Playing 5 seamers makes no sense. What can a captain do with them? Obviously if Stokes can't bowl then that is different. Hopefully he can be given a good rest before the Ashes series.
As for the batting we do have options. Both Hales and Ballance are getting runs and this is now their favoured position. As 2 and 3 it hasn't worked for them but they have both got a hatful of runs and deserves to be given a chance in their now favoured position if Malan continues to fail.
I think Bairstow has good technique and could do a good job at 3 (or even 2). This may mean taking the gloves off him but we have some good options here.
It makes sense if they are getting wickets. We are not getting enough runs so need to get wickets. Stokes 6, Ali 7 and Woakes 8 is decent anyway, with TRJ chipping in from 9. Possibly could go with 2 spinners as Rashid is a good Number 9. Hales and Ballance are decent players, but neither have done all that at test level. Would go with Hales over Ballance, he's been tried now and doesn't do it, whether that's 3, 4 or 5, he hasn't scored runs.
I'm not his biggest fan but I'd pick Bell over either Ballance or Hales. Would the selectors eat that much humble pie though?
Bell is in terrible form though. Gave up Warwickshire captaincy to Trott to find some form though so might end the season well.
Doubt it. His form has been symbolic for over 2 years now. I doubt he has it still in him. Anyone who's seen him or followed county cricket knows he's not got it any more.
We either punt on a player who is bang out of form but who single handedly won a series a few years ago or go with players who have such glaring issues with their technique that they'll get ripped to pieces down under. We're pretty much at the stage where our only other options are still playing for their school XI.
Re the ashes, boycott used to say about twenty years ago that you should pick three openers for a test down there as usually lose an early wicket.
Think that's why a lot of people would play Hameed at 3.
It's a shame he's only got a few weeks to find a bit of form.
yeah not actually my opinion, just seen a fair few who would play him there. But as you said, lack of form is worrying. But picking the form players isn't working that well so not sure what the answer is to be honest.
The morning session is going to be key. If we can get to lunch losing no more than 2 wickets & are around 80 ahead then we still have half a chance of winning. We need to get at least 350 & probably over 400 to have a chance - anything less and the Windies will only need to get 180-200 to win, which I'm sure they'll do.
I have visions of the Windies being set 150 to 200 to win, and collapsing under the pressure of what would be a massive win for them, for less than 100
I think a target of 200+ will be enough. Thin if we get to 350 ish we could be ok. Might be reliant on Root to get a ton though, reckon Malan will go early.
I think a target of 200+ will be enough. Thin if we get to 350 ish we could be ok. Might be reliant on Root to get a ton though, reckon Malan will go early.
Stokes will get another ton, and celebrate by shouting "get f*cking in there" thus getting banned from the Lord's test
I think a target of 200+ will be enough. Thin if we get to 350 ish we could be ok. Might be reliant on Root to get a ton though, reckon Malan will go early.
Stokes will get another ton, and celebrate by shouting "get f*cking in there" thus getting banned from the Lord's test
certainly wouldn't be against that! Don't want him banned for an Ashes test.
I think a target of 200+ will be enough. Thin if we get to 350 ish we could be ok. Might be reliant on Root to get a ton though, reckon Malan will go early.
Stokes will get another ton, and celebrate by shouting "get f*cking in there" thus getting banned from the Lord's test
certainly wouldn't be against that! Don't want him banned for an Ashes test.
If he gets a demerit point in the Lord's test, the ban will apply for the T20s which would be fine also!
Comments
The morning session is going to be key. If we can get to lunch losing no more than 2 wickets & are around 80 ahead then we still have half a chance of winning. We need to get at least 350 & probably over 400 to have a chance - anything less and the Windies will only need to get 180-200 to win, which I'm sure they'll do.
It's looking like this game may go to a 5th day !
Stokes 56 no
Malan 60 no
It could be really interesting tomorrow. I do enjoy Headingley Tests.
Cue captain Jason Holder just strolling off the pitch. He is clueless and a terrible leader.