No sure either how Stokes isn't classed as 'world'class' with what he has proven on the big stage. He's having a lean spell with the bat for him and carrying an injury, but he is definitely a top, top player.
Like Bairstow, a good and sometimes destructive player. They don't do it often enough though.
The only problem with Stokes is he clearly isn't fit enough to play and so however good he is for the team, if he can't bowl and can't bat properly because of it he shouldn't be in the team until he is. We are also lacking any pace in our attack or a world class spinner so we are lacking in certain areas, we are also depriving the best w/k in the world who is also a really good bat, that should not be happening.
One trick Ponies, occasionally a thoroughbred.
Can't see any changes other than Moeen for Robinson, pitch dependent.
The pace area is frustrating as we know how good we would be IF we had Wood and Archer to call upon through this series.
I'd expect one of the 2 oldies to go before Robinson. Purely based on 'saving legs'. Jimmy's been fairly innocuous with the ball to be honest.
That would be right, but it won't happen. Both JA and SB are safe because there may be a period where they can be matchwinners.
Well neither looking like match winners right now.
Again, I don't disagree. I would have dropped him for Wood (if fit), but I don't think whoever picks the team will be brave enough, unless there is an injury niggle excuse.
please no more moeen
Sifri?
I'd guess Jimmys big aim is to get to 700 test wickets and then he'd be happy to call it a day. He'd perhaps been hoping he could do it in this series but that is perhaps looking unlikely now. And of course how much he plays isn't down to him.
Think they'll look to set 440+ in less than 4 sessions in the knowledge that Eng can't play traditional cricket and there's a hothead shot coming from just about every batter.
I think Jimmy will want to become the 2nd highest test wicket taker of all time, so 21 more required.
I dont Count Muralitharan as rules were change so he could continue to throw the ball rather than cause an international furore based on racism . If Jimmy can get past Warne then in my books he's No. 1 wicket taking Bowler
In fairness, he needs to bowl better then. Or play in favourable conditions.
Sadly I think you're right
I might be wrong, but he has always been the main threat and most likely to be given the ball, moreso than Broad, so was always going to get the wickets (not disrespecting JA here) ahead of lesser seamers. Now he's more of a 1 of 4/5, so numbers you'd think would be down as a result.
Wood, yes. Archer shouldn't be anywhere near an England shirt. Mercenary.
English Dad and holds UK citizenship.
mercenary, you say? you mean like kevin pietersen? graeme hick?.....etc. etc.
So strong…
He should have only been eligible this summer but the ECB changed the rules to get him playing in 2019, I think or 2018.
Depends on how quick Aus can score. They'll look for 440/450 lead and to bowl around tea. They won't declare under that.
If I was JA I think I'd announce my intention to retire at the end of the series after this game. That way he's more likely to keep his place for the rest of the series just so the public can say goodbye.
