For all the reasons I've suggested above and ones which I have also disagreed with - because he bats at 8 and they don't want the tail to start there plus they probably have concerns about Stokes' ability to bowl long spells given that he has bowled 80 overs in a short period of time. They are thinking if we play Parkinson, we are substituting a player who averages 7 in First Class cricket for one who averages 28 in Tests and should Stokes break down, then they would be left with a relatively inexperienced Overton at this level and a rookie in the shape of Mahmood to bowl with the new ball.
In an ideal world, you have the fantastic situation that the great West Indies and Australian sides found themselves in - seven top batsmen including a wicket keeper and either an all rounder or someone who could turn their arm over and offer some respite for the bowlers plus four world class bowlers. Unfortunately, we are a long way off that and the inclination is and has been for a long time that we would rather draw a Test rather than run the risk of losing it. One win in 16 Tests going back 15 months is hardly great.
I understand that BT have brought Michael Vaughan back?
(I say understand as not switched my iPad on yet as I'm by the pool!) but surely BT cant drop him for 'values not consistent with those held by BT' only to bring him back a few months later?
I understand that BT have brought Michael Vaughan back?
(I say understand as not switched my iPad on yet as I'm by the pool!) but surely BT cant drop him for 'values not consistent with those held by BT' only to bring him back a few months later?
Perhaps, in the intervening months, BT Sport have changed their values and now agree with him...
I simply cannot understand how an England opening batsman like Lees, more often than not, plays the ball with such a closed face because it doesn't come down straight. He keeps looking behind him to check that it isn't closed but it ends up being so by the time it comes down and as a result he hardly times a thing. Maybe I'm being too pedantic and he's the modern day batting equivalent of Malinga or Murali.
Forgot this started today. I said on the last day of the 2nd test that there only needs to be 1 bad session & that team will lose. Yep.....its England.
Result already not in doubt. Windies to win inside 4 days.
Forgot this started today. I said on the last day of the 2nd test that there only needs to be 1 bad session & that team will lose. Yep.....its England.
Result already not in doubt. Windies to win inside 4 days.
Comments
In an ideal world, you have the fantastic situation that the great West Indies and Australian sides found themselves in - seven top batsmen including a wicket keeper and either an all rounder or someone who could turn their arm over and offer some respite for the bowlers plus four world class bowlers. Unfortunately, we are a long way off that and the inclination is and has been for a long time that we would rather draw a Test rather than run the risk of losing it. One win in 16 Tests going back 15 months is hardly great.
(I say understand as not switched my iPad on yet as I'm by the pool!) but surely BT cant drop him for 'values not consistent with those held by BT' only to bring him back a few months later?
I'll take a punt and say England to win.
What price that Lees would be the one on 15* (32) and Crawley on 6* (27)
23-1 Crawley 7
23-1
Crawley 7 (36)
Lees 15* (38)
29-2
46-3
Normal service resumed
Lees 26* (80)
Stokes 0* (5)
Result already not in doubt. Windies to win inside 4 days.