The International Cricket Thread

[Villan For Life]

Interesting selection ahead then!

Do they bring in Stone as an almost like for like replacement? Broad or Woakes, drop Jimmy and play both Broad and Woakes? Even Moeen could be an option?

Who are you going for?

I’d keep Jimmy in and go for Stone’s extra pace.

[Monty]

I think you bring in Broad and, if Jimmy is fine, play both of our best ever opening bowlers.

[simboy]

I think they will rotate Anderson and Broad. The stated plan is to win the Ashes in Australia, as such both are very important to that ambition. The bubble squad will allow them to replace the whole attack if they wanted to. Also, the next Test is a day/night game, surely both start in that one, and I cannot see them wanting Anderson to play three on the bounce at this point.

Whilst I don’t really like Talk Sport doing the cricket (far too little description by main commentators and too much emotive stuff) they had a good chat about squad rotation at lunch on the 5th day. England are very alive to its benefits in prolonging careers, rather than mocking players who “needed a rest” as happened previously.

[Villan For Life]

I think they will rotate Anderson and Broad. The stated plan is to win the Ashes in Australia, as such both are very important to that ambition. The bubble squad will allow them to replace the whole attack if they wanted to. Also, the next Test is a day/night game, surely both start in that one, and I cannot see them wanting Anderson to play three on the bounce at this point.

Whilst I don’t really like Talk Sport doing the cricket (far too little description by main commentators and too much emotive stuff) they had a good chat about squad rotation at lunch on the 5th day. England are very alive to its benefits in prolonging careers, rather than mocking players who “needed a rest” as happened previously.

So who do you replace Archer with?

[simboy]

Probably Stone. I would want four overs max at pace every twenty five overs or so. Woakes perhaps but I always get the impression he is better in 6/7 over bursts.

[paul_e]

So Foakes for Buttler, Moeen for Bess, Broad for Anderson and Woakes of Stone in for Archer from the official announcement this morning. Stone probably replaces the pace and aggression better but given the late swing we saw on day 5 Woakes is definitely in the mix. I don't know which way they'll go.

[PaulWinch again]

I’m quite surprised Bess is out. He had a poor second innings, but a good first.

[UK Redsox]

I’m quite surprised Bess is out. He had a poor second innings, but a good first.

They could have just announced it as a rotation more, seeing as Moeen's not played any games yet.

However, the way that the 12 was announced made it pretty clear that Bess was the only one dropped

[PaulWinch again]

Yep that’s what surprised me. I guess in theory Moeen helps strengthen the batting with another stroke maker as well, which complements the loss of Buttler. That is though dependent on Mo’s batting being a hell of a lot better than it had been of late.

[Gareth]

Selections make sense, rotating all the bowlers across the 4 tests is sensible - sure if he hadn’t had Covid Mo would have played in Sri Lanka - would expect either Stone or Woakes miss out tomorrow but hope they all get game time in this series - can see Woakes & Anderson leading the attack in the day night test

[paul_e]

Selections make sense, rotating all the bowlers across the 4 tests is sensible - sure if he hadn’t had Covid Mo would have played in Sri Lanka - would expect either Stone or Woakes miss out tomorrow but hope they all get game time in this series - can see Woakes & Anderson leading the attack in the day night test

The more i think on it the more I'd lean towards Waokes playing in this one. If you watch the wickets from the last 2 days the drift and late swing was incredible and conditions don't look likely to change so someone who plays for that movement is probably more useful. From what i can make out the stadium for the last 2 tests is generally considered one for the batsman so that where people like Archer and Stone who can create panic from nothing will be more useful.

[simboy]

Yes. I think I’d like to see Stone rather than Woakes if we’re playing Broad ... which of course we are.

Mo coming in is logical, I thought Bess bowled pretty poorly in most of the last three tests, with conditions to suit. Leach has improved as the games have gone on. Ali more likely to score you a 50 (although just as likely to get out first ball!). What I hadn’t realised is Bess is so young. Swann struggled early so hopefully he’ll come good.

Foakes batting isn’t to be written off, has a sub-continent hundred and is the better keeper of the three.

[PaulWinch again]

Foakes is a fine player, the challenge is a lack of cricket.

[PaulWinch again]

Christ Rohit is on the charge. It could get tricky here.

[PaulWinch again]

This doesn’t look an easy pitch.