Butler, Curran, Woakes, Moeen et al all doing well from 6 onwards but that top order is a real struggle and if they go quickly, England are more prone to collapsing.  There are a few decent openers out there but no guarantees that they will succeed at test level.  It's also about time we found a proper 90 mile and hour bowler too. 

[paul_e]

Good on you chef, takes a good man to admit that it's over before getting kicked. We can remember the brilliance now without feeling guilty about wanting you to be dropped.

[tomd2103]

Top order really needs some work doesn't it?  Root at 4, Bairstow at 5, Stokes, Butler, Curran, Woakes, Moeen et al all doing well from 6 onwards but that top order is a real struggle and if they go quickly, England are more prone to collapsing.  There are a few decent openers out there but no guarantees that they will succeed at test level.  It's also about time we found a proper 90 mile and hour bowler too.

Not asking for much there Newby!!

[PaulWinch again]

Good on you chef, takes a good man to admit that it's over before getting kicked. We can remember the brilliance now without feeling guilty about wanting you to be dropped.

Yep and he truly is a legend. His record, especially for an opener, is incredible.

[tomd2103]

Good on you chef, takes a good man to admit that it's over before getting kicked. We can remember the brilliance now without feeling guilty about wanting you to be dropped.

Yep and he truly is a legend. His record, especially for an opener, is incredible.

Not to take anything away from his achievements at all, but I do think he was somewhat fortunate to play in an era when there weren't too many world class opening bowlers operating on the international scene.  Especially when you think of the 90's when the likes of Ambrose, Walsh, McGrath, Lee, Donald, Pollock, Akhtar, Wasim and Waqar were around.   

[JD]

Oh, and Essex are probably favourites for next year's Championship, now!

Let's hope so.

Great that Cook has decided to step down rather than be pushed and it all end badly. A classy player and person. It will be great for Essex next season.

It would be great if Cook can finish with one more big score in the fifth test. Who knows, the pressure is off both him and England now.