WI tour of Eng, July 3-30

[Durhamfootman]

comprehensive win for England and quickly enough to help ameliorate the silly scheduling for this week at least

[Arthur Crabtree]

Shouldn't really let James Anderson walk off for the last time without a word. He came through a difficult early period in his career to become the best England bowler of the past 50 years. He wasn't always easy to like, though he eventually put a stop to his worst excesses, for which he deserves credit. And for a time he was the centre of some really odd concerted hype from the UK press in the early teens.

But actually, he ultimately justified it. He became hugely resourceful, and played with a lot of heart and plenty of skill which I'm sure came at the cost of many hours of training. His longevity is worthy of respect. And while his best years coincided with my declining interest, his immense effort in the 10-11 Ashes was a key part of one of my biggest cricket highs. So, best of luck to Jimmy the Saint. Please don't become a commentator.

[Durhamfootman]

he's becoming an England bowling coach, I think

maybe he'll stand for parliament as a Tory candidate

[Arthur Crabtree]

Like Strauss was going to. He was interviewed on the highlights yesterday dressed like Portillo. Not enough money if your stuck on the backbenches though.

[Durhamfootman]

not as many freebies either

[Durhamfootman]

Woody replaces Ando in the squad for the second test

[Slipstream]

[quote="Durhamfootman"]Woody replaces Ando in the squad for the second test[/quote

Who will open the bowling?
Atkinson and Woakes? He doesn't for Surrey
Potts and Woakes?
Wood and Woakes? Last played red ball cricket in India Tests
Pennington and Woakes? Takes the new ball for Notts and it's his home ground. 6'5.

I would say Woakes, Pennington, Atkinson, Stokes, Bashir. Or the possibility of leaving out Woakes and having Potts - he can bat as he got 145* this year

[Durhamfootman]

I think Pennington or Potts

I'm leaning towards Potts on the basis that he has test experience, but if this is about building towards the ashes I wouldn't be at all surprised if they went with Pennington

[alfie]

Presumably having eased Jimmy out they are going to want a good look at all the candidates so I would expect changes match to match. Having a non-batting spinner in Bashir means they almost have to play Woakes to shorten the tail - although Potts may perhaps be able to bat eight ? I'd have thought that is one place too high at Test level , but maybe.

Second Test perhaps just the one change ,either Potts or Pennington in - and if they're two up by then Woakes may sit out the third game. Not sure they will want to play Wood and Atkinson together at this stage so the former might be kept in reserve for the Sri Lanka series.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Not sure there's any logic in Wood coming into the side ahead of those already in the squad. Unless he was injured last week...

Wouldn't be shocked if they leave out the spinner and play five pace bowlers though.

[andy]

I don't think batting depth at 8 is too big of a concern against the Windies, Potts at 8 would be fine, however may as well give Pennington a go...perfect time to see what he has got at this level..

[Slipstream]

Not sure there's any logic in Wood coming into the side ahead of those already in the squad. Unless he was injured last week...

Wouldn't be shocked if they leave out the spinner and play five pace bowlers though.

They could bring in Lawrence for his spin. 5 fast bowlers does seem too much.

[Arthur Crabtree]

For me also. But they've done it before.

[sussexpob]

Wood needs a 6 week holiday after every game he bowls in, so its hardly anything new.

[Slipstream]

Wood needs a 6 week holiday after every game he bowls in, so its hardly anything new.