Counting down to the back-to-back Ashes series in 2013/14

[hopeforthebest]

The problem we have when ODI games come before tests is our batsmen tend to get out playing ODI shots, maybe they forget there are slips and no fielding restictions. Even the dependable Trott has succumed cccasionally.

[Arthur Crabtree]

as I always think, it should be before the tests. 2020, ODIs, tests - appetiser, entrée, main course.

Dessert would be the post series celebrations, if suitable.

I agree, the five ODIs after the Ashes will do nothing but flog the last reserves out of tired players, and the public will be sated by the main event. It offers the losing team an opportunity for a little consolation. And the winning team usually takes their foot off the accelerator. But no one cares much by then. If they are before the Tests, then they have significance as indicators for the main event.

[hopeforthebest]

as I always think, it should be before the tests. 2020, ODIs, tests - appetiser, entrée, main course.

Dessert would be the post series celebrations, if suitable.

I agree, the five ODIs after the Ashes will do nothing but flog the last reserves out of tired players, and the public will be sated by the main event. It offers the losing team an opportunity for a little consolation. And the winning team usually takes their foot off the accelerator. But no one cares much by then. If they are before the Tests, then they have significance as indicators for the main event.

They are so good an indicator as Finn showed in NZ when white ball in hand he was a great threat, then red ball in hand he couldn't buy a wicket.

[Arthur Crabtree]

That's what I thought, that because of his ODI performances, Finn was primed for the Tests! Pitches were very different. But it creates that anticipation, whether or not the signs are later realised.

[hopeforthebest]

That's what I thought, that because of his ODI performances, Finn was primed for the Tests! Pitches were very different. But it creates that anticipation, whether or not the signs are later realised.

What was so different about the pitches AC? Surely the big difference was the ball.

[Arthur Crabtree]

The pitches in the ODIs were really fast and bouncy.

[GarlicJam]

They are so good an indicator as Finn showed in NZ when white ball in hand he was a great threat, then red ball in hand he couldn't buy a wicket.

(imo, of course) that is a matter of selection, preparation and attitude. For one and all.

[andy]

I personally think it should be

Tests followed by t20's followed by odi's

or scrap the t20's ;D

[shankycricket]

That is not going to happen, CF even though I personally would like to see the T20s being restricted to only the domestic leagues and of course, the World Cup. Honestly don't see what purpose one off or two match series have. If at all, they want bilateral T20s, have a proper 3 or 5 match series as that'd at least give it some meaning.

[englandmad666]

So what would england fans like to be there prefered seam attack for the 1st ashes test?

I want (if fully fit)

Anderson
Tremlett
Broad

[hopeforthebest]

So what would england fans like to be there prefered seam attack for the 1st ashes test?

I want (if fully fit)

Anderson
Tremlett
Broad

A fit and in form Bresnan would always be in my team.

[englandmad666]

So what would england fans like to be there prefered seam attack for the 1st ashes test?

I want (if fully fit)

Anderson
Tremlett
Broad

A fit and in form Bresnan would always be in my team.

Fair point but hes struggled lately for england, but who you drop? Broad i take?

[Gingerfinch]

Bresnan has a lot to prove. A good honest trier but IMO, there are better bowlers.

[andy]

That is not going to happen, CF even though I personally would like to see the T20s being restricted to only the domestic leagues and of course, the World Cup. Honestly don't see what purpose one off or two match series have. If at all, they want bilateral T20s, have a proper 3 or 5 match series as that'd at least give it some meaning.

i know...however i wouldnt even have t20 at international level, i would restrict it to domestic only.

[Gingerfinch]

T20 is fine as an international for me. I would though perhaps play two in one day plus another and decrease the number of ODI's to 5 max, per series.