If Woakes is injured, and a doubt for the rest of the tournament, are we allowed to bring in a replacement? Otherwise, we may have to go with Rashid - we play next in Cardiff, maybe that will suit spin more as the Oval pitch didn't turn at all?
As an aside, they may be playing as batsmen, but it's a curio that we have an ODI squad that includes 3 wicket keepers, and not just part time ones, and that the one actually keeping wicket is probably the worst one with the gloves!
As you all know I am one of Roy's biggest fans. I do think he will open for us in limited overs cricket for a good number of years to come. He's a very good player and got in the team of the tournament at the T20 world cup.
However that stint of not playing at the IPL seems to have ruined his form and confidence. So much so that even I think that for now it's probably best to drop him. Billings would be the like for like replacement but I would go Bairstow as you just have to for him in somewhere. I'd be tempted to open with Buttler or maybe Willey and have Bairstow at 5.
I'm all for keeping a settled side but you cant keep opening with Roy & seeing him gone by the 2nd over and expecting the number 3 to keep shoring up the side.
Btw, I don't rate Billings & as said earlier I think Bairstow should be playing, either as opener or further down & promote Buttler or even Ali. (I'm not a selector & don't see them everyday in training so there may be a better option)
Also, we now know that Woakes is out for the tournament so a new bowler is needed - not necessarily an all roader but Broad can bat a bit and we do have plenty of batting options - its our bowling that needs boosting a bit.
I'll be there but looking at the south London sky from the conservatory this morning I'm not convinced with the 'dry' weather that is being forecast on my phone app.
didn't matter in the end - SL collapse to 203 all out in 40 overs, after being 80 something for 1 after 10 overs, They scored around 110 in 30 overs - shocking.
I reckon the semi finals will be between England, Oz, S Africa & India.
Comments
However that stint of not playing at the IPL seems to have ruined his form and confidence. So much so that even I think that for now it's probably best to drop him. Billings would be the like for like replacement but I would go Bairstow as you just have to for him in somewhere. I'd be tempted to open with Buttler or maybe Willey and have Bairstow at 5.
A hard player to replace. Someone like Finn doesn't bat as well, and isn't in the best of bowling form anyway. Woakes is a genuine all rounder
Btw, I don't rate Billings & as said earlier I think Bairstow should be playing, either as opener or further down & promote Buttler or even Ali. (I'm not a selector & don't see them everyday in training so there may be a better option)
Also, we now know that Woakes is out for the tournament so a new bowler is needed - not necessarily an all roader but Broad can bat a bit and we do have plenty of batting options - its our bowling that needs boosting a bit.
Their rate was already over 8 an over.
SL have bowled very well.
I reckon they will get close to 350 here
Great bowling by Sri Lanka
Possibly depends how many wickets Rabada takes.
I reckon the semi finals will be between England, Oz, S Africa & India.
is it NRR?