Rashid doesn't have the control for Tests imo. But then, who is there? I'd probably give Moeen one more, give a thought or two to a Simon Kerrigan recall (although his new teammate Parkinson is the one I really want to see thrown in at some point), maybe play Borthwick as top-order stabiliser and third spinner.
I understand that it's unlikely Kerrigan will play again while Cook is captain.
I will never forget Kerrigan's appearance against Australia at the Oval in 2013.
I can only imagine that he was beset by nerves, as he served up some of the worst left arm spin imaginable to Shane Watson, who literally filled his boots.
Anyhow I don't think you'll be seeing him again anytime soon.
I will never forget Kerrigan's appearance against Australia at the Oval in 2013.
I can only imagine that he was beset by nerves, as he served up some of the worst left arm spin imaginable to Shane Watson, who literally filled his boots.
Anyhow I don't think you'll be seeing him again anytime soon.
As its England, I expect them not to pick the best spin bowlers, but the ones with the best batting averages. Rashid has a first class average of 35 with 10 centuries, Moeen averages 38 with 16 centuries.
For what its worth, I think they should give Rashid the chance on Friday. If they need an off spinner, Root is not much worse than Ali anyway;
As expected. Great news that we won the toss, I'm really looking forward to this game.
I was surprised, they just showed "spinner" stats and Old Trafford has a lower average of Test spinner wickets than Edgbaston, Headingley and Lords (since 1990). If I heard correctly.
As expected. Great news that we won the toss, I'm really looking forward to this game.
I was surprised, they just showed "spinner" stats and Old Trafford has a lower average of Test spinner wickets than Edgbaston, Headingley and Lords (since 1990). If I heard correctly.
I'm surprised too - thought I heard Bumble say that it turns at OT- or is this maybe since they turned the wicket around?
Well it does turn at OT & teams sometimes play 2 spinners. But statistically in Tests there, the spinners haven't taken as many wickets as at the others stated. In fact the figures were only slightly better than at Lords, which is not known to be that good for spin bowling.
Pakistan should play spin better than pace, so I think we we made the correct selection.
Comments
I can only imagine that he was beset by nerves, as he served up some of the worst left arm spin imaginable to Shane Watson, who literally filled his boots.
Anyhow I don't think you'll be seeing him again anytime soon.
I can still hear the thud of the ball hitting the boundary boards, as Watson bashed another full toss/half volley/long hop from the hapless Kerrigan.
I could be wrong, but I think that Watson was close to a century by lunchtime on day one.
Finn and Ball have been released. Interestingly, Rashid will only play in addition to Moeen, not instead of him
No Rashid
I was surprised, they just showed "spinner" stats and Old Trafford has a lower average of Test spinner wickets than Edgbaston, Headingley and Lords (since 1990). If I heard correctly.
Hales was a bit fortunate, when given not out LBW, as the ball would have hit.
Mind you if Pakistan had reviewed, it would have been unsuccessful, as was just clipping.
Cook also nicked one through the slip cordon.
25-1
Tbf it was coming.
Root 41 no Cook 40 no.
In fact the figures were only slightly better than at Lords, which is not known to be that good for spin bowling.
Pakistan should play spin better than pace, so I think we we made the correct selection.
111-1
Root 51no.
His 29th in Tests.
210/2
Root 87*
From palm, on to chest and onto the floor.
Half a second reaction time - no idea why he was standing that close, good carry at Old Trafford.
Also, the 4th drop off Amir in the series.
Gone nicking off to Rahat Ali.
Root 98*
102* (167)
244/3