We?ll just about get 4th place at this rate

[Luis Anaconda]

Well the attack can certainly be described as green, that's for sure. Clearly Gus Atkinson will go in as the man to lead the attack and if he can stay injury free & then I'd imagine that will be great prep for going down under this winter.

Sam Cook isn't a very bazball selection and not seen much of him. I suspect he's seen as an option to try and beat India this summer rather than someone who will be on the plane to Australia.

I'd expect to see Archer and Wood play some red ball cricket too (think Wood back in July).

It's the spinner call that I don't get. Bashir is clearly not a test match spinner and we continue to ignore Liam Dawson who is on such good form and also adds depth to the batting order. But what do I know

There is chance Bashir can be Test class, Dawson will never be - bang average bowler on a decent pitch. Flattering bunsens at Hampshire aside he has never been good enough

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

Well the attack can certainly be described as green, that's for sure. Clearly Gus Atkinson will go in as the man to lead the attack and if he can stay injury free & then I'd imagine that will be great prep for going down under this winter.

Sam Cook isn't a very bazball selection and not seen much of him. I suspect he's seen as an option to try and beat India this summer rather than someone who will be on the plane to Australia.

I'd expect to see Archer and Wood play some red ball cricket too (think Wood back in July).

It's the spinner call that I don't get. Bashir is clearly not a test match spinner and we continue to ignore Liam Dawson who is on such good form and also adds depth to the batting order. But what do I know

He's not quick but isn't his FC average around 19? Got a ten-fer in the CC kookaburra game, I believe. Pity he can't bat though, given he'd be challenging Woakes for the classic English seamer spot. Bash is only 21 and has a better average in Asia than Dawson.

I do worry than in Blighty, you want a spinner who, like all WKs nowadays, can bat. Unless you have a Murali, you ideally want your one spinner to bat as well as Swann. In Asia, you can have a Monty batting at 11 as well.

Also, the final test is too early. You want the Oval much later so your spinner can hope to win that for you in the 2nd innings. ****ing 'Undred.

[Peter]

There is chance Bashir can be Test class, Dawson will never be - bang average bowler on a decent pitch. Flattering bunsens at Hampshire aside he has never been good enough

Agreed. Our recent ashes tours have seen the established bowlers and the safe picks consistently fail to take 20 wickets.

We have to try something different. Atkinson, Carse, Tongue- they could all do well in Australia. If we just revert to Woakes we know what we'll get. A thumping.

Having wood and Stokes fit would be a big plus.

[Luis Anaconda]

Agreed. Our recent ashes tours have seen the established bowlers and the safe picks consistently fail to take 20 wickets.

We have to try something different. Atkinson, Carse, Tongue- they could all do well in Australia. If we just revert to Woakes we know what we'll get. A thumping.

Having wood and Stokes fit would be a big plus.

Having Wood fit :Hehe:

[Peter]

Having Wood fit :Hehe:

37 tests in 10 years

[Luis Anaconda]

37 tests in 10 years

Only 37 more than I have managed

[Rich]

Having Wood fit :Hehe:

Do you think they might give Dan Worrall a go in the summer after he qualifies? Obviously not a long term selection but certainly knows how to play in Oz.

[Rich]

He's not quick but isn't his FC average around 19? Got a ten-fer in the CC kookaburra game, I believe. Pity he can't bat though, given he'd be challenging Woakes for the classic English seamer spot. Bash is only 21 and has a better average in Asia than Dawson.

I do worry than in Blighty, you want a spinner who, like all WKs nowadays, can bat. Unless you have a Murali, you ideally want your one spinner to bat as well as Swann. In Asia, you can have a Monty batting at 11 as well.

Also, the final test is too early. You want the Oval much later so your spinner can hope to win that for you in the 2nd innings. ****ing 'Undred.

Oh I'm not saying I disagree with his selection. I think he deserves it but it just doesn't seem in keeping with previous mantras about wanting pace / people who bowl a heavy ball. He's more of an English style bowler who wobbles it off the seam.

[Luis Anaconda]

Do you think they might give Dan Worrall a go in the summer after he qualifies? Obviously not a long term selection but certainly knows how to play in Oz.

Sadly I think they might - also agree with your comment on Cook

" I think he deserves it but it just doesn't seem in keeping with previous mantras about wanting pace / people who bowl a heavy ball. He's more of an English style bowler who wobbles it off the seam."

It's not a bad selection imo

If you watch Bolland bowl in Australia - as I did a lot in the winter - you realise there is still room for that type of bowler. Even the all rounder they brought in for Marsh got some vital wickets and I recknow you'd probably be quicker. Are you still playing btw?

[Rich]

Sadly I think they might - also agree with your comment on Cook

" I think he deserves it but it just doesn't seem in keeping with previous mantras about wanting pace / people who bowl a heavy ball. He's more of an English style bowler who wobbles it off the seam."

It's not a bad selection imo

If you watch Bolland bowl in Australia - as I did a lot in the winter - you realise there is still room for that type of bowler. Even the all rounder they brought in for Marsh got some vital wickets and I recknow you'd probably be quicker. Are you still playing btw?

Two young sons means that I can't really get away with being out all day playing cricket on a Saturday... But the skippers of the Sat teams have my number to cover for holidays etc... The dream would be to play in the 4ths/5ths/6ths when the boys are ready to start playing adult cricket. Would love to play a season or two with one or both of them!