Changes in the England team? (Rachael branch- Goatman sub-branch)

[Mark Kidger]

RBLC, I agree with Goatman. Blend attacking and defensive players and have someone who can really dig in in a crisis who is there lurking in the order. If Strauss can do that, batting at 6-ish and dig us out of some holes, while counterbalancing the attacking players, he'll be doing a great job for the side. People often forget how vital it was for a player like Ian Botham to have Tavaré at the other end wearing down the bowlers with his solid defence.

[Glamorgan Wanderer]

I am not sure how often picking batsmen (and in particular opening batsmen) out of position has worked though.

If Strauss is going to play then surely he should be considered as an opener? If he is not good enough to get into the team as such then he shouldn't be playing.

If a solid middle order batsman who can rescue the side from difficult positions and occupy the crease for long periods of time (perhaps shepherding the tail) then why not select the best available candidate who actually does this for his county? However, having said that nobody leaps to mind in that respect - anyone have any suggestions?

[Goatman]

Originally Posted by Richie Benauds Love Child

Out of the new players coming in areANY defensivly minded ? Strauss seem the most sensible IMHO.

Quite possibly. I like the look of Strauss, particulalrly for his "Thorpey-ness" if you catch my drift. I highlight Collingwood because he has some history already of doing the sheet anchor bit at test level.

[Goatman]

Well, Glamorgan Wanderer, Atherton, Vaughan, Gooch and Stewart all played thier first couple of tests at 3+. Stewart only played two tests of his first 13 as an opener! It clearly diddn't do them too much harm...

[Kirsty Harris]

I am not sure how often picking batsmen (and in particular opening batsmen) out of position has worked though.


It's intersting..didn't Butcher first play for England as an opener? And didn't Vaughan start out at 3? Stewert played pretty much anywhere between 1-6 at one time or another, and Thorpe has batted in several different postions.

Of course, you may have a point..remember Ramps as an opener...oh dear!!!

[Kirsty Harris]

Oh dear..seemed to have messed this post up! Bah!! New technology!! Why didn't the quote come out right? Why have I got a silly purple face at the top of my last message?

I HATE change...damn the BBC!!

[Scott-Wozniak]

Originally Posted by Whips_off_the_bails

Saving my best reason for last, as I was taught in French composition class: openers like Gooch, Atherton, Boycott etc. were able during their careers to correct faulty technique through long sessions in the nets. We are told that this is not much good to Tresco, as he doesn't rely much on technique anyway. "He needs time in the middle" is the standard verdict. But this is costing England very dearly, since an opener sets the tone for the entire innings. Too much burden is being placed on Butcher & Hussain, and, while they have done a stirling job, this can't continue indefinitely and anyway Hussain is to be going soon. If Tresco needs time in the middle, he should be made to play in county cricket, central contract or no. We can't afford another series of failures from England's no.1.

Clive

I agree 100%.

I'd go one step further and drop him from the Team completely, and send him back to County Cricket for a while for him to work his way back to pressing for a Test place like everyone else has to. Trescothick isn't 'untouchable' he's has a long run in the side - he's now not performing - give others a chance.

Scott

[Scott-Wozniak]

Originally Posted by Goatman

The situation seems to me that ENG have a natural No. 3 (Butcher) and two openers who are proven performers in that position, but are going through an inconsistent patch. I strongly dislike the idea that the batting order should be rearranged every time a player loses touch, particulalrly when it might lead to others (eg. Butcher) being caused to play out of position as they are likely to lose thier own touch in the process.

Goatman

Don't agree I'm afraid.

Butcher opens for Surrey for goodness sake - he's a natural opener - he's actually playing out of position in the England Team - only because Vaughan and Trescothick are the openers - and they're failing!

Scott

[Scott-Wozniak]

Originally Posted by Essex Eagle

Do people really see Collingwood as a viable test player?

Good improviser yes but i have my doubts about his technique in tests.

Yes, very much so - he's the replacement being lined up for Hussains retirement. Also don't forget that Collingwood is a superb fielder - probably the best in the England team by far - don't discount how useful that is.

Scott

[Scott-Wozniak]

Originally Posted by Kirsty Harris

Oh dear..seemed to have messed this post up! Bah!! New technology!! Why didn't the quote come out right? Why have I got a silly purple face at the top of my last message?

I HATE change...damn the BBC!!

LOL! Ello Kirsty!

Nice to see you came over to the 'darrrrrrrrk-sidddddde' !

Scott