England v Pakistan 2nd Test, Headingley

[stephen cartwright]

Imo buttler is a more mature player now, who will have faced most of the anticipated Indian attack, albeit at white ball cricket.

There is not a batsman in the game, that doesn't get a touch of luck early doors, but then goes onto a big score.

Of course now, it will be white ball for two months, prior to India and it's a shame as the players were getting in their stride in the test format.

We can talk all we want about this and that but it's clear the England selectors want him in red ball cricket and the opposition are vary wary of his talent.

The Indians will be over the moon to take him out early as they know, once in, he can destroy their bowling.

 

[The Rat]

I think some people are mind, just look at this board.

And it was more that fact that he played a typical mistimed slog that should have cost him, a typical shot that has cost him over and over and over again in red ball cricket. But he got away with it this time, so it's all good.

So two innings then, is that the rule?

He’s clearly been a good pick

Bar Hameed he’s averaged more than any debutant in the last 4 years

I honestly don’t see the issue?

 

[Voice of fair play]

My reaction was based on watching him play some terrible innings for Lancs (Yep, I'm one of the few who has seen him play a red ball game in the last couple of years) added to his previous failures.

And I still think picking a specialist batsman at 7 is ridiculous.

So now he has two decent innings behind him (let's ignore the ugly shot he played early when he really should have been out) and it's fully justified in the eyes of some. So if he has a couple of failures next time I'll be entitled to call it? That's right is it?

He is one of the most talented players England have produced in recent years, a lot of his innings have shown excellent shot selection, calmness under pressure and he adapts his game to the situation ( yes in white ball cricket)

Now of course his strengths lie in white ball cricket and yes he may fail in red ball cricket, but the negative reaction of his selection for a player of his calbire and more importantly the selection of a player in such a good rein of form and playing with such confidence in the IPL was way over the top.

 

[stephen cartwright]

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Highlights on there

Must comment on Alistair Cook's catching today. Superb

 

[Keith S30S]

I think some people are mind, just look at this board.

And it was more that fact that he played a typical mistimed slog that should have cost him, a typical shot that has cost him over and over and over again in red ball cricket. But he got away with it this time, so it's all good.

So two innings then, is that the rule?

It was 2 good innings out of 3 not 4 mind. He also made the difference which enabled us to win a game in 3 days.

If he had have got out when he was on 4 instead of making 80 he might have had a 4th chance to make runs.

Bottom line is he has looked far better than Vince who got several tests when in truth he shouldn't have been picked at all.

 

[Voice of fair play]

What people feel to realise imo, is that any fucker can look at averages and stats and pick a team that would be easy, it's the same as anyone picking the England football forwards for a World Cup and just picking the top 4 goal scorers in the premier league that year.

It's about looking at players who have that something about them, that shows they can handle the pressure of international sport, anyone who has watched Buttler over the 5 or 6 years, it's blinding obvious that he has that and more.

He is far from just a slogger he plays fanastic paced innings depending on the situation and is calmness personified.

 

[stephen cartwright]

What people feel to realise imo, is that any fucker can look at averages and stats and pick a team that would be easy, it's same as anyone picking the England football forwards for a World Cup and just picking the top 4 goal scorers in the premier league that year.

It's about looking at players who have that something about them, that shows they can handle the pressure of international cricket, anyone who has watched Buttler over the 5 or 6 years, it's blinding obvious that he has that and more.

The above was exactly what James Taylor talked about yesterday, during the rain break.

Apparently six people of which he is one, have been employed to find players in the style you suggest.

Look at Bess in this match, the kid looks totally comfortable at this level, in all aspects of the game.

Ballance is the best stats man in the last few years but sadly doesn't appear to have the necessary to be a certain pick at test level.

 

[Voice of fair play]

The above was exactly what James Taylor talked about yesterday, during the rain break.

Apparently six people of which he is one, have been employed to find players in the style you suggest.

Look at Bess in this match, the kid looks totally comfortable at this level, in all aspects of the game.

Ballance is the best stats man in the last few years but sadly doesn't appear to have the necessary to be a certain pick at test level.

The county championship is littered with players like that who have good stats and good averages but can't make the step up.

 

[Ageing trundler]

Bess and Sam Curran look like they belong in international cricket. Thats a start.

 

[Salem Street South]

9 times out of 10 we're talking about another failure and an awful slog straight to mid wicket that a would have embarrassed a club player. But luckily the fielder managed to drop it and he made 80*, fair play to him taking his life and making good runs.

Let's see if he can score regular runs, but unfortunately we'll have to wait a couple of months. I do so hope you aren't all jumping in early after one decent week........

Only a moron would react the way you have to his inclusion in the side.

He performed brilliantly in this test, in exactly the way you claim he is incapable of, making you look very silly and was one of only two batsmen to emerge with any credit last week.

Yet still you won’t accept you’re wrong and are waffling on about a half chance he gave early in his innings. It’s embarrassing man.

 

[Mrjardine]

Only a moron would react the way you have to his inclusion in the side.

He performed brilliantly in this test, in exactly the way you claim he is incapable of, making you look very silly and was one of only two batsmen to emerge with any credit last week.

Yet still you won’t accept you’re wrong and are waffling on about a half chance he gave early in his innings. It’s embarrassing man.

It’s pathetic isn’t it. Scrambling around like a blind man in the dark desperately searching for a straw to clutch.

 

[Salem Street South]

It’s pathetic isn’t it. Scrambling around like a blind man in the dark desperately searching for a straw to clutch.

Cringeworthy mate.

Going on about his past failures as well in the Test side when in reality he has actually done pretty well, especially last winter in India.

 

[GordonMuchallNo1Fan]

Well done England, good win. Nice to hear younger folk doing well

 

[Marcosplace]

I got back in the house at 6.30. It wasn’t the best cricket today. But it was good to see Curran and Bess get stuck in and play to their ability. Brought most of my packed lunch home. !

 

[Mrjardine]

Cringeworthy mate.

Going on about his past failures as well in the Test side when in reality he has actually done pretty well, especially last winter in India.

Just checked and he’s averaging 35 in tests as a number 7 as well as nearly 40 in ODIs. The way some went on you’d think we’d called up some fucker from benwell and walbottle 3rds!

 

[Marcosplace]

Bess and Sam Curran look like they belong in international cricket. Thats a start.

I was really surprised by their solid technique and maturity.

 

[smoker]

Only a moron would react the way you have to his inclusion in the side.

He performed brilliantly in this test, in exactly the way you claim he is incapable of, making you look very silly and was one of only two batsmen to emerge with any credit last week.

Yet still you won’t accept you’re wrong and are waffling on about a half chance he gave early in his innings. It’s embarrassing man.

His crack is all the more bizarre in that 1. He's a Lancs fan, 2. He's generally positive about all things England, even when we're shite. Can only assume Buttler dropped a six on his tartan flask

 

[The Rat]

Bess and Sam Curran look like they belong in international cricket. Thats a start.

Bess does, Curran the jury is still out, he has the temperament but looks a bits and pieces cricketer, not against him filling in for Stokes though at all.

 

[Voice of fair play]

Just checked and he’s averaging 35 in tests as a number 7 as well as nearly 40 in ODIs. The way some went on you’d think we’d called up some fucker from benwell and walbottle 3rds!

I think the problem is mate, that there is too much bias and sometimes distain towards white ball cricket that it clouds people's judgement.

Buttler is sometimes seen as just a big hitter when he is just a player who adapts his game to the situation and in many of his games that has been what has been required while he has been at the crease.

Anybody who was watching the IPL before his selection ( although too many on this board slag it off) would have seen his form was nothing short of brilliant, and anybody who has played sport at any level, know if you are playing well and feeling confident that is a massive bonus.

Now I know that was a different format but its still essentially the same game!

tbf I could see peoples view for not selecting him purely based of his red ball record in the county championship, however based on the above and their own eyes over his whole career in all formats, it was nowhere near as bad as a selection as some made out.

 

[smoker]

Bess does, Curran the jury is still out, he has the temperament but looks a bits and pieces cricketer, not against him filling in for Stokes though at all.

Having a left arm seamer is an asset but at 5'9" he could struggle on overseas wickets.