The International Cricket Thread

[paul_e]

I don't disagree with the idea that there's room for improvement, that's clear, what I fundamentally disagree with is that we lost the game because of bazball when, in my opinion, we lost because of poor form in the attack and some poor shots. The same as why we have lost many matches in the past and why we'll lose many matches going forward. I'm worried that, at the first sign of a problem, people are very quickly turning on a play style that has improved us massively.

With respect Paul, you were cheering on the declaration in the first innings of the first test, when we all know, deep down, it was a poor decision. 

As for the other issues, Foakes needs to keep wicket, he's a better keeper.  There have been poor decisions all over the place, some poor shots, some poor bits of fielding etc.  Bazball is great against the lesser sides, not against Australia in the only series that really matters.  If you cannot win the test match, make sure you don't lose.  The first test gave the Aussies momentum and we are too soft to drop Anderson.  Arguably, we haven't got the depth of bowling due to injury no way are we winning three tests on the trot against Australia. I wish.

I wasn't cheering anything on, I said that it was a par score for the innings, that they clearly wanted to get a few overs in that evening and that the declaration wasn't the reason we didn't win. Which of those are you upset with?

The bold bit, that's exactly the attitude that England have had for decades, where we've pretty consistently under-achieved and let Australia dominate, why are you so desperate to return to what was a consistently failing brand of cricket after 2 matches? Have you forgotten the last ashes series where we held on by our fingers to only lose 4-0? Have you forgotten us losing to the west indies last easter?

[Risso]

Pope out for the rest of the Ashes. Lawrence expected to be his replacement.

[PaulWinch again]

That’s going to be a challenge. I suspect a rejig of the order, because Lawrence is a good player but not sure he’s a three.

[Bully2345]

Lawrence will bat three, They won't want to unsettle other players when they're already forced to make a significant change.

[Gareth]

Apparently according to bbc the left field selection is move everyone up one spot and being Mo back in at 7 & Woakes in at 8

[UK Redsox]

No chance now of the most sensible solution; bringing in Foakes

[paul_e]

Apparently according to bbc the left field selection is move everyone up one spot and being Mo back in at 7 & Woakes in at 8

If Woakes is coming in for Jimmy then that's probably the right call. I'd prefer it if Bairstow was under a little more threat though.

[simboy]

It's been said on here before, Brooke to 3 Bairstow to 5, Foakes at 8 Mo at 7 would be a sensible option.

[Gareth]

Apparently according to bbc the left field selection is move everyone up one spot and being Mo back in at 7 & Woakes in at 8

If Woakes is coming in for Jimmy then that's probably the right call. I'd prefer it if Bairstow was under a little more threat though.

I agree but with Pope being out can’t see them making that additional change

[paul_e]

It's been said on here before, Brooke to 3 Bairstow to 5, Foakes at 8 Mo at 7 would be a sensible option.

The problem with that is that you'd probably need Stokes to bowl more overs than he seems capable of.

With the squad we have Brook to 3, Mo 7 and Woakes 8 gives us a bit more depth there and we don't lose anything in the field because Jimmy has been in terrible form. I'd consider Wood for Robinson as well who has taken wickets but has also had long spells of being far too easy for thme to play against.

[Bully2345]

Brook is a real talent but he'd have to significantly change the way he's approaching an innings to put him at three. I don't think they'll be moving him that high any time soon.

Also Foakes hasn't been picked and that won't change unless the selected wicketkeeper gets injured. He was unlucky not to be selected but he's enjoying that phenomenon of becoming a better player because he's not in the team

[Risso]

I think Woods was touch and go for Lords, so hopefully he's fine for Headingley. One of the differences between the teams up to now has been real pace, and the ability to send the ball down at 90+mph rather than low 80mph plodders.

[Drummond]

Fuck knows what they'll go with.

I'd thought Wood for Anderson, Moeen Ali for Robinson before the Pope news. I'm just not sure putting Lawrence in will work, averaging 29 isn't exactly great, and the Aussies won't give anything away.

They have said they aren't bringing anyone else in to the squad and Lawrence is the only batter not playing.

[Drummond]

I think Woods was touch and go for Lords, so hopefully he's fine for Headingley. One of the differences between the teams up to now has been real pace, and the ability to send the ball down at 90+mph rather than low 80mph plodders.

Yep, Tongue has to stay in the team too.

[Risso]

I think Woods was touch and go for Lords, so hopefully he's fine for Headingley. One of the differences between the teams up to now has been real pace, and the ability to send the ball down at 90+mph rather than low 80mph plodders.

Yep, Tongue has to stay in the team too.

Yep, he has something about him and could be pleased with his contribution at Lord's.