England's Summer test matches, 2012

[Cheib]

The only place where the balance in the side becomes an issue with four bowlers bowling as well as England are is in sub-continental conditions...we'll need to play two spinners in India...at that stage four bowlers is a risky strategy....injured seamer and you are in all sorts of trouble.

[Gargamel]

Samuels going bonkers as the last wicket is in. 16 off Swann two sixes.

All over now

[Gargamel]

All the chat on Bresnan - a Certain Jimmy A (worlds best fast bowler) 4/43 another quality bit of bowling.

[Cheib]

Gargamel said:

All the chat on Bresnan - a Certain Jimmy A (worlds best fast bowler) 4/43 another quality bit of bowling.

Mate of mine sent me this...not sure of the source

"Anderson's opening spell of 2-22 off 9 overs means that, in England's last five Tests (3rd v Pakistan, the two in SL and the two this summer v WI), his 1st-innings opening spells have totalled 11 wickets for 99 runs in 39 overs. He's taken at least two wickets in all five of those spells (2-18, 2-10, 3-29, 2-23 and now 2-22). Handy performance."

Doesn't get much better than that.

[DJRC]

I thought Id stop banging the Jimmy drum for once, give someone else a go

The Timmy chat has been because of the accusation at the last test that he was "carried" and the alledged controversy that he was selected over Finn.

[London424]

Cheib said:

The only place where the balance in the side becomes an issue with four bowlers bowling as well as England are is in sub-continental conditions...we'll need to play two spinners in India...at that stage four bowlers is a risky strategy....injured seamer and you are in all sorts of trouble.

Yes, by being aggressive I wasn't talking about all the time...just where conditions dictate.

[Cheib]

DJRC said:

I thought Id stop banging the Jimmy drum for once, give someone else a go

The Timmy chat has been because of the accusation at the last test that he was "carried" and the alledged controversy that he was selected over Finn.

Bresnan has been great since he's been in the side...I just can't help but think whoever our third seamer is of the options available we would probably win this series. Finn just offers something different and I think would be a very useful option with his height and pace later in the summer. The Indian's had trouble playing Tremlett last summer because of his height and he's quite a bit slower than Finn.

Quality problem and one England haven't had in my lifetime!

[London424]

Cheib said:

DJRC said:

I thought Id stop banging the Jimmy drum for once, give someone else a go

The Timmy chat has been because of the accusation at the last test that he was "carried" and the alledged controversy that he was selected over Finn.

Bresnan has been great since he's been in the side...I just can't help but think whoever our third seamer is of the options available we would probably win this series. Finn just offers something different and I think would be a very useful option with his height and pace later in the summer. The Indian's had trouble playing Tremlett last summer because of his height and he's quite a bit slower than Finn.

Quality problem and one England haven't had in my lifetime!

Indeed a great problem to have! I guess that 3rd seamer can be changed to suit the team/conditions being faced? Fast and bouncy (Finn), swing and seam (Bresnan)?

[Cheib]

London424 said:

Cheib said:

DJRC said:

I thought Id stop banging the Jimmy drum for once, give someone else a go

The Timmy chat has been because of the accusation at the last test that he was "carried" and the alledged controversy that he was selected over Finn.

Bresnan has been great since he's been in the side...I just can't help but think whoever our third seamer is of the options available we would probably win this series. Finn just offers something different and I think would be a very useful option with his height and pace later in the summer. The Indian's had trouble playing Tremlett last summer because of his height and he's quite a bit slower than Finn.

Quality problem and one England haven't had in my lifetime!

Indeed a great problem to have! I guess that 3rd seamer can be changed to suit the team/conditions being faced? Fast and bouncy (Finn), swing and seam (Bresnan)?

Yes although I think I'd play Tremlett ahead of Bresnan...I think he challnges batsman a bit more.

[DJRC]

There is also the aspect that for the 3rd seamer berth England currently have a policy of incumbent. Bresnan I believe had it didnt he?

As Ive said several times:

Anderson
Broad
Guns
Timmy
Onions
Finn
Swann
Monty

Pick any 2 bowling attacks, its arguably the 1st and 3rd best in the world. Not bad.

[spikeyhead]

A satisfactory conclusion.

Whilst we could debate ad infinitum the bowling options, I'm largely of the opinion that it makes so little difference then it's an exercise for those with more spare time than I have.

I'm still a little concerned over our batting. I'd heard so much good about Bairstow, however unless he can be taught how to deal with the short ball in the next few days then it'd be worth giving Taylor his slot in the next test. Far better to blood him against the WIndies in a dead rubber than against the Saffers.

[DJRC]

This England setup doesnt chop and change, the guy with the place gets to keep it to proove he deserves it.

Strauss is talking of resting players and changing things for the 3rd test.

Edited by DJRC on Monday 28th May 21:18

[Podie]

DJRC said:

Strauss is talking of resting players and changing things for the 3rd test.

Makes sense. Series won, and the knowledge the Saffers wont be as easy to beat. Makes sure everyone has had a game and is match fit, so you really can pick according to the pitch.

Looking forward to the next Lords test.

[Cheib]

spikeyhead said:

I'm still a little concerned over our batting. I'd heard so much good about Bairstow, however unless he can be taught how to deal with the short ball in the next few days then it'd be worth giving Taylor his slot in the next test. Far better to blood him against the WIndies in a dead rubber than against the Saffers.

Yes. I read in Aggers column on BBC website that he's spending the next week in very close company with G Gooch esq and a bowling machine. Shows how much a step up from county cricket it is.

[DJRC]

In terms of chopping and changing.

Strauss (c)
Cook
Trott
KP
Bell
Bairstow (w)
J Taylor
Bresnan
Swann
Onions
Finn

Gives Prior, Jimmy and Broad a rest. We get to see Taylor and Bairstow gets another crack and we see what his wickie skills are like in a Test.

[Gargamel]

Don't think KP will feature, reckon Compton might get the four spot or Bopara

[DJRC]

Hmm, sorry, but Bopara is in danger of missing the boat for me.

Id like to take a look at Compton.

[spikeyhead]

I'd far rather we trued new blood than bring back Bopara.

[DJRC]

Whats the weather like at the Test today?

[Gargamel]

DJRC said:

Whats the weather like at the Test today?

Damp and very windy.

Now saying they need about two hours of no rain before they will inspect. can't see much play today - Jimmy A might be quite happy to be at home with his feet up rather than flopping around in the dressing room.