Quote:
Originally Posted by Rachael  On the form of the NZ tour then yes... but Hoggard in form is now the finished article in a way that Broad is not: he's an excellent new ball bowler who can make every delivery count, his mastery of swing (at least in one direction) is now exemplary, his cutters are in a different class to most in Test cricket and he can shoulder a huge workload.
I've no problem with Broad as an alternative to Hoggard, to Sidebottom or to Flintoff, as I agree about the bounce he can get... but what I cannot see ANY case for is playing all four: none should need protecting... and Panesar's more than capable of holding his own... so why bother? |
I think you have to think of the longer term. You would want your bowlers to stay fit. 13 Tests in a year plus ODI's and 20/20s. Then there are back to back Tests. Imagine bowling 45 overs on the last day of one Test and having to bowl again in the first innings of the next Test a few days later. Five bowlers means they are all fresher and the captain has a choice if a bowler isn't bowling well or has a niggle or even an injury.
Hoggard has shouldered a huge workload and has lasted longer than most bowlers would but the effects are now starting to show with trouble with his groin and then with his back. I don't think he will be able to bowl as much as he did in the past.