The International Cricket Thread

[PaulWinch again]

Bloody right.

[PaulWinch again]

99 ball century as well. Save us Jof.

[Villafirst]

Not many mentions for Olly Stone? I'd pick him and Archer as both can bowl well in excess of 90mph - the Aussie batsmen look too comfortable. They need to be made to duck for cover a lot more!

[PaulWinch again]

Who would Stone come in for?

[paul_e]

I considered him but Warwickshire need either Stone or Woakes to stay clear of the bottom so I'd let him go back and bring him through after the series as a longer term replacement for Broad. I can see Jimmy retiring soon and then Broad easing out over the next 12-18months.

[Villan For Life]

It’s not the time to go into an Ashes test with two rookie fast bowlers.

[PaulWinch again]

I just don’t see who Stone would come in for. I imagine he’s next cab off the rank behind Archer, but hopefully he won’t be needed.

[Steve67]

I just don’t see who Stone would come in for. I imagine he’s next cab off the rank behind Archer, but hopefully he won’t be needed.

For Broad.  He's living on his reputation.  Losing his hunger?

[olaftab]

I considered him but Warwickshire need either Stone or Woakes to stay clear of the bottom so I'd let him go back and bring him through after the series as a longer term replacement for Broad. I can see Jimmy retiring soon and then Broad easing out over the next 12-18months.

Yes that’s my thought as well. Works for Warks and will work for England long term.

[PaulWinch again]

I just don’t see who Stone would come in for. I imagine he’s next cab off the rank behind Archer, but hopefully he won’t be needed.

For Broad.  He's living on his reputation.  Losing his hunger?

Really? He bowled excellently in the first innings and batted well.

[hilts_coolerking]

Broad was our best bowler and I don't think lack of hunger will ever be an issue for him, especially against the Aussies.  On the rare occasions when Jimmy hasn't been able to play Broad has stepped up magnificently.

[cdbearsfan]

There's no way Broad is going to be dropped. His height and bounce suit Lord's anyway.

[PaulWinch again]

Broad was our best bowler and I don't think lack of hunger will ever be an issue for him, especially against the Aussies.  On the rare occasions when Jimmy hasn't been able to play Broad has stepped up magnificently.

Indeed.

[Steve67]

Broad bowled really well in his first spell and took four wickets when England were on top, then he reverts to bowling short or wide and get very ordinary.  He's been brilliant for us but he's coming to the end.  I take the point about height at Lords and that's why he will play but I honestly think he's on the wane.

[paul_e]

Broad bowled really well in his first spell and took four wickets when England were on top, then he reverts to bowling short or wide and get very ordinary.  He's been brilliant for us but he's coming to the end.  I take the point about height at Lords and that's why he will play but I honestly think he's on the wane.

I agree completely, I think he's been on the way down for a couple of years but this series isn't the time to abandon him and bring in someone with almost no international experience. South Africa should offer good conditions for someone with the pace of Stone so I'd bring him in on that tour and build the attack around him and Archer.