God help me - the Test Cricket thread

[dodge]

It's interesting - score a big score in the first innings quickly, give yourself time to bowl the other side out twice (without enforcing a follow on) and there is less chance to lose the test.  Hence the declaration was a bad one in the first.

Batsmen are able to score more quickly for longer now, and there is more inventiveness in the cricket.  Bowlers, however, aren't used to the toil of test matches and this is where the fatigue comes in and a raft of quality bowlers is required.  Apart from Wood, I am not sure if England have much in reserve - not way can Broad and Anderson play 5 tests in 6 weeks on flat decks.

But if you prepare pitches so that bowlers don't have to toil as hard, the batsmen can't cope, as they don't have the techniques to play swing/cut, or patience if it gets a little hard, which defeats the purpose of Bazball.

Englands best chance is with the first, but it may well backfire, as we have the bowlers and batsmen that can cope with flat tracks and a better spinner.

Nothing in the first test - be interesting how the nerves hold for both teams - can't see Australia doing much different.  England has to tweak their team but don't think they will change their game plan either.

[LP]

It feels like a "Let's not talk about the war moment!", just bring in Starc because Boland was "too expensive!" :o

Is that Starc the Economical, or Selectors the Comical!

Tough as they may be, just how many chances did they grass off Boland in the 1st innings, was it 2 or 3, and didn't he actually get two blokes out without an appeal from behind the stumps?

[ElwoodBlues1]

It feels like a "Let's not talk about the war moment!", just bring in Starc because Boland was "too expensive!" :o

Is that Starc the Economical, or Selectors the Comical!

Tough as they may be, just how many chances did they grass off Boland in the 1st innings, was it 2 or 3, and didn't he actually get two blokes out without an appeal from behind the stumps?

I'd stick with Boland.....England will probably make a change or two with Wood and maybe Foakes as inclusions which will make them better and Starc is the type of bowler that bazball might benefit from given he leaks runs and thats by his own admission.
Boland was handy with the bat as nightwatchman and while his bowling wasnt sensational he is consistent and on a track that offers more which I think the next one will for bowlers like Anderson who also found the going tough Id want to keep the pressure on and not allow easy runs.

[DJC]

Interesting comment from Anderson about retiring if dead pitches continue to be served up.

[ElwoodBlues1]

Interesting comment from Anderson about retiring if dead pitches continue to be served up.

Reckon the next test wicket might have a bit more life for Sir Jim but I'd also expect him to be rested in rotation.
Think he is nearly done though and should retire at seasons end .I'd expect the new King to bestow a knighthood on him in the near future. Good bowler but I have never rated him as highly as the cricket experts and find him conceited and full of himself....

[Gointocarlton]

Starc in Boland out

[Professer E]

What a surprise.

[crashlander]

Not sure I would have replaced Boland, especially if there is a bit of movement in the pitch, but Starc swings the ball. Are they assuming the ball is going to swing? Not sure I want to make that assumption.

[spf]

I think prior to last test, unless Cummins was captain, then I think Boland would have taken his spot. Loved Boland's innings last match and his tenacity to keep running in, but who do you drop? Starc will swing it at pace, go for runs and may rip through them on this pitch. Add to this as a left hander this helps Lyon as well.

[Professer E]

Agreed.  Cummins bowled poorly on India and in the first dig.  I think the rough Starc creates is a bit over rated but I can see why he got picked.  Hazelwood should buy a lotto ticket - and he and Mr Starc need to start returning wickets or the cartel might get broken up.  That Starc doesn't bowl well after two tests is a real concern and has cost us in series more than once - I would have held him back for what I see as the pivotal test - the third one.