Crawley found the fielder, which is what happens when you're struggling and desperate for runs, as once the first 5-10 overs passed, it's looked very easy out there.
I still don't think it will be - can't see who else plays there and think they want him for the Ashes, but I will admit he's more in danger now!
If they play him in the next series , especially The Ashes I’m going to begin to believed he has some compromising photos of the selectors. There must be someone who can take his place , maybe not for the last test in NZ . His confidence is shot keep playing him is doing him no favours .
Gutted for Ollie Robinson most of all but also for his family and friends that specially made the trip but unless we decide to move Bethell up to open (which is effectively what he's been doing given he's been at the crease on all four occasions inside four overs) or "rest" him, assuming we go 2-0 up, then Ollie won't be making his debut on this tour. At least they've all had a decent holiday and he knows that he is, depending on what happens next summer in the CC, potentially Smith's understudy for the Ashes, assuming that we take two regular keepers that is.
When was the last time there was such a clamour for England's highest scorer in one Ashes series to be dropped for the next one?
And if he continues to fail in the summer would you still take him ? What other player gets this many chances ?
I'd take him if there wasn't an obvious, better candidate. So, I'd search round to see how many other openers have won tests against Australia, before making a decision.
Comments
Duckett 39* (44)
Bethell 34* (39)
Partnership of 73 (82)
The irony is that he’s an English opener but his nemesis is the sort of pitches he faces in the county game and in places such as NZ.
Bedsaddick, I concede, you are right and I’m wrong.
I'm not sure that is correct - as things stand he has scored 125 runs for being twice out so his average is 62.50
115-1 and a lead of 270
Out twice over three innings, scored 156, average 78.
So fine, out three times over four innings, scored 172, average 57.33
Brook got 55 (61)
not out batsmen
Roooooooot 53 (83)
Pope 5 (15)
Who would you pick to open in the Ashes?