The International Cricket Thread

[PaulWinch again]

The venues for the tour in India are a bit weird. Purposely keeping it out of the main hubs - what’s behind that?

[tomd2103]

England unchanged….can’t help but think Anderson is a sentimental pick based on form…hope I’m wrong and he takes 10 in the match.  Good that
Woakes seems to recovered from whatever kept him off the pitch

Yep, the Anderson selection is difficult to defend really and points to a culture of sentimentality and stubborness.  Wouldn't be surprised if he carries on after this test to try and get to 700 wickets. 

[olaftab]

The venues for the tour in India are a bit weird. Purposely keeping it out of the main hubs - what’s behind that?

Economic development, distributing income elsewhere.

[Gareth]

England unchanged….can’t help but think Anderson is a sentimental pick based on form…hope I’m wrong and he takes 10 in the match.  Good that
Woakes seems to recovered from whatever kept him off the pitch

Yep, the Anderson selection is difficult to defend really and points to a culture of sentimentality and stubborness.  Wouldn't be surprised if he carries on after this test to try and get to 700 wickets.

Will be an interesting squad (particularly bowlers) to go to India, I thought if it had gone 3-0 he might have retired at Old Trafford…also wouldn’t be surprised if he goes to India after 700. 

[PaulWinch again]

The venues for the tour in India are a bit weird. Purposely keeping it out of the main hubs - what’s behind that?

Economic development, distributing income elsewhere.

It’s quite extreme though isn’t it? I get it if you want to spread it about for a couple of games, but the whole series is surprising.

[Drummond]

I think Anderson is getting his swansong. The last test won't now win the Ashes, so the pressure isn't on.

His stats aren't particularly great though he is the best economy wise and second only to Robinson in numbers of maidens bowled across all bowlers in the series.

[tomd2103]

England unchanged….can’t help but think Anderson is a sentimental pick based on form…hope I’m wrong and he takes 10 in the match.  Good that
Woakes seems to recovered from whatever kept him off the pitch

Yep, the Anderson selection is difficult to defend really and points to a culture of sentimentality and stubborness.  Wouldn't be surprised if he carries on after this test to try and get to 700 wickets.

Will be an interesting squad (particularly bowlers) to go to India, I thought if it had gone 3-0 he might have retired at Old Trafford…also wouldn’t be surprised if he goes to India after 700.

Presumably Moeen will be done again after this series, which is a shame as he balances the side out well.  I know we haven't finished the Ashes yet, but going to India, we are probably going to need another spinner in the side.

If Stokes is finished as a bowler then we are going to need either a wicket keeper or a bowler who can bat in the top three really.  They will continue with Duckett and Crawley as openers and with Root at four, Brook at five and Stokes at six.  That leaves six spots for five bowlers and a keeper.  Moeen at three just balances it so well, as you can then have the keeper at seven and four seamers, or three and Leach in India.
 
Bairstow could go to three again or Pope could keep at a bit of a long shot, but we would then need some extra batting at 7 ideally.  Would like to see Sam Curran back in the fold really as he can offer that and offers a point of difference as a left armer.

[olaftab]

I think Anderson is getting his swansong. The last test won't now win the Ashes, so the pressure isn't on.

The pressure IS on. It's very important not to lose series.

[Risso]

I think Anderson is getting his swansong. The last test won't now win the Ashes, so the pressure isn't on.

His stats aren't particularly great though he is the best economy wise and second only to Robinson in numbers of maidens bowled across all bowlers in the series.

His sawnsong should have been in Manchester. We needed to take wickets, not keep it tight.

[German James]

I think Anderson is getting his swansong.

If that's behind his selection (and I can't really think of any other reason, off hand), it's an outrageous decision for a national sports team.

[tomd2103]

I think Anderson is getting his swansong. The last test won't now win the Ashes, so the pressure isn't on.

The pressure IS on. It's very important not to lose series.

Absolutely.  The Aussies haven't won a test series up here since 2001 and it would be nice to keep it that way.

[Nev]

Sentiment should play no part in Sport short of friendlies and testimonials, it should always be based on form and the development of future players. But we see it time and time again, particularly where the England football side is concerned.

[PaulWinch again]

Having said that if we get to bowl the conditions look tailor made for Jimmy. Hope he shows he’s not done yet.

[olaftab]

Cummins finally wins the toss and going to let England pile up 600.

[PaulWinch again]

Balls I would have bowled.