NatWest Challenge, The Brit Oval: England v Australia Tuesday 11th July.

[Seamer]

Yeah. If he wants to play in the 2007 world cup, he should start playing ODI's sooner rather than later. I miss Warnie when he is not around.

[Lemming]

Originally Posted by Richie Benauds Love Child

...Argubly your best bowler [Shane Warne] hasnt played yet.

Ahhhh! But argubly our best batsman hasn't played yet!!! (Controversial)

[Oliver]

Originally Posted by Lemming

Ahhhh! But argubly our best batsman hasn't played yet!!! (Controversial)

Sadly incorrect Lemming. Not even controversial.

Can anyone explain to me why Vaughan substituted Solanki for a bowler with an economy rate of 3.8 rather than one with a rate of 6.21 at time of writing?

Could it be that Michael (I'm going to play my mate Gilo and the old warhorse Dazzler Gough whether you like it or not) Vaughan is not the master tactician that everyone says he is?

[Seamer]

That wicket is a batsmans paridise. 45 runs from 5 over - it's slaughter. One bowler short and Gough getting the nod ahead of Jones?. You are right Oliver, Vaughan missed a trick there i think

[Milo]

Seven fours in the last 10 balls. It's more like watching stick cricket.

[Lemming]

Originally Posted by Oliver

Sadly incorrect Lemming. Not even controversial.

I think Thorpe has not only been our best batsman for the past decade, but arguably our best batsman over the past two years - since his 2003 return - where he has the highest average of any Engish batsman and more runs than all except Trescothick. It's sad that so many people are willing to wash their hands of the guy who I think - when fit - is still our best batsman!

But this is not the topic of the thread and I'll leave it there!

[Seamer]

Originally Posted by Lemming

But this is not the topic of the thread and I'll leave it there!

No need Lemming. Debate is currently raging on this topic
Thorpe or Pietersen

[English_Al]

Yep, this start doesn't surprise me at all, this situation is taylor made for this Aussie team. The Aussie openers have got licence to go beserk - with their batting line up and small total, and on this pitch the percentages are in their favour.

They wont just be thinking of winning though, they will be thinking of hammering us in preparation for the first test, and at the moment, thats whats happening.

[Seamer]

England had better prepare bowler-friendly wickets for the tests i think. That is where the have enjoyed success. Seems to me that they are lacking penetration on good batting tracks.

[Oliver]

"Fantastic bowling Goughie... great focus, I knew I were right to replace Jones the knee."

Goodness me, a really inexpensive wicket from the old warhouse. Well worth it old chap. Surely Goughie has sealed his place in the Test squad.

Good ol' Vaughanie. Superb substitution.