Re: This is Pretty Worrying.

by holcs Tue 29 Jul 2008, 22:40

Brass Monkey wrote:
holcs wrote:
You can't drop Bell just yet - I expect we will have another discussion about that in a few months time.

TBH, I think we will. I expect to not sound too loony I'll leave it til then.

Exactly, I was quick to point out that it wasn't a second coming, but i'm willing to wait for an 'I told you so' if necessary if he has reverted back to type!!

by holcs Tue 29 Jul 2008, 22:43

Merlin wrote:
Aye, me too - I'm just giving in purely because we aren't seeing the blatantly necessary changes being made.

PS - Don't leave out Key - he really does command a lot of respect on the circuit, is batting well and is an astute captain -
whether in the CC or the H 'n' G. I've got a lot of time for the guy ... looking trimmer too !!

Aye, I think Key should get a gig up top and I like to see Shah in the middle order. Provides more grit and fight IMO, as well as quality compared to the out of form lot.

Key has to be one of if not the best skippers on the circuit, is a top bloke, has worked on his game and fitness impressively, and is a player of quality!

by LeFromage Tue 29 Jul 2008, 22:52

I like Keysie. He's a bit of a cult hero - in the Jumbo Sales mould - but he does have that extra touch of class about his batting that sets him aside from your standard half-decent county bat.

by Basil Tue 29 Jul 2008, 22:54

Dello wrote:I like Keysie. He's a bit of a cult hero - in the Jumbo Sales mould - but he does have that extra touch of class about his batting that sets him aside from your standard half-decent county bat.

Someone on Sky's comm. team said on Saturday that Key and Denly would be a decent ODI opening partnership, and I'm inclined to agree.

by LeFromage Tue 29 Jul 2008, 23:01

Aye, Denly's got a bit about him as a cricketer. Very positive - a bit Slater-like in his approach.

Right at the top of this season's ducks list in FC cricket with four, though - probably needs to learn to play himself in a bit more... Rolling Eyes

by Merlin Tue 29 Jul 2008, 23:10

Basil wrote:
Dello wrote:I like Keysie. He's a bit of a cult hero - in the Jumbo Sales mould - but he does have that extra touch of class about his batting that sets him aside from your standard half-decent county bat.

Someone on Sky's comm. team said on Saturday that Key and Denly would be a decent ODI opening partnership, and I'm inclined to agree.

They never looked like getting out in the final on saturday - and that's what really troubled our lot.
The ease and swiftness with which they reached 89 together without loss was frightening -
a clear understanding between them and not one ugly slog from either - all perfectly executed strokes of sheer class.

Great to watch in tandem ... but hey, I breathed easier when Kartick got Key and Denly followed soon after !!

by taipan Thu 31 Jul 2008, 08:00

holcs wrote:Whats even more worrying is in 69 innings or whatever it is, we have scored 8 x 100's. Thats just unacceptable when SA in 18 innings have scored 5 x 100's!

Um sorry to be pedantic but don't we have 6?

by Red Thu 31 Jul 2008, 09:41

Brass Monkey wrote:Cook has done f*ck all of note. One ton in SL. Woop woop. Worst regular opener we've had in years.

Strauss has looked pretty 'mint'. But then, he can't score at his pace against a better attack. Almost looking Mark Richardsonesque. Without the runs.

Vaughan - I'll let merls do it.

KP - doesn't ever need to be talked about.

Bell - well, what can I say. Not convinced. Tougher conditions brought out the 'old' or should it be 'real' IRB. He hangs off these sort of innings for a long time. He tanked some shitheaps on a fluffer back in March. Saved his place. Proceeded to look like a limp-wristed little girl throughout the next series. Been one of our best batsmen though, all told. Doesn't ever make an impact. I'm quite happy for someone like that in the team. It's just we haven't calibre to back up his wishy-washiness at this time, so it becomes pretty telling.

Harsh on Cook.

by holcs Thu 31 Jul 2008, 10:30

taipan wrote:
holcs wrote:Whats even more worrying is in 69 innings or whatever it is, we have scored 8 x 100's. Thats just unacceptable when SA in 18 innings have scored 5 x 100's!

Um sorry to be pedantic but don't we have 6?

You are correct! Missed one out in the second dig at Lords!

My apologies.

by Brass Monkey Thu 31 Jul 2008, 12:02

Red wrote:
Harsh on Cook.

No, fair enough. A little harsh. Tons against everyone bar NZ, average 44.

Facts are though I find him ineffectual on results and that I rate Tres, Athers, Vaughan and Strauss as better openers - though he's only 23. The last opener I rate him ahead of is Mark Butcher and that's on substance rather than style.

by S F Barnes Thu 31 Jul 2008, 13:29

I agree that Cook doesn't deserve to be dropped, he's our only consistent batsman and has scored runs against everyone. I think that a big score is always just around the corner with him.

Colly and Vaughan are the two main offenders. Both are holding down critical spots in the batting order, both are walking wickets at the moment. The team England bubble needs to be burst and getting rid of these two is the best way to do it. After all, if players don't have to fight for their positions where is the incentive to improve?

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