bigfluffylemon wrote:This is awful.
that is a biased view...
GarlicJam wrote:bigfluffylemon wrote:This is awful.
that is a biased view...
bigfluffylemon wrote:Least prepared England side ever?
Given that grand plans have apparently been in the works for four years, or at least two (since the World Cup win) to focus on tests and win here, the preparation does look like an abject failure. Sure, Covid hasn't helped. But have England actually moulded a capable squad? No, they continue to rely on Root, Stokes, Anderson, Broad and helpful home conditions. And just had their worst test summer in a very, very long time. Promising players like Archer and Pope have failed to live up to expectations or been beset with injury, or both. And they keep defaulting back to those who are proven not to cut it at the highest level, like Bairstow and Moeen, rather than develop new talent. And when was the last time we found a new batsman capable of high performance? Stokes and Root came on the scene in 2013. No-one who debuted since since has managed to average over 37. Ballance was the closest, and he started strong and faded fast. Australia has had 7 players debuting since 2013 with an average of 38 or better. Even the much maligned Shaun Marsh averages better than every member of the England batting line up bar Root and Stokes (just).
Geez I hope I'm wrong. But I haven't been less confident in England's batting since the 90s.
Durhamfootman wrote:I wonder if I'm the only person hoping the storm that ended play early hangs around for the next 3 days
bigfluffylemon wrote:I dunno. I was watching some analysis that suggested that in the first hour, only three deliveries were on the stumps. Obviously one was the Burns wicket. Australia were bowling too short, England were playing things they didn't need to play, and at least two of the first four wickets were pretty tame dismissals from batsmen poking at something they could have left. Poor cricket all round, really.
sussexpob wrote:Wood is going to be essential for England tomorrow. With the bounce in the pitch, I expect him to be England's main threat
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