England Cricket 2024

killerandflash said:

MarcusH26 said:

I do wonder who could be next off the production line in terms of actual openers. A lot of the leading runs scorers in Div 1 last season were either overseas or players that have been and gone in terms of an international career. 

There's not a lot of obvious names in county scene , not that scoring bulk runs at championship level seems to bother Key or Baz. Someone like Tom Haines has had an average last 12-18 months and probably isn't on the list anymore and the Lions squad in SA doesn't offer any real clues either. 

It's not just the average, it's the speed and aggressiveness that is important to the Bazball ethos. An Alastair Cook type accumulator isn't what they are after. 

Indeed you feel that they'd rather a Crawley type, averaging 30ish, rather than a slow accumulator, averaging 40.

Addick Addict said:

AddicksAddict said:

Chizz said:

Worse then W Indies (Kanhai, Sobers, etc.) being bowled out by Ireland for 26?

Relative to their respective standings in the game, that Windies innings was definitely worse. They were, actually, 25 all out and although they had rested the likes of Kanhai and Sobers, they still had legends of the game such as Clive Lloyd and Clyde Walcott in their side as well as Kent's very own John Shepherd. This was the late 1960s and there was no Associate structure. 

Nigeria are currently ranked 5/18 in the African Region of World rankings (behind Namibia, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania) whereas the Ivory Coast were only granted Associate Membership in 2022 and have no ranking as yet. Ivory Coast's scores this year have been 26, 41, 31, 7 & 21 which rather says it all in terms of their ability. 

Chizz choose to be somewhat pedantic in saying 26 is a better score than 7. But, then, that's really missing the point of you asking the question. Perhaps their comment was an attempt at being humourous or perhaps they even mistook who posed your question. 

England XI for First Ashes Test 

1. Zak Crawley (RHB)
2. Ben Duckett (LHB)
3. Josh Bethell (LHB)
4. Joe Root (RHB)
5. Harry Brook (RHB)
6. Ben Stokes (LHB, Captain)
7. Jamie Smith (RHB, Wicketkeeper)
8. Chris Woakes (RHB, Seam Bowler)
9. Mark Wood (RHB, Fast Bowler)
10. Gus Atkinson (RHB, Fast-Medium Bowler)
11. Bashir (RHB, Off-Spin Bowler)

Reasoning Behind Each Selection

Openers: Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett

1. Zak Crawley: His attacking game remains ideal for combating Australia’s pace-heavy attack and making the most of fast, bouncy pitches.
2. Ben Duckett: A left-hander who complements Crawley well, Duckett’s low-risk, compact style against the new ball is a valuable counter to Australia’s bowlers.

No. 3: Josh Bethell

Bethell, a talented left-hander, brings fresh energy to the squad. His adaptability and skill against pace make him a promising option at No. 3. The left-hand-right-hand combination with Duckett ensures a steady challenge for Australia’s attack.

No. 4: Joe Root

Root continues to anchor the lineup at No. 4, bringing unmatched experience and class. His ability to maneuver the ball in all conditions is crucial in blunting Nathan Lyon or Australia’s fast bowlers when they hit their stride.

No. 5: Harry Brook

Brook remains a key batter at No. 5, where his ability to attack spin and accelerate the scoring is vital. His natural counter-attacking instincts provide momentum shifts when needed.

No. 6: Ben Stokes (C)

Stokes, the team’s leader, plays at No. 6 to adjust between attack and consolidation. His ability to marshal the lower order, combined with his leadership and flair, makes him indispensable.

No. 7: Jamie Smith (WK)

Smith is a natural wicketkeeper-batter who provides excellent balance. As a reliable gloveman and a skilled batter, he ensures strength at No. 7. Smith’s ability to play under pressure and rotate the strike adds depth to England’s batting lineup.

Bowlers: Woakes, Wood, Atkinson, Bashir

1. Chris Woakes: His batting adds depth, while his ability to extract swing and maintain control with the ball is valuable on Australian pitches.
2. Mark Wood: Wood’s pace remains a key weapon against Australia’s batters. His knack for taking wickets in bursts is critical for breaking partnerships.
3. Gus Atkinson: Atkinson’s pace and accuracy bolster England’s bowling attack. His emerging skills as a fast-medium bowler offer a fresh challenge for Australia, particularly on bouncy surfaces.
4. Bashir: As an off-spinner, Bashir provides variety to the attack. His ability to exploit bounce and bowl accurately makes him a useful weapon, especially to counter Australia’s left-handers.

Batting Order Explanation

• Top 3: Crawley and Duckett provide an aggressive yet controlled opening, followed by Bethell to stabilize or counter-attack.
• Middle Order: Root anchors at No. 4, Brook at No. 5 adds aggression, and Stokes at No. 6 provides flexibility.
• Lower Order: Smith at No. 7 anchors the tail, followed by Woakes and the pace-spin trio who can chip in with valuable runs.

Smith’s inclusion prioritises consistency behind the stumps, while his batting ability ensures the depth of England’s lineup. Though less explosive than Bairstow, Smith’s calmness and reliability make him a smart pick for this pivotal role. 

(That's ChatGPT's selection.  Interesting reasons for each selection.  Pity ChatGPT doesn't know Jacob Bethel's first name). 

fenaddick said:

billysboots said:

Something a bit left field but i wonder if they like the really tall right handed and shorter left handed partnership. 

Cant be that easy for the bowlers to adjust all of the time. 

Of course they do, it's one of the biggest strengths of them as a pair