Cricket Thread

[xgorton]

They’ll need eyes in the back of their head.

Or a brain maybe.

 

[GX Blue]

That's the sensible solution, so they obviously won't even consider it.

Think it shows just how much clout Bairstow has with the team and management.

 

[Postman Pep]

Crawley
Duckett
Ali
Root
Brooke
Stokes
Bairstow
Woakes/Lawrence
Broad
Tongue
Robinson/Wood

I guess it could look like that. Still think the number 3 spot is problematic for England.

Whichever way they go there is no obvious candidate. I think Stokes would be the best fit, particularly if we play the extra bowler.

Think Wood is a definite, before Lords they said he was a week away. I was impressed with Tongue but I fear he will be the one to miss out. Who takes the new ball will one consideration.

 

[Gundoggin]

ESPN cricket poll has the 2005 team way ahead of the current Aussie team .

 

[Gabriel]

Whichever way they go there is no obvious candidate. I think Stokes would be the best fit, particularly if we play the extra bowler.

Think Wood is a definite, before Lords they said he was a week away. I was impressed with Tongue but I fear he will be the one to miss out. Who takes the new ball will one consideration.

Stokes could play further up the order, but I just don’t feasibly see that happening. If England have to bowl first and he’s had his share of the overs, then potentially going in to face the secone delivery would not be optimal. The same is true for Bairstow after a day behind the stumps.

Looking forward to it but just hoping everyone can behave themselves (crowd included) and allow the game to be played hard but fair.

 

[Corky]

View attachment 85408
ESPN cricket poll has the 2005 team way ahead of the current Aussie team .

That 2005 team didn't lose a game in the series.

 

[melrose40yarder]

Foakes in Bairstow as a batsman.

 

[philiph20]

View attachment 85408
ESPN cricket poll has the 2005 team way ahead of the current Aussie team .

The 2005 time had the edge on them as far as batting goes but even with Warne i'd say the 2023 has a better attack.

 

[Postman Pep]

Foakes in Bairstow as a batsman.

Not in squad

 

[Postman Pep]

Stokes could play further up the order, but I just don’t feasibly see that happening. If England have to bowl first and he’s had his share of the overs, then potentially going in to face the secone delivery would not be optimal. The same is true for Bairstow after a day behind the stumps.

Looking forward to it but just hoping everyone can behave themselves (crowd included) and allow the game to be played hard but fair.

Same logic surely applies to Ali at 3?
The obvious answer, although he might not want to hear it, is Root.
That was Stokes first serious spell and he seemed to be moving ok on Sunday. Makes me think he'll be able to back it up so Lawrence comes in either at 3 or they slot him in lower and move Root up.

This is my prediction (not my preference!)

Crawley
Duckett
Root
Lawrence
Brook
Stokes
Bairstow
Ali
Broad
Robinson
Wood