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

[Richie Benauds Love Child]

Originally Posted by Scott-Wozniak

Notts

Indeed!

But let me ask you a hypothetical question. If our current side were regularly posting 400+ scores, and so were the opposition, would you still feel there was need for an extra batsman? or an extra seamer?

Scott

Scott, if were consistantly scoring 400+ we wouldnt be having this conversation but the fact we rarley score 350+ means we are having this converstion.

In answer to that, I'd definatly take a 5th bowler, seamer spinner or who ever is best suited or fit at the time. But we dont so we need an extra bat !

[James M]

Jones is in the side now, let's give him our full backing!!!

[James M]

The West Indies pitches are these days mostly slow and low. The kind of batsmen who prosper on them are not the flashy, dare I say sub-continental, types but the gritty,thou shalt not pass types. For example, Pakistan haven't won in the West Indies whilst NZ and England have recently. We have batters like Hussain and Thorpe prepared to dig in. On faster, bouncier wickets we will make 400 regularlky against similar attacks.

[Scott-Wozniak]

Originally Posted by Notts Exile

A wonderful scenario that would be! I would want the extra bowler, be that a spinner (maybe a shrewd selection of the next top England spinner?) or another seamer. Unfortunately I don't see us posting those scores regularly against a half decent bowling attack with a line up of Vaughan, Tresco, Butcher, Hussain and Thorpe.

Notts

Indeed it would be a wonderful scenario, and not that far off though I think.

That's pretty much the answer I expected, and further confirms in my mind the need to fix the current problems with the batting line up, rather than bring in another batsman to 'prop up' our batting failures. In my mind Vaughan, Butcher Thorpe will remain, Tresco and Hussain's future is somewhat uncertain. Strauss and Collingwood are the heir's apparent it would seem.

Scott

[Kirsty Harris]

Scott

I think Hussain will play till the end of the summer, and then Strauss or Collingwood will take his place. The way i see it, if Stewart gets a 'farewell tour'even if he's not playing well, then Hussain deserves one to, especially as he is batting o.k.

As for Tres, I think his here to stay...but I know you'll never see the light!!!!

[Scott-Wozniak]

RBLC

Well it was only a hypothetical question!

But what it does is confirm in my mind that the reason people want to play the extra batsman is to prop up our existing batting failures. They need to be fixed, not artificially 'plastered over'. I also beleive the inclusion of Jones over Read was to strengthen the batting and to offer the option of playing that extra seamer if Giles is dropped.

Scott

[Richie Benauds Love Child]

Jones could offer that extra bat, a la stewie, but we need to have a better look. One test against a pretty poor WI side doesnt give a guide really. If he is good enough, play an extra bowler by all means. If it has to be a spinner, I'd still go for blackwell in lieu (spelling ??) of any other spin option we are currently using ie batty and giles. Also backs up the batting too. If you bring in rikki clarke as an extra seam option he can bat a bit too. Havent seen him bowl but from what iheard he aint great. Could offer variety though.

But is all looking a bit "bits and pieces" ?????

[Scott-Wozniak]

Kirsty

Yep, I Think you're right, I think Hussain should be allowed to play on until he's got his 100 Caps, as you say Stewart was allowed to, and so should Hussain.

Regarding Trescothick, I also think you're right, he's in for the long term, unless he really manages to screw up, which I can't see happening. Whilst Trescothick seems virtually 'untouchable' it doesn't mean I have to agree with it

Scott

[Kirsty Harris]

Scott

Yep the world would be a dull place if we all agreed all the time..we wouldn't have a whole lot to talk about, would we!!! Besides that, I'm sure you can make a stronger case for keeping Tres out of the team than I can for keeping Giles in it!!

[Scott-Wozniak]

RBLC

I wouldn't play Rikki Clarke as that extra seamer, it needs to be a specialist seamer ala Caddick or Anderson, I see no point in bringing in another allrounder.

Scott