The International Cricket Thread

[aj2k77]

I think his dad will be proven to be the much better batsman by the end of Zak's career.

[UK Redsox]

Stokes playing on one leg has unbalanced the side badly. Hasn’t made a 50 for something like 16 innings I was reading somewhere.

If there was an even half decent all-rounder available I’d drop Stokes.

Just let him give secret hand signals from the balcony to make bowling changes etc.

[Villan For Life]

Dare we believe? These two have been largely untroubled and I know we will lose a wicket before 11.05am tomorrow but Ashes cricket brings the best out in Ben Stokes.

[PaulWinch again]

Not really for. It’s too much and also it’s essentially on three players, the tail can’t bring anything. If it was say 120 to win, possibly, but 250 odd more is just too many.

[Villan For Life]

Not really for. It’s too much and also it’s essentially on three players, the tail can’t bring anything. If it was say 120 to win, possibly, but 250 odd more is just too many.

I’m a realist but Headingley 2019 shows that anything is possible. I expect us to be all out by lunch but part of me thinks that yes we could do it with a little application and a lot less bazz ball.

[PaulWinch again]

I think if the tail were better it might be possible if we got off to a really good start. But Starc would rip through the tail, so I think unless we’re within say 30/40 by the time Broad/Robinson gets in I reckon we’re stuffed. It’s tougher than Headingly 2019. I genuinely thinks it probably a 2-3% chance.

[edgysatsuma89]

I think if the tail were better it might be possible if we got off to a really good start. But Starc would rip through the tail, so I think unless we’re within say 30/40 by the time Broad/Robinson gets in I reckon we’re stuffed. It’s tougher than Headingly 2019. I genuinely thinks it probably a 2-3% chance.

Yeah, the win predictor at 14% is incredibly generous, there is no way it is above 10%.

[OzVilla]

It’s weird they’re so upset, he put the ball on the floor. In any case the 99% certain to win, so big deal.

It’s because they are the most hypocritical whingers in world sport, no one else comes close.

[LeeB]

I thought the Smith catch the other day was dodgy let alone this one, he was fucking shining it on the grass

[Rory]

I thought the Smith catch the other day was dodgy let alone this one, he was fucking shining it on the grass

I think the Smith one was fair because his fingers were under the ball, even when it was touching the grass. If Starc had had his hand under the ball then fine, but he didn't, even though the ball was in his hand he grounded it then landed on top of it.

Just my opinion based on a few quick views of each 'catch'.

[tomd2103]

I still think the Foakes decision has been a really bad one for this team. Not because Bairstow came in as such, but more it sent a message that the whole thing about we’ll keep backing you only applies if you’re one of the club. Foakes had demonstrably won England games, and got dropped for a player is clearly (perfect reasonably and not his fault) is not match fit.

With the injury to Pope what they should do is push Bairstow up to 3 and bring in Foakes. I’d look to bring in Wood, probably for Anderson. I’d like to see Woakes play at Headingley for Robinson, not because I think Robinson has been particularly bad but Woakes adds a bit of depth to the batting line up as well as being a decent first change.

However, I suspect they will want to get someone who can turn the ball so perhaps Ahmed comes in.

Stokes playing on one leg has unbalanced the side badly. Hasn’t made a 50 for something like 16 innings I was reading somewhere.

To be fair to Stokes, some of those innings have been when he's come to the crease in a particular situation and has gone for it from ball one.  In that case, I don't think the stats will tell the whole story.

[Rory]

I think Stokes needs to drop the bowling altogether.

It's one thing to be an aggressive pace bowler and destructive batsman in your early and mid 20s - maybe even a bit later these days if you're a t20 specialist.

But he's 32 now, and has been playing test cricket solidly for nearly ten years.

How many fast-bowling all-rounders have there been, really? And how many were still effective at both disciplines at 32? The most recent comparison is obviously Flintoff, who retired at 31.

Seam bowling is a very unnatural movement, and it's no coincidence that most of those with the greatest longevity have been very lean. Stokes is a big, heavy guy. With his style of fielding thrown in, it's no wonder his body is fucked.

I really think he could do with trimming down, even if that means losing some muscle, stop trying to do everything and spend his time in the nets. If he were to focus on his batting, he's a natural no.5 - the guy's got 12 test hundreds, for fuck's sake.

I can't really comment on his captaincy, because cricket captaincy is magic as far as I'm concerned, but in terms of his individual performances, he could either focus on being one of the best no.5s in the world for the next five or six years; or carry on with what he's currently doing for another 18/24 months until his body breaks down completely.

[Villafirst]

It's a pity Woakes wasn't included, somehow. His batting is stronger than the current tailenders. After Bairstow there's not much else. I can't see a victory but you never know.....

[simboy]

I think Stokes needs to drop the bowling altogether.

It's one thing to be an aggressive pace bowler and destructive batsman in your early and mid 20s - maybe even a bit later these days if you're a t20 specialist.

But he's 32 now, and has been playing test cricket solidly for nearly ten years.

How many fast-bowling all-rounders have there been, really? And how many were still effective at both disciplines at 32? The most recent comparison is obviously Flintoff, who retired at 31.

Seam bowling is a very unnatural movement, and it's no coincidence that most of those with the greatest longevity have been very lean. Stokes is a big, heavy guy. With his style of fielding thrown in, it's no wonder his body is fucked.

I really think he could do with trimming down, even if that means losing some muscle, stop trying to do everything and spend his time in the nets. If he were to focus on his batting, he's a natural no.5 - the guy's got 12 test hundreds, for fuck's sake.

I can't really comment on his captaincy, because cricket captaincy is magic as far as I'm concerned, but in terms of his individual performances, he could either focus on being one of the best no.5s in the world for the next five or six years; or carry on with what he's currently doing for another 18/24 months until his body breaks down completely.

Agree with all of the above … however, just a point of order, one of the best all rounders of all time, Jacques Kallis retired when he was 38.

I think Stokes is better by comparison than most English all rounders of any generation but clearly his left knee is restricting his bowling and has done for a while. I agree. I would like to try him in place of Crawley but only when he’s fit and he adjusts to it mentally.

[Meanwood Villa]

I think if the tail were better it might be possible if we got off to a really good start. But Starc would rip through the tail, so I think unless we’re within say 30/40 by the time Broad/Robinson gets in I reckon we’re stuffed. It’s tougher than Headingly 2019. I genuinely thinks it probably a 2-3% chance.

Yeah, the win predictor at 14% is incredibly generous, there is no way it is above 10%.

Stopping the rapid tumble of wickets was a relief and brings a false sliver of optimism but really it's less than 1% chance. If we get to 250 I'd be amazed.