For the next test I would assume we will move Bairstow and Ali up one place in the order, I would be tempted to go with Ball, really hope he gets a go.
i agree i think we have seen enough of Woakes to know that hes a very good above average county player who doesnt bowl fast enough to be a danger at the highest level ...id go for a new boy
funny though isnt it ...looking at England X1 only cook,root,bairstow,stokes (when fit) broad and anderson can be considered automatic selections
Woakes has put on some decent pace, that's not the issue. His problem is he bowls gun-barrel straight - no seam or swing movement - so struggles to take wickets at Test level.
If he could get in and score runs then he might have a shot but looks likely to be Stokes' understudy.
I agree with the decision to bring Woakes into the squad.
He has previously been played as one of the three main quicks and batted at 9. That's not his role. I think as fourth seamer there will be less pressure on his bowling and will also allow him to bat a place or two higher with Moeen and Bairstow moving up a slot. They've obviously decided they want four seamers, as Ali isn't the most reliable bowler. So as a short term stop gap I think he is a good option. And doesn't weaken the batting too much.
It's a shame as if stokes had remained fit I would have rested Broad for this one and played Ball. And rested Anderson for the final one.
Can't see that happening with question marks over Woakes in the side.
We need to establish a group of back up seamers who are a bit younger, give them experience and break them in gently. We have Finn and Wood(subject to fitness) we need one more really. Also rotation among quick bowlers is key in my view.
It's a shame as if stokes had remained fit I would have rested Broad for this one and played Ball. And rested Anderson for the final one.
Can't see that happening with question marks over Woakes in the side.
We need to establish a group of back up seamers who are a bit younger, give them experience and break them in gently. We have Finn and Wood(subject to fitness) we need one more really. Also rotation among quick bowlers is key in my view.
After such an easy win, neither Broad nor Anderson need resting. Indeed one of the reasons Jimmy was so good is because he's been able to play a decent amount of cricket for Lancashire before the Test.
If Sri Lanka had put on 500 under the beating sun, it might be different though!
A somewhat strange decision after the Headingley test and the overhead conditions but the English guys have looked at the pitch and decided they want runs on the board.
Hales reaches 50, been quite impressed with him as like Compton before the series his position was also being questioned, but he's clearly got a better temperament
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If he could get in and score runs then he might have a shot but looks likely to be Stokes' understudy.
He has previously been played as one of the three main quicks and batted at 9. That's not his role. I think as fourth seamer there will be less pressure on his bowling and will also allow him to bat a place or two higher with Moeen and Bairstow moving up a slot. They've obviously decided they want four seamers, as Ali isn't the most reliable bowler. So as a short term stop gap I think he is a good option. And doesn't weaken the batting too much.
Can't see that happening with question marks over Woakes in the side.
We need to establish a group of back up seamers who are a bit younger, give them experience and break them in gently. We have Finn and Wood(subject to fitness) we need one more really. Also rotation among quick bowlers is key in my view.
If Sri Lanka had put on 500 under the beating sun, it might be different though!
Eng win the toss & bat.
A somewhat strange decision after the Headingley test and the overhead conditions but the English guys have looked at the pitch and decided they want runs on the board.
We are currently 33/0 from 11 overs.
Hales 20 (32)
Cook 13 (33)
Cook needs 7 to get to 10,000 test runs.
64-2
Can see Ballance back in instead maybe.
He's quite good, isn't he.
153/2 (48 overs)
160-3
He's still only 25. Scary!!
A bold statement I know, but I honestly believe he'll be regarded as England's greatest ever batsman in years to come!
Ali has been dropped twice & Woakes once.
Sri Lanka are fielding like a team of 10 year olds. Apart from the catching misses they aren't fielding shots either.
They so don't want to be fielding in the cold.
Broad 7
Ali 80 no
400-8
I predict we'll get them out for under 300 & overall will win the match by 200+ runs.