Andrew Strauss, century on debut

[Whips_off_the_bails]

This deserves its own thread, no? Who knows how long it will be before we are able to give a thread that title again.

The last was Graham Thorpe at Trent Bridge in 1993 (in his second innings). The last England batsman to score a century in his first innings in test cricket was John Hampshire in 1969.

This was pretty much a chanceless effort, give or take a couple of slightly aerial shots.

Vaughan's injury forced England to make a change to the batting line-up that they should have been thinking about anyway. We really must pick batsmen with test-potential and debut them when they are in form. Even better if we can do it on their home ground.

Well done, Andrew.

[Richie Benauds Love Child]

What chance him playing the second test ?

[Whips_off_the_bails]

The second test will be at Headingley, and Giles will be surplus to requirements (as he is arguably here). An extra batsman there used to be a sensible policy, and England could go down that route. However, since they dug up the pitch we used to win on and replaced it with Oval turf, it's a lot more batsman-friendly. So an extra batsman could be viewed as overcautious, particularly if we are not one up by that stage. But does the addition of Collingwood strengthen the bowling? I'm not convinced that it does.

I'd say Hussain needs a good innings in this match to remove any temptation in the selectors minds.

[Whips_off_the_bails]

Sorry, RBLC, to answer your question more directly:

There is no way that Strauss can be left out now. It's not just the century, it's the manner in which it was made. It's the record opening stand. It's the fact that he made his runs in the first innings. It's the fact that he obviously belongs at this level. It's that he's got England's summer off to a damn good start for a change.

Someone else will have to make way. Andrew Strauss is there for the summer.

(And I hope I don't jinx him, but he's still there!)

[Oliver]

Originally Posted by Whips_off_the_bails

This deserves its own thread, no? Who knows how long it will be before we are able to give a thread that title again.

Well done, Andrew.

Facetious point, but I dunno, how many other county cricketers are there called Andrew Strauss?

Seriously though...the boy done good.

[Oliver]

Originally Posted by Whips_off_the_bails

There is no way that Strauss can be left out now. It's not just the century, it's the manner in which it was made. It's the record opening stand. It's the fact that he made his runs in the first innings. It's the fact that he obviously belongs at this level. It's that he's got England's summer off to a damn good start for a change.

Someone else will have to make way. Andrew Strauss is there for the summer.

Jinx? Not Vic Marks are you?

Yes, it is interesting. One wonders if Trescothick played as he did, because he felt his place under threat.
"Ahh, another left-handed opener...ahhh I'll take my time and make absolutely sure today."

So how many of the current XI are now feeling their place under threat?

I can think of two who might. And after Hoggard's lack of control yesterday ("I'll bore them out" my foot) maybe he's feeling a little queasy.

[Richie Benauds Love Child]

Only one point. He did do it at his home ground which might settle his nerves so that might be taken into account be some people. Makes no odds to me, I thought he looked the part against WI in the ODIs.

[Whips_off_the_bails]

(Reply to Oliver)

I meant "a title like that", of course.


When was the last time England had four left-handed bats in the top six?

[Whips_off_the_bails]

Me and my big mouth. He was looking a bit tired though.

[Oliver]

Originally Posted by Whips_off_the_bails

Me and my big mouth. He was looking a bit tired though.

YES, you and your big mouth (or keyboard at any rate).

I think you should change your name to Victor Marks.

Four lefthanders out of six is a lot. I suggest contact with the Frindall fellow.
I wonder if he keeps a statistic on commentators talking Englishmen out?