******Cricket Thread******

[Tim of the Oak]

Those lost overs to rain proved vital. Not sure they’d have survived seven more overs.

That’s the nature of the game. The Aussies had enough time to win the game. Unlike the previous tests, the Aussies didn’t take all their catches. If the Aussies had maintained their exceptional fielding standards (especially compared to butter fingers England) they would have won again.

Jimmy and Broad did just enough and this test also shows up flaws in England’s selection policy. Why didn’t we pick the players with bottle throughout the series. The Aussies would still beaten us but it could have been a closer contest.

 

[Gabriel]

That’s the nature of the game. The Aussies had enough time to win the game. Unlike the previous tests, the Aussies didn’t take all their catches. If the Aussies had maintained their exceptional fielding standards (especially compared to butter fingers England) they would have won again.

Jimmy and Broad did just enough and this test also shows up flaws in England’s selection policy. Why didn’t we pick the players with bottle throughout the series. The Aussies would still beaten us but it could have been a closer contest.

Tend to find that the winning side loses its edge after a series is wrapped up, so England should be taking little comfort from what happens in Sydney and Hobart. They’ll make the right noises in the media, yet I can’t help thinking that’s just papering over chasms.

England have had selection problems for a long time now, the most ridiculous of which was probably going into the third Test at Ahmedabad with only one spinner and four seamers! People will rightfully point fingers at the rotation policy that was adopted during the pandemic and question its value, but the selection problems have existed since the last tour Down Under. Root continues to say these are the best red ball players, but I’m not sure anyone can agree on what the best England eleven is, so they’ve fallen into the trap of thinking they can change the team for the specific ground/circumstances. Might be better instead to choose a balanced and settled side that can play in most conditions.

 

[KS55]

That’s the nature of the game. The Aussies had enough time to win the game. Unlike the previous tests, the Aussies didn’t take all their catches. If the Aussies had maintained their exceptional fielding standards (especially compared to butter fingers England) they would have won again.

Jimmy and Broad did just enough and this test also shows up flaws in England’s selection policy. Why didn’t we pick the players with bottle throughout the series. The Aussies would still beaten us but it could have been a closer contest.

Not sure about selection but it shows up the lack of preparation. With a little cricket now under the belt, England looked a bit better.

 

[markbmcfc]

There’s a worrying sense of achievement doing the rounds today, after we managed to salvage a draw to prevent a 5-0 whitewash.

Shows how far we have fallen as a Test side. Players and fans alike.

 

[Tim of the Oak]

Not sure about selection but it shows up the lack of preparation. With a little cricket now under the belt, England looked a bit better.

Poor preparation but the weather did play havoc with that.

Some of the selection errors have been embarrassing. Picking Jack Leach and leaving out Broad on a green top for starters.

 

[ancoats]

There’s a worrying sense of achievement doing the rounds today, after we managed to salvage a draw to prevent a 5-0 whitewash.

Shows how far we have fallen as a Test side. Players and fans alike.

spot matey
rain affected test and we think the draw is special and a achievement ? i do worry that this will paper over the cracks and people will get to stay in the test team. its so english to ride on a wave of disaster ? what next OBEs.

 

[domalino]

It is frustrating that on a normal tour schedule this 4th game for England would have been the first test match and surprise surprise the players are looking much more capable, the selection is looking better etc.

Australia are a better side but the covid affected schedule has contributed significantly to how poor England have been.

 

[The Light Was Yellow Sir]

It is frustrating that on a normal tour schedule this 4th game for England would have been the first test match and surprise surprise the players are looking much more capable, the selection is looking better etc.

Australia are a better side but the covid affected schedule has contributed significantly to how poor England have been.

Normal schedule?
You’re suggesting this is a recent phenomenon. The last 3 tours of Australia, we’ve lost 12 out of 14. In 28 innings we’ve bowled them out 10 times and they’ve bowled us out 26 times (we’ve only batted 27 times!)

This century, in Australia, we’ve played 29 tests and lost 22. We’ve won 4 and 3 of those were in the winning series of 2010/11. The other win was when we were 4-0 down!

 

[Protein Junkie]

Happy for Zak Crawley he is a good batsman.
The top order is not good enough however but at least a modicum of respect.
As other posters have correctly identified, it needs profound change. Will it happen though ?
The schedule is a joke. Should play at least two games vs the states before the first test.

 

[melrose40yarder]

Just papering over the cracks.
Still did not score 300.
Well done Crawley.Hameed im sorry not up to it.Bairstow has guaranteed his spot for a few more games in which he will be bowled or Lbw.
Why are we getting Billings in?
The best keeper is Foakes.Consistent selection would give Bracey another go.
Muddled thinking Im sure Burns will be back in place of Hameed.