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

[Luis Anaconda]

Even if you haven't jinxed us to get skittled out by Starc, it doesn't matter. My missus would be too good for any of our contenders for top 3. She bowled against 8 year olds in the park in Mumbai with more talent than the likes of Burns and Vince.

Do you really think Roy could open in an Ashes test? A FC average of 38, with a SR over 82. We need to see off the new ball and get to lunch, to allow our middle and lower-middle order to make hay in the late-afternoon sun.

I've honestly seen people posting on the Times and Graun saying the current odi side should be what we use for the test.

It's the Ashes, ffs. They can't be won simply by playing a bunch of slogging all-rounders. Cloud over and a lost toss and we'll be all out by lunch on the first day.

It's a gamble and the figures don't stack up but sometimes momentum can be a key thing. Look at Trescothick who hardly had a stellar career pre-Test debut and was unorthodox. Got in on the back of great one-day form and was one of the finest openers we've had imo

[Burney]

It's a gamble and the figures don't stack up but sometimes momentum can be a key thing. Look at Trescothick who hardly had a stellar career pre-Test debut and was unorthodox. Got in on the back of great one-day form and was one of the finest openers we've had imo

Trescothick gets too little credit for our 2005 Ashes win imo. He took the attack to the Australian seamers, got our run-rate up and generally gave us momentum and the initiative (until Warne came on, obviously). There is something to be said for that sort of player - after all, Sehwag's game didn't change much between tests and one-dayers and he ended up averaging 49

[Luis Anaconda]

Trescothick gets too little credit for our 2005 Ashes win imo. He took the attack to the Australian seamers, got our run-rate up and generally gave us momentum and the initiative (until Warne came on, obviously). There is something to be said for that sort of player - after all, Sehwag's game didn't change much between tests and one-dayers and he ended up averaging 49

Spot on - as I said earlier, just needs these players to come off once or twice a series and they win games (not unlike Broad with the ball which is why I would be reluctant to drop him)

[Ganpati's Goonerz--AFC's Aboriginal Fertility Cult]

Spot on - as I said earlier, just needs these players to come off once or twice a series and they win games (not unlike Broad with the ball which is why I would be reluctant to drop him)

Broad with his dander up against the Convicts is a terrifying sight. He has to start the first two tests at least, for me. If he's lost it, fine. But if not, we'll need him with the new ball.

[Ganpati's Goonerz--AFC's Aboriginal Fertility Cult]

Trescothick gets too little credit for our 2005 Ashes win imo. He took the attack to the Australian seamers, got our run-rate up and generally gave us momentum and the initiative (until Warne came on, obviously). There is something to be said for that sort of player - after all, Sehwag's game didn't change much between tests and one-dayers and he ended up averaging 49

How does he get too little credit? He was the 2nd highest run scorer. While Strauss got two tons, MK didn't get any but got 3 50s and averaged 43. Great opening combination, imo.

[Ganpati's Goonerz--AFC's Aboriginal Fertility Cult]

It's a gamble and the figures don't stack up but sometimes momentum can be a key thing. Look at Trescothick who hardly had a stellar career pre-Test debut and was unorthodox. Got in on the back of great one-day form and was one of the finest openers we've had imo

Good point. I hope you're right. I think it no coincidence that as we've seen the rise of T20 leagues, we've been unable to replace Strauss, Cook and Trott.

All our bowlers and WKs can slog scoops and switch-hits for six, but we don't have anyone that can see off the new ball.

But Hales didn't work as an opener despite being in great form in the slogging.

Tbh, if you look at the way Stokes has played this tournament, I don't think he could do a worse job as opener than someone like Burns.

That would give us the option of playing Foakes, a proper 'keeper who's already scored a test ton. And with the likes of YJB, Buttler and Ali (if he returned to form) it's not as though Stokes at 6 is our only counter-attacking option.

Stokes actually has the technique to defend. And as I say, we could then play a proper keeper, or have Woakes and Archer in a side with 5 quicks.

Ali, Woakes/Foakes and Archer at 7,8,9 isn't too shabby. (Or Ali, Foakes, Woakes. - A no.9 with a test century to his name. Pity Broad forgot how to bat.)