If you could select 3 past players ...

by PeterCS Sat 01 Aug 2015, 03:02

... from your country to replace three of the current squad, who would you choose?

Silly question for Aussie forummers I suppose, at least regarding one choice.

> select from the whole history of Test cricket
> probably assume the ex-player is in a standard sort of form (not at golden standout best, nor past it or learning the ropes)
> consider if they - and their style - would be likely to fit into the current game
> it's perhaps not just about automatically picking out the three most famous names, or checking the highest averages - but who you'd like to see, who you think could adapt their game to the way it's developed, AND where (in what skills) you think your country's current squad would most benefit from a lift.

Hence, in the case of England, you might just say, obvious: Hobbs, Jardine (?) and Larwood.

But here are three other selections I'd make today.
Possibly I'd choose differently next week. (Probably with Jacker as all-rounder & captain ... Snow, or even Hendrick ...?)

Cyril WALTERS - elegant, adventurous and very sound opener.

Wally HAMMOND - at 4. one of the more obvious choices from the pantheon, but a forthright player, a driver and a star, (Kev with more range, fewer "issues" and rushes of blood.) Useful medium and off-break too. Would fit in beautifully, I'd think.

Derek UNDERWOOD. Reasons may be obvious. (I considered Hedley Verity & Walter Robbins - the latter would be a natural for shorter formats, btw.)

Your three, and positions? No reasons needed if you can't be bothered.

by Henry Sat 01 Aug 2015, 03:16

For Trent Bridge, I'd go for Jack Hobbs to help Cook in providing a solid start. We haven't found a consistent opener to partner Cook since Strauss retired, and this young bloke Hobbs is apparently pretty decent. Worth a punt. Doesn't mind toughing it out in bowler-friendly conditions unlike a lot of opening batsmen nowadays, who seem to see attack as the only form of defence, but Hobbs is also capable of attacking when conditions get easier.

Jim Laker comes in for Moeen Ali. Well, there isn't really much need to give a reason, is there....He's a very traditional off spinner who flights the ball outside off stump, looking for drift away and spin back through the gate, but the Aussies will find it hard to resist playing booming drives to his flighted offies, which could present Laker with wicket opportunities.

Fred Trueman replaces the injured Jimmy Anderson. Bit of a like for like, this. Trent Bridge should suit fiery Fred. Won't take a backward step, and will be a match for any of the Aussies in the sledging department.

by Basil Sat 01 Aug 2015, 09:07

Hobbs to replace Lyth
Knott to replace Buttler
Barnes to replace Moeen

by Brass Monkey Sat 01 Aug 2015, 09:24

Ian Salisbury for Moeen Ali.

Ian Ward for Adam Lyth.

Mullallan Mullallly for JimmyAAAAAA.

These need NO explanation.

by lardbucket Sat 01 Aug 2015, 09:30

Don Bradman for Adam Voges
Adam Gilchrist for Peter Nevill
Keith Miller for Mitch Marsh

by beamer Sat 01 Aug 2015, 09:58

I'd prefer to pick from people I actually saw play, i.e. last 30 years or so... on that basis, Gooch to open with his protege Cook, they'd have been an ideal pairing at their respective peaks.

Botham for the injured Jimmy, an inspirational Aussie-bashing presence and would give the team a very long batting line-up.

And in terms of the spin slot, there's only really been Swann in that period of time... can afford to lose Moeen's superior batting given pick number 2!