by sussexpob » Tue May 31, 2022 6:32 pm
The press are full of articles about the usual vague concepts like approach, mentality or brand of cricket .... I get the sense they see an instantaneous improvement in seeing two "chest out" type players being installed as captain and coach, but the danger of that is ignoring that England's batting problems particularly are caused by technical issues rather than any instructed approach. No matter what wrapper you want, or how you advertise it, a crap biscuit will always be a crap biscuit.
I think we need to be very patient with this new setup, because I dont see rapid and widespread improvement being much of a realistic outcome. If 1 or 2 batsman look to improve in the next 12 months and win their long term places, if those on the fringes improve their averages.... well, if we can do that and still lose, its a step forward.
For McCullum, in the short term we either need the established under-performing players who have had chances to get better. Or he needs to unearth at least 1 or 2 other talents in the batting that can at least justify their places.
For Stokes, I just want to see some smart cricket and not the poor thought process that Root displayed. I want to see a bit more aggression (although not Rambo cricket) in field placings, and definitely someone who is reactive to the game and not just following what his data analysis wrote down for him to do.
Both need time.... well, unless we get absolutely massacred. But if we lose 3-0 in 3 hard fought tests that the result was at least a question in, I think Id be happy.
I have a feeling Stokes might be a great leader, but not sure about tactically. I feel the same about McCullum - maybe a great man manager, but does he have the technical knowledge to improve the team as cricketers.
Time will tell.
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