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Who can England build their team around post Ashes?

Despite the series defeat there looks to be a core of players persevering with.

1.

2. Duckett? - I’ve put a question mark because he’s been in poor form in general and has done himself no favours with his off field antics. But it’s probably too much change bringing in two new openers.

3. Bethell? He will be in the team but should he bat further down the order for now? The talent is undoubtedly there.

4. Root

5. Brook - As much as he riles me up there’s no doubt he’s possibly our most naturally talented batsman. He should have matured more than he has by now though.

6. Stokes - Stays as captain

7. Smith? - I think he’s worth persevering with as a batsman but not a long term solution at wicket keeper for me.

8. Atkinson - A world class bowler who is better with the bat than he’s shown in this series.

9.

10. Josh Tongue - Emerging as a proper Test match bowler now.

11.

Thoughts? We’re no further forward with a spinner or wicket keeper IMO and Stokes and Root maybe have 2-3 years left tops. There are players like the Rew brothers and Jamie Cox waiting for their chance.
 

Neither Crawley or Duckett are genuine openers. Both play at far too many deliveries and don’t have a proper defensive techniques. Crawleys average is poor for an opener and Duckett looks to have been found wanting this series.

However there’s no obvious choice to come in. It’s really harsh to expect a new player to come in at the top of the order, ideally you’d blood them at 5 or 6 and move them up gradually.
 
Lineup for next summer is likely to be:

Crawley
Duckett
Bethell
Root
Brook
Stokes
Smith
Atkinson
Carse
Archer
Tongue

As long as we’re still under Stokes and McCullum there won’t be any major changes. I doubt Jacks survives as a test match cricketer and we’ve undoubtably seen the end of the Bashir experiment. More than likely we’ll rely on Bethell and Root turning their arms over if the five quicks can’t get the job done.
 
Despite the series defeat there looks to be a core of players persevering with.

1.

2. Duckett? - I’ve put a question mark because he’s been in poor form in general and has done himself no favours with his off field antics. But it’s probably too much change bringing in two new openers.

3. Bethell? He will be in the team but should he bat further down the order for now? The talent is undoubtedly there.

4. Root

5. Brook - As much as he riles me up there’s no doubt he’s possibly our most naturally talented batsman. He should have matured more than he has by now though.

6. Stokes - Stays as captain

7. Smith? - I think he’s worth persevering with as a batsman but not a long term solution at wicket keeper for me.

8. Atkinson - A world class bowler who is better with the bat than he’s shown in this series.

9.

10. Josh Tongue - Emerging as a proper Test match bowler now.

11.

Thoughts? We’re no further forward with a spinner or wicket keeper IMO and Stokes and Root maybe have 2-3 years left tops. There are players like the Rew brothers and Jamie Cox waiting for their chance.
Won’t speak for other series, but I can categorically tell you Duckett will never make runs in Australia.

He is simply too short and has too shit technique to play horizontal bat shots on bouncy wickets.
 
Obviously, the first thing to do is decide on a strategy, e.g. more traditional Test Match approach or a more T20 approach.

But regardless, I think one of the bright spots is Carse. - And that is a surprise to me at least, as I've never really rated him. - Show's what I know!
Won’t speak for other series, but I can categorically tell you Duckett will never make runs in Australia.

He is simply too short and has too shit technique to play horizontal bat shots on bouncy wickets.
A bit contrary to theory that shorter batsmen are better able to play cuts and pulls than taller.

Bradman was 5' 8.5"
Tendulkar was a shortie too and he averaged 50 in Tests in Australia.

Alan Lamb also, excellent with the cut shot. I enjoyed watching in the 80-s, great player.


Which is not to say Duckett should stay.
 
Lineup for next summer is likely to be:

Crawley
Duckett
Bethell
Root
Brook
Stokes
Smith
Atkinson
Carse
Archer
Tongue

As long as we’re still under Stokes and McCullum there won’t be any major changes. I doubt Jacks survives as a test match cricketer and we’ve undoubtably seen the end of the Bashir experiment. More than likely we’ll rely on Bethell and Root turning their arms over if the five quicks can’t get the job done.
Wouldn't be against them having another go as coach and captain but they have to adapt their philosophy to an extent.
 
Wouldn't be against them having another go as coach and captain but they have to adapt their philosophy to an extent.
McCullum has to go I'm afraid, as much for his carefree attitude that filters down as anything else, and lack of accountability that goes with it. A positive attitude is absolutely fine, no problem with that, but there has to be consequences for consistently underperforming.
 
Feels like Stokes has distanced himself a bit from the Bazball throughout the series.

I’d imagine Stokes stays on as captain and Baz gets moved on. I’d be okay with that. Would prefer Stokes to captain to the home Ashes - not sure Brook or others are the answer as C.
 
Obviously, the first thing to do is decide on a strategy, e.g. more traditional Test Match approach or a more T20 approach.

But regardless, I think one of the bright spots is Carse. - And that is a surprise to me at least, as I've never really rated him. - Show's what I know!

A bit contrary to theory that shorter batsmen are better able to play cuts and pulls than taller.

Bradman was 5' 8.5"
Tendulkar was a shortie too and he averaged 50 in Tests in Australia.

Alan Lamb also, excellent with the cut shot. I enjoyed watching in the 80-s, great player.


Which is not to say Duckett should stay.
I think most Durham followers have been pleasantly surprised by Carse. That's mainly down to the fact that he's never been fit long enough to form a firm strong opinion.
Short players are often strong cutters,given a true pitch. However,when you're as p!ssed as Duckett it's difficult to decide which of the 3 balls you can see to cut.
 
McKinney, Vaughan and Rew should be in the frame.
Vaughan and James Rew certainly. McKinney is a long way off test class . He's a typical white ball type player with it's limitations but ignored by current selection criteria. It pains me to say it but he needs to get away from Durham if he is to progress his career.
 
I think most Durham followers have been pleasantly surprised by Carse. That's mainly down to the fact that he's never been fit long enough to form a firm strong opinion.
Short players are often strong cutters,given a true pitch. However,when you're as p!ssed as Duckett it's difficult to decide which of the 3 balls you can see to cut.
I think Carse has been crap this series except for the second innings in the 4th Test. Not convinced he’s international class at all.
 
?
Duckett
Bethell
Root
Brook
Stokes
Smith (wk)
Rehan
Atkinson
Archer
Tongue

Time to move on from Crawley IMO. An average of 30 after 50+ tests isn’t good enough. Haines, Tribe and Gay in the frame to open. McKinney isn’t ready yet.

Stick with Bethell and Rehan for an extended period. Rew and Cox pushing hard to get in the XI.
 
Obviously, the first thing to do is decide on a strategy, e.g. more traditional Test Match approach or a more T20 approach.

But regardless, I think one of the bright spots is Carse. - And that is a surprise to me at least, as I've never really rated him. - Show's what I know!

A bit contrary to theory that shorter batsmen are better able to play cuts and pulls than taller.

Bradman was 5' 8.5"
Tendulkar was a shortie too and he averaged 50 in Tests in Australia.

Alan Lamb also, excellent with the cut shot. I enjoyed watching in the 80-s, great player.


Which is not to say Duckett should stay.
Both of those players had amazing technique and a solid defence. Duckett wafts at everything outside his off stump.

You’re not actually comparing Duckett with Bradman and Tendulkar 😂
 
Can we really rule Foakes out?
They shouldn’t but they will
I think Carse has been crap this series except for the second innings in the 4th Test. Not convinced he’s international class at all.
I’d agree, he feels expensive as a bowler, gets wickets but can also be hit all over the place.

I like his attitude and effort but blows hot and cold for me, doesn’t feel like he can bowl a consistent line and length
 
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Can we really rule Foakes out?
Yeah I think so. I’ve been one of his biggest supporters, but I think Smith needs to play (even if he’s frustrating as fuck holing out at times). And right now he’s only getting in at 7.

Bethell at 3 is probably the only place he gets in too. As zany as it is, give him a go and a real run

Spinner - just pick Dawson in the Giles role until Rehan is ready

Fast bowlers are Archer, Atkinson and Tongue
 
Smith
Duckett
Bethell
Root
Brook
Stokes
Robinson (wk)
Atkinson
Leach
Archer
Tongue
That’s even more zany than what Stokes and McCullum could ever come up with. Smith opening the batting ffs and Robinson who averages about 25 over the last year and a half.
 
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