Cricket

[kaosmark2]

Jimmy

[philipsteak]

3 day matches. Probably not a bad idea in this country. Chances of getting 5 days of decent weather on the trot are so slim

[philipsteak]

But if you have a three day match rain could still affect it.

Keep it at five days and then if rain wipes a day or two out you've still a chance of a result.

Yeah, that wasn't a serious suggestion.

[kaosmark2]

I'm fine with giving Lyth more time. He's not a reassuring presence though.

 

I'm still unsure about Hales, not sure he's a Test style player. Personally I'd give Sam Robson another go, doubt that'll happen any time soon though.

 

I'm just fed up of the constant 1-2 series each opener gets. This instability isn't helping either.

[kaosmark2]

A Test century isn't nothing, and I'd argue the NZ bowlers are incredibly well suited to Headingley, moreso than most foreign attacks on English pitches. He's also seeing off the new ball, the problem is that after that he tries to get aggressive too quickly and gets himself out. I'm not convinced his technique is the problem so much as temperament. 

 

There's also no point dropping someone if you can't improve on it. I liked Robson more than Lyth, but I'm not sure Hales would be a step up. Who would you bring in in his place?

[TheGayTent]

On train on way back after 2 great days. I wouldn't drop Lyth, but if I had to, I'd never have got rid of Compton

[TheGayTent]

So, next test - we're dropping Bell right?

[kaosmark2]

So, next test - we're dropping Bell right?

Absolutely.

[TheGayTent]

Brave decision by the chef particularly with anderson out. As a minimum, Clarke needs to be at the crease by lunch else it will have been the convicts morning.

[TheGayTent]

Clarke's in after 8 balls!

[kaosmark2]

Wow, um, what the fuck?

[TheGayTent]

TMS is making for good listening !

[TheGayTent]

Oh my word

[kaosmark2]

What's the lowest aussie score in records?

[TheGayTent]

Can't last past this series Clarke surely?

[TheGayTent]

Broad has a Michelle after only 19 balls !

[pink_triangle]

Its great news for those who realized what great odds England were to win the series at the start. Its terrible news for those who have Sunday tickets at Trent Bridge. I say this as someone in both camps!

[5co77ie]

I may just have to go to the pub - and enjoy an evening with the Aussie bar staff!

[gary1979666]

Wow - well done to the English bowler for the highest run total in the extras!

[lharris92]

one word to sum it up:

 

[5co77ie]

[TheGayTent]

What's amazing is we're not actually THAT good. Fair play to broad yesterday, but other than root, who from this crop of players would get into our 2005 side?*

And we're gonna be three one up.

*obviously bell and Anderson were there but you know what I mean.

Cook and Broad definitely. Anderson was only in the squad for the 5th test and didn't play. Edited August 7, 2015 by TheGayTent

[TheGayTent]

In place of who? Broad instead of harmison?

I'm not so sure.

Cook in front of Trescothick, but I'd probably have him instead of Strauss too.

Broad is head and shoulders above Harmison. No contest.

[kaosmark2]

I'm with TGT on this. Broad gets hugely underappreciated. 

[TheGayTent]

I don't think there's even a question is there? Harmison was better than just a bully on a wicket that suited, but he wasn't the all round cricketer that Broad is. How often did Harmison win test matches almost single handedly against the very best sides?

Broad has done it 3 times in ashes test matches alone. He's also mentally strong, something that can't be said of Harmison.

Finally, statistically broad beats Harmison hands down. There really isn't any question who was the better player.

If we go back to the original question, the only doubt is if you want to argue about the balance of a team and whether the 2005 side had a great balance to it, and replacing Harmison with Broad would disrupt that balance. Personally, I don't think so, but I can see that being a valid argument.