HeroHurley
Winger
Genuine question, I’ve not been on the Cricket forum for a while bar the odd comment here and there, do you not think there’s any scope for Root batting at 3?
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Ben Foakes
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Genuine question, I’ve not been on the Cricket forum for a while bar the odd comment here and there, do you not think there’s any scope for Root batting at 3?
Whilst captaining, no. He clearly doesn’t want to, and it exposes him too early with our weak openers.
His record at 3 is sub 40, vs 54 at 4 and 60 plus at 5.
Kohli and Smith don’t bat 3, and they play in generally friendlier batting conditions. Williamson still does it, but there is a dearth of openers these days, it’s easier for Ponting following Hayden and Langer I guess!
HeroHurley
Winger
So certainly not for the next 2 years (presumably Root will be given this series in Australia this winter and the summer of 2023?) Next captain in your opinion? I’ll hang my hat on Stokes or Pope.
Can’t see anyone aside from Stokes. Will be too early for Pope. Buttler if he keeps his place is the other possibility
HeroHurley
Winger
Think Pope could have an outside chance, more likely Stokes though. It’s like you say, there’s not many other candidates. Buttler if he is still around (see the Foakes conversation we’re having) but I’d say Stokes.
Jos Buttler is absolutely mint, and was brilliant last year
he is absolutely our number 1
However, if he missed 5 tests in a row, then he gives up his place 100% for me.
Ben Foakes is canny, but he might be a sub continential specialist, we don't know
You dont really need an expert up to the stumps in England or Australia like
IMO the Aussies will hope we dont play Bairstow or Buttler in the Ashes.
I'd put my life savings on Buttler being our keeper in the Ashes though, so I think this thread is a lot of hot air for nothing
People are very reactionary like, Foakes has a goodgame with the gloves, then suddenly he has to play over Buttler, despite the fact he has been fantastic, with the gloves, and with the bat, for a year.
Take a step back and look at how well England have been playing, we have been tremendous for a period now, and were top of the test champ, albeit briefly, after the 1st test.
I mean Buttler never kept in asia before Sri Lanka like,
bit of a meaningless stat
That isnt remotely why buttler is in the team like
Agree aye, we cant go back down the route of that, moving people around, playing 2 keepers, all rounders up the order etc
you know my feeling on it, England totally and utterly messed Bairstow and Mo Ali around, they batted almost a different position every game,
They were genuinelly world class at 7 and 8.
Buttler is in as keeper or not in the side.
I am with you, he is deservedly our first choice, but I dont think a player can miss 5 tests in a row and walk back in the side, just sends out the totally wrong message to me.
Seperate point, maybe a diffs thread needed, barely any players in the las 20 years have averaged over 40 at 6
I think its Matthews, the lad from Pakistan (forget his name shiraz?) and Laxman
So Pope at 6 long term? I mean its not the done thing in test cricket, he bats there basically as our all rounder bats at 5 though tbg
he is absolutely our number 1
However, if he missed 5 tests in a row, then he gives up his place 100% for me.
Ben Foakes is canny, but he might be a sub continential specialist, we don't know
You dont really need an expert up to the stumps in England or Australia like
IMO the Aussies will hope we dont play Bairstow or Buttler in the Ashes.
I'd put my life savings on Buttler being our keeper in the Ashes though, so I think this thread is a lot of hot air for nothing
People are very reactionary like, Foakes has a goodgame with the gloves, then suddenly he has to play over Buttler, despite the fact he has been fantastic, with the gloves, and with the bat, for a year.
Take a step back and look at how well England have been playing, we have been tremendous for a period now, and were top of the test champ, albeit briefly, after the 1st test.
I mean Buttler never kept in asia before Sri Lanka like,
bit of a meaningless stat
That isnt remotely why buttler is in the team like
Agree aye, we cant go back down the route of that, moving people around, playing 2 keepers, all rounders up the order etc
you know my feeling on it, England totally and utterly messed Bairstow and Mo Ali around, they batted almost a different position every game,
They were genuinelly world class at 7 and 8.
Buttler is in as keeper or not in the side.
I am with you, he is deservedly our first choice, but I dont think a player can miss 5 tests in a row and walk back in the side, just sends out the totally wrong message to me.
Seperate point, maybe a diffs thread needed, barely any players in the las 20 years have averaged over 40 at 6
I think its Matthews, the lad from Pakistan (forget his name shiraz?) and Laxman
So Pope at 6 long term? I mean its not the done thing in test cricket, he bats there basically as our all rounder bats at 5 though tbg
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Nah I don’t think Pope is long term at 6. But he’s clearly a special talent, and it would be horrific to put him at 3 this early. Would be just what we did to Ramprakash
Eggman
Striker
We really need to address the number 3 slot, if we accept the openers are generally lacking something.
Currently Crawley/Lawrence aren't established at 3, which means we don't get to Test Match quality batsmen until Root comes in at 4.
Who would be number 3 ? Bairstow has the ability but he's had so many chances and is now without a central contract. Foakes, without the gloves is as good an option as any.
Ideally it would be Root, but I accept while he has the captaincy it's unlikely and probably unwise.
It's a puzzler as we have the right 4-6 and one of Buttler/Foakes at 7. We just need to get the top 3 sorted .... and fast
Currently Crawley/Lawrence aren't established at 3, which means we don't get to Test Match quality batsmen until Root comes in at 4.
Who would be number 3 ? Bairstow has the ability but he's had so many chances and is now without a central contract. Foakes, without the gloves is as good an option as any.
Ideally it would be Root, but I accept while he has the captaincy it's unlikely and probably unwise.
It's a puzzler as we have the right 4-6 and one of Buttler/Foakes at 7. We just need to get the top 3 sorted .... and fast
Foakes without the gloves would be crazy, it’d be like playing Messi but in goal.
Bairstow I can see playing 3 in Asia, but he’s too loose elsewhere.
I think it will be Crawley in the medium term. Sibley looks promising, but Burns really needs runs
H
He could do with scoring some more runs mind, not the greatest start considering his position
Agree with that. He’s had a stop start introduction, I think he will come good
Eggman
Striker
Personally I think he's the best wk/batsmen, but he needs to prove it.
I don't think it would be fair on him to take the Alec Stewart role and bat in top 3, if keeping wk.
I was only thinking of a way to get the best available option in at 3.
Regarding Pope at 6 or whatever. I think he needs nurturing at this satge of his career, like Ian Bell was. If he stays 6 forever he'll get accused of 'easy runs' but I don't think he warrants moving around because of other deficiencies just yet
Voice of fair play
Striker
After the year Buttler has had with both runs and improvement of his keeping it should not even be a debate whether he should be in side, not only has he scored runs he looked so good playing a big part in wining tests batting in the fourth innings of a couple of matches.
Yeah. But the argument to counter that is that he was standing up to stop them leaving the crease. So the shot was based on the foot position
What’s your view on if he skips the NZ series to play IPL?
Agreed but not if missed NZ
I’ve a limit. And that’s it
despite what we’ve been spun, it’s not 100% vital he plays all the IPL
I think we agree. I’m all for family time. But this becomes cash at the expense of international cricket (and let’s be honest, they’ve got a few years out of it now)
For sure. I’m up for players playing for IPL like, always supported it, almost going back to KP, just don’t push it. I don’t see why he can’t just play like even 75% of it. Can’t be that much to ask. ECB pay him a fortune
I’m actually boring myself talking about it now mind. Probs better to talk about whose playing rather than who isn’t for next few tests.
Voice of fair play
Striker
mackembhoy
Striker
Crawley scored massive double ton at 3.
He's not had the chance to cement himself that spot due to burns missing Sri Lanka and then getting injured.
If he then comes back in he's gonna be opening if they play Bairstow at 3
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