I hadn't realised that Hales was batting at 5 today
Indeed - neither of England's ODI/T20 openers are capable of successfully opening in the pink/red ball game. A reflection of a lack of technique against the moving ball especially when three slips and a gully are in situ.
Billings at 5 as a specialist batsman, Dickson opening, Milne playing in place of Tahir, indeed no spinner at all?
It does seem strange that we have gone in with a seam attack of Coles, Stevens, Claydon, Milne and Gidman but no spinner - especially when Claydon has really struggled since he came back from compassionate leave (1-296).
So it begs the question whether Tredwell has fallen out to the extent that they can't play him? Or could it be that the plan is to bring him in when Billings leaves after day 2 to join the Lions?
I hadn't realised that Hales was batting at 5 today
Indeed - neither of England's ODI/T20 openers are capable of successfully opening in the pink/red ball game. A reflection of a lack of technique against the moving ball especially when three slips and a gully are in situ.
You often bang on about this point and I think its a fair one. Neither of these players woukd open in 4 day cricket in the long term although Hales has had some success there. But I think its the right way to do it. One day cricket is very much a different game to what it was a few years ago especially at international level. It is now more like t20 than the longer format.
The players who are successful openers on the championship are not the sort of player you would wish to have opening in limited overs cricket for England. They may do a good job at county level but international limited overs cricket is another step and it moves too fast. Roy and Hales are perfect for the job they do.
The fact is that not many batsmen can open at Test level nowadays which is why Cook has had so many partners that have tried and failed.
Some experts are even calling for The Snail to be recalled to do just that job!
I agree. My point is just because someone opens in the shorter formats doesn't mean they should open in the longer format even if it is down a level. They are completely different games now.
On a side note, hard not to consider the snail at 3 (Root has to bat 4 now he is captain) with Hameed barely scoring a run this year and Jennings struggling. As an opener though never. It should be Stoneman, but being selfish I really hope it isnt!
Ballance does seem to be playing well again, though I've no idea whether he's rectified his technical flaws, or the county bowlers aren't exploiting them. I imagine that when he was made Yorkshire captain, it was in the expectation that his international career was possibly over?
Sam Robson is another discarded batsman doing quite well in Div 1
Yes Balance has scored a lot of runs. The question you raise sobthey key one. Bairstow overcame his difficulties and has become one of the best in the world. If Balance can do similar he should be a shoe in at 3. It's a big if though.
Robson I think was selected far too early and showed some good signs of promise. Certainly worth keeping on mind.
Hang on. So Billings is joining up with the Lions. I've just checked the scorecard - have they been allowed to bring in Weatherley as a separate batsman to replace him then?
Hang on. So Billings is joining up with the Lions. I've just checked the scorecard - have they been allowed to bring in Weatherley as a separate batsman to replace him then?
Don't get it...
What a strange situation. If Billings had been out, I presume Weatherley wouldn't have been allowed to bat
Indeed, if we had been in a strong position and going for a win, would we have brought in a bowler instead!
Comments
I hadn't realised that Hales was batting at 5 today
I see Stevens has 1-12 in 9 overs!
@fkcowdrey
Beautiful picture of a floodlit @TrentBridge from The Media Centre... I'm trying to avoid the scones and jam!
So it begs the question whether Tredwell has fallen out to the extent that they can't play him? Or could it be that the plan is to bring him in when Billings leaves after day 2 to join the Lions?
The players who are successful openers on the championship are not the sort of player you would wish to have opening in limited overs cricket for England. They may do a good job at county level but international limited overs cricket is another step and it moves too fast. Roy and Hales are perfect for the job they do.
Some experts are even calling for The Snail to be recalled to do just that job!
On a side note, hard not to consider the snail at 3 (Root has to bat 4 now he is captain) with Hameed barely scoring a run this year and Jennings struggling. As an opener though never. It should be Stoneman, but being selfish I really hope it isnt!
Sam Robson is another discarded batsman doing quite well in Div 1
Robson I think was selected far too early and showed some good signs of promise. Certainly worth keeping on mind.
Mullaney and Hales did all the damage, nobody else got more than 17
Hales's wicket was claimed by the demon arm of Joe Denly!
Mr F is not looking impressed though....
Don't get it...
Indeed, if we had been in a strong position and going for a win, would we have brought in a bowler instead!