by sussexpob » Mon Oct 11, 2021 9:35 am
The bowlers are a real concern.
Wood is the only person with any pace, and when is the last time he played more than 2-3 tests in a row without breaking down? And when is the last time he had a prolonged run of form too? Averaged 55 in the winter, 35 vs NZ, and only managed one bowling innings before injuring his shoulder v India. And yet, England have boxed themselves in needing to rely on him.
Woakes is also never fit anymore. Broad has spent the majority of the summer unavailable. Overton is a question mark.
And what is the thinking with Bess? He wasnt good enough to bowl on pitches turning right angles in the winter apparently, but then they pick him to play in a country that has been a graveyard for every half decent finger spinner in history?
They only took 17, so certainly room for 1 or 2 other players, and certainly would have taken Leach alone. Id have picked Saqib, Carse or even someone like Garton as an extra x-factor pick..... someone you can at least throw the ball to on a docile pitch and get the hurry up on a batsman. Wood I guess is that option, but ask him to bowl 25 overs in an innings and you have to book his bed in the medical tent again
And if the pitches are like they were last time, not sure Anderson is going to get any help from the ball unless its underlights. At 39 too, does he have enough in the tank to play all 5 games, some of which might require long travel and no days rest inbetween (if the schedule does indeed go to WA after Sydney, but at the moment thats up in the air). At some stage the admirable Anderson will start to show his age.
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And a hat and bra to you too, my good sirs!