This is the man Rich reckons should open the batting :hehe:
Ginger twát
This is the man Rich reckons should open the batting :hehe:
Ginger twát
That is the worrying thing. They clearly went in today with no belief that they could stick around and at least make South Africa work for the win. They just didn't know whether they wanted a shīt or a haircut, played stupid, inappropriate shots and gave their wickets away.
Where is the pride, even if it is personal and selfish? At least play for your average.
You would think they would see it as a great chance to prove all the criticism wrong. Instead they have proved it is 100% correct.
Where is the opener who batted with a broken hand in India? Give him a go.
They do give every impression of being a side who, if anything doesn't go their way, will simply give up because it's too hard. Too many players in that side who expect to be able to leave the hard yards to others (Cook, Root, Ali). And if those others don't come off, they seem to think that's a good excuse to give up.
Sir Geoffrey is FEWMIN!
If you want to look at luxuries in that side, I'd say a guy with 100+ wickets and 2000+ runs (usually batting with the tail) isn't where I'd start.
I can think of four players who need to go and none of them is Ali. I also think young Stokes might want to find a few performances pretty damn quickly.
I'm a shít bowler, but did once find myself on a hat-trick despite bowling trundling slow-medium. First bloke nicked off, second was trapped in front. Third ball, I bowled a rank long-hop and was carted for four. Universal order was restored.
Even then, I thought bowling was shîte.
Thinking about it though, if you're a professional player with all that money you make and the great life you have, why on earth would you want to bat all day; surely you could find better things to do, things which have rather alot less aggro attached, from supporters and social media and such.
Imagine being the thirtieth player on the Arsenal squad list. Perfect life. You turn up to train every day, you play a bit of football with the lads, a little gym work (highly tedious, of course, but many people love it) and then a spot of lunch. Knock off at four. There's no hassle because nobody knows who you are. There's no Montys jumping out at you demanding selfies, for example. And no trips to Elland Road and no forty thousand Yorkshiremen bantering you off. Nobody keying your flash new car because you had a bad game at Spurs. You also have a decent house, all paid off quickly, with all mod cons, the best holidays and even if you never get another pro contract, you walk away from the game practically made for life or just meander down the leagues.
I'm guessing this all applies to professional cricketers just the same.