Cricket-Match-Special ... A forum for discussion

I presume Woody is not available for us to pick anyway. I imagine he's part of the England squad for this series.

Durhamfootman wrote:I presume Woody is not available for us to pick anyway. I imagine he's part of the England squad for this series.

Yep. Just seens strange that he's apparently fit to play but they've not picked him for the first two games.

On the evidence of England's bowling today England should be desperate to get Woody fit.He and Archer both on top form are essential if we're to have any chance in The World Cup.

westoelad wrote:On the evidence of England's bowling today England should be desperate to get Woody fit.He and Archer both on top form are essential if we're to have any chance in The World Cup.

Definitely. Their extra pace should be vital.

Maybe. Wood did well in WI but previously he actually did worse than the other options. And if his pace is down he tends to lose his threat. It's not like he's a Trent Boult or Dale Steyn waiting to come back in. He's probably still a bit unpredictable.

Arthur Crabtree wrote:Maybe. Wood did well in WI but previously he actually did worse than the other options. And if his pace is down he tends to lose his threat. It's not like he's a Trent Boult or Dale Steyn waiting to come back in. He's probably still a bit unpredictable.

That's true. He's pretty much a one trick pony - if he's not bowling at full pace he doesn't really offer much else.
Either there is an injury that's being kept quiet or England are going to pick him for the remainder of the series. He needs to be bowling in order for the selectors to make a judgement.

it wasn't just his pace in the WIndies, his accuracy was just as important.

Some of those death overs were as good as anything you'll find anywhere.

Durhamfootman wrote:it wasn't just his pace in the WIndies, his accuracy was just as important.

Some of those death overs were as good as anything you'll find anywhere.

Totally-agree he also can find reverse swing at great pace. The issue is, as always, his fitness which is why England are so protective with him.

The Times is reporting Woody is " unlikely" to play tomorrow and " there are questions about jobs fitness" but England insist it's nothing serious. Surely though they can't pick him in the WC squad unless he proves his fitness by actually playing a few games?

captaincolly wrote:The Times is reporting Woody is " unlikely" to play tomorrow and " there are questions about jobs fitness" but England insist it's nothing serious. Surely though they can't pick him in the WC squad unless he proves his fitness by actually playing a few games?

He hasn't been fit to bowl for nearly 2 months so it should be a concern. Not our problem though. All right there, Nigel?

westoelad wrote::SL:

captaincolly wrote:The Times is reporting Woody is " unlikely" to play tomorrow and " there are questions about jobs fitness" but England insist it's nothing serious. Surely though they can't pick him in the WC squad unless he proves his fitness by actually playing a few games?

He hasn't been fit to bowl for nearly 2 months so it should be a concern. Not our problem though. All right there, Nigel?

Maybe Nigel is the one who has told FTECB that there is no cause for concern!

He said he was fully fit when we played Northants at the start of the one day cup campaign. England were reluctant to allow him to play and then when they did decide to let him have a couple of matches the rain washed them off

I think England are keeping him under their hat ahead of the World Cup, but if they were to drop him from their WC squad, in favour of Archer, I'd be happy to see him playing for us

Coughlin injury update- Mick Newell is confident he'll play again this season! So reading between the lines he must- at best-be ruled out for a good while yet.

What a surprise- Wood sent for a scan after limping off early doors in the first warm-up game. The commentators think it might be a calf problem, if that's right at least it'll mean the ankle hasn't gone again!

Some of the journalists are now saying the scan is on the troublesome ankle.