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Originally Posted by Rachael I can't believe Prior's being seriously entertained as a backstop when the likes of Read, Foster and Mustard are around... and the side is again heavy with unrefined folk who can open their shoulders (Bopara, Prior, Flintoff, Wright)... but no real surprises. |
I would have had Mustard in the squad instead of going back to Prior, hope he has fixed his weird habit of shuffling while batting.
Rachael I dont know the reason for your obsession for batting aesthetics, but maybe not having enough of those "unrefined" folk might have lost you the Natwest series against NZ and surely you would want as many of those guys you can in your team for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan(most likely venue at this point). I dont think you can be hung up on style and orthodoxy and still hope to win an International Tournament in this day and age, changing times require a change in mindset!!!. I think test cricket might be the only place where you might see a greater majority of those "refined" folks you talk about, although that is changing as well.
Targets of about 320 were easily chased down even on huge grounds like Lahore and Karachi during the Asia Cup with sixes being scored so easily which made the bowlers look ridiculous, they could have had bowling machines instead hurling the balls on unresponsive pitches. The pitches were flatter than ones I've seen in Sharjah and except for Mendis(who was tough to play as the batsmen couldn't pick him) the bowlers hardly made an impact. Conditions might be a bit more helpful early morning as the event is being held in September(the summer heat wouldve subsided a fair bit by then),still dont expect too much from the faster bowlers.
Its a good move to have Patel and Swann in the squad as it gives a good opportunity for the team management and selectors to have a closer look at possible spinning options for the final CT squad even though they might be restricted to bowling in the nets and carrying drinks.I might want to see Panesar return into that final squad for CT unless the selectors have decided that Monty will not be considered for ODI's for whatever reasons.