Have we actually had a proper, old skool English collapse so far this tournament?

[Burney]

Starc (famous last words) isn't actually that dangerous in English conditions though. Can't bowl with a Duke ball. Hazelwood may be more of an issue. Interesting, if seems likely, Roy opens. Just needs to come off once or twice and he could have a real effect on the series imo. Genuinely can't think of who we can pick at 3 (Joe? Joe? ARE YOU LISTENING JOE?). Mind you, Jimmy versus their top order shouldn't be a long contest either

As regards Root, I find it odd that people are so happy to compare his average as a number 3 unfavourably with that when he bats 4 and put it down to place in the batting order, but ignore the fact that this decline also coincided with him becoming captain.

[Luis Anaconda]

As regards Root, I find it odd that people are so happy to compare his average as a number 3 unfavourably with that when he bats 4 and put it down to place in the batting order, but ignore the fact that this decline also coincided with him becoming captain.

He was a pretty decent opener ffs. Also his decline is relative - still third most runs of any player in the world last year.

Almost an argument for Morgan to be brought into the team as captain. Any runs would be a bonus

[Ash]

He was a pretty decent opener ffs. Also his decline is relative - still third most runs of any player in the world last year.

Almost an argument for Morgan to be brought into the team as captain. Any runs would be a bonus

Specialist captain. These super-batters always seem to lose some of their powers when they become captain.

[Luis Anaconda]

Specialist captain. These super-batters always seem to lose some of their powers when they become captain.

Speaking of superbatsmen - are you going to get the chance to see AB at all?

[Ash]

Speaking of superbatsmen - are you going to get the chance to see AB at all?

8th August v Surrey.

[Luis Anaconda]

8th August v Surrey.

Nice - we'll probably have been knocked out by then but he'll be good to watch

[Burney]

Speaking of superbatsmen - are you going to get the chance to see AB at all?

Allan Border? Bit late for that imo.

[Luis Anaconda]

Allan Border? Bit late for that imo.

Never did see him bat - probably didn't miss much. I was thinking the other day of the best XI I had actually seen live. Think I came up with something like this. Bit batting top heavy but didn't want to leave out Crowe. Not sure you need a fifth bowler anyway

Greenidge
Cook
Richards
Tendulkar (though never saw him bat only field)
Ponting
Crowe M
Gilchrist
Marshall
Warne
Hadlee
McGrath

[Burney]

Never did see him bat - probably didn't miss much. I was thinking the other day of the best XI I had actually seen live. Think I came up with something like this. Bit batting top heavy but didn't want to leave out Crowe. Not sure you need a fifth bowler anyway

Greenidge
Cook
Richards
Tendulkar (though never saw him bat only field)
Ponting
Crowe M
Gilchrist
Marshall
Warne
Hadlee
McGrath

I’ve got all those, but I’d be able to put Gavaskar in ahead of Cook.
Actually, don’t know if this counts, but I saw Sobers play (albeit in an old fúcker’s game at The Oval when he was about 50) and he’d have to get a spot ahead of Ponting -which also sorts your bowling issue out.

[Rich]

Never did see him bat - probably didn't miss much. I was thinking the other day of the best XI I had actually seen live. Think I came up with something like this. Bit batting top heavy but didn't want to leave out Crowe. Not sure you need a fifth bowler anyway

Greenidge
Cook
Richards
Tendulkar (though never saw him bat only field)
Ponting
Crowe M
Gilchrist
Marshall
Warne
Hadlee
McGrath

Surely Jacques Kallis gets in ahead of Crowe?