2025 should prove a stiff challenge.
Let’s take a look at the batting order first.
I dunno that innings by Labuschagne was ridiculous.
Pope will come back into the side and bat at 3.
That assumes Bairstow keeps wicket or doesn’t play ? Either way it’s a hard shout as he is a quality batsman but not Test quality Keeper.
The opening pair are sound and you haven’t included Pope, though I remain unconvinced that he is a natural 3. I actually think that Stokes would be better going in at 3, especially as he can seemingly no longer be relied upon to bowl. Alternatively, and this is a bit of a wildcard, Sam Curran looks increasingly like someone who could bat much higher up the order. They resisted the urge to recall Foakes and his batting style might be too conventional for what England demand, so he may not be in the party that tours India. In that regard, England might prefer instead to include Jamie Smith and/or James Rew and persist with the policy of batsmen who can keep. Ahmed and Jacks toured last winter but were then overlooked this summer for Ali, which I wasn’t in favour of, but then that is emblematic of the management’s preference for experience. As for the pace bowling, the names you suggest are all possibles (add Atkinson, too) and that is indeed where major surgery is required, but the management will either slap a bandage on and show continued loyalty to the old guard or staple younger players in willy-nilly; one might take but most will end up on the floor. After another failed Ashes series, I’m still unsure that there is any coherent plan for the bowling unit.
Agree with your sentiments entirely there brother Gabriel :-)
Likewise.
Can't think why , maybe it would suit our American friends
They've just set up a a MLC 20/20 league full of windies rejects. The hundred might be pushing it at the moment.
The Americans now have their own T20 tournament and will host some of the World Cup next year. Huge subcontinent diaspora to support it and backing from existing IPL and Australian franchises.
Pretty much nailed it there. I've not heard of it being played anywhere else. Unlike the T20 stuff, which is just about everywhere that has a decent standard of cricket. Whoever devised it needs shooting.
Yes have seen that 6 teams in 2 stadiums , if they want to appeal to more than traditional cricket supporting communities this version may well suit
Watched a bit...seems like a home for the larger lady.
I notice that too.
I don’t see the point of this ‘Hundred’ competition. No different to the T20 bash, apart from the extra balls. Manchester Originals, Trent Rockets etc…fuck off. It should be counties at least.
