Tres coming home

[Trescothick]

I would open with Geriant Jones and Andrew Strauss, that way we don't expose Cook or Bell too early hopefully because I'm not sure how many have opened against the Aussies but its one of the hardest jobs around and Bell won't live up to it early on and Cook should not have to open. Jones could do the job, controversial choice but his technique is sound and it could be for the best.

[Nazza]

Sorry Trescothick but that's just made my day, possibly even my week. Jones's technique is nowhere near sound enough to justify putting him in the top 6, let alone open the batting. I'm amazed anyone is even suggesting gifting the Aussies an early wicket. What good could that possibly achieve ? Why shouldn't Cook have to open ? Of all possible candidates for Brisbane ? He is the one best suited to the job in terms of both technique and temperament. Chuck him in at the deep end. He's got a long career ahead of him, this could be the making of it.

[Rachael]

Jones's technique is nowhere near sound enough to justify putting him in the top 6, let alone open the batting.

LOL... though that said... he's probably better than Tresco when it comes to back-foot shots square of the wicket. The problems I'd forsee is his judgement on what to leave outside off stump, his capacity to adjust to the way the new balls moves in the air / off the seam..... and the small matter of his front-foot technique and ability to play straight... which is not a patch on that of Andrew 'I prefer the back-foot' Strauss let alone on that of Cook!

Promote Jones and I'd envisage lots of following balls that pitch on off and move away... and a nice bit of catching practise for the slips :-)

[Nazza]

Promote Jones and I foresee us being one down within the first five overs every time he opens.

[greg]

I have seen somebody sum up Tresco pretty well on a football messageboard.Some may find it harsh but it is also funny,

'Tresco is a quality player but at the moment he is not knitting with both needles that's for sure'.

[Django]

This incident simply goes on to highlight the pressures modern cricketers are under.

In this respect, one has to really admire Sachin Tendulkar for the way in which he has handled the pressures of over a billion people over the last 16 years.

[Richard Jenkins]

I imagine that that's the end of trescothic's international career ( if not long term at least for the forseeable future, I cant see him playing in the world cup)

It must be an enormous blow personally and professionally to be so ill; There is nothing he wanted more than to give his best, but at the moment that's not possibleT That probably explains the understatments of the condition.

Realistically it was optimitistic at best for him to tour. I've read that the uncapped Ed Joyce will take his place.
I think Brett lee bowling him in the warm up match was the final straw, and then peterson's claim 'our bad form has suddelny vanished like so much morning dew' must have been a sickener for him.

This shows the stress of the ashes. England have to play there best until early February. Australia are almost certainly the best One day side and arguably the best test side.

The england touring side need to stop making abviously empty statements about form and actually concentrate on the job at hand. We already have a weakened quad(trescothic, vaughan) whos form isn't what it was. Several players are coming back from injury( flintoff,harmison,giles,).

The ashes is the ultimate cricket melting pot after the subcontinent . England arguably are stonger without Trescothic.


I wasn't sure about Ed Joyce. The list of possibles would look like this for me..
Shah (class) 83 in mumbai was excellent.
Butcher (unless he really doesn't want it) (tried and tested at no 3 and we need experience)
Joyce (don't know what test cricket will do for him)
Ed smith/rob key (we know they can bat on bully flat tracks)

[Mr Hutt]

I dont see how Tresco going back home is better for the english team, IMO its a pretty big blow. A in form Tresco with Strauss opening provides a stable opening base for England. I am not sure how Cook or anyone of the alternates will perform at top. I think with him going it will become a bit harder for England now to retain the Ashes. Just my opinion, but thats how i see it. Also immediately following his departure the Aussies have bolstered the firepower for the first test... 2+2 anyone?

[flanflinger]

Originally Posted by Mr Hutt

A in form Tresco with Strauss opening provides a stable opening base for England.

True, but would have been in form, he has not been himself since the last Ashes, and it is clear to me that having an out of form Trescothick would have weakened the side. So by sending him home we have effectively strengthened the side.

[Ernest]

I myself would rather have taken that risk FF, I agree wirh jenko that being Tres has to go home, key or Ed Smith would have been a better replacement than Joyce.

It's a sorry looking lop sided England now have - if we are to retain the Ashes, then it's up to the bowlers IMO.