http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/jul/15/england-unchanged-team-second-test
England have stuck with a winning squad for the second Ashes Test at Lord's.
Alastair Cook's team hung on for a famous 14-run win in a titanic first Test at Trent Bridge and the selectors this morning confirmed the same 13 to pick from when the second starts on Thursday.
Cook and his coach Andy Flower will then have tougher decisions to make about whether to again give Steven Finn the nod as their third seamer ahead of either Tim Bresnan or Graham Onions.
A Cook (Essex, capt), J Anderson (Lancashire), J Bairstow (Yorkshire), I Bell (Warwickshire), T Bresnan (Yorkshire), S Broad (Nottinghamshire), S Finn (Middlesex), G (Durham), K Pietersen (Surrey), M Prior (Sussex), J Root (Yorkshire), G Swann, (Nottinghamshire), J Trott (Warwickshire).
I hope they keep Finn in the starting 11 because he bowls juicy pies that all of our batsmen bite into with ease.
As for the Aussie team, Cowan has to be dropped surely, getting out to that part-timer Joe Root was unforgiveable. I still think we need another bowling option because Watson is not a wicket-taker, he's just a stop-gap measure whilst the front-liners catch their breath.
Can we further strengthen the batting at all ??
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/jul/15/england-unchanged-team-second-test
England have stuck with a winning squad for the second Ashes Test at Lord's.
Alastair Cook's team hung on for a famous 14-run win in a titanic first Test at Trent Bridge and the selectors this morning confirmed the same 13 to pick from when the second starts on Thursday.
Cook and his coach Andy Flower will then have tougher decisions to make about whether to again give Steven Finn the nod as their third seamer ahead of either Tim Bresnan or Graham Onions.
A Cook (Essex, capt), J Anderson (Lancashire), J Bairstow (Yorkshire), I Bell (Warwickshire), T Bresnan (Yorkshire), S Broad (Nottinghamshire), S Finn (Middlesex), G (Durham), K Pietersen (Surrey), M Prior (Sussex), J Root (Yorkshire), G Swann, (Nottinghamshire), J Trott (Warwickshire).
I hope they keep Finn in the starting 11 because he bowls juicy pies that all of our batsmen bite into with ease.
As for the Aussie team, Cowan has to be dropped surely, getting out to that part-timer Joe Root was unforgiveable. I still think we need another bowling option because Watson is not a wicket-taker, he's just a stop-gap measure whilst the front-liners catch their breath.
Can we further strengthen the batting at all ??
I think Bresnan will play ahead of Finn....the latter was very ordinary with the ball and even less convincing in the field.
Bresnan is handy with the willow which will make the Poms batting deeper and his bowling while nothing scary is that of your typical English pro who will work batsman out rather than blast them out.
Bairstow didnt impress me with the bat and while Root looked ok in the First Innings he is still a young kid learning the game.....
Harris or Bird in for Starc and I think Cowan will get another chance.....
Hope the wicket at Lords has some more life than Trent Bridge..the lack of bounce really took the edge of our quicks IMO..Pattinson and Starc couldnt get any real lift to trouble the batsman and none of our blokes move the ball like Anderson. I wonder if its a plan of the Poms to serve up these dead wickets with no bounce...
With the next Test straight away and the high overs bowled in the second innings I'd look at two bowling changes. Bird in for Starc and possibly Faulkner for Siddle. Cowan has to miss out with Kawajha getting his chance.
Watson
Rogers
Kawajha
Hughes
Clarke
Smith
Haddin
Faulkner
Agar
Pattison
Bird
Bird line and length but can reverse swing
Faulkner, if the Poms send another low wicket his change of pace will be a great advantage plus his batting is excellent for number 8
Kawajha simply must get a bat and start to build a career.
Siddle gets a rest and Starc gets a rocket. Both bowled too many 4 balls and while Siddle got a 5 for manage him because its a long 6 months of cricket
Keep hearing reports that Boof wants some players and the selectors want others.
In the first Test Boof wanted Smith and Kawaja ahead of Cowan.
Keep hearing reports that Boof wants some players and the selectors want others.
In the first Test Boof wanted Smith and Kawaja ahead of Cowan.
How is a coach expected to get results when others tinker with the line up.
Keep hearing reports that Boof wants some players and the selectors want others.
In the first Test Boof wanted Smith and Kawaja ahead of Cowan.
How is a coach expected to get results when others tinker with the line up.
Historically Mants, the coach gets a vote, not the power of veto over the selection panel.
I think Boof is right. Selecting 4 openers in a batting line-up says (to me anyway) we don'have faith in the batting order.
Keep hearing reports that Boof wants some players and the selectors want others.
In the first Test Boof wanted Smith and Kawaja ahead of Cowan.
How is a coach expected to get results when others tinker with the line up.
Historically Mants, the coach gets a vote, not the power of veto over the selection panel.
I think Boof is right. Selecting 4 openers in a batting line-up says (to me anyway) we don'have faith in the batting order.
I didn't get a chance to watch the last test, but to be honest with what I did see, I had little faith of us winning. That huge last wicket stand with Agar was amazing, but how often will that happen. Then the second innings fail with the bat by batsmen that are payed thousands of dollars to do their job, place all the pressure on another last wicket miracle. Sure they came close when I thought they wouldn't but they are getting larger partnerships further down the order than what should be happening with the first 5 batters. This isn't the first game we see issues with the bat. This has been happening for years now. Watching cricket today and in the last few years really makes me miss Gillcrist, Border, Greg Chappell, Dean Jones, Mark Waugh, Steve Waugh, Hayden, Langer, Slater, Symmonds, Boon, Hussey, Hussey, Healy, Taylor, Ponting (In form) and even Boof. Don't want to even start on the bowlers. I could have rolled out a bigger list but I didn't want to jam up our new system. ;D
Need to pick a squad based on players that can play a role. Openers x2, 1st drop all the way through to keeper and an all rounder and pace bowlers. Change a couple of players per match to add spin, and extra pace, or an injured batter and make them work together to get it all happening. If they start mixing and chopping every game, they will completely do our heads in.
Batsmen:
When a ball is bowled to you remember this;
If it is swinging outside the line of off stump, LEAVE IT ALONE. Don't dab the bat at it. Get to the pitch of a delivery bowled with the bat close to the pad and stroke the shot. Don't half heartedly dab at it with the bat wide of your pad. Use your footwork to get to the pitch of the ball, or get onto the back foot and watch the ball all the way up to where it hits the bat. Play with some confidence you won't be bowled out. Don't half guess a shot. Play the ball with the respect it deserves. If its short hit it. Play your shots with a straight bat and drive it down the line. Use the clever shots once you are in and have read the pace of the pitch, and the swing of the ball. Play like a Kallis. Not like a nervous McGrath. Don't try to be too clever. Be smart. If you aim to play square of the wicket, hit the ball to ground to avoid being caught, but hit with the intension of hitting a boundary. Otherwise play square and elevate it over fielders in catching position. Don't get caught up on the popping crease too often. Stand outside the crease and use your feet. MOVE FFS.
Too many times I am watching the game and I want to throw a bat through the TV screen at the batsmen to let them know I am watching and that they are being too clever, or just plain dumb. Batting isn't as much of a science as our players make it look. Occupy the crease and keep the score board rolling over. Play each delivery with the respect it deserves. Not every delivery is a winner. Not every delivery is a hack. Use your eyes and use your head. Most importantly use your friggen feet. Sorry CIMM, just venting what is probably the bleeding obvious, or just crazy talk. ???
Keep hearing reports that Boof wants some players and the selectors want others.
In the first Test Boof wanted Smith and Kawaja ahead of Cowan.
How is a coach expected to get results when others tinker with the line up.
Historically Mants, the coach gets a vote, not the power of veto over the selection panel.
I think Boof is right. Selecting 4 openers in a batting line-up says (to me anyway) we don'have faith in the batting order.
I don't have any faith in our batting top order, why would the selectors/coach be any different! :-\
For me Uzi in for Cowan.
Our bowling is solid.
And warn the rest of the side that Warner will be coming back in for the 3rd test, and that the worst performing batsmen is getting the flick for him.
If we lose this test, then our next chance to get the urn back is back here in Oz this summer.
The sloping pitch at Lords will certainly sort the men from the boys in regards to bowlers accuracy. Maybe this gives a nice big tick to Bird coming in for the (often) wayward Starc.
(Mind you I like the left hand bowling option Starc brings plus footmarks for Agar (and unfortunately Swan) to bowl into come later in the match).
If Watson at first slip cops a few errant deliveries from Starc (ala Harmison style), then not only is it a wide to the poms, its a likely career ending injury for 'paper mache' Watson... hell on second thoughts, maybe Starc SHOULD stay in for this very reason.... :P
SEN reporting that Harris and Kawaja in for Starc and Cowan.
Queensland win again!
Understandable decisions, would have liked to have seen Bird in, but Harris is very dependable when fit.
Bring on Kawaja! I've lost a lot of interest in cricket over the years but this kid may make me start watching again.
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/cricket/ryan-harris-and-usman-khawaja-into-ashes-team-for-second-test-20130718-2q657.html (http://www.theage.com.au/sport/cricket/ryan-harris-and-usman-khawaja-into-ashes-team-for-second-test-20130718-2q657.html)
Mitchell Starc’s hot and cold performance last week has cost him his position in the Australian team for the second Test.
Burly Queensland quick Ryan Harris will come into the XI in Starc’s place while Usman Khawaja has been called in to replace Ed Cowan in the Australian top order.
Cowan had to go after two terrible shots in the first Test. Starc a bit unlucky.
Would have played Bird ahead of Harris on this strip.
Bring on Kawaja! I've lost a lot of interest in cricket over the years but this kid may make me start watching again.
Genuine No 3 which I like..only con I have on him is his fielding,he looks a bit porky and moves like it in the field.
Hopefully can build an innings and provide some stability while the strokemakers do their thing...
Harris is a good choice and if he can stay fit should provide us with decent line and length and I like the way he keeps the ball up to the bat and think
he will enjoy the conditions. Maybe some shorter spells can make him more durable.....and am hoping Anderson is worn out after Trent Bridge and Cook over bowls him at Lords and
he could be done for the remaining tests...
Harris is no world-beater but he is a genuine competitor and is not afraid to give them some "chin music" whereas Starc does tend to 'coast' through some bowling spells.
Cowan is finished as a Test batsmen, in fact he should never of been picked to tour. Khawaja has an opportunity to secure a place in the team for some time if he is prepared to put some value on his wicket. He doesn't need to pull out big tons either, scores of 20-30 in both innings are better than what Cowan has been offering up and demonstrates a consistency we have been badly lacking.
Harris is no world-beater but he is a genuine competitor and is not afraid to give them some "chin music" whereas Starc does tend to 'coast' through some bowling spells.
Cowan is finished as a Test batsmen, in fact he should never of been picked to tour. Khawaja has an opportunity to secure a place in the team for some time if he is prepared to put some value on his wicket. He doesn't need to pull out big tons either, scores of 20-30 in both innings are better than what Cowan has been offering up and demonstrates a consistency we have been badly lacking.
I had no issue with Cowan being selected as an opener.
But a number 3 he aint.
Would have gone with Bird myself, perfect bowler for this deck IMO. Attack has very same-same look about it as selected.
Would have gone with Bird myself, perfect bowler for this deck IMO. Attack has very same-same look about it as selected.
Agree E.. Bird would shine if giving the chance in pommy land, great attitude and ability with the cherry.
Good to see Khawaja given a go, the boy is gold.
Would love to see him given time to cement his spot, just lacks that bit of self belief.
Excellent start by the Australians and good fight back from England.
Game could have been very even (possibly still is) but for the Siddle no ball we would have had them 5 down. No sympathy for Siddle, he just does it too often. Love his work ethic but seriously how long has this been going on?!?!?
Agar has bowled some nice deliveries and gets decent bounce with that high action.
In the final session Australia needs 2-3 wickets to get back into this. England bat deep so I think if we can get them out for about 300 or so we've done well considering this partnership.
Excellent start by the Australians and good fight back from England.
Game could have been very even (possibly still is) but for the Siddle no ball we would have had them 5 down. No sympathy for Siddle, he just does it too often. Love his work ethic but seriously how long has this been going on?!?!?
Agar has bowled some nice deliveries and gets decent bounce with that high action.
In the final session Australia needs 2-3 wickets to get back into this. England bat deep so I think if we can get them out for about 300 or so we've done well considering this partnership.
I thought Pattinson bowled awfully last night...... just imaging if Bird had been bowling rather than Pattinson or Siddle......
Also, these guys were bowling mostly in the mid 130s. i thought they were all mid 140s bowlers?
Or did I miss something?
Excellent start by the Australians and good fight back from England.
Game could have been very even (possibly still is) but for the Siddle no ball we would have had them 5 down. No sympathy for Siddle, he just does it too often. Love his work ethic but seriously how long has this been going on?!?!?
Agar has bowled some nice deliveries and gets decent bounce with that high action.
In the final session Australia needs 2-3 wickets to get back into this. England bat deep so I think if we can get them out for about 300 or so we've done well considering this partnership.
I thought Pattinson bowled awfully last night...... just imaging if Bird had been bowling rather than Pattinson or Siddle......
Also, these guys were bowling mostly in the mid 130s. i thought they were all mid 140s bowlers?
Or did I miss something?
They've been told to get the line and length right.
When you have flat decks and combine them with 4" thick bats and lightning fast outfields with tiny boundaries, they have no choice.
Mitchell Johnsons first spell at Lords in the last series almost put the game out of reach in an hour.
It's why he took Pattinson off so quick.
Nice way to end the day too with Smith sneaking a little 3 for.
We have to finish them in the first hour tonight, then bat for 2 solid days.
Uzi for a ton! *prays*
Pattinson is not bowling well and needs to get it together fast. Gees we are an ordinary fielding side full of plodders.
What is it with these Pommy decks... cracks on day one.... given that they have the best reverse bowler in the world and a top spinner you wonder about pitch preparation...
If we don't have a minimum of 100 run lead after the first dig we will be 2 zip.
3 wickets in the 1st hour !!! great effort !!
4 wickets for the rest of the day? ruins all the good work done early. :(
3 wickets in the 1st hour !!! great effort !!
4 wickets for the rest of the day? ruins all the good work done early. :(
It's a belter of a pitch......get them for around 300 & there's no excuse for our batsmen not to bat for 2 days.........but we'll see.
3 wickets in the 1st hour !!! great effort !!
4 wickets for the rest of the day? ruins all the good work done early. :(
It's a belter of a pitch......get them for around 300 & there's no excuse for our batsmen not to bat for 2 days.........but we'll see.
Here's hoping !!!
Same old same old....Broad and Swann making valuable runs and England getting 50 runs more than they should....when you have teams 3-28 you dont let them off the hook and allow them to make 361. We need 500 to put the pressure on as we are batting last, one of our blokes needs to do a Bell and make a solid century and lead the way. Its time Watson delivered a big score and lived up to the hype...
Harris finished with a Michelle, told you he was a good competitor.
Chasing 361, there are a couple of reputations about to be exposed I reckon.
Watson out in the last over before lunch, and burns a review.
Words fail me regarding this individual.
Watson out in the last over before lunch, and burns a review.
Words fail me regarding this individual.
Yeah I thought it was selfish and stupid considering how adjacent he was. The travesty that followed in Rogers being out was largely due to that decision to review - you could see Rogers was hesitant to review because Watson had blown one already.
khawaja throws his wicket away too. ffs now we need bigscores from pup and Smith just to stay alive.
6 for 85.......Agar need another 98 for us to stay in the game.....
Australian cricket = Joke.
The sooner the Clarke era is done the better we will be.
Both he and Watson are selfish fck heads.
Watson = selfish selfish selfish. Has to go.... needs to start putting the team first.
Watson = selfish selfish selfish. Has to go.... needs to start putting the team first.
Problem is who do you replace him with. Top scores, sadly, open both the batting and the bowling. We need him as the extra bowler. The only thing that's happen is a half decent opening stand. Goes backwards from there.
Selfish review from Watson that actually cost us Rogers wicket. What was Rogers doing at the other end after they discussed the review. Should've told Watson he was plumb and to p1ss off back to the pavilion. If he was stronger he saves his own wicket.
Watson's BIG problem though is he gets too far forward and across. Plays some glorious shots but if the ball straightens with that flaw he's LBW every time. The flaw doesn't matter how good a start he gets. Unt il he fixes that he won't go on after starts. Once he does he'll make 100s
Can't carry this selfish, petulant tool anymore. Replace him with a bloke who WANTS to play and who is a TEAM man. Plenty of half decent openers going around.... Australia A tour has a couple worth trying.
Directly cost Roger's wicket as well and this is unforgiveable IMO.
Once again, top order goes missing. Insipid effort. Get ready for a 5 nil whitewash.
God I miss the glory days.
Can't carry this selfish, petulant tool anymore. Replace him with a bloke who WANTS to play and who is a TEAM man. Plenty of half decent openers going around.... Australia A tour has a couple worth trying.
Directly cost Roger's wicket as well and this is unforgiveable IMO.
Who becomes the 5th bowler?
No, there's not plenty of half decent openers around. We both know that. We put put another bloke in, makes the inevitable low score, then he can't bowl and we go, "where's Watson". Other than Agar, who made 98 in one dig, is pretty much our highest run scorer overall in the series. Like it or not we have nothing to replace him with.
Can't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Best we think with our brains, not our frustrations.
Iaj, when did Watson last make a meaningful contribution with the bat? And I don't mean 80 against a flat Sri Lanka last summer.
That bloke has been surviving on reputation for 3 years IMO.
Smith did a reasonable job as the 5th bowler in the first dig. Do we really need 6?
Iaj, when did Watson last make a meaningful contribution with the bat? And I don't mean 80 against a flat Sri Lanka last summer.
That bloke has been surviving on reputation for 3 years IMO.
Smith did a reasonable job as the 5th bowler in the first dig. Do we really need 6?
And before he was surviving on reputation he was surviving on potential.
Time for the Ken Doll to show us he has a full set and not just a plastic mound.
They are mostly marking time.
Watson is way over-rated.
Hughes continues to play stupid shots. ( I thought he was improving but the jury is out!)
Siddle is aging. (I love him but it's next gen time.)
Starc is over-rated.
Haddin is past his use by date.
I have no idea what Khawaja was thinking.
Clarke is getting better as a captain, but horribly out of form and needs to get a handle on the off-field stuff not just the field.
Not sure what planet Watson is on... He is a selfish over-rated sook who bowls handy medium pacers. You know when you have edged a ball, and you also have a pretty good idea when you are plumb lbw. In a week where he has been described as a "cancer", maybe he might have given some consideration to taking one for the team?
Rant over, aside from that I agree with Iaj... we unfortunately can't replace him right now.
Looks like we are rooted..Joe is on 55 and we cant get Bresnan out either...
5 zip is a looking a reality, unless Jimmy and Swann get injured.
How can we let Bresnan bat for 107 deliveries and not yet dismiss him ??
M Clarke.
Worst decision ever was to tell this guy 4 years before he got the gig that he would be skipper.
I have no idea what Khawaja was thinking.
This ^^^^.
We took two wickets in a whole day's play, that is appallingly bad !!!
I've pretty much given up and lost all interest in the Ashes already, I'm out...
The poms bat for a day and lose 2 wickets, we bat for less than a session and lose two wickets ??
Fair dinkum, have any of our players got a backbone ??
Hughes has gone for a review when he is plumb !!!!! He's reviewed both decisions and been out both times, what a friggen' plonker !!
What is Clarke doing running down the pitch to Swann ?? Let it come to you, make Swann change his line, flight & length !!!
Just had one of the guys from my cricket club put this on my Facebook page :
Can you explain to those muppets (Hughes in particular) that the DRS is not a Mulligan, this is The Ashes, not backyard cricket.
Don't think you could sum it up any better actually.
Clarke another soft dismissal when needed to stand up.
They put a leg slip in Clarke you useless piece of SH1T!!
Clarke another soft dismissal when needed to stand up.
They put a leg slip in Clarke you useless piece of SH1T!!
Talk about falling for the trap, and it was so obvious too. Root was bowling offies from around the wicket and pitching outside leg stump, it was dumb what Clarke did !!
And now Khawaja is gone too, this is going to be a massive defeat, we won't score 200 in both innings of the match.
Smith goes the tonk and gets an inside nick, its six down, we are minutes from tea and he tries to belt the cover off it. Another who shouldn't be playing Test cricket !!
Joe Root getting it to turn square out of the footmarks to the lefties.
It was probably the right thing to do to drop Starc, but not selecting him means that our left arm orthodox spinner doesn't get any foot marks to bowl into when bowling to right handers.
I'll be interested to see what the line-up is for the next test.
Unfortunately I think they'll scapegoat (or is that escape goat S Warner?) bowlers for the sins of the batsmen.
The series is virtually shot. I'd be inclined to look to the future, give this series away because we need to win three out of three.
If not they sure as hell should if we don't win the next won.
OH Goody now Smith plays a crap shot.
The selectors have a lot to answer for, not just on a Test by Test basis, but the actual make up of this touring squad, its a complete disaster, embarrassment and bordering on a national disgrace.
The selectors have a lot to answer for, not just on a Test by Test basis, but the actual make up of this touring squad, its a complete disaster, embarrassment and bordering on a national disgrace.
I agree.
How many years have they had to plan this?
mickey Mouse operation.
The selectors have a lot to answer for, not just on a Test by Test basis, but the actual make up of this touring squad, its a complete disaster, embarrassment and bordering on a national disgrace.
I agree.
How many years have they had to plan this?
mickey Mouse operation.
We are paying for the sins of the past. Changes that are being implemented will take time to filter through.
Hate to say it but it's all about generation next and trying to build a team to 'stabilise' Australian cricket until then.
On a positive note:
Ryan Harris has been great. I think Jackson Bird will come in for the next test and they will give Pattinson a spell.
Negative note:
Ashton Agar got another 98 (this time bowling) and Shane Watson has been worked out by England. Harsh to say it but Watson will be picked off now until he fixes the problem and you cannot fix those type of issues out the middle (ask Phil Hughes). Interesting to note those who don't like Ed Cowan he has similar figures to Watson although Watson bowls which is the saving grace.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Agar left out for the next test (Smith to offer the spin option) and maybe play Faulkner as a left arm accurate option who can bat. If they go that way the seamers would be Harris, Siddle, Bird and Faulkner with spin from Smith. Australia also get another batting option.
Whichever way they go they have to strengthen the batting. I noted that our combined total for this test match was 363 which only slightly bettered England's first innings total of 361. That's how far behind we are in reality and all that after Trott and Pieterson had quite games.
The selectors have a lot to answer for, not just on a Test by Test basis, but the actual make up of this touring squad, its a complete disaster, embarrassment and bordering on a national disgrace.
I agree.
How many years have they had to plan this?
mickey Mouse operation.
We are paying for the sins of the past. Changes that are being implemented will take time to filter through.
Hate to say it but it's all about generation next and trying to build a team to 'stabilise' Australian cricket until then.
On a positive note:
Ryan Harris has been great. I think Jackson Bird will come in for the next test and they will give Pattinson a spell.
Negative note:
Ashton Agar got another 98 (this time bowling) and Shane Watson has been worked out by England. Harsh to say it but Watson will be picked off now until he fixes the problem and you cannot fix those type of issues out the middle (ask Phil Hughes). Interesting to note those who don't like Ed Cowan he has similar figures to Watson although Watson bowls which is the saving grace.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Agar left out for the next test (Smith to offer the spin option) and maybe play Faulkner as a left arm accurate option who can bat. If they go that way the seamers would be Harris, Siddle, Bird and Faulkner with spin from Smith. Australia also get another batting option.
Whichever way they go they have to strengthen the batting. I noted that our combined total for this test match was 363 which only slightly bettered England's first innings total of 361. That's how far behind we are in reality and all that after Trott and Pieterson had quite games.
I think Agar might be dropped in favour of Lyon and Faulkner may come in for Pattinson who is struggling on the docile wickets......Bird is probably the better bowler but Faulkners ability with the bat given we are struggling to make runs might get him a debut test.
Be helpful if we could win the toss and bat first.....Smith and Lyon on the last day might be a handy pairing..
The pitches are disgusting. Spinning decks in England???? You can bet that if we had a half decent spinner they'd have the sprinklers on... and they'd still beat us inside 4 days at just about any venue, although we would at least have a fighting chance.
The pitches are disgusting. Spinning decks in England???? You can bet that if we had a half decent spinner they'd have the sprinklers on... and they'd still beat us inside 4 days at just about any venue, although we would at least have a fighting chance.
you can't blame the pitches for 70% of our shot selections..... :'( :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[
The pitches are disgusting. Spinning decks in England???? You can bet that if we had a half decent spinner they'd have the sprinklers on... and they'd still beat us inside 4 days at just about any venue, although we would at least have a fighting chance.
you can't blame the pitches for 70% of our shot selections..... :'( :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[
Exactly. 100% that's the issue. Windy wafts outside off stump have nothing to do with the pitch. Missing lollypoper full tosses have nothing to do with the pitch. Refusal to tailor your game to suit the conditions or fix technical problems (hello Watson) have nothing to do with the pitch.
Why is it when Swann bowled he aimed straight at that rough and when we bowled we did not?
I do agree the English have definitely used the opportunity presented by the weather to produce pitches very conducive to spin but after a tour to India you would think our batsmen might have learned something about how to play it!
The ongoing failure to learn by our so-called "professional" cricketers has lead to the catastrophic destruction of at least 3 remotes in my household.
Leopards do not change their spots.... pity that saying is so apt.
Leopards do not change their spots.... pity that saying is so apt.
Perhaps we are seeing too many spots, probably why we cannot hit the big red one! :))
Perhaps we are seeing too many spots, probably why we cannot hit the big red one! :))
We are seeing plenty of spots alright and then sometimes none - unfortunately most of them in the DRS and it doesn't end well for us.