I know its a little bit early but know the ashes have been returned home what are steps for the future. We've got a big winter ahead with 7 tests against two teams which will be stiffer competition than the aussies. This is who I would bring along to Pakistan.
Cook
Robson
Hales
Bell
J Taylor
Root
Stokes
Bairstow
Buttler
Ali
Rashid
Anderson
Finn
Broad
Wood
Rushworth
First XI
Cook
Hales
Bell
Root
Ali
Stokes
Rashid
Broad
Buttler
Anderson
Finn
For me the Opening slot is a tricky one , we've tried so many here, since strauss retired and none have been successful. We've just got to do what Australia did for a while , when they could not find a spinner and keep on trying different players hopefully Hales is a success.
Bell will have Taylor and Bairstow breathing down his neck with Root likely to replace him at 3 should he fail.
I don't think Ali's contributions with the ball are good enough to suggest he should be our frontline spinner that being said his batting has been marvellous and deserves a spot in the top 6. For me you either bat Ali in the top 6 or drop him.
Buttler keeping has been marvellous this summer but should his form continue with the bat Cook may decide he wants a keeper who can bat.
I think this is the perfect series to bed in Rashid, hopefully he has a brilliant one day series against Australia. Looked brilliant against new Zealand, lets give him these three tests and see what he's got.
So what are your thoughts. I like how we've got batting down to 9 as well as 6 strong options in Bowling in Anderson, Finn, Broad, Stokes, Rashid and Ali.
This Would actually be the team I would like to see us defend the ashes with, with bell being replaced by Taylor if his form does not pick up and possibly woods coming in should Anderson retire before this point.
Test Squad to Pakistan
posted on 11/8/15
comment by (U20610)
posted 4 hours, 55 minutes ago
Doesn't Rashid bowl too many bad balls? It'll be crazy having Rashid and Ali bowling in tandem going for 5-6 runs per over each.
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New users attacking England, and voting a very sensible article down. "They" are back. Gotta love emm ... Take it you're over the Bangladesh humiliation now?
posted on 11/8/15
Tamwolf, you are right,he's 29. My comment was tongue-in-cheek considering the likes of misbah, Zulfi and YK (almost) are 40+ and still going strong ....
posted on 13/8/15
I would like to see Lyth given another go at opening, it is not easy starting your career against two of the best attacks in world cricket, on seaming pitches and against a moving ball.
It would be only fair to judge him against some easier opposition and on probably a lot flatter wickets.
They treated Carberry harshly after the Australia tour, when he had to face some of the best bowlers in the world on wickets that suited them, but he is probably too old now for a recall, they need to find a younger player who is going to open for the next few years.
posted on 14/8/15
I wouldn't be taking Rushworth - If he was ever going to get a game it was Trent Bridge where the ball historically moves around and that would suit his game.
Taking a trundle who bowls at 80mph and relies on swing isn't what we need in the Sub conditions.
I would be tempted to play Rashid (Again, if not on the sub, where?) and use Stokes as a third pace bowler.
The opening position is the only real concern. We have some talented lads - Hales, Lees, Robson, Abell - But none are standing out.
From that list I would go with Hales and hope for the "Warner" style improvement from the ODI to Test arena.
Batsmen:
Hales
Cook C
Bell
Root
Bairstow (Back up keeper)
Stokes
Buttler WK
Ali
Rashid
Broad
Anderson
12TH Man: Finn
Back up batsmen: Taylor or Ballance
Back up Bowlers: Wood, C. Overton, Footitt
posted on 14/8/15
Theres huge rumours circulating that Moeen Ali will open the batting in the UAE.. I like that idea.. Unsure if it would be a permanent fixture though. Not in South Africa.. I would worry if he was opening there. But time will tell.
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Not a shocking idea - His weakness is the bouncer which we won't see much of in the UAE!.
posted on 14/8/15
So they are coming again? May be to see another drubbing
posted on 23/8/15
Ali and Rashid bowling in tandem is a horrible thought. The game could be taken away in just a session of those two going at 4-5 an over.
posted on 23/8/15
Who else is there?
posted on 27/8/15
Last tim eng struggled against pretty average spinners. They will need to put a really good effort to counteract Yasir shah.
Apart from cook and root I think it will be good to see how the rest tackle the spinners. Also think bell will retire before that series.
posted on 28/8/15
Would take tredwell as the third spinner. He didn't do antyhing wrong in the windies. An outside bet is aaron Lilley, off break bowler from lancs. The cupboard is certainly bare with quality spinners since panesar and swann retired..