English Cricket Thread

[Slipstream]

I really don't like some aspects of this squad. I sided with KP back in the day when ECB were refusing to realise that it was impossible to stop top talent going to the IPL, but I find it utterly baffling that England would pick a batsman with a FC average under 30 after his skipped a test to play in India instead. I find it baffling also that Overton is rewarded for putting his bank balance ahead of playing CC games, and he just returns out of nowhere anyway. If you want to go to the IPL fine, but surely you can't expect to play in the test team if you prioritise money over CC matches at the start of the season?

I have no issue with someone like Joe Root or Ben Stokes doing it, they earned the right to be selected without question, they've done the hard miles.... but Bethall? Are you serious? He averages 29 man ..... if he's not interested in improving his game, then shouldn't be anywhere near the team.

I can't imagine what it must be like as a good county cricketer performing well week in week out to see that. You turn up, you perform, you work at getting better - meanwhile, some kid who has never scored a FC in 30 matches gets to turn down a call up he didn't even deserve. Or some ageing county pro who averages 7 runs a wicket more thn you gets picked because he bowls quicker... when he bowls, which in recent times is...er... never.

Agree completely

[Arthur Crabtree]

Tongue bowling some real dross for the Lions.

Jaiswal out early though is a big bonus.

[DiligentDefence]

Tongue bowling some real dross for the Lions.

Jaiswal out early though is a big bonus.

Woakes has been on the money. Had the Indian captain dropped first ball as well. Thought Jaiwal was a tad unlucky to be given.

[Arthur Crabtree]

6 overs 2-8 is handy. Feels like I've lost a decade with Woakes back in the Lions after his many earlier appearances before he broke into the first XI.

I've got a feeling he played for the Lions more than anyone else ever has.

[DiligentDefence]

Heading off to the the last 2 sessions,

[sussexpob]

Heading off to the the last 2 sessions,

Enjoy..hopefully the weather holds up

[Arthur Crabtree]

Hope you see India break this partnership soon.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Gotcha!

[sussexpob]

England might not mind KL Rahul making some runs if it guarantees him a spot come July. His record away from home is pretty poor in tests.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Hill gets a couple with the old ball.

[Durhamfootman]

I note that England are warming up for an ashes series beginning in late November by playing a shed load of T20 and ODI cricket against SA and NZ in Sept and Oct followed, presumably, by 3 weeks fishing, golfing and team bonding. By the time they line up for the first test, the England players won't have played with a red ball for 4 months

and they wonder why they've lost 14 of the last 15 ashes test down under, with only the weather saving them in the 15th

I wonder which bright spark thought that was a good idea?

[Durhamfootman]

Woakes has retired from international cricket

[Arthur Crabtree]

Feels sudden. One of my favourite players of the last few years. No showponying. No dramas.

Achieved quite a lot of success along the way, but never a posterboy. Played in a good spirit. Good luck to him.

Hope he does something useful, like trains to be a social worker or a teacher rather than bumming around the commentary box and the sponsors' tents. Or investing in property.

[bigfluffylemon]

I dunno AC, seemed inevitable after this summer, which was clearly one season too far. He is 38, I believe.

A fine bowler at home, and his batting saved England more than once. World cup winner too. Shame he could never replicate his home success on your.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Well, when I say the last few years, I mean the last 15 years. I'm not disputing the time is right. His batting is certainly in decline.

World up winner x2 I think!