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England vs India (fourth test) The Oval

I think looking at county averages and short term performances in red ball cricket shouldn’t be the only way of assessing whether someone should be selected for Test cricket in the modern day game. The lack of quality bowlers playing in it, the lack of genuine commitment to preparing for it because of the calendar, the lacking quality of the pitches, and the lack of ‘big game’ matches in it doesn’t lend itself well to making selection choices.

Temperament and performances in big white ball games and a basic technique are probably as good indicators as averages in red ball county cricket. Just look at Joe Root’s performances in domestic red ball cricket this season, he had one good knock. It’s almost like a different sport given the conditions of county cricket.

Agree. Mental strength is a huge part of test cricket, especially opening the batting.

A good test opener should have:
1. Solid defensive technique
2. Ability to defend for long periods without getting impatient
3. Be unflappable when they first come to the crease, after playing and missing, being dropped etc
4. The ability to cash in and score a few runs when the bowlers tire.

Sibley is missing #4.
Hameed is missing #2 and #3
Burns is missing #1 and #2 and the additional strain of bio bubbles as mentioned above

The only batsman who has shown all four, since Cook retired, is Jack Leach, but he was playing against Ireland TBF.
 

Be nice if Overton can stick around for an hour, handy with the bat and the ball would be another 10/15 overs older for the middle order
 
That’s fuckin useless that like

how about having a few balls to look rather than a big drive on your 3rd ball?
Be nice if Overton can stick around for an hour, handy with the bat and the ball would be another 10/15 overs older for the middle order

genuinelky annoyed me that shot

lazy lazy lazy
 
Agree. Mental strength is a huge part of test cricket, especially opening the batting.

A good test opener should have:
1. Solid defensive technique
2. Ability to defend for long periods without getting impatient
3. Be unflappable when they first come to the crease, after playing and missing, being dropped etc
4. The ability to cash in and score a few runs when the bowlers tire.

Sibley is missing #4.
Hameed is missing #2 and #3
Burns is missing #1 and #2 and the additional strain of bio bubbles as mentioned above

The only batsman who has shown all four, since Cook retired, is Jack Leach, but he was playing against Ireland TBF.
What you missing there which is Sibley’s massive issue is you can still defend and rotate the strike by getting singles.

He doesn’t do that ,can only repeat it’s no good having a defensive technique and been patient etc etc but then scoring no runs!!

Cricket is about runs, a good opener should be able to score both sides of the wicket and rotate the strike, even when defending

Sibley missing loads and would have him no where near the side as international teams no where to bowl to him and even if he survives and is patient he will not score runs!!
 
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What you missing there which is Sibley’s massive issue is you can still defend and rotate the strike by getting singles.

He doesn’t do that ,can only repeat it’s no good having a defensive technique and been patient etc etc but then scoring no runs!!

Cricket is about runs, a good opener should be able to score both sides of the wicket and rotate the strike.

Sibley missing loads and would have him no where near the side as international teams no where to bowl to him and even if he survives and is patient he will not score runs!!

does Burns score more runs btw? Don’t think he does
 
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