Lovebitesandeveryfing
Well-Known Member
Write this one off, stoically. We're 1-0 down. The series isn't over, far from it. We've had Australia in difficulties, even in this match, although the result won't show it. First thing to do: Moeen Ali, who has been a great servant to England, is playing like a donkey, both with bat and ball, and has been for quite some time. We're carrying dead weight there. He must be dropped, forthwith.
Pray that Anderson will somehow get fit. We need him. As for Smith, the problem is not so much there, or not only. He's going to carry on batting brilliantly, there'll be no miracles, and he'll carry on getting fifties and hundreds, because he's the best in the world at present.
No, it's what the others are costing us, and especially the tail-enders. When a guy like Siddle is getting 44, and even Nathan Lyon is eking out 12; then in this innings Paine 34, Pattinson 47, Cummins 26 — that's really hurting us. Not least because it allows the big hitters to hang around.
Pray that Anderson will somehow get fit. We need him. As for Smith, the problem is not so much there, or not only. He's going to carry on batting brilliantly, there'll be no miracles, and he'll carry on getting fifties and hundreds, because he's the best in the world at present.
No, it's what the others are costing us, and especially the tail-enders. When a guy like Siddle is getting 44, and even Nathan Lyon is eking out 12; then in this innings Paine 34, Pattinson 47, Cummins 26 — that's really hurting us. Not least because it allows the big hitters to hang around.