England v New Zealand (1st test)

[TheRey]

Imo, the bottom line is when we've needed to dig in and players like Buttler or Bairstow have got out playing big shots, they've been rightly criticised for not reading the game situation and getting themselves out. That they should've shelved their instincts and played how the team needed.

Today, yes the likes of Sibley are more comfortable playing attritional cricket, but they - he in particular - needed to read the game situation and play accordingly.

260odd off 73 overs doesn't need you to go hell for leather, it just requires clever cricket, an ability to manipulate the field, and the mindset to run hard and put pressure on the field

We failed to do any of the above, so it's only fair that they get criticised.

 

[TopCat]

Imo, the bottom line is when we've needed to dig in and players like Buttler or Bairstow have got out playing big shots, they've been rightly criticised for not reading the game situation and getting themselves out. That they should've shelved their instincts and played how the team needed.

Today, yes the likes of Sibley are more comfortable playing attritional cricket, but they - he in particular - needed to read the game situation and play accordingly.

260odd off 73 overs doesn't need you to go hell for leather, it just requires clever cricket, an ability to manipulate the field, and the mindset to run hard and put pressure on the field

We failed to do any of the above, so it's only fair that they get criticised.

I agree with Michael Vaughan - Root doesn't trust his batsmen. I guarantee we would have gone for it had Stokes, Buttler and even Bairstow been in the team

Drawing whilst not even trying was a better outcome than losing (in Root & Silverwood's eyes)

 

[rentaghost]

I agree, the bottom line for me is top class cricketers should be able to adapt to the game situation.

There is times where a player needs to dig in and times when a player needs to play positively as the game dictates that.

And not sure Sibley capable of doing that at the top level.

I agree with Michael Vaughan - Root doesn't trust his batsmen. I guarantee we would have gone for it had Stokes, Buttler and even Bairstow been in the team

Drawing whilst not even trying was a better outcome than losing (in Root & Silverwood's eyes)

Of course it is it’s a no brainer

 

[The Breen Machine]

Disappointing for me. Start off positively but not recklessly, and assess the game at regular intervals. To not even have a hint of a go was pretty poor IMO although granted, the batting line up wasn’t the best. These chases usually only need one or two to “come off” and score freely and I think it was worth a look rather than killing the game.

 

[Voice of fair play]

I agree with some of the comments here that 260 off of 70 overs although very difficult and unlikely, we could have at least started positively and then if required shut up shop.

It doesn’t have to be all out shots or all out defense, there is something in between, the fact we showed no intent whatsoever just shows the wrong mentality and wrong example to set going forward imo

 

[TheRey]

I agree with some of the comments here that 260 off of 70 overs although very difficult and unlikely, we could have at least started positively and then if required shut up shop.

It doesn’t have to be all out shots or all out defense, there is something in between, the fact we showed no intent whatsoever just shows the wrong mentality and wrong example to set going forward imo

Not often you and I are on the same side when it comes to batting approaches mate, so we must be right

 

[Steak Pie]

I think the bounce and movement they got in the first session this morning spooked them, NZ were throwing the bat and couldn't get the rate above 5. Disappointing not to have go, but I get why.

But then I wasn't watching.