Second one-day international, Bloemfontein:

[Rachael]

Originally Posted by Moss

I too am mystified by his opening. Tres and Strauss are a good pair - why split them up by a man who - whilst he can bat well - isn't that good by comparison to Solanki et al?

Wasn't it just 3-4 months ago that a fuss was bring made when someone pointed out the bleeding obvious: that the England ODI side only really batted with any class down to no. 3 or 4... leaving them absolutely sunk if the new ball bowlers got a few quick wickets early on. Promoting Jones makes masses of sense in that it makes sure that the new ball is faced by someone competent (and aggressive) but essentially expendable.

Also makes sense given Jones' temperament: can play his natural game and attempt to set the tone for the innings rather than feeling the pressure of coming in and needing to respond to a situation - something he's shown little aptitude for so far.

Vaughan's at 3 to respond aggressively or in more circumspect fashion depending on how early the 1st wicket has gone down.. and to increase the likelihood of him being at the crease when the 1st change bowlers come on... Strauss is at 4 in order to be there for the middle overs (15th -40th) where he is earmarked to play as Fairbrother and Thorpe have done over the years: keeping the run rate up by nudging and nurdling quick, low-risk singles with the field set back.

Leaves Pietersen and Flintoff to blast away in the latter stages when it may be necessary to clear the ropes and Collingwood to hold things together in the tense final overs: adds up to the most balanced English side I've seen in years.

Which is more than you can say about the new-look SA ODI side: that looks as unconvincing as I've seen from SA in years!

[John]

It would be nice for SA to win. I think those who do not share a longer term perspective like myself need a shot in the arm. Keep them off the players backs.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by News24.com

Bloemfontein - Eagles all-rounder Nicky Bojé may become the latest victim of the Proteas' poor performance in the first one-day international against England at the Wanderers on Sunday.

Apparently they think the bowling wasn't good enough and they're to put Andrew Hall in the team at Boje's expense.

[Goatman]

Originally Posted by Rachael

adds up to the most balanced English side I've seen in years.

I both agree with what Rachael says here, and disagree; the team is short of its best ODI bowler AND its best ODI batsman (both of whom are called Fred....). That loss by itself is a blow to the quality and to the balance of the side, as we have no all-rounder of sufficient class to step up to the mark, leaving the bowling weaker than it need be.

But none the less; I think Rach makes some good points above.

[Ernest]

Well Goatman,

Morning,I think as good as Fred is, he should hang his boots up as a one day player,except maybe for the World Cup.

His bowling is needed in the Teat team, he is not far from being England top Test bowler.


Rachael has this fixation that Flintoff is a natural one day player, and has argued with me that Flintoff has not been overworked, but the figures say otherwise, he bowls his fair share of overs and some, because when things go pear shaped, Flntoff is always the man Vaughan chucks the ball to.

Ond day cricket is not important enough to risk a career like Flintoffs, with an unacceptable workload, and on the batting front, Pieterson may make up for Flintoff being absent, the problem is, who fills Flintoffs shoes in the bowling dept, I cant see anyone at the moment, they have ruined Anderson with not bowling him, so England are always going to be a little light on the bowling front.
All in MHO.

[Notts Exile]

Originally Posted by Mike_Hock

Jones will make the opening slot his own you watch. He is very talented and has all the shots.

Fancy him to get a quick 50+ tomorrow

I don't think his technique against the new white ball is anything like it should be. He's more likely to hit a breezy 15 and get out early leaving the job to someone else. It's a pointless exercise but apparently we'll stick with it for seven matches at least.

[Goatman]

Originally Posted by Notts Exile

I don't think his technique against the new white ball is anything like it should be. He's more likely to hit a breezy 15 and get out early leaving the job to someone else. It's a pointless exercise but apparently we'll stick with it for seven matches at least.

We shouldn't leap to judgement either way. His technique is not all that bad, and the man he's opening with - Trescothick - isn't exactly MCC coaching manual, but does OK. If he doesn't do well in these 7 games, the strategy should certainly be shelved - a breezy 15 isn't much use, as you say. But there is a chance that he will do well. In that circumstance, the team can only benefit. The 2nd opening slot hasn't really found a sfae pair of hands since Knight was the incumbent.

[Notts Exile]

Originally Posted by Goatman

We shouldn't leap to judgement either way. His technique is not all that bad, and the man he's opening with - Trescothick - isn't exactly MCC coaching manual, but does OK.

But Tresco is a proven opening batsman. Jones isn't. Surely if he was that good he would do it for his county at least every now and then.

[Lee Johnson]

NE stop with all the negativity towards Jones, you should be happy he's been given the chance to fail!

[Notts Exile]

Originally Posted by Lee Johnson

NE stop with all the negativity towards Jones, you should be happy he's been given the chance to fail!

I'd rather see England pushing towards a side that's going to challenge for the next World Cup. If Jones is in it then fair enough. Just not opening the batting !!

I've an idea: New Zealand used Vetorri as an opening bat for a while and it wasn't too bad. Why don't we try Giles there ?? No, that's another stupid idea.