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
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.
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.)